Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-03-05

The agitation concerning asylnms foi insane
persons, or rather concerning the proper treatment
OF these unfortunates, has reached Boston, and on
Monday evening mass meeting for the discus
sion Of the subject was held at fremont Temple,
at which Wendell Phillips, George T. Angel, Mrs
Lvermore and many other equally noted persons
were present and took an active part. There has
been much said regarding the abuses Of the large
institutions and the improper treatment Of the in
mates by those In charge, both by individuals and
through newspapers; and all these charges have
met with speedy and emphatic denial by all per-
sons connected with these institutions-except the
patients-and as they were not supposed to be re-
sponsible parties, although they certainly we're
interested ones their statements have never been
sought, and II volunteered have not been con-
sidered specially reliable. But when a sane man
feigns insanity and allows himself to be put into
an institution for the express purpose Of finding
out the abuse, a. did a reporter Of the New York
Tribune few months ago, his story bears the
weight Of truth. This gentleman, by the way,
was secured for the fremont Temple meeting and
told his story in straightforward manner to the
delight Of all the people who are waging warfare
upon these institutions. It seems that the Tribune
in connection with some other New York papers
had published statements which were derogatory
to the management Of the Boomingdale asylum,
and naturally there was considerable excitement
and indignation among the managers. They
made several requests to the editor of the Tri-
b,ne to send reporter to go through the institu-
ton and he promised to do so, but took his own
way. OF course II man went from the paper as
a reporter, he would be treated handsomely AZ d
everything would be put in apple pie order for
him, and neither he nor the public would be any
wiser the above named p IN was concocted the
reporter did go, but not when he was expected
nor in the manner. Once in 1t was not easy to
get out, and 1t required much legal interference
before his voluntary imprisonment could be ended
This is one OF the abuses complained Of per-
son may be declared insane by his relatives;
mere declaration will put him in; but 1t requires
almost superhuman power to bring him out
The case of Captain Howe Of Maiden was
brought up at the meeting, his lawyer being pres
ent and telling the story. The conclusion arrived
at that any person who is in any degree &C.
centric may be speedily put out Of the way by
those desiring his absence by simply declaring
him insane, and being put into an Institution like
that under such circumstances is equivalent to
being buried OF course public interest centres
without doubt, be large attendance at the green
room of the state house oil Monday next, at which
time there is to be public hearing Of the COM
mittee appointed to further legislation, looking to
the protection and better treatment of the insane
in asyums. The speakers on the occasion are to
be Wendell Phillips, Frank Sanborn, Hon S. L.
Sewal G. A. Somerby, Mrs. Tudor and others
representing the committee.
People who have thought the most on the sub
ect have decided almost unanimously in favor of
private asylums, where they may have access to
their friends and where they will be treated like
human beings, II not responsible ones | believe
that there is no such institution strictly speaking
in this city, but the attention OF the public has
been called to one which approximates to it, on
the corner OF Shawmut Avenue and Waltham
streets under the care Of DR.. George W. Rhodes
1t is an institution for the treatment OF persons
afflicted with diseases of the brain and spine,
which often approximate insanity and sometimes
reach it for a time at least. From the exterior
one would never think that it was anything more
! than pleasant private residence blinds are
always open, curtains drawn up, and the sun
shines in at the broad windows that are always
ready to receive him. don't know how many
'sP'eoNhefs''So VI thS piNns haNo petu W pay
Dr. Rhodes call since the fremont Temple
meetings, but knowing it was the thing to do, and
not wishing to be left behind, followed suit and
went too. I'm glad did, because it has been such
comfort to know that il nerves or spine get to
| behaving badly there is such a nice place where
they can be sent to be corrected From the base
ment Of the house to the very attic it is furnished
with a view to comfort and cosiness There is a
home-like atmosphere about the place, which i,
utterly foreign to the hospital air. Indeed, u
says genial Mrs Rhodes, as she showed
| party OF us the rooms, "this is intended as
| home for those who come to us, and we try that
they miss home comforts as little as possible
The woman's hand showed everywhere, orna
mental bits of embroidery, and other work wer,
scattered about the rooms, the very things which
| though small in themselves make the homenes.
| OF place, aud without which, any room, no mat
| ter how elegant, looks bare. The Doctor hmsel
is quiet pleasant-looking man, rather easy
going in manner, but one cannot be long will
him without discovering that he POSSESSES lik'
many other quiet persons, a strong will and
| very strong but agreeable magnetism. This
think Is the secret of his success with person.
whose shattered nerves make them irritable anC
difficult to deal with. His presence is soothing
his quiet IL the quiet Of strength, and he has TIN
| happy faculty or power Of impartng his owl
| magnetism without any loss to himself lie treat
paralysis with the most wonderful success; in
deed that is as much a speciality with him a
brain and spinal diseases These are his special
ties and he devotes his time to them almost ex
clusvely. His office practice is very large AM
for man who dislikes notoriety and hates to b
| roll oil OH ha ha int