The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-10-03
LETTER FROM AUSTIN.
Correspondence OF tho Herald

Corr pondence OF tho Herald.
AusTIN, oct. !, 1880.
Yesterday, upon special invitation to Gov
ernor Roberts, Ex-Governor Throckmorton,
Judge j. NJ. Hurt, Secretary of State j. d.
Templeton, and your correspondent we Wis
itei the blind asylum in this city, or rather
in the immediate suburbs. Through the
courtesy of DR.. Rainey and Professor Tarle-
ton we we're shown through the buildings,
wards, grounds, etc. The first feature ~ l
passed through tho playground that struck
me was the happy joyous time the
LITTLE BLIND CHILDREN
were having, some swinging, some playing
different games, others singing, etc. AS we
were ohsperoned along various objects of
interest were exhibited to us. The school
rooms, with their peculiar books of raised
letters, tho black board maps and globes,
put together in varied sections so us 70 indi-
cate countries, states, rivers mountains etc,
all presented objects of exceeding interest.
SO also did the work shops, where brooms
were made, chairs caned and other articles
were manufactured by these children, with
Gods glorious sunlight shut out. In another
room were pianos being repaired by these
sghtless yet luneful ones that seemed to
take SO naturally to music Every depart
ment was observed for the
neatness and order which prevailed.
At night we we're treated to some excellent
vocal and Instrumental music, Duets, quar-
totes, etc, furnished chiefly by the girls. all
nicely and beco nngly attired. To note how
well localized were all parts of the premises
to these children as they Travelled to and fro
was very interesting. DR., and Mrs. Rainoy
and the esteemed matron, Mrs. McCulom,
take the liveieSt interest in everything that
pertains TO the informing, to tho
COMFORT AND HAPPINESS
of their appreciative wards. These are
treated like their own children and ara de-
voted TO their guardians. The state is indeed
to be congratulated upon hAv.
ing such officials in charge.
After exhibitions, recitatiens, etc., the visi-
tors found most delicious supper in readi-
meas for US, ard the pleasurablc time there
passed will long rerain as an epoch in the
current of our enioyments.
We also visited the insane asylum and
there, through the attentions of Supprin-
tondent DR.. Sanders and Mr. Hall, We were
conducted through the grounds, wards, etc.
The grounds, what there are of them, are in
excellent order, and present to the mind OF
tho inmites refreshing relief and source
of diversion. AS We entered the recreation
ground, whore
THE INSANE
were Just then passing the time, We confess
to having experienced Of uneasnes., especial.
ly when We saw the men grouping about us,
some looking fierce Y at us, others extending
friendly hand and Yet others with counte-
nances Of inquiry or wonder. One f them
related to us how he had been defrauded q
his rights IS president of the United States,
having been so elected in Terrell, Texas, two
years ago, but was cheated and counted out
by the electoral commission. Another beg
| ged us TO apply to court of equity to have
him removed, MS his relatives had thus incqr
cerated him to get possession of his vas
properties in U. 5. bonds, navigation stocks
| lands, etc. He claimed to own nearly al
Texas Another one insisted that no wa
father of sll those who were about the place
that he had three wives, etc, He firmly be-
licved that he was George Washington, anC
that no was president for eight years, auC
was killed in u battle in Tennessee, between
tho battles of Bunker Hill and Waterloo
Ho recalls that Tom Jefferson was his vice
president, that he remained dead and burrit
for three years and was then resurrected
When asked about
HIS LITTLE HATCHET,
he responded that when bio cut down the ap
pie (?) tree, the "old man" set ON him ant
"walloped' him in good style, and that it i
all a mistake about his father
telling him it twas all right" and tha
Jim Worcester, tho writer of the dictionary
would prove this to be so. The several in
mates were thus affected in various WAYS an,
were under different impressions as TO VIII
and what they were and have been, Singh
lar Characteristic being that they all arc con
llrmed in the belief that they were all S
very much better off than now.
In ills connection We may say that
struck US that the grounds, buildings etc
were entirely too small and limited for tn
requirements Some of the Surplus fund
now in the treasury ought 10 be applied b
the next legislature to the
ENLARGEMENT OF ALL THESE AsYLuMs
and their surroundings. Two hur
bred thousand dollars would not b
too much for them, if indeed enough
Every feeling of tho human heart will promr
and approve Of the necessary attention fc
these unfortunates. 1t is a notorious fac
that not over one.hAlt of the needy dement,
ed are in the buildings. There are nows n,
two hundred and seventy.hve inmates in III
insane asylum, and certainly that humble
are now in the cities, in villages, aud even /
jails, that ought to be under the pro.eclin
care of the state.
did not have the time to visit the des
and dumb institution, but understand tina
what is true of the two first spoken of wi
as well apply to il under the efficient mar
agement of Colonel Ford.
understand that
JUDGE HURT
: will DO commissioned tomorrow End vii