Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-08-30
Our Lewis County Letter.

W -o3CNs ADu', Gt.-Lo I'D StiiAS uAA
for correspondent to write week
ly, that which would interest your
readers, under the circumstances
surrounding situation such as at
present, occupied by myself. 1t
! is true there is much of interest
Transporting daily around and in the
Asylum, all of which, if recorded,
might be interesting There was
only one admission during the
week past, male from Upsber
county, several dismissed on APP
proved bond, and one fully restored,
who had been under my charge.
1t is really a pleasure to see one
who has been insane restored to
right mind, and anxious to again
take a place in society and active
business pursuits. There are sew
eral now looking forward with
pleasure to their return to home
and friends, with much anxiety as
to their trial again in the world.
1t appears in every case of restor-
alton with which / have become
familiar, that they have want of
confidence in themselves, and fear
a contempt will be thrown upon
them by those with whom they
come in contact. l make the effort
constantly in all cases to encour-
age them and try to build up con-
fidence in themselves and indie
pendence of the action or manners
of those who would treat them
improperly. / read this day the
recorded history Of a distinguish
ed poet who for a time was insane,
but recovered, and whose name,
talents and character are honored
wherever known. I find in my
intercourse with insane people
that many opportunities are pre-
sented to give them pleasure and
many appreciate the act, kind and
affable manners toward patients
does have salutary effect, even
upon those who are greatly
off in their minds. We have
a special manner of expression
here amongst employees, used to
express condition of patients, off,
means insane on, means in better
condition of mind, or calm in man
ner. We have many cases here
which are peculiar in character.
About once a month, suddenly,
within day or two of apparent
perfect sanity, they will go off into
a frenzy Of excitement and are
dangerous in their paroxysm to
any one coming in their way. 1
have two such who will be in Con.
valescent Hall at times, for nearly
a month, and then go off and re-
main insane for two or three
weeks. 1t appears almost as if
they were intoxicated, except that
their strength seems to be three
fold greater than usual.
| The community of Weston is
blessed with plenty of churches,
and only three ministers appear to
live in town, and they are fire.
quently absent The Catholic
priest officiates twice a month.
Episcopal minister is away every
fourth Sabbath, and M. E. seems to
be the only regular services held
each Sabbath. Our usual service
was omitted yesterday Tor the Sec
ond time since my connection with
Asylum, as no minister could. be
procured. The State pays for
such service to any one officiating
for each time they are engaged.
The patients enjoy the service, and
it is pity that it is ever omitted.
The general health of all in
mates is reported good. The SUI
perintendent has during the warm
season and short evenings omitted
the weekly pleasure of dancing,
for entertainment Of the patients.
Any one coming unexpectedly
upon the hall whilst dancing is
going on would not think that
many of those engaged were not
in perfect mind, as they exhibit
nothing but pleasure in the pas
time.
We are having very cool, almost
cold weather here, and it is fire.
quently remarked that we will
soon have frost.
Politics is still the absorbing
question before the people, and all
seem to adhere to their several