Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1884-04-26

Patients are sometimes brought to the
asylum tied or manacled, and are enticed
into the building by being told It is a hotel
or something Of the kind. But they are
promptly released by the doctor who tells
them the truth. He informs them that they
are in an insane asylum, and have come to
be cured, and IL they will submit to medical
treatment and comply with the rules of the
institution they will get well. They are
then taken to room, placed in charge of a
nurse, and, after a quiet rest, are allowed
to minge with the other patients. Not
withstanding the great liberty allowed, there
has been but one homicide or suicide In tie
establishment In twenty years.
Reveille is sounded at 6 O'Clock. Half an
hour afterward the food cars take the meals
to the different wards. The dining tables
are covered with spotless linen, shining
glass tastily-folded napkins, and bright
flowers. After breakfast the prayer-bell
rings and the patients are taken to beauti-
ful chapel. Both the superintendent and
his wife are idolized by the patients. At
their approach faces are wre eathed In smiles,
and well may they be, for the patients are
treated by them as sick children who need
only sympathy and encouragement; and
this Is given without stint. Those who have
attended prayers in good many college
chapels say they never witnessed better con.
duct there than in this chapel.
After prayers the work bell rings. The
utmost Importance is attached as remedial
agent TO systematic occupation. The pa
tients are compelled to do nothing that is
not congenial. All kinds of work are pro-
vided. There are workshops for the me-
chanically inclined, and there Is farm and
garden for those who prefer that kind of
labor. The women assist the attendants to
keep the house in order. Every article OF
clothing Is made by the attendants and pa
tients. Sewing machines worked by water
power, so as not to fatigue, are used. Some
OF the women affect only fancy work, others
knitting or quilt patching. They soon find
out thst 1t is not The thing to be idle, and
unless i'll, are ashamed to be unemployed.
They have sewing bees, knitting bees, and
many other devices to make the time pass
pleasantly.
On every pleasant afternoon the nurses
take the patients out to walk in the grounds
Of the asylum, and often beyond. For
those who are feeble large airing courts are
provided. For their amusement every pos
sble arrangement is made. They have
base ball and croquet grounds. Indoors
they have bowling alley, skating rink and
billiard tables. In the amusement hall
they have a stage and scenery for plays,
charades and tableux, In which the officers
assist. Twice q week they have dancing.
The editor Of the newspaper which is edited
and printed by the patients says Of dancing:
''Tbis is an amusement particularly adapted
- the insane Stereoptic exhibitions,
concerts, debates, recitaiions-all IN turn
help TO make the evenings delightful.
On Sunday they have preaching by one ss
the city pastors, and in the afternoon a SER
vice of song. Their newspaper is called
the Meteor. 1t does not appear with much
res ulariiy. Specimens have been asked for
from every part Of the country, and even
from Europe. Upon failure of the paper to
appear at the regular time the editor re-
Gently said In his editorials:
''As the law governing the movements of
other meteors has never been expounded,
DO not feel II incumbent on me to account
for the irreguiarity Of the asylum Meteor"