The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-28
THE STATE CAPITAL AND PUB
Lie INSTITUTIONS
As Viewed by the Editor of Natohez
Democrat.

Jackson, our State Capital, has proba-
bly, more visitors than any other city in
the State, but then it has probably less
said about it in the papers Of the State
than has been said of any other promi-
nent place. Yet il is an extremely inter
esting city, and has population as in
| telligent, as enterprising, rs elegant, as
patriotic, and above all as hospitable, as
that of any city in the South. The great
mass of the people who visit Jackson are
merely birds of passage; they stop only
long enough to catch passing train or
to transact necessary business in the
State departments, and consequently see
little or nothing of the inner life of its
people. A few days spent in the city, n
short intercourse with its refined and
elegant people, opens up their true char
acter and leaves pleasant impressions
upon the minds of visitors.
We hazard nothing in saying that the
recent session of the Mississippi Press
Association in the State Capital was to
its members one of the most pleasing
that has ever been held. From the mo-
ment of their arrival until they bade
adieu to their hospitable hosts, there
seemed to be a rivalry on the part of the
people of Jackson as TO who should do
the most to make the visit of the mem
bers pleasant one. More was learned
warm -heartedness of the Jacksonites
during the stay of the Association in the
hOspitable city than could be found out
in hundred business visits TO the capi-
tai of the State.
In regard to the proceedings of the
Association our readers have been al
ready informed through the full and
comprehensive dispatches sent by our
telegraphic correspondent in Jackson.
The assembiage was certainly one of
more than average talent, and no mem
Der of the State press would be ashamed
to have it pointed to as an exponent of
the intelligence Of Mississippi. We feel
sure that their few days OF intercourse
with the society of the State Capital has
not deprecated the press in the eyes of
their hospitable entertainers. Discus
sions on all the subjects that came before
the meeting were conducted in the most
courteous manner, and the disposition TO
preserve the dignity and courtesy of
newspaper discussion was evinced by the
unanimous endorsement of a motion to
appoint a committee to prepare code
Of ethics to cover the professional course
of the members of the Association to-
wards one another and towards the pub
lie.
To the excellent gentlemen connected
with the newspapers of Jackson, the As
ISOLATION is indebted for the most untir-
ing attention to their comforts and en-
joyment. The literary entertainment at
the Opera House on Wednesday evening,
the elegant ball and festival of Thursday
evening at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum,
and the magnificent banquet given at
the Edwards House on Friday evening
we're all the most substantial tokens of
the generous hospitality of the people of
Jackson, and of the kind consideration
of our press brethren in Jackson and the
committee who assisted them in making
the time Of thei- visitors pass pleasantly.
A portion Of the day on Friday was
spent in visiting the public institutions,
of which the State has so much reason
to be proud. At the Lunatic AsylCm,
which was first visited, the vast building
was found to be in every respect most
comfortable home for its unfortunate
inmates. Everything was cosy, clean
evidence was everywhere present of the
care and watchfulness of the superin-
tendent, DIR. Mitchell, and his able and
polite assistant, DIR. Melville. In the
cheerful, benevolent face of the inter
esting lady who acts as matron of the
institution, Mrs. Bibb, there is assurance
of kindness and motherly care towards
those whom Providence has bereft Of the
power of caring for themselves. The ex-
tensive kitchens, laundries, stables and
gardens of the Asylum were visited, and
all were found worthy Of the benevo-
lence which should ever characterize the
State.
The Asylum for deaf mutes has unfor-
tunately been closed, in order TO remedy
some sanitary deficiencies, and is now
nearly without occupants.
At the Blind Institute was found that
devoted superintendent, DIR. VIM. S.
Langley, doing the same good work. in
which he has been so long and so faith
fully engaged. The advancement Of the
pupils in all that will constitute the hap
piness Of their future years is really
wonderful. The visitors were treated
with a short exhibition of the skill of
those who have to learn ia darkness.
The reading by Miss Dora Hickman
showed most touchingly how the sense
of feeling can be substituted for that Of
sight. vocal and instrumental con-
cert was one of the most pleasing Incl
dents Of the day. The Institute is in
fine condition, and DIR. Langley is to be
congratulated upon the success he has
been allowed to see of what to him has
been labor Of love for almost a life
time.
After viewing the noble institutions
Of the State located in Jackson, after
seeing the admirably systematic order
preserved in all the State Offices, after
looking at the healthful surroundings Of
this beautiful city, it viii be a bold edi-
tor who will in the future advocate the
removal of the State Capitol from its
present location.