Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-08-23

"AO having VOL oAy, WoAm WCueu
er in this region at present. Veg
citation is suffering, but is relieved
somewhat by dense heavy fogs,
which prevail every morning. The
nights are damp and very cold,
making the use Of blankets on beds
really necessary for comfort.
The general health Of inmates
Of asylum continues good, no cases
of sickness except those of a chron-
ic character. There was one ad-
mission this week female from
Monroe county. Several patients
have been discharged under APP
proved bond. There is no vacant
room in the building at this time.
Quite number are reported from
different parts of the state as being
held for admission as soon as they
can be received, and as vacancies
occur, information is given for ad
mission or else the superintendent
will send an assistant for them.
Our worthy and efficient matron
lately returned from a visit to her
girlhood home in the valley of Vir-
ginia, it being the first absence
from duty for over five years. 1t
was pleasant to witness the cor
dial greeting which her return
caused among patients and en-
ployees. During her absence the
duties were performed by her
daughter, Miss Ella, who proved
by her efficiency that the training
given her was understood and ap-
preciated. The qualifications Of
one filing the important position
of matron to an institution of this
character are varied. They must
possess executive ability, inge-
nuity, regularity ofhabit and force
of character, to govern, combin-
ed with fortitude and bravery-all
of which are possessed by the lady
in charge here in an eminent de
gree; combined with sympathet-
ic nature, which will comfort and
console those who are in distress.
It devolves upon the matron to see
that fall and ample supplies are
secured, and with the aid of en-
ployees, properly prepared and
ready for use at prompt hours.
The supplies are furnished at her
direction through the efficient
clerk or steward Mr.. Chas.
O'Hana. Once each week every
hall is visited in person and all it's
departments gone through with
searching eye, dust, cobwebs or
dirty stain are discovered and
their removal demanded by those
lin charge. It requires fortitude
and bravery for a refined lady to
enter and 60 through many Of the
halls, where only men in violent
mania are to be met. Yet even
Din such places, I have seen pleas
sant smiles light up the counte-
nance of many who seemed to be
past the power of exercising reas-
ION, when they come into her pres
ence, and many will exhibit the
pleasure of her visit by speaking of
and about her, addressing her with
the endearing name of mother.
This institution is certainly bless
ed with an efficient body of officers
in all it's departments, who COM
bined with knowledge, also pos
sess sympathising nature and
will do anything for the restor-
alton and comfort of patients
placed under their jurisdiction.
The board of Public Works,
consisting of Governor, Auditor
and Treasurer of State, on their
regular yearly trip ofinspection Of
railroads, were the guests Of Su-
perintendant Bland last evening.
They were serenaded by the West
on band, the Governor returning
thanks in an appropriate speech,
which was highly appreciated.
They left for Buchannon, Upshur
county, on Tuesday morning. On
their return they will 60 over to
Deer Park, and inspect the rail
roads East of the Alleghanies and
will probably reach your commun-
j ity. The new water supply for
the asylum will be completed this
week, which win guarantee an
ample supply for the future. The
Local Board Of Directors OF the
asylum is efficiently represented in