Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-06-20
Our Lewis County Letter.

WESTON, June Ii, 1885 - Yesterday
we had fine shower and another this
morning, and appearance indicates
more. Our stream, West Fork, is
very low, and should similar drouth
as that of last summer occur, much
suffering must ensue. The season
thus far has been very favorable for
crops, and all vegetation has been
given an impetus which bids fair to
give good yield of hay, corn, oats
and vegetables Of every character.
Two days last week caused apprehen-
sion of destructive frost, but fortu-
nately it passed without doing any in
jury. In many localities there was a
light one, doing no harm,
DR.. Bland, Supt., left on Saturday
last for Saratoga, N Y, where he will
attend national convention Of all
the Superintendants OF insane asy-
lums of the United States. It is
hoped that in their conference they
may discover some potent means or
remedies which may reach many, il
not all cases
DIR. Hessman, our second assistant
physician, accompanied by two male
and two female attendants, left last
Tuesday for Charleston and Sd Dis
trict, taking with them one lady and
two male patients fully recovered and
returned to home and friends. Our
clerk, Mr.. O'Hara, who has been con-
fined with rheumatism, started on
recuperating trip to his fathers home
in jackson county, taking with him
Mr.. Romaine fully restored. Two.
patients escaped, one of them return
ing voluntarily, the other still at large.
The one who returned was taken BY
Sheriff of Cabell Co. to answer some
charge before court. Much sympa-
thy was expressed for him by both
employees and patients, as unfortu-
nately, the Sheriff thought proper to
confine him with irons on wrist be-
fore leaving. Nothing of the kind is
used here upon patients except pos
sibly leather mitten with straps,
and then only when they are violently
disposed. This man has been quiet.
inoffensive and pleasant patient, pop
ular with ell, and free to be out at his
pleasure. He has been under my
charge and must say 1 felt for him,
yet advised him to submit quietly to
his treatment.
Meigs Bland returned via. Staun-
ton and Valley from Lewisburg,
Greenbrier county, with one patient
on SATURDAY., Mr.. Hudson, who had
been in asylum once before. The
sheriff Of Cabell brought in three,
two males and one female. We look
for DR.. Hersman's return to-day with
quite number. Thus you see, as
few 60 out, many are brought in. /
see it stated as fact that there are
over ninety thousand insane reported
in the United States and only $4,000
provided accommodation in various
asylums, making it necessary for more
asylum buildings to be provided. Our
State, by it's last Legislative action, is
DESTROYS of providing for such unfor-
tunates, and have appointed a COM
mittee to investigate and receive
propositions for it's location. The Sd
and 4th district are moving on the
subject, and it might be well for
your people to exhibit the advantages
of our I'd district for it's location in
Eastern part of the State. The Sd
district is always on the alert and
active for it's interest in securing all
advantages of State appropriations
for buildings, as well as the constant
supplies necessary for the future sup
port of them. Your people are too
slow in action or careless of their in
terest. ! would urge upon them some
action. No better locality or more
healthful region can be found to meet
requirements for such asylum than
Berkeley Springs or neighborhood,
OF Bath Morgan County, accessible
and central for eastern portion of the
State.
The patient, John Murphy of Berk-
eley, who was injured by Richards,
died on Sunday; also a lady from
Doddridge Co., named Casa Gatrell,
who will be buried in Asylum Gene
terry to-day.
I report discharged cured five, four
males and one female. Died, one
males and one female. Admitted three
males and one female. Number un-
der treatment 669. P. G.