San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1885-07-16


all, besides pasture land. Abundant
forage is raised for all animals in use.
All products of the farm this year are
largely in excess of any former year,
The peach orchard, it is estimated,
will turn out /, 900 bushels OF peaches
The grounds in front and rear OF the
buildings have been regarded, re-
modelled, and otherwise improved
New drives have been laid out thro
the park, the Asylum supplied with
steam heating-apparatus, gas, water
etc. A new wing has been added to
the west end of the old building. The
old graveyard, which was located in
front, has been removed to the rear.
Many important changes andimprove'
ments made in the keeping OF the in
mates, also in internal manage
ment-practical abolition OF mechan-
ical restraints, except to prevent self
injury or injury to Others. Many
other minor improvements have been
made or are in progress For some
time complete renovation and par
tial reconstruction of the older build
ings has been going on. The old,
broken plastering is being replaced
by new in the best style, with new
and improved internal arrangements
of all kinds. The old wooden stair
ways are being replaced BYRON ones,
both for security against fire, and bet
ter appearance. 1t is herculean
work, but is steadily going on to sue
cessful completion.
In short, while we were aware that
the superintendent is possessed OF
more than an ordinary degree OF en-
ergy and executive ability, we confess
we were surprised at the amount OF
work he has accomplished in so short
time.
Now, in conclusion, we will hastily
lot down some our further personal
observations. First, we will say that
the institution has system OF water
works of it's own. Wafer is pumped
by steam-power from several unfail-
ing wells into large elevated tank,
and thence distributed throughout
the buildings and immediate sur
rouudings. By this means every part
of the buildings is supplied with hot
and cold water for domestic purposes
of all kinds, o good deal after the
style of good modern hotels, which of
course conduces to all possible clean
illness, which is consummated by a
sewer leading into the Colorado. The
cooking, washing, etc, are done prin-
cipally by steam-power, supplemented
by machinery.
We passed first through the new
buildings, which are occupied by the
female patients, who number about
$50. The floors are oiled, the rooms
we'll ventilated and comfortably fur
nished. Each ward has one OF more
attendants, a dining, room well sup
piled with good wholesome food, in
Guiding fresh fruits, bathroom, etc.
The patients of course manifested all
the various phases of human nature
in like conditions. They all ap-
peared to be glad to see the super
inteadent, who mingled kindness with
firmness towards them. A daughter
of Col. Fannin, who fell at Goliad,
and another of the late Chief Justice
Wheeler, were among the number.
Both have been there about 20 years.
The latter was once a society belle of
Austin-now all her mind is gone. In
the male department is G. r. Smith,
who was member of the constitu-
tional convention of 1S69-7O, and
otherwise variously distinguished.
The male department we found in
some confusion, owing to the improve
ments in progress, but it will soon be
fitted up in style equal to the fe-
male.
There are about 60 negro patients,
male and female, who are as well fed
and cared for as the rest.
1t is thought best for those pa
tients who are physically and men
tally competent, to employ them in
some sort of labor; and those who
are competent for it are allowed daily
recreation in the park-a most enjoy
able and beneficial privilege for these
poor people. They seldom or never
make any effort to escape.
DIR. Denton expressed his regret at
one great lack inside the buildings,
viz: the want of billiard tables and
other similar facilities for the amuse-
ment of the inmates. At present,
while in the building, many of them
have nothing whatever to interest
them, a state of things which would
wear on the minds even of the sane.
We heard also, with surprise and re-
greet, that there is no library whatever
for the use of the patients. We trust
the legislature will take prompt steps
to supply both these important and
urgent needs of the institution
Among the improvements we have