Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-04-04
Central Lunafic ASYLUM.

Correspondence OF the Alexandr1a GAZETTE
Feeling always deep interest in our
mory humane institutions in the State. and
as one of our old family servants is patient
in this asylum, my visit was one of special
interest. drove out from Petersburg and
was agreeably surprised ut what saw oil
the modes and methods of this large estab-
lishmeat. Il is beautifully situated about
two miles from the city on lovely eleya-
ton commanding an extended view in
acres and was gift from the city Of Peters
burg to the State, as an inducement to locate
the asylum there; the property cost SIS 600,
and was quite generous donation. A
more beautiful site could hardly have b, en-
selected, the elevated position displaying the
handsome and extensive buildings to great
advantage. The buildings are all new, with
granite foundation, and are built of brick.
The architect displayed good taste in style
and proportions. and the interior planning,
divisions, compartments, &c., are all that
could be desired The work is massive and
we'll put together, no sighting, but fuely
adapted to economic space without being
cramped. The ventilation is perfect and
everything arranged with view to beauty
and utility. 1t might be inferred that this
structure, on account of the humble class
Of occupants, was gotten up in simple man
ner; but not so, the buildings are the best
and most convenient of any of our asyums,
so the people of Virginia have shown to the
world by their works" they have provided
for their humble, unfortunate colored citi-
zsns, which ought 10 put to shame the sland.
erers and vilifiers OF our southern people.
These grand buildings have already cost the
State $3.50, 600 and are being enlarged by ex-
tensiye additions and are nearly complete
for occupancy. They will accommodate two
hundred additional patients. The capacity
Of the present quarters is taxed to lis fullest
extent-about four hundred andseventy Eve
inmates. The new dining rooms for males
aud females are large and we'll finished, with
seating capacity for over 500 persons the
Amusement hall, not yet completed, Ia COM
rnodous and nicely arranged, the chapel in
The main building is large and attractive,
with fine organ, and services are held
every Sunday by some colored preacher
from Petersburg or elsewhere. Every room
is heated by steam and lighted by gas. The
supply of water is of the purest kind, is
from reservoir which is fed by several large
springs and is forced up by steam engine.
10 the absence of DR.. Barkdale, the efficient
uperintendent, his able assistant Dr. W. F.
Drewry, kindly and with much interest,
showed me through the asylum, explaining
in minute detail the arrangements as we'll "a
the treatment of the patients. Moral suasion
is the method employed and ia found to
act like charm.
From the many smiling faces and kind
words which greeted the appearance of the
assistant superintendent, 1 could readily see
what hold he had on the affections of
those truly unfortunate and simple hearted
people. DR.. Drewry is a native of the good
old county of southampton. The annual
cost of maintaining this establishment will
not be less than 100000, and that, too, out
OF the pockets of the white taxpayers of The
State. think it would be charity we'll be.
slowed as we'll as duty justly performed for
the Government that freed these unfor.u
nate and helpless people to support and care
for the insane and INDECENT colored people
OF the South. The colored people of Peters.
burg speak in exalted terms of the uniform
kindness and great ability of the distin
guished superintendent, DR.. Barksdale, and
also of bis energetic assistant, DR.. Drewry, as
we'll as the courteous and accomplished
clerk, Maj. r. B. Palmer. G. VIC,