The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-06-27
Cecil'S Aims House, Asylum and Jail.

Mr.. EDIToR:-I had the pleasure of ac-
companying Mr.. G. S. Griffith, President Of
Prisoners Aid Association of the State of
Maryland. on his visit last Wednesday, to our
County asylum and Jail. We first visited
the Aims House and Insane Asylum. On
our arrival at the home of the poor and I'M
fortunate. we were made welcome by the
Overseer Mr.. L. G.. Lynch, a man in every
respect fitted for such responsible position
kind to those who need hand Of sympathy
extended to Them a practical farmer and u
careful man. We entered the board room
where we had the pleasure of meeting the
Matron, Mrs. Lynch and her interesting
family of children. No woman has ever done
more, in fact as it is said by the oldest in
mates of that home, no woman has ever done
so much for the Identifying of this place both
inside of the building and the grounds sur
rounding it rs Mrs. Lynch has done. and it
has been said by all who have made visit to
this institution that it is Il model kept
place.
NeXt we visited that sad place the Insane
Asylum. Here we were met by Mr.. and Mrs.
Steele and | desire to say that Cecil county
is fortunate in having such careful and COM
petent persons as they are to manage this
institution. They have much to try their
patience and many hardships to perform.
The grounds surrounding this building are
nicely kept and made cheerful by the beauti-
flowers that grow around it, Inside the
building it is kept in splendid condition. no
building of the kind in this or any other
State could be better. Here we found 40
inmates. There should be Il prayer 20 up
from every heart to Almighty God for these
poor unfortunate beings.
am glad to say the spirit of Improvement
that was started by the former board of
trustees still continues. One other improve
ment is greatly needed and that is a separate
house for the Superintendent and his family
to live in. This was under consideration by
the former board and it is to be hoped that
when the next County levy is made this will
be provided for
After partaking of splendid meal provided
by Mrs. Lynch, Mr.. Griffith and myself
started for Elkton. here we entered the
County Jail and were met by the Deputy
Sheriff. We found fifteen prisoners confined
for various violations of the law one OF
them Jas. Henry Truss who had been found
guilty of committing Il murder ut Chesapeake
City. We entered his cell. shook him 10y the
hand and Bro. Griffith inquired of him about
his soul. He promptly answered 10y saying
he was all right and believed God had
pardoned him. Bro. Griffith read to him
from the precious word of God the Sd chapter
of John and commented on it. after which
sang that beautiful hymn "In Thy Cleft o
Rock of Ages After singing | called on
God in prayer in behalf Of the poor man.
After prayer eXhorted him the best | could
to make no mistake about his future. The
poor mans heart was touched and the tear
found its way to his eye. His wife came in
with tears streaming down her cheeks. it was
sad sight We then withdrew from his
cell and gathering the prisoners in one end
of the corridor we sang and prayed with them
read the Scripture and eXhorted them to live
better lives. The jail was in good order for
building of that kind. 1t was visiting day
and that disarranged things some
Taking all things in consideration after a
careful inspection as it is our duty to make
we were well satisfied with all we saw. so far
as the providing of suitable institutions of
this kind in the County, and hope it shall
continue to be the desire of all in authority
to do what they can for poor fallen eii suffer
ing humanity. w. T. hammond.
North East, Nd