New-York tribune., 1908-02-02
TH4W'S NEW HOME.
Little to Suggest Imprisonment
about the MatteazCdn AsyIum.

The distinguishing feature of the Matteawan
Asylum for the Criminal Insane is the absence
of anything in the extensive buildings the broad
grounds that surround them to suggest that the
patient is in jail Barring d few details rendered
necessary by consideration of the safety of the
inmates, the person who dwells there might well
think that he in well ordered hotel
where he is spared the necessity of work meet
the frequent calls of the cashier and where every
effort is put forth to make his stay both pleasant
and profitable
Harry X. Thaw found it situated a broad pa-
teau above the Hudson River. less than two hours
ride from New York OF to the west stretch the
Catskills whose peaks stand up though raising
a stern call of defiance to the smaller If less
impressive Highlands. To the southeast is Mount
Beacon, up which car may be seen occasionally
crawling looking larger than fly a win
dow pane, while little further to the south Storm
King towers up the river.
The buildings are in the middle of the spacious
grounds with tennis courts. a place to play
quet and golf course. about which the
mates may divert themselves they wish. In
the main building relatives friends may visit
often they desire and with the inmates for
hours in "A handsomely decorated reception room.
with floor of red colored tiles painted walls and
carved ceiling of light oak finish.
On the north side Of the building is n room des-
gnated Ward No /, North" In unofficial
language this means room where the inmate
may sit with the others of his class and amuse
himself he wishes by playing cards other
games in conversation. Some of the tales that
patients tell. which Thaw is likely to hear
Interesting if not instructive The favorite recital
of Quimbo Apo, aged Chinaman. is how with
his army of 120,000,GO0 men. encamped Newburg
and New York he is ready destroy the world
because of Its lack of wisdom. Oliver Curtis Perry
the train robber, has tales to tell that glitter
excitement. George Roth, who tried to kill the late
Rev. DR.. John Hall, is another who might interest
Thaw.
Ward No. l, North" has a decorated oak ceiling
supported by massive hardwood pillars a wall
covered with pictures and windows filed with
potted plants and trailing vines. Only COM
fort is denied the who spends his spare time
there. He is permitted to trlioIse OF chewing
tobacco he may have much l.: wishes, but it
has been found that intrusting a match to an in
person is about disastrous setting a
hawk loose in a chicken yard
There uniforms or stripes TO suggest TO
the patient that he Is a prisoner. Even the at
tendants dressed in ordinary street clothes
If "Bathhouse John should go there he would
his hearts content. One man there now 1t Is
said, insists changing his clothes every hour
and persists in wearing a silk hat and gloves
and in carrying a he walks up and down
the corridors.
Perhaps the thing that is more institu-
tonal than any other Is the dining room Tho
inmates. about fve hundred in number, are seated
at twenty-four tables on which plates, bowls
and spoons. but knives forks, except for
TRUSTEES In his eating the patient may fol-
low his fancy. He may the breakfast of
the institution. which consists ordinarily OF oat-
neal. bread and butter and coffee or he may pro-
vide himself with all the luxuries that money can
purchase. Wines he may not have. unless they