Morning Star

Vermont Asylum for the Insane.

By politeness of Dr. Rockwell, superintendent and physician, we have received the second annual report of the Trustees of this Institution. The report exhibits the establishment, though now in its infancy, as being in a flourishing condition. The Trustees are confident that "When the whole building shall be completed, the facilities for curative treatment will not be inferior to those of any similar institution!"

It is estimated that the cost of the whole building when completed will be sixteen thousand dollars.

Since the opening of the Institution, less than two years, 95 insane persons have been admitted. Of these, 60 were old cases, such as had been of more than six months, some of them of several years continuance. The other thirty-five were new cases, such as had not been of more than six months continuance previous to admission. The longer the continuance of the case before the patient is put upon a curative process, the more difficult or hopeless the cure. And although so large a proportion of the cases admitted have been old ones, there have been restored, thirty one.

Says the report—

"During less than two years from the commencement of the operations of this Institution, notwithstanding all the inconveniences that must necessarily attend the infancy of every institution, thirty-one that were afflicted with one of the greatest evils to which human nature is liable, have been restored to all the enjoyments which reason alone can confer. * * *

Among these, husbands have been restored to wives, and wives to husbands; parents to children, and children to parents—who would otherwise have been wretched in themselves, and the source of almost inconceivable affliction to those with whom they were connected. There have been received a large number of chronic cases, and though we cannot have the happiness of witnessing the recovery of so large a proportion as in recent cases, still we can behold, what is little less desirable, the great improvement in their habits and comfort.

Among the incurable cases was one who had been insane twenty three years, and for a considerable time had been filthy and would offer violence and tear the clothes of those who administered to her wants. After a residence of six months at the Asylum, her habits had so far improved that she was neat, orderly, and inoffensive, and engaged daily in some useful labor. It is several months since she returned to her friends, and we are happy to learn that she continues in the same improved state. Many other cases might be mentioned of the improved state of the incurable patients.

* * * Some of the incurable patients who were brought here in chains, and others who had their chains removed just as they started for this place, are now quiet, comfortable and happy."

The moral treatment of the patients is founded on the principles of kindness and humanity. A soothing and conciliatory deportment towards them seldom fails of awakening their gratitude, enlisting their affections, and commanding their respect.

The account given by the report, of the maintenance of daily religious exercises, and of the influence of these exercises upon the patients, is highly gratifying and instructive. Says the report—

"We have family worship every evening after tea—reading the scriptures, singing a hymn, and prayer. All who are in a proper condition are present. On the Sabbath, in the afternoon, in addition to the above exercises, a short sermon, or a part of one is read. These seasons are a source of great comfort to the patients; and we have received letters from those who have recovered and returned to their friends, who mention these seasons as among the most interesting of their lives. In no case has it appeared to have an injurious effect. and in many it has been the commencement of that exercise of self-control, and hope of recovery, which has resulted in their restoration. One patient who could not control her feelings, language, or conduct, or refrain from tearing her clothing, would behave with propriety during family worship. Whenever the usual family worship has been prevented, a general expression of disappointment has been manifested. Those who are in a suitable condition attend church on the Sabbath."

In view of the blessings of well conducted Asyla for the insane, by the complete recovery of a large proportion, the improved condition of many others, and by mitigation of the sufferings of all, even the confirmed and inveterate cases—how sighs the heart of Humanity at the contemplation of the many hundreds of insane yet unfurnished with an Asylum. Left without appropriate medical or moral treatment, and exposed to deleterious influences, the malady becomes confirmed and aggravated. Some are cast out upon the world, to its occasional desultory kindness. its cold neglect, its cruel contempt and abhorrence, and even its unfeeling mockery. Others are retained in the care of friends who are unacquainted with the proper treatment and management of the insane, and whose kindnesses and well-meant endeavors not unfrequently aggravate and more deeply confirm the malady: In these cases, from the peculiar nature of the disease, best friends are regarded by the sufferer as his worst enemies; and their affectionate efforts designed for his good, are viewed as purposes of evil towards him—and indeed, from the ignorance of friends their well-meant measures are undoubtedly often such as aggravate the malady. Others of the Insane are in charge of the public authorities, and chained or caged. subjected to violence, doubtless sometimes to abuse; while medical and moral means, such as might be effectual for their recovery, are entirely withheld.

With so much of successful experiment of Asyla for the insane, before the public, we trust the spirit of charity abroad in our land will, ere long, make provisions sufficiently ample for the blessing of all pertaining to this class of the afflicted. Not only should they be multiplied and enlarged so as to afford accommodations sufficient for all, but they should be so endowed as to afford to the most indigent the full blessing of such institutions. And now that the question is before the people of this state, Whether or not the subjects of insanity in New Hampshire shall be provided with an Asylum?—Let the friends of the helpless distressed, come faithfully forward, and by prompt, appropriate action, answer in favor of the cause of Humanity.