The Daily Herald

Hospital for Lunatics.-We have been favored with the "Third Annual Report of the Trustees of the State Lunatic Hospital at Worcester," Mass.-It contains a detailed statement of all the operations of the institution for the past year, together with the practical results of the system pursued in ameliorating the condition of the utterly insane, and of its unparalleled success in restoring to society those who were the temporary subjects of derangement. This report is interesting not only from the incidental facts which it develops, but in inculcating a spirit of philanthropy towards that unfortunate class of our fellow beings who are the subjects of mental aberration, from whatever cause, and are too often cast off or incarcerated, and sometimes, either from cupidity or ignorance, deprived of the common sympathies of humanity. We have heard of such an instance within our own vicinity, within a few days,- the fact that a person has been confined for years in a situation worse than the beasts of the menagerie,-destitute, filthy, and loathsome to the last degree. The examples cited in the Worcester Report shows that his condition might at least be greatly ameliorated, but we presume his connections have hardly yet heard of our State Asylum, respecting which we seldom get any official information, though we believe its operations are prosperous and useful. We make the following extracts from the Report, to show the benefits of the institution, and what may be done, in extreme cases, by proper and judicious treatment.

"The design of the institution being perfectly understood, it is thought that the extent of its benefits and the nature of them may best be made known and appreciated by an exposition of a few cases reported by the superintendent.

No. I. One case, reported by the Commissioners for the erection of the hospital, had been, when he was brought to the institution, twenty eight years in prison-seven years he had not felt the influence of fire, and many nights he had not laid down for fear of freezing. He had not been shaved for twenty eight years, and he had been provoked and excited by the introduction of hundreds, to see the exhibitions of his raving. He is now, and has been, comfortable in health-well clad--keeps his bed and room remarkably clean, and although very insane on certain subjects, is most of the time pleasant, companionable and entirely harmless and docile. He shaves himself twice a week-sits at table with sixteen others-takes his meals-walks about the village and over the fields with an attendant to accompany him, and enjoys himself as well as his illusions will permit.

This man committed homicide.

No. 2. Had been in one prison fourteen years,-he was naked-his hair and beard grown long; and his skin so entirely filled with the dust of charcoal as to render it impossible from its appearance, to discover what nation he was of. He was in the habit of screaming so loud as to annoy the whole neighborhood, and was considered a most dangerous and desperate man. When he came to the hospital he was provided with a new suit of clothes, which the sheriff advised us to have taken off and preserved, as he doubted not he would strip them in tatters in two hours. He was, however, induced to preserve them with great care, and has constantly for two years worn his clothes, sleeps in a good bed-sits at the table to take his meals, and is quite a civil, although a very insane man.

He too committed homicide.

No. 3. An old man of seventy years of age or more, had been chained for twenty five years, and had his chain taken off but once in that time. Has for many months been very quiet and civil, and behaves like a gentleman: and, although quite insane, keeps his room in good order, and takes his meals at table with seventeen others, with the utmost propriety.

No. 4. A female, had so long been confined with a short chain, as wholly to lose the use of her lower limbs. Her health had been materially impaired by confinement, and she was unable to stand, and had not walked for years. In the hospital her health has been restored, her limbs rendered again useful so that she walks without difficulty; is now in the enjoyment of health and reason, and able to labor sufficiently to support herself. She is now with her friends.

No. 5. Is a mechanic, who had been in close confinement for six years. He committed homicide: and if this institution had not been erected, would probably never leave his cell. He is now a useful mechanic, labors a great portion of his time-often reads his bible and the public papers-is exceedingly happy that this place has been provided for him; and blesses its founders and conductors daily for the benefits conferred by it, on himself and other inmates. He walks abroad, and often attends church.

No. 6. Another man reported by the commissioners, was confined seventeen years before he was removed to the hospital. He was very violent and dangerous, often in chains, notwithstanding he was in a strong prison room. He used to scream and commit acts of violence that required the most rigid restraint. He is now well dressed, civil, and, although often excited, is respectful and pleasant- is in the habit of assisting the females in washing the floors, drawing water, preparing food and similar domestic offices, and is about the premises without restraint.

He committed homicide.

No. 7. Had been confined a violent maniac. Had been caged and chained for years. It was concluded to set him free, and see how he would conduct. He fell foul of his brother, and killed him with a bludgeon, and pursuing his sister would probably have done the same to her, had he not been arrested in season to prevent it. When caged he was naked and filthy: but now dresses neatly, is cleanly and civil; mingles freely with sixteen other persons, and, though quite insane, is to us perfectly harmless.

No. 8. Had been ten years without clothes; a most inconceivably filthy and degraded being; exceedingly violent and outrageous. He now wears clothes, is neat and cleanly in his person, takes his food at table with a large company, does much needle work and knitting, and, though at times violent, is managed without the least severity or difficulty.

No. 9. Another female, exceedingly filthy in her habits, had not worn clothes for two years, during which time she had been confined in a filthy cell, destitute of every thing like comfort, tearing every thing in pieces that was given her. She is now dressed cleanly, works some, takes her food at table in company, sings very pleasantly when requested, and is a large part of the time very civil and agreeable.

No. 10. Has been insane 8 years: almost the whole of this time in jail, and in a cage. He cut the throat of an infant while sleeping in a cradle, instantly killing it; made an attack, with an axe, upon an aged man, at the same time. It is stated that he was in a most wretched condition before he came here. He is now insane, but pleasant; keeps his bed and room in good order takes his meals regularly at the table, spends much time in reading and conversing with the inmates, and labors some.

No. 11. Was very insane when he came here. Was represented to us as being very violent and dangerous; and a part of the time he was so—being furious in the extreme. When he entered the hospital was filthy, and nearly or quite naked. He is now calm, quiet; dresses himself neatly, keeps his room and bed in good order, and takes his meals with the other boarders. He is now quite pleasant, and useful too; works out daily; saws and cuts wood.

No. 12. A patient six years confined for homicide in close jail, and would probably have been confined for life. After six months here he commenced labor, and has not only continued it daily, but takes excellent care of every thing connected with the farming and gardening establishments. He is pleasant, very mild in his feelings, and ready to perform whatever is required of him. He is trustworthy, and can perform labor without superintendence. We have frequently noticed the novel spectacle of two men ploughing in the field alone, both insane, both having committed homicide, and both having been confined in jail for a very long time.

Many other similar cases might be named. They were all considered incurable; but are comfortable, pay great attention to habits of cleanliness and order. We have remarked that when one of these men has been placed in solitary confinement, and suffered to remain a few days without inspection, the disposition to tear clothing, to go naked and filthy, returns. We have many that have for years been naked, exceedingly filthy and violent, that are now well clad, decent and civil. We have probably filthy that have been so; at present scarcely half a dozen remaining in these habits.

To Dr. Woodward, (a native of our own State,) the Principal of the institution, much is due for the success which has attended the system, and we trust that the benefits of his experience will not be felt unimproved by his fellow laborers in the noble cause of restoring estranged reason to immortal mind."