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Visit Of The Legislature To The Asylum
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7 | There is no sphere of life without its disappointments, and when we beheld in muteness the flames burning up the pretty flowers and choice plants, the collection of industry and taste, we mourned as if our loves were with them. So strongly had we associated the tenderness of the place with them, that we regret even now with a tear the departure of their loveliness. But thanks to you, gentlemen, the State came forward to our relief, and when she set the example it was followed by contributions from individuals comforting, tasteful and efficient. | |
8 | The two subjects of ventilation and warming are interesting not merely to asylum, but to Legislatures; and we have to look around and see the skill and liberality displayed in the Establishment, and in the beautiful house for the roses and plants so soon supplying the deficiency. Notwithstanding so much has been done, the gentlemen whose portraits are here, and which I should be happy to present to you to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State -- the Superintendents of Asylums -- have in discussions suggested distinct edifices for the sexes, and classes of inebriates and incurables. It is not my province to suggest, for I am myself a stricken deer, but thought I would stir up your minds by way of remembrance. | |
9 | It was our allotment to reside at the Branch of the New-York Hospital (from whose walks there cometh our talented assistant physician,) in days long since, during the administration of Drs. M'Donald and Bailey; and Saturday was the regular day for the Committee of the Board of Governors, to make their appearance, and as regular as the day came they would appear; who are now, I trust, in heaven. Jay, Hone, Lovett, Allen, and Smith, would come and examine with interest and fidelity, into the nature of men and things -- and, be it remembered, without fee or reward-exhibiting charity and enlightened philanthropy, whose fragrance smells of heaven. And there, as here, do you behold the proud and honorable monuments of our managers' faithfulness and ability; and it needeth no words of ours to say how invaluable are their services, how marked by the forecast which distinguished the founders and planners of this Asylum -- are those who have acted as their successors, and the guardians of its welfare. | |
10 | Gentlemen, there is something remarkable in the fact, one which speaks volumes in praise of its medical police; that other asylums have drawn on this for their superintendents; New-Jersey, Washington, and Bloomingdale, and we learn, with regret though for our own sake, but joy for his, that out efficient, talented, devoted and sympathising Acting Superintendent, is to assume the charge of the Michigan Asylum, and we are sure he will have, as he has always had, the good wishes for his prosperity and happiness, of the many who have shared the advantage of his energetic humanity. | |
11 | Two from here have crossed the Atlantic, and encountered its most terrific storms; tied them, so long the able and humane Acting Superintendent, has recently returned home, after having visited the principal institutions of Europe, and blending with his inner knowledge the experience derived from comparison and intercourse with others of the same object. Two assistant physicians have gone from here; one to the Pennsylvania Hospital, with Dr. Kirkbride, and the other to the Connecticut Retreat, Hartford, with Dr. Butler. | |
12 | But we must not trespass on your patience. Poetry, Philosophy, Science and Religion, all tell their story about Insanity. But experentia docet, is the motto of every bother and sister that is new in your elevated presence. | |
13 | We are not believers, gentlemen, in a union of church and state. We would prefer with our great prelate the frowns to the pause of state in religious matters. But we are glad -- we rather rejoice -- that your Honorable body has a Church at its head, we feel assured that with so good a Governor -- so able and faithful a Cabinet -- and such wise legislators -- that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety will be entailed to succeeding generations. | |
14 | Having finished our remarks, P. O. Beebee, Esq., an old resident, spoke as follows. | |
15 | Distinguished, illustrious visitors, gentlemen of the Legislature of the Empire State of New-York: Members of the Senate and Assembly. | |
16 | One of the honorable and enterprising faculty of this institution, at about 11 o'clock this morning, had the kindness and courtesy to inform me, that you were expected here, at this time to-day, and that a few observations from your unworthy and humble speaker might be acceptable and appropriate. I hope we all concur in many sentiments, that are too interesting and important to be forgotten, and too numerous and diversified to be mentioned or eliminated. These feelings bound from heart to heart, with telegraphic swiftness, and refine and enrich the stores of our sensibility and proficient knowledge, with virtuous, holy and noble impulses. It is to such living principles and emotions that we feel bound and happy to ascribe that feeling of interest in the cause of humanity, which has led you to find an intermission from legislative duties in the opportunity of cheering by your presence the Officers and Inmates of an institution whose portals must ever be essentially adorned by the classic motto, Nihil humanum mihi alienum pati: -- we consider nothing promotive of human happiness to be unassociated with our studies! And we desire to appreciate and welcome your gracious attention, by all those heart-felt congratulations which the genius of philanthropy and freedom is so delighted, prepared and ready to accord. |