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Visit Of The Legislature To The Asylum

Creator: n/a
Date: April 1854
Publication: The Opal
Source: New York State Library

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In accordance with the invitation of our -Managers and acting Superintendent, on Sat-urday, March 11th, we were visited by the Senate and Legislature of the State, com-prising about one hundred in number, accompanied by a goodly number of Ladies, the press, &c. Arriving at the Asylum, they were welcomed to the State Chambers of Lunacy, and kindly cared for. After resting awhile, they were escorted to the State Par-lor, to test Asylumia's culinary skill, where ample provision was made for strengthening the "inner man." The Hon. Joseph Benedict of Utica, in behalf of the Managers, welcomed them in a short address, briefly stating the wants of the Institution, and the object of their visit, before discussing the merits of roast turkey, ham, "incomparable pickles,'' and all the etcs. of a good dinner. The re-past over, the Hon. Walter B. Sessions, of Chautauque being loudly called, responded in a few touching and eloquent remarks, followed by the Hon. Benjamin Joy, of Tomp-kins Co(?) in a pleasing strain, highly complimentary of the pickles and dinner, comparing it to his wife's best, and the best he had eaten since leaving home -- Troy dinners not excepted.

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The guests were then conducted, by the Seers of the Institution, through the dif-ferent halls, and shown its internal arrangement and order; from thence to the printing office, tailors shop, and various other de-partments, and made particularly conversant with the new plan of heating and ventilating.

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Having thus examined the Asylum, they assembled in the Chapel, with a number of inmates, where the Hon. Charles A. Mann, of the Board of Managers, addressed them, recounting the good accomplished by the Institution since its erection, giving statistical information respecting it, and suggest-ing improvements the experience in its management would dictate. We ourself being next called upon, addressed them as follows: --

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For our household we greet you as the friends and guardians of its interests, and coming fresh from the abodes of intelligence and refinement, fraught with independence and happiness. We greet you as members of a body whose liberality has spread the mantle of humanity over the agony of insane poverty, and erected an edifice, the admiration of the tasteful traveler in its external features, as its internal police is, of the philosophically discerning. There are two important and distinguishing eras in the State's history, the one the completion of the canals, the other the abolition of Slavery; and might not the third be, in the erection and endowing of this institution? Fostered as it has been by Govs. Seward, Wright, Young, Fish, Hunt, and Seymour, it seems to be peculiarly, a child of the State, its interest that of the State. Its perpetuity, you know, gentlemen, involves a trust, and its faithful execution we rejoice to believe, involves the best emotions and sympathies of the human heart. You know that every sphere has its peculiar disappointments and trials. The details of the medical profession as exhibited to your eye, even in the ordinary practice of society, demands the utmost vigor, courage and ability; but in this arena, where a devolvement of duty is so lonely -- where the awful theme of insanity is to be met in its every variety, the simple wear and tear of intellect demands the closest vigilance of superior ability; no wonder that our chieftains so soon faint where there is so constantly presented to the mind the soul-withering influence of aches and pains, of sighs and groans and tears, amid the hallucinations of Insanity.

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It is a source of congratulation that our distinguished Superintendent has recovered his health, and is prepared to return to his post to renew the exhibition of that genius and humanity which makes him the worthy successor of the lamented Dr. Brigham; and we would congratulate you, gentlemen, as the repositories of the best interests of the people of New-York in a legislature that challenges its equal for wisdom and virtue in the sister States, in a Governor, formerly the Chief Magistrate of yon beautiful and hospitable city, where his friends and neighbors can attest to his sagacity, virtue, intelligence and patriotism, and we hope you will aid and comfort him in the discharge of those duties which be performs to the best purpose of being.

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Figures, gentlemen, are the exhibition in our Institution of some duties well and faithfully performed, and it was with surprise and joy we beheld the calculations of one of the noblest deeds since the world began, of him who has long been an ornament and pride in the literary world, and we were wishing that some friend of humanity would so immortalize his name in aiding you in the fostering of this Institution. There, gentlemen, is a nephew of a former member of your Senate, and a gentleman whose name is associated with Eddy and Clinton, and Murray, and Jay, and Adams, in the philanthropic exertions for that school system now so ably superintended, and whose efforts have incorporated him with the State as one of its best and most valuable sons. -- Cadwallader D. Golden, the grandson of the Bishop Provost, whose brother was so long an inmate of the hospital of the metropolis in those days when insanity was considered so dreadful, and its victims shunned as of a lazaretto. How changed now! From the unobtrusive efforts of our public men, aided by the Society of Friends, the institutions for the insane have become enlarged and the horrors of insanity somewhat dissipated. It does not become one so humble as myself to address gentlemen of your information and worth on subjects either of a private or public nature, on which you are well instructed. But you will allow me to say to your excellencies, that a class of human beings called "incurably insane" were particularly noticed to the Legislature of Ohio, by Gov. Wood, now Consul at Valparaiso, urging that there is hope while life lasts. And you know, gentlemen, especially those of you from the metropolis, that discriminating gleaners among its rubbish, often find some valuable in the neglected heaps that are turned over as beyond use and without value.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Having finished our remarks, P. O. Beebee, Esq., an old resident, spoke as follows.

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Distinguished, illustrious visitors, gentlemen of the Legislature of the Empire State of New-York: Members of the Senate and Assembly.

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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.

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We take this occasion to express our deep sense and conviction of the value and importance of those sentiments in the last Governor's Message, which prize the purity of the elective franchise, and invoke, for the prosperity of institutions of this kind, a degree of honor, wisdom and magnanimity that party differences should never disturb.

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And I am allowed especially to congratulate you on your auspicious relations to that cause of all parties, -- that cause which you Gentlemen of the Senate have so nobly announced, owned, declared and vindicated -- the holy, heaven-born cause of temperance!

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"I will in naught extenuate, and set
Down naught in malice;

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but you will hear me when I say that it would seem that the Governor of the world had made our own country the object on of his peculiar care and gracious benediction. His compassionate regard was manifested in enabling our venerated fathers to break the of rod of oppression and to plant the tree of political liberty in our own land. By His continued blessing, the achievement which thus challenges our admiration and gratitude, is acquiring fresh brilliancy from the benevolent action of the age. Learning from the history of by-gone times, that the duration of a republican government depends upon the virtue and intelligence of its citizens, our countrymen have adopted bold measures to promote the one, and disseminate the other. You are all familiar with the associations which have been formed and sustained by the combined energies of American enterprise, philanthropy, and patriotism. Among these, Senators, gentlemen of the assembly, and fellow citizens, none are more sanctioned by the general principles of humanity; none are more congenial with ardent love of country; none are more conducive to man's happiness; none are more connected with the prosperity of our dear-bought and free institutions; and none are more entitled to universal support, than all well-judged agencies and societies for the promotion of temperance.

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All classes of society have experienced the ravages of the fell destroyer, whose influence you have thus endeavored more effectually to control. Distinction has not forbidden his approach, nor obscurity retarded his advancement. Wealth has not guarded its possessors, nor poverty protected its comfortless objects from the inroads of the monster. The man of splendid talents has not found security in his extraordinary powers, nor has he escaped whose faculties could excite no emotion of envy. Youth has not caused the sword of death to be sheathed, nor has age stayed the march of desolation. Intemperance, like the melody of the sirens has allured, and ruined for time and eternity those who have listened to its delusive lays!

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Rome, while influenced by virtuous sentiment, was styled the mistress of the world. But she whose triumphs were graced by the rains of princes, and whose ensigns waved in the walk of conquered kingdoms, was intoxicated with success, and prostrated luxury. Thebes, animated by the example of her Epaminondas, rose to greatness, and was blessed with liberty. But on his demise, her virtue became impaired, and she sunk into original obscurity. Athens, the pride of literature and the arts, could heal freedom as well as the attainments of poets, historians, philosophers, and orators. Sparta, too, claimed as much, and great indeed were her provisions in behalf of liberty. But corruption undermined their bulwarks, and they fell to rise no more! In later times, France also aspired to republicanism, but it is certain, that in her first effort after urging her way through seas of blood, instead of attaining her object she became the land of despotism!

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It remains to be seen, whether America will add one more to the list of fallen republics, or whether she will be preserved from the ravages of vice, and the corrupt ebullitions of popular feeling. The establishment of her government was viewed with zealous admiration, and its advance to distinction among the nations of the earth, is unparalleled in history. Foreign invasion will never present an obstruction to her rising greatness, if the people are persevering and virtuous. A vast ocean separates her from Europe, and as vast dangers forbid the approach of hostile fleets. Her greatest danger is to be apprehended; not from the sword of her enemies, but from the lions of vice; not from foes without, but from corruption within her own domain.

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From drunkenness she has much to fear; more than from war, or pestilence, or famine. By it, above fifty thousand of her citizens are annually slain. By it, more than five hundred thousand are kept in readiness for any enterprise however base. By it, burdens are imposed upon the rich, and the poor made still more needy. By it, our almshouses are filled with paupers, our prisons with felons, our hospitals with lunatics. By it, the United States are supposed to be taxed for the cost of liquor consumed, the value of time wasted, and the cost of the pauperism and crime it occasions, more than one hundred and fifty millions of dollars.

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Go on, therefore, Senators and Gentlemen of the Assembly to alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and promote the noble cause of temperance; and your efforts will "win for you the page of history;" "the orator" shall sound your "praise in high places;" your names shall he remembered in the poet's "glowing anthem;" and more than all you may be cheered by the reflection that you are laboring to promote the happiness of man, and to preserve for generations yet unborn, the blessings which are now enjoyed by citizens of our AMERICAN REPUBLIC.

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The Hon. Benjamin Joy, replied on behalf of the Senate and Assembly, in an eloquent, feeling and impressive manner, showing that the lessons of the day were not lost upon one at least. The delivery of his address elicited the most profound attention, and we noticed in many an eye "the tear unbidden start" as he spoke

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-- "the gentle words
That sink deep into the heart."

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Through the kindness of Mr. H. C. Paige, Reporter to the Albany Register, we are enabled to give his address in full.

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That which has been witnessed to-day, is too touching, too deeply affecting to pass unnoticed, and yet, how can language express the feelings which well up in the heart, and give utterance in copious tears, as we look upon the inmates of this institution, and listen to their various utterances.

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I never felt such unmingled pride and admiration for my country, and her noble institutions as I do at this hour. As members of the Legislature, there have been before us the deaf and dumb. By our system of educating that class, the deaf are made, if not to hear, at least to understand, and the dumb to speak in written language.

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The idiot, from the dark, deep mental echoes which enshrouded him, has, by our institutions for his instruction, been brought to a state of mental capacity and enjoyment. -- A change has been wrought in this once forsaken and hopelessly abandoned class, which staggers belief, and must be witnessed to be in any degree appreciated. We have seen those, who had once been regarded as hopelessly idiotic, who could not even feed themselves, capable of observing and appreciating, and able to comprehend figures, and to understand many different branches of study. Indeed, such development of mind as lift them fairly above their former condition, and make them a comfort to their kindred and to themselves.

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And what is the spectacle here presented before us? We here learn, that this one noble institution, for the aid of that most unfortunate class, who find aid and comfort within these walls, has in its short period of its existence, aided over four thousand persons, and has now nearly four hundred and fifty in charge and under treatment.

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How sincerely should we exult in these great systems of benevolence, which look after the wretched of our land. Are they not Godlike? Did not the Saviour of man-kind make the miserable --the blind -- the halt -- the maimed -- the deaf -- the dumb -- and the insane, his special care? In what shall we exult so much then, as in those Heaven-born institutions, whose office it is to emulate his illustrious example?

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Of the causes of insanity, this may not be the appropriate place for me to speak, but it is highly fitting for me to say, that if these causes are in whole, or in ever so small a degree, under human control, the highest Christian obligation demands not only a search for those causes, but their prompt removal. The eloquent speaker who preceded me has pointed you to one great cause -- the liquor traffic. May this cause be speedily removed. Do we not feel to-day a deep impression that humanity demands it?

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To the inmates of this institution let me say that you have our deepest sympathies. Our hearts go out toward you with gushing commiseration, and we involuntarily say, "how can we solace your sorrows?" We will remember you as Legislators -- we will remember you as your fellow-citizens, and liable to all your griefs. We will remember you in our families, when we each return to our homes, and our little ones gather around us to learn of what we have seen in our absence we will speak to them of you -- and when we offer the morning and evening acknowledgements to heaven, then shall our prayers ascend to that God, who, ''as a father pitieth his children, so pitieth he them that fear him," that you may be in his holy keeping and be restored to health, and to your anxious friends.

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Who, of all present, possessed of unclouded reason, but will be henceforth thankful for this inestimable gift? Who, but will be more deeply touched with sympathy for the suffering? Who, that is a father, but will cling more tenderly to his children, and bless the "giver of all good," that they are distinguished from the insane, and exempted from their sorrows? And who, but will feel increased concern, to shield his offspring from every cause, whether near or remote, which can produce the melancholy results which we have to-day witnessed? What citizen of the Empire State, but will feel prouder of his State, and more determined to prove himself worthy of her high renown, and more zealously to foster her noble and God-like "State Charitable Institutions?" Not one, I feel assured, within whose bosom reigns a love of country, a generous heart, and a sympathetic pity for the unfortunate!

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The addresses being concluded, Asylumia's Band played several fine airs, when the guests were again conducted to the dining room to refresh themselves with a second repast, to the tune of ice cream, coffee, etc., before leaving for the Cars.

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Thus passed the visit of the Legislature to the Asylum -- a festal day long to be remembered. As the Representatives of New-York, and her interests, we were proud to meet them -- to introduce them to one of her noblest children, whose minority still needs their fostering care. For the Ladies, who cheered us by their presence, and charmed by their sociality, the Sisters of Asylumia would weave the myrtle and the cypress, and breathe towards them nought but sweetness even amid their woes. We shall never forget the Joy of the of the occasion -- its pleasant Sessions -- and Benedictive influences, but ever hold in grateful remembrance this visit, as evincing the interest which New-York Legislators ever feel the prosperity and general welfare of charitable Institutions.