text: GEORGE A. PIKE, K!> I I 0 11 \ N t) t' n O P BIETOB, M iiik IK) Jlnrnliiü, : I<l, IS 54. \J The I neaim 1 Asyliiut. Whilst in Jackson the other day, w had the pleasure of a visit to this State Institution. Although we learned that the hour fixed for visitors had not arrived, still we ventured—entire strangers as we were, to approach the building, and rely solely on the smoothness of our tongue, for easy admission. The Insane Asylum is located a few hundred yards, southeast of the town, on an elevated ridge, commanding a beautiful view of the surrounding country. A more desirable location could not have been selected. As ascending the hill, we found the extensive grounds on the plateau above, surrounded with a substantial fence, with "gates impregnable" closed—a rope without, gave warning to within, and in a few moments the rattling of a bunch of keys, betokened the approach of someone in authority; the guard received us in the most courteous manner, and after our object was made known, he informed us that, it was not the hour for visitors—"his instructions were imperative—the superintendent, Mr. Power, was absent—therefore could not be consulted, and he would have to refuse us." But we had gone there for the purpose of gaining admission, and had it been necessary, should have represented ourselves as the veritable Count Nesselrode himself, or his friend the Baron Schenk, on a mission, with authority from the Great Nicholas to examine the "peculiar" institutions. We told the gentleman that we had come up to Jackson from Baton Rouge expressly to examine the Asylum—that we must return by the 12 o'clock stage—that it would be a very serious disappointment etc., and then (such being the case) he bade us wait a time with patience until the will and pleasure of Mrs. Powers, could be ascertained and made known; which was to let the "Gentlemen" enter. About the extensive yard, The non-compus were congregated in groops, some of the more melancholy choosing to pace, a narrow walk alone. And here let us say in way of paventhasis, that our own opinion in reference to the cause of insanity, was harked and strengthened by the observation of our conductor. Too much insanity is attributed to physical derangement; when observation goes to show that it is melancholy, nursed and cultured in the soul itself, apart entirely from the physique; that causes the unstringing of the harmonious chords that vibrate with the proper harmonious tone to every outward circumstance. Therefore say we, indulge not in melancholy; more than sufficient is the day for the evil thereof. But this is no time or place for speculating. Here—under the shade of a large magnolia, is a constant babbler, he talks without intermission—and imagines the earth and the air filled with an attentive auditory. He is a Hungarian—not only an exile from his fatherland but from himself. What deep-seated wrong has placed him here, there's none can tell—the soul wherein the secret is locked up—no longer beats to reason. He must talk—not in his own language but the truly English—his tale is a long one, and the years already spent in telling it, have been wastefully expended, for he makes no progress. We enter the building set apart for the task put hints—a spacious fabric, with cool galeries without and spacious corridors within. The utmost order and cleanliness pervades the establishment. The sleeping apartments, are constructed upon the most approved plan and under such perfect discipline are the patients, that many occupy the same room together. The buildings are supplied with waterfront reservoirs admirably arranged in the roof. The popular notion prevails here—at least such is the opinion of our guide, that the moon, has its influence upon the inmates, such as have to be confined in cells, have more at certain phases of that luminary, than at other. The punishment for the refractory—is the shower bath, and it is found in many cases to be entirely sufficient to keep them in subordination. Passing out of the male apartment, we enter the female, which is separated by a fence. The female ward are constructed upon the same plan as the male apartment, in a building of the same dimensions. The two are about to be united by a large main building in the Centre, the work of which is now in progress. Here we find a large muscular woman, reminding us of De Bar in "Norma," who plays nearly the same part here, as the Polander on the other side. She however talks louder, and longer without intermission, her head is decorated with leaves and wild flowers, and she marches hither and thither after the fashion of a popular temperance lecturer, and with about the same effect. Her companions regard her not, but are seemingly occupied with their own vacant thoughts. In an apartment hard by, are congregated a number of these unfortunate creatures, in what appears, from a distance, a camp meeting or political caucus—they stare at us and smile in idiotic glee; but not so; each one on a time has been reasonable and happy—each one has had friends, and relatives—parents to watch over and protect them—each one has a story of her own untold—a story based upon deep-seated wrong, and sinful man's ingratitude. Stop not to ask "where are the souls of these," else we may prove ourselves materialists. There are loud cries and groans from an adjacent building—it is the prison house, of such as cannot be permitted the liberty of the yard. Our guide points to it, but under instruction, forbids our approach. The visitor is not permitted to look on these—they are unfit, to be seen—they are the raving madmen, and women, the divine—the god like—the being who stands between earth and heaven, inspiring man with noble thought and action, is here bereft of every trace of reason. The more than death like terror of her eye, is freezing to the blood to look on—hero she is, as it would seem to remind us that even woman—divine—lovely—beautiful woman, is mortal—may fall and die that death which passes mortal comprehension, the death of the spirit—the confusion of harmonics, and the drowning of reason. Let us leave this establishment before we be mistaken; with many thanks to the kindness of its officers, and gratulations to the State for this evidence of the munificence of a united people, bound together, in the sublime and heavenly bond of Christian philanthropy and benevolence. The New York Tribune furnishes some singular and rather startling statistics connected with the criminal calendar in that city. From the 1st of January last to the 10th of the present month, thirty-five murders were committed in the city, of which twenty-one are charged upon foreigners. Of the whole number eighteen were committed under the direct inspiration of rum. The New Brunswick Nova Scotia and Prince Edward's Island Legislature met on the 1st September to consider the treaty for reciprocity of trade between the United States and the British Colonies. We are indebted to some unknown friend for a copy of the "Son tag Polka," with the figure of an obese elderly gentleman, who looks to us very much like "Uncle Toby." We do not pretend to deny the fact that it was gotten up expressly for the "Son tag," but, yet, we can't dispose of the idea that it is a full length of the old gentleman referred to. We have tried the "Son tag" and pronounce it good. By the same mail we acknowledge receipt of the "Nesselrode polka," for which we predict a wide spread popularity. Hobbs, one of the most ingenious and ingenious inventors, has invented a self-cocking lock, that beats anything yet out. It is so arranged that when touched by burglar or band, it knows the touch instinctively— throws out a pair of iron arms, choking the rope by the neck, fires a gun, rings a bell and lights a candle. Another curious part of the machine, working by clock arrangement, is a piston that punches the thief in the ribs, until he cries "miff" when it immediately desists. Robbs has gone on to take out letters patent for it—It is perfectly "thief-proof," when Robbs himself achieved this great mechanical wonder, the trap part of the lock, caught in, and it was with much difficulty that he was taken from it, after getting his fifth rib considerably damaged. We hope after this triumph, that the name of Robbs will never be mentioned when "Robbs" is referred to. Steam Fire Engine for St. Louis —A St. Louis committee recently visited Cincinnati to inspect the steam fire engine in use in that place, and were so well convinced of its advantages that they ordered one to be built for St. Louis to be finished by the 1st of December next. No. XIII of the New Orleans Medical News, and Hospital Gazette for September, is before us. The Gazette is not only designed for the practitioner, but is interesting to the general reader, as a sterling southern literary magazine. It is edited by our talented fellow-townsman Dr. Sautl, Choppin, and Cornelius Beard, aided by 15. Schläfer, M.D., visiting physician of the Charity Hospital. The number before us, opens with a well-written article on the "present condition of the medical faculty in this State, and recommends, in eloquent language, the necessity of legislation on the subject. The truth of the following paragraph is apparent, and some remedy for the evil is imperatively demanded. "There are schools in this country where almost any man may obtain a diploma by an attendance on two courses of lectures; where the examination for the degree of M.P. is a free to legitimatize the taking of the diploma fee; from whence men who have never seen an operation, or thoroughly examined a patient, or dissected a subject, who cannot write their thesis intelligibly, are let loose on society, sit forth as doctors, and, thus dubbed, take rank in the profession with the best, and, in the eyes of the vulgar stand coequal with them. It is argued that these men soon find their proper level, but we doubt, this to be the case. True, in the opinion of physicians who are able to estimate their attainments properly, the position they hold is contemptible; but those less capable of judging of their merits look upon them as accredited members of the faculty of medicine, for have they not deplomas?—and see but little difference between the base brass and the pure gold pure In New York, on Saturday week, Justice Blatchley examined a man named Thomas Murtlia, who had been arrested on the complaint of his daughter, Mary Ann, a girl not quite fourteen years of age. Who charges him with having violated her person a number of times within a year past. A servant who resided in the house testifies to a state of facts which can hardly leave a doubt as to the truth of the girl's statement. The examination has not concluded. Another charge of a still more revolting nature stands against him. It is a strange thing to see a woman in the house, if this was an exciting time—if the outward temperature were not so near a dead level to within short, if everything was propitious and if we could, we certainly would arouse our people to the importance of a cornice ion with Clinton to this place. Certainly here is a road, that over all others, promises the most handsome results. Baton Rouge connected with Clinton, a distance of only 18 miles to Walker's station, where we strike the Port Hudson road, thence on to connect the Great Northern road, opens a short channel to Grosse Tete and Opelousas, and thence on, by an inevitable decree, with the Texas Road, which is to be the connecting link of the Atlantic with the Pacific Oceans. Can we not arouse them with some more welcome news than that another installment is due on the 18th? Can we not show them that we must shoot another arrow to find out, the lost one; that the instant that they convert their rind into a rail road, that the stock will be the best in this section of the Union? This can be shown to any man who will open his eyes to what's before him. Independent of this, it can be shown that what has already been expended on the Plank road, will be so much lost unless this Step is taken. Now is the time. The Clinton papers and People, are all in favor of this move, and will lend maternal aid. Two Hundred and Thirty-four Thousand Dollars, is the estimated cost, to connect us with Clinton, and then there is the influence of that wealthy parish, to aid in constructing the road, on to the great Northern trunk. This is a shorter distance than the Springfield, and possesses untold advantage over that route. Cavington.—There is a manifest tendency on Front street, towards a general slide into the river this season. Heretofore the caving has been confined to certain localities, but now it is general. This is to be regretted, for within the past year, several substantial brick buildings have been erected there, the loss of which will be serious to the town as well as the owners. We attribute this caving on Front street, to the fact that the gutters leading from the hill, are altogether insufficient to carry off the heavy rains with which we have recently been visited. The principal drains are of the high land, upon which the town is situated, is that way, and unless work be done speedily, to aid this natural outlet, in a few years. Front street must be abandoned. The culverts under the street should be made of substantial masonry, sufficiently large to carry off all the water, and they should extend far enough to wards the river, to secure the embankment. Until this is done, the labor from year to year on that street, will be lost. Stephenson. An Englishman appointed in his place. A New Candidate — A telegraphic dispatch from Washington says that the venerable General Dodge of Wisconsin, D.D., named for the Presidency by several Democrats and Whigs. Maj. D.L. Wood, a Democrat and Local Mail Agent for Cleveland, Ohio, has been decapitated. He was suspected of being a Know-Nothing. Mr. has been OF SPARKS SPEARE. Anecdote Shakspeare was performing the part of a king. The theatre was small.— Queen Elizabeth's box was contiguous to the stage; she purposely dropped her handkerchief upon the boards at the feet of Shakspeare, having a mind to try whether her poet won his stoop from his assumed majesty. She was mistaken. "Take up our sister's handkerchief." was his prompt and dignified order to one of the actors in his train. What will Last. It is good humor, and complacency of temper, says Dr. Johnson, outlive invulnerable charms of a fine face, and make the decays of it invisible. Becoming.— It affords us pleasure to be able to say that our worthy Mayor, is recovering his health, and with it, his voice. He may now be heard the streets width; his voice is resuming its natural elasticity and strength. May his shadow continue to follow him, through a long life of prosperity in the chair of state. This is equivocal to a benediction for Bateau Rouse. Bread.—Since the law has been repealed, fixing the price of bread, a healthful competition has arisen, the effects of which, we presume every citizen has had evidence of. Three or four new establishments have come into existence, and not only has the quality improved, but the quantity for a dime, has been greatly augmented. Yesterday morning two leaves from the new bakery established by our fellow-citizen, William Lockwood, Esq., were laid on our table, that so far, take the lead, Lockwood has established a permanent institution for this purpose, complete in all the details, and promises punctuality in his business. We speak for him a very liberal share of patronage. B. Steel, No. 00, Camp street, New Orleans, has our thanks for another beautiful volume of Type Specimens, from the manufactory of White & Co., New York; successor of John T. White. The present edition, which is for $8.00, surpasses in size, and variety of patterns of type and cuts for printing, all previous volumes that have gone before it. J. B. Steel has now in store the greatest variety of type and Job printing materials, to be found in the city. He is also agent for Hoe & Co.'s, celebrated printing presses. The Gem.—"Stephen" has fitted up the brick building on Florida street near the Steamboat Landing, in number one style, and has his word out, to keep the very best wines and liquors to be had in the New Orleans market. "Stephen's" "Reputation for Japing an orderly house, will soon be the "Gen" a fashionable resort - Lunch every day at 541 clock. This is the talk of the Delta, in speaking of the election to be held in that city on the 11th of September, says: "The election to be held on the 11th of September, for two vacancies in the Legislature from this city, affords our citizens an opportunity of securing some competent persons to look after the suffering interests of the city, in a body which appears to be hopelessly ignorant or indifferent to the same — There are no party issues, and no necessity for such." It is to be hoped such persons will be selected. The best interests of New Orleans are exposed for sale at the ballot-box. In the two vacancies to be filled, we do hope that one of the parties, will have manliness enough to get up on the floor of the Gothic structure, and urge, and urge — and keep urging, until the object is accomplished; the passage of such a "Registry law" as is contemplated by the Constitution. The best interest of the party in power, will be stabbed to the heart by such a law; but what of it—its days are numbered anyhow, and the politician, who takes a lofty and dignified position in the next legislature, independent of party; is the man who is fashioned for future popularity. Mr. Hind has discovered another new planet. It appears like a star of the 10th magnitude. When last seen, it was on the tail of the constellation of Scorpions, the Scorpion. The planet of the planet Herald, has discovered another new "Comet" belonging to the Solar system. He says it might be taken for a star of the first magnitude, but it would be taken for a shell road time. A. Bradford, Esqr., will please accept our thanks for the latest news of Cincinnati papers in this market. 