This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877. Excerpt: ... OPENING OF WALNUT HILL. A NEW INEBRIATE ASYLUM FOR CONNECTICUT. This institution was formally opened for the reception of patients, Oct. 17, 1876, and the occasion was celebrated by a supper, and entertaining speeches, etc. The building is eligibly situated, and finely furnished with accommodations for a limited number of patients. A large number of friends and visitors were present, and after the cloth was removed Hon. A. E. Burr, the president, called the meeting to order in a few pleasant remarks, saying that this asylum was to be a reformatory, a home, and a retreat, where the worn-out victim of alcohol could find rest, sympathy, and restoration. This asylum is the result of four years' inquiry and observation by Drs. Hawley, Russell, and Comings. Four years ago they were appointed a committee by the legislature to inquire into the best methods of treating inebriates; they have traveled and visited personally every asylum in this country, reporting the facts to the legislature, and in this institution they expect to combine all the strong points of every other asylum, without any of their weakness. Dr. Hawley remarked that this asylum was the only one in the world, except one in Australia, which has the legal power and authority to restrain its patients by confinement without being liable to prosecution for false imprisonment. He described at some length the early history and efforts to organize this asylum. Dr. Joseph Parrish, of Burlington, N. Y., declared from all his long experience he was convinced that fully one-third of all the patients coming to these asylums could be permanently cured. No other work was nobler and more practical. He was satisfied that this asylum had the best organization of any in the country. The law of the State concerning...