66 "The institution went into operation in the month of November, 1838. Since that time, there have been in it 866 patients: 461 males and 405 females; 247 pay patients, 649 supported by the state; 358 have been discharged cured-92 have died; 420 were recent cases," (of less than a year's duration when the patient was received,) 446 were old cases, (of more than a year's duration.) Of the recent cases discharged, 90.59-100 per cent. (or 289) were cured-of the old cases, 27 per cent. (or 69.) In addition to this, a great number of those incurable have been much improved in their condition. "During the past year, [1846,] 175 patients have been admitted: 88 males and 87 females. Of these, 101 were recent cases," "74 were old cases; 71 have been discharged "cured," 18 have died. In the recent cases discharged, 95.38-100 per cent. were cured-in the old cases, 20.93-100 per cent. A number are still improving, with fair prospects of recovery. These results compare favorably with those in the best institutions, both in this country and abroad. The number of patients in the institution at the close of the fiscal year, was 291." 66 THE OHIO INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND, is situated about three quarters of a mile easterly from the state house, on the national road, and is under the superintendence of W. Chapin, Esq. The building is a large and handsome structure of brick, in front of which the ground is pleasantly laid out into graveled walks, with flowers and shade trees. The institution was established in 1837, is now flourishing and has about 100 pupils. They are taught in a liberal course of instruction in the several English branches, with lectures on moral and natural science. They are also instructed in vocal and instrumental music, and have among them an excellent band of music. In the afternoon, they are engaged in several me chanical branches and fancy and ornamental work. The institution is flourishing, and the pupils contented and cheerful. THE OHIO ASYLUM FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB, is situated one third of a mile east of the state house. The buildings, which are of brick, cost about $25,000, including the grounds, which are handsomely laid out and adorned with shrubbery. The number of pupils is about 130. The institution is under the superintendence of H. N. Hubbell, Esq., and is in a thriving condition. Its site was selected in 1829, and it soon after went into operation. The pupils are daily instructed in the branches usually taught at other seminaries. The girls spend a portion of their time in domestic, and the boys in mechanical operations. These noble institutions are sustained by the state, with a liberality that pure benevolence must delight to witness. Their several superintendents feel vividly the importance of their responsibilities, and discharge them in a happy and judicious manner. THE OHIO PENITENTIARY, the most imposing edifice in Columbus, is situated on the east bank of the Scioto, about half a mile north of the state house. The main building, shown in the annexed view, is built of Ohio marble. It contains the warden's house, the office and guard rooms, and in each of its wings are 350 cells for prisoners, arranged in five tiers. With its numerous workshops, this building forms a hollow square of six acres: about one third of this area is shown in the large view. A railroad, about two miles long, extends from the prison to a stone quarry, at which a portion of the prisoners work in getting out stone. The prisoners are all employed in several useful manufactures, and such is the efficiency of discipline, that the industry of the convicts equals any association of voluntary or paid laborers. The discipline of the prison is conducted by rules, printed copies of which are given to the prisoners. At the sound of a bell, at noon, they leave work and arrange themselves in thirteen different companies, in front of their workshops. One of these companies is composed entirely of blacks. When the bell strikes a second time, they march to their dinner, with their heads to the left, so as to bring their faces in view of the attendant, and prevent conversation. They move in close order, with the lock-step, and make a shuffling noise, that echoes loudly upon the walls of the area. Arrived at the table, they arrange themselves before their seats. At the sound of a small bell, they take off their caps, and when it again sounds, commence eating. They eat from wooden dishes made in the prison, and drink from tin cups; in the morning, their beverage is rye coffee, at noon, water. Their knives and forks are coarse, with wooden handles. A late visitor describes, in a public print, the discipline of the prison and treatment of its convicts. The present warden has gathered around him assistants who have in their hearts much of the milk of human kindness. The new directory approves and seconds his labors, and as the result of these labors of love, the subordination is more perfect than ever before, the lash is very rarely used, the convicts are rarely reported, an air of cheerful alacrity characterizes the operations of the various shops, and all the movements of those who are compelled to pay the penalties of their crimes within the walls of the Ohio Penitentiary. There are, at this time, about five hundred convicts in the penitentiary. Their labor yields to the state a surplus of $16,000 or $18,000 annually. They receive an abundance of substantial food, and enjoy good health. On the Sabbath, they all attend religious services in the chapel. Their religious instruction is under the charge of Rev. Mr. Finley, one of the pioneer missionaries of the Methodist church, in the west-an old veteran of more than sixty winters, who is robust and vigorous, and whose heart overflows with love for poor, weak humanity. His tearful appeals have had their effect, too, and many of his charge do right from religious principle. There is a choir connected with the congregation, that meets regularly for practice before service on Sabbath. During service, the effect is almost electric when those five hundred voices peal forth their sacred songs. With tears streaming from their eyes, have I heard these unfortunate men confessing their gratitude for the blessed lessons they had been taught in the penitentiary. There is connected, also, with the penitentiary, a Sabbath school. Nearly one fifth of the convicts are permitted to avail themselves of its benefits. The instructions there given by Christians of the city, who attend for the purpose, exert an important, all-powerful in fluence for good upon the minds of the convicts. Superadded to all this, there is an excellent library of several hundred volumes, secured mainly through the labors of the present warden and chaplain. The former chaplain, (Rev. Mr. Mills,) laid the foundation. The convicts rejoice in the benefits of this library, and speak of it with grateful emotions. They all have Bibles in their cells, also. They are permitted to write, within stated periods, to their friends and relatives, and receive as many letters as are sent to them, when containing nothing improper. At a meeting held a few Sabbaths since, in the chapel, and in reply to a question propounded, about fifty of them acknowledged that they had learned to read since they entered the prison. Temperance addresses are occasionally delivered in the chapel of the penitentiary. Messrs. T. and G. recently addressed the inmates. The question was put, "How many committed the crimes of which they stand convicted, owing to the use and while under the influence of intoxicating drinks." More than four hundred arose on their feet. Seventy or eighty admitted that they had been engaged in vending or making liquor. Nearly every one declared, by rising, his purpose to abstain entirely from the use of intoxicating drink the rest of his days. We here insert a curiosity, from the Columbus Gazette, of Aug. 29th, 1822. At an early day, there was a law passed offering a bounty for the scalps of squirrels. Whether it was in force at this time, we do not know; if so, it must have made quite a draft on the state treasury. Grand Squirrel Hunt!-The squirrels are becoming so numerous in the county, as to threaten serious injury, if not destruction, to the hopes of the farmer during the ensuing fall. Much good might be done by a general turn out of all citizens whose convenience will permit, for two or three days, in order to prevent the alarming ravages of those mischievous neighbors. It is therefore respectfully submitted to the different townships, each to meet and choose two or three of their citizens to meet in a hunting caucus, at the house of Christian Heyl, on Saturday, the 31st inst., at 2 o'clock P. M. Should the time above stated prove too short for the townships to hold meetings, as above recommended, the following persons are respectfully nominated and invited to attend the meeting at Columbus. Montgomery-Jeremiah M'Lene and Edward Livingston. Hamilton-George W. Williams and Andrew Dill. Madison-Nicholas Goetschius and W. H. Richardson. Truro-Abiather V. Taylor and John Hanson. Jefferson-John Edgar and Elias Ogden. Plain-Thomas B. Patterson and Jonathan Whitehead. Harrison-F. C. Olmsted and Capt. Bishop. Sharon-Matthew Matthews and Bulkley Comstock. Perry-Griffith Thomas and William Mickey. Washington—Peter Sells and Uriah Clark. NorwichRobert Elliott and Alanson Perry. Clinton-Col. Cook and Samuel Henderson. Franklin-John M'Elvain and Lewis Williams. Prairie-John Hunter and Jacob Neff. Pleasant-James Gardiner and Reuben Golliday. Jackson-Woollery Coonrod and Nicholas Hoover. Mifflin-Adam Reed and William Dalzell. In case any township should be unrepresented in the meeting, those present will take the liberty of nominating suitable persons for said absent township. RALPH OSBORN, CHRISTIAN HEYL, LUCAS SULLIVANT, A subsequent paper says: "the hunt was conducted agreeably to the instructions in our last paper. On counting the scalps, it appeared that nineteen thousand six hundred and sixty scalps were produced. It is impossible to say what number in all were killed, as a great many of the hunters did not come in. We think we may safely challenge any other county in the state to kill squirrels with us." The following is a list of villages in this county, not previously mentioned, with their population in 1840. Dublin, 166; Harrisburg, 81; Lockbourne, 139, and Reynoldsburg, 309. Central college is a new and flourishing institution, in Blendon township, of which the Rev. Mr. Covert is president. |