1858.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.           265

Maryland with an argument of power irresistible "Go and do
thou likewise."

Our first step must be to provide adequate and ample ac-
commodation for all classes of the insane, in properly quali-
fied asylums. The buildings necessarily must be extensive,
that a proper classification of the inmates may be made, vary-
ing from the madman who requires (though late experience
proves such to be very few unless driven to mania by brutal
treatment) bars and chains, down to the sad subjects of mor-
bid melancholy who need, with simple medicines, only kind
words and the pleasing comforts of home; and oft are re-
claimed by the same process by which the parent awakens to
activity the intellect of the little child.

It is painful to reflect, that Maryland, while she has lav-
ished with prodigal hand, millions upon schemes of internal
improvement, schemes which have by bitter experience proved
their worthlessness, and likely to be a burden upon our shoul-
ders, has done nothing effectual for the insane. She has
county madhouses and lunatic keepers, but no home where the
mild spirit of beneficence presides, and in which those who are
bereft of reason may find sympathy, and through kindness
added to skill be restored to their place among the intelli-
gent creatures of God.                   

Maryland has no asylum, at once the pride of her citizens,
and the evidence to her sister States that she is not regardless
of the obligation to provide for the poor and suffering. For
eight years, philanthrophic men have been knocking at the
doors of our Legislative Halls, asking sympathy and material
aid for the distressed and neglected lunatic; but there has been
no response save the meagre sum of $25,000, and that scatter-
ed through a period of nearly 100 months. We have com-
menced the work, and now the question reaches the heart and
conscience of each Legislator, shall that work stand still?
We have acknowledged our duty. Shall that duty find no
solid, substantial memorial ? Maryland is not poor. Her
finances are most encouraging—her debt rapidly diminishing
—her wealth daily increasing—her position in the Confedera-
cy, high and commanding. Let her good works be seen in
this, the day of her prosperity! But, were her Treasury
empty, better would it be to create a special tax, than the
solemn obligations of philanthrophy should be neglected.

The appeal of the Maryland Asylum for the Insane, is an
appeal not to the liberality, but to the philanthrophy of the
State, and your committee conclude by urging the largest pos-
sible appropriation to this work, &c.

After visiting the above described locality, the committee
proceeded to visit St. Timothy's Hall, and to inspect the arms
of the State loaned to the students of this valuable institution.