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The remedies for natural evils and impediments to the highest social enjoyment, arising from causes independent of moral agency, are frequently postponed, in the case and concerns of Government, for those of lesser moment. In connection with this sentiment, I submit the enquiry, whether the time has not arrived which calls for the united means of the people to aid in the relief or abatement of personal suffering, caused by the loss or defect of the natural senses, or by mental derangement.

Provision has already been made by former Legislatures to ameliorate the condition of the Deaf and Dumb. And I now submit to your consideration the enquiry, whether the more numerous cases of Lunacy, are not equally entitled to your sympathies and favourable regard. The safety of the people, and of our towns and villages, in very many instances requires the confinement of the individual, and humanity loudly calls for such appropriate means of relieving and restoring to enjoyment and usefulness, those unfortunate beings who are bereaved of reason, which means, are now not only beyond the reach of the poor and friendless, but cannot be commanded by the ordinary ability of our citizens or towns, on whom the duty of providing for their support may fall.

The common Prisons now assigned by law as the places of restraining the furious lunatic, are poorly adapted to the purpose, and afford no proper means for that restoration or relief, which the improved skill of the facility of medicine, has taught us to consider as efficacious or highly beneficial in numerous cases of this disorder.