Establishments for inebriates, on a small scale, have existed in this country for many years; and there are at present several excellent ones, for the middle and upper classes, in various parts of the country, particularly in the counties of Argyle, Ross, Inverness, Forfar, and Perth; besides, several medical men, clergymen, and farmers throughout Scotland receive one or two boarders of this class. Into these places, however, only a very few individuals go quite voluntarily; in fact, it is generally under more or less constraint. Straitened circumstances, bodily suffering, the tears and entreaties of rela tions, threatenings of being cast off altogether, and such-like influences, may succeed perhaps in one out of ten or twelve instances; but abstinence from drink, judicious medical treatment, good diet, pure air, exercise, occupation, and amusement, so improve the physical condition, that ere-long, and before deeper and more radical changes can be effected, or the tone of the moral feelings restored, they become restless, and demand liberty as a right, which they know well cannot be disputed. Out in a few weeks or months, therefore, fully three fourths of those admitted go, or are taken by injudicious or timid friends, and the result may easily be imagined. Years rather than months of control, and gradual trials of liberty on probation, are necessary to effect a permanent cure in any considerable proportion of the more confirmed cases of this malady. Tak ing into consideration, therefore, these uncertainties, there is evidently not much induce ment for parties to invest money in the establishment of a desirable and trustworthy institution. For a good building, in a pleasant and salubrious situation, with some ground attached, must be secured; the furnishings must be comfortable, the cooking good, and considerable opportunities must be provided for within-door and out-door occupation, amusement, and cheeriness. In fact, all the arrangements must be made so as to provide such new and relishable enjoyments as will counteract or take the place of the cravings for alcoholic stimuli, and prevent, as much as possible, discontentment with the situation in which they are plated. Admission to such private boarding houses is generally at the rate of £100 per annum. The chief stipulations made on entrance are, that no pocket-money be allowed; that no stimulants are to be given, unless under medical direction; and that intimation be made at all hotels, taverns, or spirit-shops in the locality, that no debts will be paid for drink furnished to the board ers. The only public institution in Great Britain for the treatment of inebriates is the Queensberry lodge, Edinburgh, in connection with the house of refuge. It is a hand some building, erected some years ago, and comfortably furnished so as to accommo date 27 female boarders of the better classes, at the rates of from £40 to £100 per annum. Already a considerable number have been admitted; and in several instances apparently with excellent results, notwithstanding the difficulty experienced in the most of cases in detaining boarders a sufficient time.
In several cities of the United States of America, and as far back as 20 years, some what similar institutions are in active operation, some of them amply endowed, others partly supported from public funds, although into all the admissions are mostly volun tary. Of these there are now upwards of 12 homes or retreats; and the Boston " Washing tonian home," is pointed to as a model institution. But the institution about which we have heard most is the New York state inebriate asylum, at Binghamton. It is a massive and costly structure, sufficient to accommodate about 200 individuals, amply state endowed and possessing every arrangement and appliance for the treatment of the unfortunate class requiring its aid. Here an average of 40 per cent of the cases admitted
are said to have been cured. It is evident, however, from the number of boarders reported as annually undergoing treatment in these various American retreats, that they receive all sorts of drunkards; and we fear that the good accomplished must. in a large proportion of instances, be only partial and temporary. Thus, in the Washingtonian home, which—according to one of its reports—has accommodated an average of about 18 persons daily, and is said to have had from 250 to 300 cases annually under treatment, the necessarily brief average residence of each holds out little hope that much lasting benefit can have resulted in cases at least of such confirmed inebriates as we have described under the name of dipsomaniacs, and for whom legislation is desirable. It is supposed, however, in America, that these state-supported institutions have been econo mical by keeping inebriates out of the alms-houses, etc., and in restoring about one third of bread-winners to honorable citizenship, and thus preventing them and their families from falling as a burden on the state. In 1870, an "association for the cure of inebriates" was formed, composed of physicians,superintendents, and friends of inebriate asylums, which has ever since been most active in its operations, and done much by meetings, publications of transactions, and otherwise, to help forward the philanthropic movement, and in every particular on the lines of this paper.
The Americans are in advance of us in legislation regarding the care of the person and property of inebriates; for to the magistrate, or rather judge, is committed the care and custody of all insane persons, and of all persons who are wasteful and incapable of conducting their own affairs, in consequence of habitual drunkenness; and lie is empow ered to provide out of their estates for their safe keeping and maintenance, and for the maintenance of their families and the education of their children. Iknee, it might be inferred that legal power might enforce the care and treatment of insane drinkers in ;lunatic asylums, or in reformatory asylums, such as those at Binghamton or Boston. Yet such powers are not often called into effect, sloubtless front the knowledge that such exists, and that the best course is to submit voluntarily and prevent further proceedings.
Freedom of legislation is more natural in a new country, 'where antiquated prece dents and prejudices do not drag the wheels of reform, and where common-sense views of social interests prevail. Accordingly, in southern Australia a great step was taken in the right direction, chiefly through the exertions of Dr. M'Arthy, of Melbourne, who had considered with lively interest the discussions which took place in this country regarding the treatment of dipsomaniacs, after the publication of papers on D. by Dr. Peddle in 1858 and 1860, and a lecture by sir Robert Christison in 1861. In 1867, after a full ventilation of the question, the government carried a measure placing inveterate inebriates in the same category with insane persons, and providing for them in connection with a lunacy amendment act. But this was soon found to be a mistake, and accordingly in 1372 " an act" was passed " to provide for the treatment and cure of inebriates." The government did nothing in the way of grants towards this object; but the Melbourne retreat, founded for upper-class boarders, notwithstanding financial diffi culties at first, is now doing good work.