The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1854-09-19

A GENEROUS DEED.-Most of our readers
will remember the noble, sof-sacrifising labors
of Miss Dix, in endcavoring to allie yiate the
suffering condition of the unfortunate insane
throughout the country. Hor efforts justly
place her beside the Howards and tho WILDER
forces of an other day. She recently sailed
for Europe in the prosecution of humane mis-
sion. The generous decd which wo desire 10
record will be best expressed in the following
from the New York Commercial Advertiser:
"Tho public papers have already announced
tho departure from this port to Europe of Miss
Dix, the phlanthropic friend of the insane and
tho prisoner. Having been a spectator of a
very touching incident in connection with her
embarkation, venture to commuHicate it to
you, with conviction that it will interest both
you and your readers.
"I happened to be in tho oaico of the owner
of the American steam packets when Miss Dix
called to pay her passage. The clerk handed
her receipt but declined tho money, saying
that Mr. Collins had directed him to request
her acceptance of the passage. With much
emotion, Miss Dix acknowledged her obliga-
tions TO Mr.. Collins added that the sum thps
returned to her would ell able her to carry
into effect plan she had much at heart. This
found afterward, was to have her life ins1r
ed four thousand dollars, and to secure this
sum, under tho trusteeship Of the Governor oi
the State. to the Insane Asylum at Trenton
New Jersey. This she accomplished imme
diately on leaving the Office of Mr.. Collins
the price of her passage, returned By him, pay
ing the first years premium on the insurance
"On board the ship, Miss Dix learned thai
she had more for which to thank Mr.. Collins
He had ordered that no ono else should be pu
in her staie-Goom, thus presenting her IN fact
with two passages.
"He was on board when she arrived an'
shc approached TO tender her thanks but Ia
king hcr hands in his, with an emotion tho
did him honor. he said The nation, Madam
owes you debt of gratitude which it can new
er pay, and OF which |, as an individual, an
only TOO happy to be thus privileged TO mar
my seuse.
"sIiss Dix could reply only with tears. for, a
was evident TO all who saw her her nervou
system is completely prostrated. Could W.
expect it 10 be otherwise in view of her in
mense labors and her grievous disappointment
In sixteen States, this delicate woman has no
the satisfaction to see asylums for the insaa
established under her influence, aud still sh
leaves in tho United States twenty ono thou'
and insane persons, lodged in dungeons {
pens, not less lothsome or more comtortabl
than pig-sty--twcnty oae thousand whoi
she has herself seen, and whose mseries al
therefore fully known to her. 1t was in bcha
Of these TINT she petiticued Cangress.
"After years of earnest toll and patient WI
ting she saw her hopes for them on the eve
accomplishment. Tho picture of oomfortab
lodging and kind and judicious attendanc
restoring them once moro 20 the condition
men, rose before her She was ready to sa
MY work is done--Iord, now 'lottest The
Thy servant depart ia peace.
"The work of one man has struck down h
hopos--csn we wonder that with her hop,
her life has we'll nigh fallon"