Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-05-03

n. C. LuNAnc AsYLuN.-While in Raleigh we Wis
tied the Asylum erected by the State for the recep
ton of insane persons. The building is situated
about mile south west of Raleigh what is called
"Dix Hill" so named in honor of Miss Dix who
made a tour through the southern States some few
years ago for the purpose of inducing the Legsla-
lures of those States to have the necessary buildings
constructed for the accommodation of that unfortunate
portion of humanity who are afflicted with the loss
of mind.
The Asylum is by far the largest building in the
State, being 750 feet long and about 60 Is feet
wide-three stories high, with basement There
are two wings extending from the centre building,
one for males, and the other for females tcontains
352 rooms for patients besides those occupied by the
Superintendent and his assistants On the first
floor, persons who are much deranged and rather
unmanageable, are placed. On each side of ten
foot passage the cells situated the doors opening
on the passage and left open during day Time in
der that the inmates may walk and converse together
when SO disposed An attendant stays among them
and regulates their conduct as much possible by
coaxng and kind treatment. Sometimes the patients
converse together in rational manner and laugh and
enjoy themselves very much indeed at other times
they are melancholy and sullen, and not disposed to
notice anything. Some are not troubled with a
zy spell for month, or perhaps six months
allowed to take recreation outside of the bulding
or even visit their acquaintances in Raleigh if they
have any, always being attended by an officer of the
institution.
The rooms on the second and third floors are not
yet completed, but will be in a short time. These
rooms are designed for the accommodation of per-
sons not much deranged and who not hard to
manage.
Every room in the building is warmed by steam,
no fire being used among the patients. Water is
conducted through the building by cast iron pipes,
either in cold warm state as may be necessary
The building is lighted by gas and the cells well
ventilated and as pleasant as could be made.
There are now twenty patients in the nstitu-
ton-l2 males and IL females, and there is provi-
sion at present for about 20 or 25 more. Insane
persons in this State, in the Jais out ought to
be Immediately sent to the Asylum by their friends,
and if they have friends the officers in the coun-
ty where they reside should take the matter in hand
and have them to enjoy the benefit of this Institution
at the expense of the county. The for keeping
patient is from $12 to SIS per month.
From what we saw during our short visit, we know
the institution will be benefit more or less to per-
sons laboring under mental arrangement The man
ner in which they are treated is conducive to com.
fort, health and restoration to soundness of mind
We did not see DR.. Fisher, the chief Superinten-
dent and Physician of the Institution but were
Quoted through the premises by the gentlemanly and
afable Clerk, r. K. Terrell, Esq, who is courteous
and polite to visitors well as kind and attentive
to the patients. Fay. Car.