The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-05-01
N. G. INSANE ASYLUM.

On recent visit to the eastern portion OF the
State spent day in Raleigh, and visited the
Insane Asylum. This noble superstructure crowns
the summit Of Dix Hill, about mile and half
from the Capitol grounds. and stands at once an
honor to the State and lasting monument to the
philanthropy of the nobel hearted Miss Dix, whose
n.y. For the information of those of our readers
who have never visited the Institution we will give
hurried description of its interior
We were politely shown, by the Superintendent,
DR.. Fisher, through the whole building, and were
forcbly struck with the remarkable cleanliness
which met US at every turn throughout the entire
Institution. This, together with the freedom from
all offensive odors, speaks we'll for the management
which prevails in the building The different
wards are we'll ventilated; and the broad asles af
ford ample room for the inmates to walk and take
necessary exercise in; furnished also with seats,
and tables here and there covered with newspapers,
draft boards, etc., for the diversion of those whose
partial insanity or convaescence require easy men-
tai exercise. These broad aisles extend the entire
length of each wing-frst, second and third floors
with apartments for the inmates arranged on
each side, properly furnished The main or centre
portion Of the building is occupied by the Super
intendent and family, and divides equally the two
great wings, which occupied, respectively, the
western by the males and the eastern by the fe-
males. The inmates are classified according to
their several conditions, and occupy different wards,
so that those who advancing in restoration to
health may not be disturbed by the rawlings of
those who are more radically insane. These wards
are separated by the dining rooms which are loca-
ted in the central portion of each wing. These
rooms are welarranged, and kept in nice and per-
feet order: the food being supplied to each by
means of du,ao- waiter, ascending by pulleys and
weights from below directly into each dining
The chapel is neat room, with pews capable
we suppose of seating one hundred and fifty per-
sons comfortably. Here the improved class of in
mates are occasionally assembled to hear preach
ing One of their number has heretofore occupied
the post of clerk, or tune-raiser; but having
recent occasion raised a tune which he manufac-
tured as he proceeded, and which one but him.
self could sing, he deposed from Office.
The kitchen is as rice and clean as dining
room-the furnaces, boilers, bakers, and steamers,
executing their work decently and in order. 1t
was near the dining hour when we reached this
department, and the wellcooked appearance Of the
fowls and other meats and the pleasant odor arising
from soups, baked bread, ETC., and especially the
cleanliness of the room only served to sharpen our
appetite
DIR. Fishers plan for watering the building is
both simple and sure. In the fourth story there
are two large tanks, into which the water is pumped
by an engine placed at some distance from the
building. From these tanks pipes proceed to eve
nv part Of the Institution with fresh water.
large tank is also placed below through which a
steampipe passes, and the warm water is forced up
by an engine into every ward. These pipes, carry
ing cold and warm water ramify the entire edifce,
and furnish water for every purpose except drink
ing.
The feelings Of one who passes through the diff
ferent wards and looks upon the poor unfortunate
creatures, some of whom look pitful in the ex-
IRENE, cannot be described. Dr. Fisher takes
them by the hand, and the smiles which light up
their faces tells plainly of the soothing influence
of his kind words.
We have no doubt but there are those in our
State now who have been so unfortunate as to lose
their reason, and whose over-anxious friends de-
tain them at home from doubts of their safety in
this Institution. To such friends we would say,
that in our opinion, they are taking the response
biity of neglecting and refusing the best and most
approved means of restoring the insane to sound
ness