Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-12-31
For the Standard.
rth-CaroIina Asylum for the Insane.


Nerth-Carolina Asylum for the Insane.
By the kind courtesy of DR.. Fisher, we were re-
Gently admitted to the interior of the N. G. Asylum
for the Insane. The number of Laticnts is estma-
ted to be- If We remember correctly, one hundred
and three or four We were permitted to pass
through only ward of the Institution. There
arc many of these unfortunate victims OF mental
imbecity whose peculiar conditions are of such
character, that it has been decided inudcious to
subject them to the gaze of strangers, as 1T has
hitherto proved injurious to them.
To know all the causes which have morally slain
these sufferers, would almost lead to the reflection
that man universally possesses no redeemlng VII
tues, that his instincts were ali of the deepest ana
toucst dye. How very little the world at large
knows CT can form any idea of the suffering, the
intense agony Of this vast army OF human beings
One who has recovered from the darkness OF this
mental night, and is now enjoying the freedom OF
uodsown marvellous sunlight, remarked to us-"of
all the phases of insanity, there is no condition SO
painful as when the individual is, himself, conscious
Of his own lost powers" Jeremy Taylor conJec-
lures that it may be painful to be born as to die,
and surely the transition from one mode OF exist
cnce to another can scarce be more painfully real
lied. The very contemplation of insanity! what
:. commentary on human weakness! Who can tell
tue amount of agony experienced BY many of these
unhappy ones before the totcrinS OF reason on her
throne. o! the inexpreSsible dread, the fearful
anguish they themselves see the dark cloud ap-
preaching and nearer til! it finally envelopes
tnein shutting from their vision the sweet light
of hope, which coming to all comes not to them.
Gods pity rest upon them, and in The end render to
them double for all the evil days of their pilgrimage
IN earth.
This Asylum is, we believe, in most respects, if
indeed not in all, admirably managed The DR.. has
doubtless done all in his power to alleviate The con-
illtiCn of the nvaliIS committed TO his care; and
the Matron, with whose pleasing appearance, and
gentle winning ways, We were daily Impressed, has,
we feel siire fulfilled the duties OF her responsible
office with kindness and fidelity. The good wife Of
the Superintendent, too contributes voluntarily her
share a sister of charity to the relief OF these
blighted ones Of earth; bat there is yet great
want which should be supplied. We refer to the
want Of The means of recreation for the bodies and
minds Of the convalescent. The greatest evil OF all
Lunatlc ASyunS is the monotony OF the patients
lives An,iing that will turn the attention of the
insane away from themselves and their haiincna-
tons, even for short time is much clear gain to
their comfort and is step their ultimate recovery.
The foundation OF a library has already, we are
gra,itied to observe been commenced by the con,ri
buttons OF few charitahly inclined LADIES' and gen-
teIlen. The annual income of the Institution is all
needed for its regular and unavoidable expenses.
The DR.. remarked that ''f wishes would procure
a melOdeon for the Chapel, they would soon have
one. Assistance should DC afforded him in the
Myiag ont and dscoratiag Of tie grounds Of the
Asylum. There is no place within our knowledge
in North Carolina where flowers and shrubs, ever
greens and trees of every description, are more IN
dustrloslsly and tasteiully cultivated and arranged
than in The city of Raleigh.
The Institution is youthful and we do not despair
that in some bright and more propitious future, the
liberal aid of the benevolent will be enlisted in its
behalf
Touching the age Of the building we were
amused at the remark Of one of the patients-an
elderly lady who had before appeared as
either of her vsitors-"rhiS is IA rery old house. in
deed ! 1t was built by Billy Polk, uhe late Colonel
Pak) of Raleigh, fifty years ago, and used as a
Court house," Looking appeallngly at US, and in
nocenily enquirng "Lsst this 50 - our companion,
IS if anxious to please by agreement, without the
commission of fasehood, hurrieiiy answcred-'Yes
man, No NAM" Size had been there three years,
and the night had evidently been long to her.
God helm his stricken ones ~