bill -+o provide^
Library
OF THE
University of NortK Carolina
THE LIN nCAV DATTCD.Onv
C
FOR USE ONLY IN
Given as a
THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION
Form No. A -368
OF
fm
On the Bill to provide for the establishment of
a State Hospital for the Insane in North
Carolina; delivered in the House of Com-
mons, December 21sf., 1848.
Mr. R. said, that in contributing his humble aid to-
wards the accomplishment of the purpose proposed by the
Bill before the House, he could truly say he never per-
formed a more agreeable duty, as a public man. It ac-
corded with his views of duty as a representative, his
ense of State pride as a North Carolinian, and his feel-
ngs of humanity as a man. The object of government,
(said Mr. R.) is to take care of all. And the JF^presen-
Lative of a confiding and generous people can perform
no more welcome task, than that of providing for a miti-
gation of one of the most awful calamities visited upon
our race. "Tis true, those bereft of reason are discon-
nected with the political influences which make and un-
make public men ; they have no agency in sending us
here, in elevating us to still higher places, or in visiting
/'.
p*«f»1
eenfetire upon u=> for what may be our [misdeeds. But
whilst this consideration does not release us from the
obligations of duty, what a noble opportunity does it at
the same time afford us, for the exercise of disinterested
good. To our pride as North Carolinians, this measure
appeals in the most forcible and patriotic language.
North Carolina is the last of the old thirteen, with the
exception of Delaware, that has not made provision for
the indigent insane. Shall we allow this reproach of in-
sensibility to human suffering longer to rest upon our
name ? So far from shunning the responsibility of this
measure, we ought rather to rejoice at the opportunity
it affords us, of vindicating the generosity of our people,
nnd elevating the character of our State. To our feel-
ings of humanity as men, the appeal is irresistible. And
it is indeed a consoling reflection, that amid the din and
confusion of political strife, we may here for a while at
least, find a resting place, and engage in a work calcu-
lated to still all the angry passions of our nature ; we
may for a time, pause in our partizan struggles and vie
with each other in doing the work of good.
In this age of discovery and improvement, with the
recorded experience of so many countries, and such a
length of time, it would be labor lost, to attempt to prove,
that these institutions for the especial benefit of the in-
sane, with buildings and fixtures erected with a peculiar
view to the purpose contemplated, and under the control
and management of those exclusively devoted to such
duties, are better calculated to restore those who are not
incurable, and to administer to the comfort of those who
are, then any other system ever yet devised. The great
utility and incomparable blessings of these institutions
are not to be established by any process of logical deduc-
tion. They do not rest on any learned and plausibio
theories of the physiologist and the physician ; nor on the
fanciful and ingenious speculations of the phrenologist and
metaphysician. They are confirmed by the facts of in-
ductive experience, by the record? of statistical data care*
fully preserved ; a knowledge ol' which places the matter
beyond controversy.
These statistical data prove conclusively, that iii most
cases, insanity proceeds from physical disease, acting
through neglect or improper treatment upon the natural
functions of the brain. How apparent then, must it be
to every one, who has witnessed much of the sufferings,
and difficulty of treatment of mere physical disease, that
this malady of the mind, depending in a great degree on
physical derangement, requires a degree of care, of
knowledge, of unremitting attention, of peculiar capa-
city on the part of those entrusted with its relief, that
the ordinary physician has neither the time, the ability,
nor the adaptation of character to apply to it. It re-
quires a peculiar endowment oi' moral as well as intellec-
tual faculties, to " minister to a mind diseased." This
kind of talent is rare ; but thanks to a kind Providence,
such is the expansive and prolific nature of the human
mind, that the supply has thus far kept pace with the
demand, which the benevolence of government has crea-
ted. This remarkable kind of talent however, flourishes,
and finds a theatre for its exercise, not in the crowded
thorough-fares of commerce, not in the turmoil and agi-
tation of worldly employment, not in gay saloons of fash-
ion ; but in the quiet and partially isolated retirement
of nature. Unpretending, benevolent, and gentle in its
character, it shrinks from rude contact with the noisy
world. Hence it is, that these institutions for the relief
of the insane, must assume a regulation somewhat pater-
nal and domestic in its character. Genial air, cheerful
prospects, and healthful exercises, are indispensable to
their successful operation. In a country of such prac-
tical habits, and of such sparse population as ours, such
requirements as these I have mentioned, are even for the
affluent, beyond the reach of private enterprise ; and as
for the indigent, charity feels that its duty is performed
in merely " feeding the hungry and clothing the poor."
It requires the sanction of government to provide perma-
^>
neutjv for the wants ol those who appeal to us only
tarough their maniac cries ; and who usually excite our
horrors as much or more, than they do our sympathies.
Government owes it not only to the destitute maniac, to
provide i or his sufferings, but it owes it to the more for-
tunate, t > protect (hem. from the horrifying spectacle of
an aberration of intellect in their follow beings. And in
accomplishing so benificent a purpose, for both the sane
and the insane, can it, ought it to hesitate, in imposing
the paltry burthens upon those more highly favoured by
the God of nature, necessary for their own, as well as for
the good of their stricken brethren 1
The system now generally pursued for the treatment
of the insane, in nearly all the States of this Union, as
well as in all civilized countries, belongs to the discove-
ry of modern science and to the progress of modern im-
provement. Until within the period of the existence of
our own government, young as it is, the old plan of the
dark ages — which grew out of the idea, that those bereft
of reason were the victims of God's especial displeasure,
and therefore had no claims on man's sympathy — of
treating the insane as outcasts, was the only one known.
The dark and noisome cell, the chain and the hand cuff,
the bar and the bolt, lash and the torture, the scanty
meal and the time-worn vesture, were, for ages, the por-
tion of these victims of misfortune. This cruel system,
and the false idea upon which it rested, are now, and it
is hoped, forever rejected, as unwise, unfeeling, unchris-
tian. JNew light upon this, as upon nearly every other
branch ot knowledge, has dawned upon the world. The
discovery of the philanthropic Pinel, during the excesses
of the French Revolution, whose horrors were so natu-
rally productive of insanity — that "kindness and firm-
ness" were the great agents in relieving and alleviating
the miseries of derangement — first gave the impetus to
that benevolent system, which has dried up so main-
tears, healed so many wounded hearts, and soothed ho
many pangs of suffering. With rapid slfid^Si, this ha-
mane and wis« system has marched ®ver the Christian
world. France, unrivaled as she ever is in science; Eng-
land, foremost as she always is in deeds of greatness and
glory, and the States of this Union, the wonder and ad-
miration of the world, as they are, in adventure, enter*
prise, and improvement, have reared this benevolent
structure upon sure foundations, and in cementing it
with the tears of sympathy, have provided tor the wants
and sufferings of millions yet unborn.
Experience, that teaeher whose precepts carry proof,
and frequently conviction, in their very utterance, has
established beyond controversy, the fact, that brute force,
physical restraint, and personal severity, instead of re-
lieving, only tend to aggravate the tortures of the mani-
ac. The mind of man, whether sane or insane, whether
aspiring in its loftiest flight to the sublime and the infin«
ite, or whether clouded in its vision by the dark curtain
of despair, can not be chained and tethered by human
force. It came from God, and nothing short of the fiat
of heaven can chain it down to earth. Deprive it, in its
dark state of gloom, of those genial influences which na-
ture alone, aided by those heavenly qualities of gentleness
and sympathy, can administer ; and in the paroxisms of
its own phrenzied energy, it shrinks back within itself,
and literally devours its own existence. On the other
hand, a proper regard to physical and mental culture at
the same time, if applied in season, rarely fails of afford,
ing relief. Change of scene and association, genial food,
personal comfort, balmy air, and cheerful views, tend to
divert the mind from its painful contemplations, and at
the same time to invigorate the physical system ; whilst
"kindness and firmness" those great agents in governing
and directing the human mind in all phases of its condi-
tion, serve to guide and control it, in its struggles to
throw off the shackles of darkness. Confine the poor
maniac with felons and criminals ; instead of hearing
the accents of kindness, let him hear only the clanking
of his chains; instead of his vision being greeted with
^>
t'lie appliances of a cheerful chamber and a comfortable
conch, let him see nothing but the walls and grates of
his dungeon, 'and his bed of straw ; instead of witness*
ing the. impulses of feeling hearts, let him discover that
he is cut oil' from all sympathy of his race, (for strange
as it may seem, his perceptions are rather quickened than
destroyed by his malady,) and instead of subduing the
wild passions of his distempered mind, you only stamp
it with a conviction of his degradation, and he sinks
i\ewn in hopeless and incurable despair. These indis-
pensable means to which I have alluded, cannot be se-
cured in the busy and anxious theatre of industry and
agitation, in which the world is engaged. The domestic
hearth, with all its sympathies and kindness, cannot
command them. Then you must resort to comparative-
ly isolated locations ; you must obtain the services of
those who devote their lives exclusively to this noble and
praise worthy vocation , you must congregate, those un-
fortunate victims, where time, opportunity, knowledge,
and experience can all be commanded in ministering to
their wants.
Whilst the balance of the christian world is moving on
in these noble enterprises, shall North Carolina, our
native land, where repose the ashes of our fathers, and
where the destiny of our children is cast — shall North
Carolina stand still, with folded arms and slumbering
ryelids? Shall our people longer bear the reproach of in-
sensibility to human wo ; or of niggardliness, in refusing
to grant a pittance of that bounty with which.kind Hea-
ven has blessed us, for the purpose of lifting that dar!;
curtain which shuts out the light of reason from the minds
of so many of our fellow beings ? Shall we, as the cho-
sen guardians of the rights and interests of a confiding
people, repose so little trust in their generosity, their hu-
manity, their justice, as to fail to do that, which appeals
to us not only in the language of sympathy, but in the
stern demands of duty ? Head that Memorial now lyin~
on vour desks, to which is affixed the nnmn of one - who is
»MJM5 l». I- T 1 1 \- .
devoting her lite- to doing good; who comes among us as
the friend of the unfortunate, the poor and the needy ;
who is an ornament, not only to her sex, but to human
nature itself; whose meekness and gentleness of charac-
ter, and whose labors, fatigues and exposure in behalf of
suffering humanity, appeal to us, by all the ennobling
considerations of chivalry and devotion to her sex. Read
that memorial, the unbribed and disinterested tribute
which a feeling heart pays to misfortune's claims, and
you will there see our duty inscribed in language which
it requires a heart of adamant to disregard. You there
see that there are hundreds within the borders of our
State, who are immured in noxious cells, inhaling the "va-
pors of dungeons," confined with felons, and dragging
out a miserable existence on beds of straw — and for no
other crime, than that of being the victims of an afflict-
ing dispensation from Heaven. And must this continue
to bo ? 'T is true, these victims of calamity cannot ap-
peal to our judgments in the language of reason ; but
they appeal to our hearts in the tones of lamentation and
wo. If we fail to perform our duty, the shriek of every
maniac in our borders will hereafter sound the note of
reproach upon our names. Their dismal cries and awful
groans will haunt us in our slumbers, and their ghastly vis-
ages will freeze our hearts with terror, even to our dying
day. Whilst to our shame, we must admit, that North
Carolina is behind most of her sisters in the great phys-
ical improvements and enterprises of the age ; yet it has
ever been our boast, that in all the attributes of the private
and social virtues, we acknowledge no superior. Let us
now prove that this is no vain and idle vaunting. Whilst
other States may excel us in enterprize, in wealth and in
public spirit, yet let us recollect, in the language of a la-
mented son, it has long been our pride, that there are
none,
Whose doors open faster,
At the knock of distress, or the tale of disaster."
Although we may not boast of our populous Cities and
2
Commercial Marts ; although we may not have as many
proud Seminaries of learning ; although we may not cov-
er our surface with a net- work of Rail Roads and Canals ;
yet let us prove that we have hearts to leel for misfortune,
and that we know how to provide for the private wants
and personal comforts of our people, if we are somewhat
regardless of their public pride and prosperity.
I am aware that this bill may be objected to on ac-
count of what may seem to be the magnitude of the sum
proposed to be appropriated. The amount is not large,
compared with the purposes contemplated, and the ben-
efits to be realized. It cannot be less, if the Institution
is to answer the ends designed. If we are to provide for
the insane at all, we must make provision for the whole
of them. From the best information that can be obtain-
ed, there will probably be not less than 250 patients in
the State. And the same information authorises the con-
clusion, that a building necessary for the comfortable
provision of that number cannot be built for much less
than $100,000. I learn that about ten years since, the
State of Tennessee — that noble daughter of the Old North
State, who here presents to her mother such a glorious
example — erected an institution for the insane at a cost
of about 25 or 30 thousand dollars. It was found to be
utterly unfit for the purposes intended — and one year
since, the Legislature of that State concluded to abandon
it as an outlay of so much money lost, and made an ap-
propriation of {$100,000 for the erection of a new one.
Let us take warning by this example. If we attempt to
provide for the insane at all, let us do it in a style com-
mensurate with our pride, our character and our ability ;
above all, commensurate with the wants of our people.
Gentlemen should recollect that a building of this sort is
not like a private dwelling. Space, air, prospect, pecu-
liar arrangement are indispensable. Let us then, instead
of wasting $30,000 or 050,000 to no purpose, expend
what is requisite ; and there it is for generations, com«
plete in all its parts, the memorial of our generosity, the
pride of the State, the asylum of the unfortunate.
II
So for from this Institution being objectionable on ac-
count of the burthen it will impose on the people, it is
strougly recommended on the score of economy. Have
gentlemen ever turned their attention to the sums annu-
ally expended in some of the counties of the State, for
keeping in confinement the indigent insane, and in oth-
ers, by way of allowance to their destitute parents and
friends, who take care of them? This charge belongs to
County expense, and comes out of the County tax ; but
still, the people have to pay it. And I doubt very much,
whether the tax proposed by this bill, which can contin-
ue but a few years, even if it were perpetual, would bear
more heavily on the people than the charge already ex-
isting, on account of the indigent insane. This expense
is now incurred in keeping them in prison, beyond the
reach of relief ; we propose to convert it into the means
of ministering to their comfort, and restoring them to
reason. As an example of this false notion of economy,
I learn there is a maniac in the prison of Stokes County,
the keeping of whom for several years has cost the Coun-
ty some $1600 or §1700 : and this poor unfortunate be-
ing is, no doubt, in a worse condition now, than when he
first entered the door of his prison — perhaps beyond the
reach of restoration forever. How much better, wiser,
and more humane is it, to convert this annual charge up-
on the respective counties, now expended in aggravating
the sufferings of the afflicted, into a means of ministering
to their comfort and aiding in their relief. Let gentle-
men recollect, that it is the taxes for County purposes,,
that are felt most grievously by the people. As a mere
question of economy, then, we may well conclude, that
such an institution will lessen the burthen now imposed
for the relief of the poor, to as great or even a greater
extent than will be necessary for its establishment and
successful operation. In considering the item of expense,
we should also recollect, that the more comfortable and
commodious this institution may be, the better may we
expect it to support itself. Whilst we provide for taking'
care of the poor, the wealthy who may seeek an asylum
12
beneath its shelter, are expected to pay for the benefits
received. If then, you make°a meagre appropriation for
the erection of a building that will barely answer for the
wants of the destitute, we cannot expect those who are
wealthy or in even comfortable circumstances, to place
their friends there. They will resort to other States for
that comfort and relief they cannot find at home. By
examining the reports from these institutions in other
States, we find that many of them not only go a great
way towards paying their own expenses, but in some
few instances they have actually yielded a nett income
besides. Let us not then, by a false economy, throw a-
way what we do appropriate. Let us not, for the sake
of saving a few thousands now, run the risk of a failure
in the purpose contemplated. Let us erect such an in-
stitution as will answer the wants of all our insane, both
the rich and the poor ; that the former may be induced to
seek that relief from it. which will enable us, in a great
measure, to take care of the latter.
As to the method proposed in the bill before us, of
raising the money necessary for the erection of this insti-
tution, by a slight increase of the tax on real estate and on
polls, I think it eminently proper, and by far the most
sure and practicable. 'Tis true, it falls upon all classes
and interests in society. And it is right that it should —
not only because it is intended for the benefit of all classes
but because every one should be allowed to contribute ia
proportion to his ability, to what will belong to all. It is
right that the poor man as well as the rich should feel
that having aided in its establishment, he and his chil-
dren have a vested interest in its benefits. It is for no
temporary purpose, it is for no sectional advantages. It
is for posterity. It is right then, that the land which is
immovable, that the permanent wealth and capital of the
country, should bear the charge. Again, the method pro-
posed is certain and^definite. Make a charge upon the
treasury generally, and I fear, that after providing for
«ur liabilities, which must be paid, nothing will be left
for the purposes of charity. This methodof raising the
money is recommended by another consideration. The
people will submit to it without murmur or complaint.
It is not like imposing a tax for any sectional improve-
ment, the benefits of which may be local, and against
which the feelings and prejudices of other sections may
be aroused. It is for no purpose of doubtful utility. It
appeals to all the nobler and better feelings of our na-
ture, and every generous heart in the State must ac-
knowledge its importance. The demagogue who prates
so much about the rights of the poor, will be disarmed,
and hissed from the stump, when he attempts to excite
against us the prejudices of the poor, by crying out, tax-
es! taxes ! It is mainly for the wants of the poor, that
we now propose to provide. I would not, if I could, de-
prive the poor man of the privilege of aiding in the erec-
tion of this institution. The poor man will scarcely feel
the addition of the slight tax proposed. Small as may
be the pittance paid by the poor man, yet it is his right
to contribute it, and it would be a hardship to deprive
him of it. Like the mite that constituted the offering of
the poor widow in the Scripture, it will be hallowed by
the feelings and motives that actuated the giver.
I am aware it may be said,'there is no pressing neces«
gity for our founding an institution for the insane in this
State ; inasmuch as the number of such institutions in
other States affords every facility and convenience for
the relief of the afflicted among us. The mere statement
of this objection carries its own refutation with it. In the
first place, our State pride should revolt at this
idea of dependence upon the liberality and benevolence
of our sister States. How can we reconcile ourselves to
the thought, of relying upon the labors of others, for those
blessings which are equally within our reach, as the re-
ward of a discharge of public duty? How can we ab-
solve ourselves from the obligations of this duty, by
availing ourselves of the means afforded by those who
have performed theirs, instead of their reasoning on the
false premises thus advanced ? Jn the second place, this
ft.
reliance on the institutions of other States, provides for
the rich only, who can afford to bear the expense ; whilst
it leaves the poor and needy to suffer. And it is raainly
for the poor and the destitute that we are called on to
provide. 'Tis true, they have nothing to give in return
but the tribute of grateful hearts; a) id what higher re-
ward ought a benificent government to desire. The
duty of government to provide for the physical wants of
the poor, is recognised and observed by all Christian
Countries ; and in our own State, the law makes provis-
ion for that. If it is the duty of the Legislature to pro-
vide for the corporal wants of the posr, how much
greater the obligation to provide for their mental suffer-
ing. For, what are hunger, nakedness and want com-
pared with the loss of reason ? What are all the tortures
of the quivering flesh, compared with those of the brain ;
through which are " whirling the thousand shapes of
fury"?
" For pleasures, hopes, affection gone,
The wretch may bear, and yet live on ;
But there's a blank repose in this,
A calm stagnation, that were bliss
To the keen, burning, harrowing pain,
Thats' felt throughout the breast and brain."
In the third place, this dependance on the institutions
of other States, considered as a question of political econ-
om3 r , is decidedly objectionable. It carries the money,
and that to no inconsiderable extent, from our borders ;
not to come back to us through the regular channels of
commercial exchange, but keeping up in proportion to its
expenditure, a constant drain upon our circulating medi-
um, the current of which has no reflux. In the fourth
place, a reliance upon distant institutions prevents that
resort to early remedial treatment, which experience has
fully established to be so absolutely necessary to the re-
storation of the insane. Distance, expense, exposure
both to the accidents of travel and to the public eye, de-
ter the friends of the unfortunate from an early resort to
distant asylums, until delay frequently places the suffer-
15
er beyond the reach of cure. How necessary then, to
have the means of relief near at hand, to have an asylum
of our own, inviting the wretched to its hospitable shel-
ter ; a structure built at the public charge, in which eve-
ry freeman in the land may feel he has an interest.
Under these considerations, Mr. Speaker, can we doubt
as to our duty? And if we know that duty, shall we
fail to perform it ? Shall we hesitate to impose the slight
tax proposed, lest heartless demagogues may cry out
against taxation, and attempt to inflame the public mind ?
Sir, the people will sustain us. Our constituents have
hearts — hearts of sympathy and of feeling, and to them
will we appeal. We shall receive their gratitude, in-
stead of their censure. Think of how many minds now
shrouded in darkness, we may be the means of restoring
to the light of knowledge and of christian hope. Think
of the many whose awful ravings of despair, we may con-
vert into grateful invocations of blessings on our heads,
Think of how many anxious and watchful mothers' and
sisters' cheeks , that are now suffused with the tears of
sorrow, we may cheer and enliven with the smiles of joy.
Think of how many a fond father's heart now sunk in de.
spondency, at the contemplation of the suffering of an
afflicted son or daughter, will leap with joy at the suc-
cessful issue of our labors. Although the thanks and the
prayers of their grateful hearts may never reach our ears,
yet like holy incense they will ascend to Heaven, calling
down the favors of Almighty goodness on our efforts.
Who knows but in future time, some son or daughter, or
more remote descendant of one of ourselves, may be over-
taken with misfortune, may pine in penury and want,
may be turned with a rude hand from the door of plenty,
may be exposed to the peltings of the storm, may suffer
the gnawing pangs of hunger, may feel the horrors of
ignominy and shame — till the brain reels under the
shock, and the mind becomes eclipsed with maniac dark-
ness. Yes sir, who of us knows, but that hereafter some
child of misery, in whose veins shall flow the same blood
that now pulsates in our hearts, may be incarcerated in
the felon's dungeon, wear the chafing fetters of confine-
ment, and vent their unheeded and maniac cries to prison
walls ? In the dispensation of Providence this may
take place. Then we are appealed to not only by every
consideration of patriotic pride, of representative duty,
and of an expanded benevolence and christian philan-
thropy—but we are appealed to by what may be wt»nts
and sufferings of our own flesh and blood, to act, and to act
promptly. Let us lay the foundation of an institution, to
which our posterity can point with pride, whenever they
mention our names. Let us rear a structure beneath
whose dome, heaven born charity shall set up her altar,
and benevolence erect her shrine — within whose walls,
the unfortunate of posterity shall find a refuge and a
home, when we shall be no more. We shall thus ereet
to our memories a monument more imperishable than
one of brass; and we shall inscribe on grateful hearts,
in letters of enduring affection, the name of her,* from
whose efforts are issuing streams of goodness, that are
beginning; to overflow for the benefit of mankind.
*This noble «nd praise-worthy woman, (Miss D. L. Dix, of
New York) has long been devoting her life and fortune to the
relief of suffering humanity, especially of the indigent insane.
She has, by her unremitting exertions and personal appeals,
succeeded in inducing the Legislatuies of many of the States
to make provision for the insane ; and is now urging upon
Congress to appropriate five millions of acres of the public
lands to this humane purpose. May her efforts be crowned
with success.