Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-11-11
TO THE EDITOR OF TIE ETQ UIRER.
Lnstifuiinns III .oi0untln-IN No. III

In pursuance Of an intimailon heretofore made,
proceed 10 say that when two Institutions sucl
those al Stanton, placed in the vicinity o eaci
other there danger of popular favor concentrating
On one of thf to the prejudice of the other Human
nature tends this way. We prone 10 take sides
wherever there two sides. But, as popular tavo
is tickle, uncertain thirE, ond eliciied oten IRON
causes that are transient, or hcons, u is mol the Pre-
per index OF comparative merit, and the consequences
in particular may be uncropltious. Legislation
under system of free Government receives ITS
compile zion from popular sentiment and unless this bs
enlightened and founded upon correct impressions, lie
gslaon itself may check the prosperity OF institution
that have been warmed into being by its own benevo
lence
do not mean to find fault, Internationally, will
the location of these two institutions. The wisdom
the State has decided that question, and probably un
der all the views, present and prospective IS osst II
regard to of them have doubt such IS the case
! What mean TO say is, that i, is more difficult to con
duct along the path Of equal prosperity and usefulness
these two great institutions in such immediate 1u1a
position, than otherwise would be, and that the DIN
Guilty is increased from selecting village, instead OF
populous city, for their common location, even II vici
| nifty were desirable.
II hus been in my opinion, mistaken policy, on The
part ofVrgna, that in comforting Offices uron her CT
tizens, she has often aud greatly taxed their Time
and abilities, without compensation. Inc duties OF
public functlonary always responsble-those OF
Director OF our hospitals and nsyiutns from Their nu
ufnrous, ana unpleasant y
onprous. And when double burden IS imposed upon
the same individuals, as arr informed IS The case IN
regard to the institutions at Staunon, the case is one
which loudly calls for remedy. True, the gentlemer
who sustain these double Offices, may be hlgh-minopa
and honorable, and willing 10 make sacrhces 10 M
mainly, yet the accumulation OF care perpe1ng ano
disracting and the policy Interference TO the wen dong
of the institution extremely questionable
II necessy compelled resort 10 common ooaro
or partly so-f the paucity Of materials Tor directory
be such as TO require such resorts then, the nnatio
lust given in reference 10 city location, has It's weight
When il is remembered too that IN one OF these lns.
tutions there two departments, one Tor Deai nues
and another for the Blind, which involve The ouue'
and abors almost Of two Boards OF Directors, theh Inc
error ard injustice and mpolcy oil imposing SO many
duties, and distinct, upon The same oihcefs'
of double are cxhibi,ed in ihreefold deormIty.
The act establishing the Western Lunatic Hospital,
created Board of some len or twelve Directors, WIN
the power of supplying vacancies-Seven snperinteno
the institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind
four of which are local. and three from abroad. h'i
the local Directors of this Institution, are Directors
also of the Hospital Some oversight on ,he par. y
the Legislature, persuaded, produced the ui"nae.
A ole case. and it may often occur, will e1hion
The embarrassment Of a common Board for two ns'i.
,utions So distinct as "he Western Lnnatc Hospital,
and the "Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and Inc
Blind" H. pressing the subject OF pccunlafy a'o fu'
the Legislature in behalf of there must from Tue
constitution Of man. be abatement OF zeai IN 'u."
ing about and making similar application 70 oen
another. The Directors Of Hospitals ana A'ylu"'
are men Of like passions with others, and mol 70
forced into positions OF double duties and doune o
cuy in the dsinterested discharge OF them ANY ons
fimiar with the history Of such lnsusons must say
,his ia M, wise Gould the New York and Blooming