Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-09-28
For the Spectator.

eNow lie hath not directed his words against
me-" vet, "when had waited, for they spake
not, but stood still and answered no more,
said. will answer also my part, / also will
show mine opinion. For l am full of matter,
the spirit within me constraineth me- / will
speak that may be refreshed, l will open my
lips and answer" Paul Poplin, who has been
for some weeks through the columns of the
spectator" gratifying his vanity by seeing him
self in sprint" and, doubtless, in his own est
nation, in a wonderful manner enlightened the
public upon subject in which they feel no in
terest, and about which they have no concern
The Directors of the W. L. Asylum being res
ponsible, alone to the State authorities, for the
manner in which they discharge their onerous
and responsible duties, are under no obligation.
| to notice every anonymous scribbler who may
desire to obtain short lived notoriety by be
scattering his betters.
Paul Poplin is evidently itching for contro'
versy, being thoroughly convinced in his owr
mind that he is not only an elegant writer, bu
also profound reasoner. wish just at this
point, therefore, to whisper in his ear that
"Great men are not always wise" and that
scrap of poetry, even from "England's greatest
epic poet" is not necessarily q cogent and con
elusive argument.
The economical and patriotic "Paul" is much
Mortified that the unpaid Directors of the W.
l.. Asylum should occasionally eat a dinner, in
company with few invited friends, at the ex-
pense of the State. Now if he had read his BIZ
BILE Gf such man can be presumed to have one)
more and Shakespeare and Milton less, he might
perhaps have become acquainted with the COM
mand that forbids ''muzzling the OK that tread
eth out the corn" or that other equivalent d.
vine utterance, that "the laborer is worthy OF
his hire" The Directors of the Insane Asylum
have committed to them the management of
great State eleemosynary institution, the proper
control and government of which requires, not
only an enlightened philanthropy in the Direct
ors, but also makes large demands upon their
time labor and attention. And as no provision
is made for their pay, it is nothing more than
just that they should be permitted occasionally
to relax themselves around the social board, III
company with their friends-even if it should
cost the State few dollars. The whole cost OF
the tri.monthly dinners cam at most, be but
small compensation for the time and attention
bestowed by the present able and enlightened
Board upon the Institution committed to their
care.
1t is in an eminent degree absurd and ridicu-
lous for "Paul Poplln'' TO MINK that caPaole ahu
efficient men can be found who would be willing
or could afford to spare from their ordinary av-
ocations the amount OF time and labor necessary
for the supervision of an Institution of such mag
nitude as the W. L. A. without pay of any sort.
And as the law provides no direct compensation,
it is highly proper and just that they should be
renumerated in some manner; and can mag
inc no mere harmless, appropriate, and agreea.
bic way than an occasional entertainment OF the
Asylum, even if there should be heard the ''clat-
tering of glasses" and the eifervescng of "foam-
ing tankards." l hope this answer will be
sufficient to alay the rampant patriotism OF
Paul. His "old fogyism" must be of the
inensest sort, as it can magnify SO reputable and
innocent thing as equality dinner" at the
"Asylum" into great abuse, calling for the
searching inquiries" of the Governor.
SIMON SERGE.