Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-11-30
We notice in the Baltimore Erening Tran


Wenotice in the Baltimore Erenins Tran
script, of Nov Goth, communicates from
Staunton signed Visitor" in which the
writer notices at length the healthfulness, at
tractiveness and business appearance Of our
!" Mountain City," and lays great stress on
the energy, refinement and intelligence, Of
our people, which owing to its length we are
unable to give in full. We copy, however,
the extracts descriptive Of our Public Insti-
tutions, in which "Visitor" pays hand
some and deserved tribute to their worthy
Superintendent.
The Western Lunatic Asylum situated in
Staunton, is proud monument of the hui
mainly of Virginia, and Of the pre-eminent
skill and qualifications for the post of it's Su-
perintendent, DR.. Francis 7. Stribling, who
for more than quarter Of a century has
presided over this institution, and who seems
to me one Of those men whom Providence
raises up to meet great want of society,
and whose enlightened and benevolent min
istrations to suffering mankind, entitle them
to higher place in the yeneration Of the
race than the most renowned heroes Of war
and destruction. The blended wisdom and
benignity, and the rare tact and judgment
exercised by Dr. Stribling in the discharge
of his arduous and delicate responsibilities,
rank him among the greatest of public bene-
factors. was glad to find that the institu-
ton had SO rapidly recovered from the col
lapse in which its treasury was left at the
conclusion Of the war, and, in this connex-
ion, too much praise cannot be awarded to
Governor Peirpont, who exerted himself
promptly to supply its pressing wants, and
responded at once to all drafts for money
which reached him with the sanction of the
board. There were in the Asylum at the
commencement Of the year three hundred
and seven insane persons males III, fe-
males 130- since admitted 63-now in the
Institution, 81; total cared for during the
year, 374. | have been surprised to learn
that no increase Of insanity has resulted from
the war, and the troubles of the times, ex-
cept among the blacks, who were formerly
remarkably exempt from this affection, but
amongst whom insanity has SO increased
since their liberation, that it is found neces-
sary to call upon the legislature to make ad-
ditional provisions for their relief
Another Of the admirable benevolent State
institutions at Staunton is the g Institution
for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, "of
which that thoroughly competent and accom-
plished gentleman, Mr.. J. C. Covell, NJ A.,
is Principal. The proficiency which these
unfortunate persons exhibit in education is
something wonderful, and is the best proof
Of the high ability and energy of the super
intendent. The number Of pupils at present
is eighty. This is in fact the leading insti
tuition Of the kind in the Southern States, and
the fact that the Ohio Institution. at Column
bus, has ordered it's books from it is strik-
ing illustration Of its general reputation
The Chapel Of the Institution will seat six
hundred persons, and the organ is the second
in the State Two of the assistant teachers
in the deaf and dumb department, Mr. Turn
er and Mr.. Bear, are deaf mutes, and more
efficient and competent teachers it would be
difficult tossfnd It is worth visit to Siaun-
ton to hear the music Of the blind, especially
in the combination of the organ and other
instrumental music, with the sweet voices Of
the singers. The buildings Of this Institution
and Of the Insane are on very large scale,
amply supplied with all the modern appliances
Of comfort, and are among the architectural
ornaments of the State.