The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-11-12

JONES, DIR. CHARLES NICHOLS, DR. F. T
sTRIBLING, JUDGE r. L. HENLEY, AMI
DIR. d. R. Mountaineering OF THE
BOARD OF Observation-Disclosures OF
| OFFICERS, &C.
| Especial Correspondence OF Richmond Dispatch
WILLIAMSBURG, VA, November 10, 1873.
The chapel Of the Eastern Lunatic Asy-
lum WAS at an early hour this evening
crowded to its utmost capacity by most in.
te!ligent and appreciative audience, assem-.
bled to do honor TO the celebration Of the
centennial of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum
Of Virginia.
The chapel had been most tasterully deco.
rated with evergreens, flowers, wreaths,
and notices. Over the stand on the left
was worked in evergreen "1773," and on
the right "1S73." In the centre was e
l.. A., EA.," and on either side the names OF
"Siqueyra," "Barraud," "John NJ. Gait"
"a. D. Gait" John NJ. Gait, Jr.," "Hen-
ley" Garrett" "PeticoIas" 1.-THE former
superintendent of the asylum, worked in
evergreen wreaths. On pedestal in front
| Of the platform was bust Of DR.. John hi.
Gait, Jr.
AT the appointed hour the Board OF Drec-
tors and the invited guests marched to seats
on the platform, and the exercises begun
with the anthem EXalt Him all ye People"
admirably rendered by the asylum choir.
Colonel John D. Munford then came for
ward and said that the directors had imposed
on him the most pleasing duty Of inviting
to preside on this occasion his Excellency
the Governor of Virginia. Governor
Walker had presided over the destinies
of this proud old Commonwealth to
the entire satisfaction Of all. except
perhaps the most captous and he
was sure that the audience would fully agree
with him that upon this interesting occasion,
| when Virginia comes to celebrate the GEN.
| tennial of her noble charity, it was proper
that the Governor should preside. Cover
nor Walker said that it was peculiarly meet
upon this occasion that we should address
the throne Of grace and invoke Gods bles-
sing, and he called on Rev. A. NJ. Hall, pas
tor of the Methodist church in Williams
purg, to lead in prayer.
After an appropriate prayer by Mr.. Hall,
and the hymn,
Wake now the song OF giadness,"
| by the asylum choir,
GOVERNOR WALKER
made a brief Introductory address.
| He said that not the least of the things
Of which Virginia had right to be proud
| were her charitable institutions.
And as we gather here tonight, amid the
proud memories of the Old Dominion, we
should be proudest of all that our fathers
established here in this old city of Williams
burg the first public asylum for the insane
ever started on this continent, and that this
good old Commonwealth, amid all its cruel
| trials and sore financial distress, had always
|
| until now it not only stands first in the date
of its organization but among the very first
| in the Skill and efficiency of its manage
ment and general appointments for the COM
fort and treatment of the unfortunateS com.
| mitted to its charge.
| It was to us a source alike o f wonder anC
admiration that one hundred years ago otlI
forefathers had the wisdom and foresight tc
| found such an institution to the honor of the
civilization of the age. Though not q native
of the State, he fully sympathized with Vir
ginians in their just pride over all the glo'
| ries of the past history of the Common
wealth. He rejoiced in her long list OF illus
trious statesmen, orators, soldiers, and the
glorious deeds they had performed. But he
| deemed it an even higher honor to the State
that the fathers recognized that the mind
Gods nobIest gift-may be disenthroned, anC
made this noble provision for its restoration
He regarded this as among the Wlsest, mos
far-seeing, and most benevolent OF thell
deeds. He was not here to sketch the mis-
tory of this institution that belonged to tht
distinguished gentleman, DR.. Wilmer, WHIT
was to follow him; nor was 1t his province
TO sound it's praises; this people were VIII
nesses of its noble work. :
But he would say that during his four
years administration of the trust conhdet
TO him by the people of Virginia he had al
ways been ready to do what he could fol
the interests of the institution, and now
looked with peculiar pride and pleasure II
the Eastern Lunatic Asylum as having beer
managed with economy, fidelity, and skill
There was another fact which he though
preeninently worthy of being brough
) out at this centennial celebration. d.
would not discuss the dead issues 0
the slavery question or the means
bv which the institution was abolished
and Virginia left desolated and lmpoyer
jshed. But this fact he wanted to go on tn
,. record and be handed down through TIT
ages to come: OLD Virginia, an her deel
popgrty. had established the first asylum Jo
The poor colored man eUer organized
Others had made some partial and made
| Quate provision, Out Lnls Sttte lac. oeeu VIZ
first to draw on her treasury (depiete(
though it was) for the means of amply, pro
yiding for and caring for the insane OF TIL
unfortunate race.
And while with grateful pride here to
night we recall and celebrate the fact tina
one hundred years ago'our fathers established
in this Eastern Virginia Asylum the pionee
) institution for the insane, and that the Stat
has also established the noble asylum a
Staunton, we should also be proud OF th
Central Asylum at Richmond, and the nobl
provision made there by these Virginians
the former owners Of these people, for tina
race upon whom so much miserable hypoc
risy and cheap philanthropy have been eX
pended by those who have not done tith
of this for their real good.
Governor Walkers speech (of which tn
above is only an imperfect ontine) abounde
in good things, was frequently interrupte
with applause, and was loudly applauded a
be took his seat. =,
After " Duet, Sonnambuld," on the nut
and organ by Messrs. Person and MCLEAN
Governor walker, in fit phrase, introduce
Rev. DIR. Wilmer, of Williamsburg.