The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-06-12

WESTERN LuAATIC AsYLUM.-The new Board of
Directors of the Western Lunatic Asylum, held
their first regular meeting on Saturday last, all
the members being present, as follows: Thos. j..
Niche N. K Trout, II. NJ. Bell, and W. A. Burke,
Stanton; A. W. Hartman, A. B. Lightner, and
Robt Harnsberger, Augusta county; DR.. S. Il.
| Moffett, Rockingham H H. Robertson, Allegha
ny; W. 7. Poague, Rockbridge; c. D. Fishburn,
Albermarle.
election of Thos. J. Niche, president, N. K.
Trout clerk H. M. Bell. N. K Trout and W. A..
Burke, executive committee.
The present Treasurer, Jno. B. Hoge, Esq,
holds his Office until January next, by virtue of
mis- election for three years, according to law
We understand there is a strong disposition on
the part of the Board, to abolish the Office We
think this would be wise, as it would save to the
Institution $500, annually.
| The Board accepted the proposition Of Gen.
Echols, as agent for Mrs. Gay, to take so acres
Of her farm adjoining the Asylum grounds, Oh the
left of the Gre .nvllle road. ar $4,000. THIS adj
ition 10 the property of the Institution can be
made useful and profitable.
Messrs. Harmau Lightner and Harnsberge Il
were deputed to examine the land, which they
did, and reported in favor Of the purchase. They
are all practical farmers, ami business men.
| They also ordered the recons ruction of the
southern end of the female department, which il
| now in very dilapdated condition, and The en-
largement of the building.
| An increase Of the salary of the Superintendent
was suggested by member OF the Board. whose
professional requirements and practical sense
enttle his opinion in matters of that kind to con
| sideraton; but we learn that DR. Stribling prompt
ly discouraged the proposition. In our judg
ment the Board should have made the increas
without consulting him, and constituted it an or
der of their own which the superintendent had tt
conform to. DR.. stribling is one of the most en-
inent men in his profession in the country, anG
| the admirable and successful manner in which
this important institution is conducted, reflects
the highest honor upon both his Professional at
| tainments and administrative ability. There il
not profession or an Occupation in the United
States requiring so high order of talent ant
skill, that does not yield to the one who can fill il
acceptably, at least double the amount paid DR.
stribling. The lawyer at the bar, the physician
in regular practice, the railroad president, thu
editor, and superintendent of business establish
ment, who have acquired eminence in their pro
fession, corresponding with that which marks
the career of DR.. Stribling. all are remuneratee
far beyond that allowed the Superintendent o.
the Western Lunatic Asylum. And there is no ruiz
oil business, nor principle governing the employ
ment of professions! skill and talent, that does
not demand salary corresponding with the ser
\ vices rendered. DR.. 5tribling has been in thu
service of the State in the capacity of supernten
dent Of this Institution for thirty years. His
time, bis learning the prime and vigor of his
manhood have been given to the commonwealth il
one Of tho most delicate and responsible posi-
tons ever created, and in return he has received
only comfortable living. 1t is but just tina
this long and eminent service should be fairly re
warded, and there is no other way of doing
but for the Board to attach an ade uuate salary t.
the Office, the acceptance of the one, would b
| the acceptance of the other.
| DR.. E. H. Smith, late Int Rev, Assessor of tn