The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-03-23
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p.n<scr frosu williamsburg.

WILLIAMSBURG. VA, March 20, 1875.
!! Nessrs. Editors, valuable Journal
continues to be welcome visitor IN our
tinc-honored city. For commercial. local,
and legislative news its columns are sought
and considered reliable. -,
Last SATURDAY. witnessed q considerable
snow.storn,, which fell 10 the depth OF one
foot. Happily for this, as the tendency
will be to keep the fruit back. To-day opens
ND with the meliowness OF brilliant sprlsS.
We are about entering uninterruPteuiy
rpon the Threshold OF most iru'tiu' year.
the advantages OF which we nave ocei "e
barred for several past wears. :.
Mr.. Uayes's peaceful inauguration, w
cether with his adherence 10 ihc ha.,o o,'
nolicy ne foreshadowed, gives great encou-
,.n,o,,,cpt IN our farmers and businessmen.
Tn view az the financial embarrassment o!
tho old Sta,e. retrcnchmcnt Is the order OF
the day.
The ltnatic asylum here has greatly econ
om;zed its expenses by aboliShing the posi-
t;ons NJ farmer. assistant steward, treasu-
rer. and collector OF pay-patient fund: Mr.
+. M. Lee, the steward, is now saving 10
tho institution. in the farm alone, from
81 900 to $1,000 per annum. The entire
saving to the asylum by the abolition OF the
shove offices aggregates upwards OF $4,000.
Tho duties OF these several offices are now
deyolyed upon and discharged with alacrlty
and efficiency by Mr.. Lee, who deserves the
sobr;nuet OF the "cxecutive manager" so to
sneak. of the asylum in its physical ana
financial conduct. Strange 10 say, the BoafC'
Of the institution fails to recognize his SUI
perior combnativc ability, inasinuch as II
has not added one dollar to his salary, whlle
he has been burdcned with additional FOUR
fold duties. So many duties were never
before performed by any steward III Tue
history OF the asylum since lis 1ounaacioh.
No public institution was ever preSiutu
oycrwith more fidelity. DR.. Harvey biach'
Tho sunerintendent and physician, whose
an,credents are historic the plains OF Next
90 and the last laundering echos OF the
Co,sedcracy amply attest, is 4 whole-Soulcd
and courteous gentleman. His equal cannot
he found The patients recognize him In
the light OF dear friend, ever full OF SYM
uathv. and at all times ready and willing 10
relieve their real and imaginary wants ana
encourage them in their moments OF SEEM
inc intellectual trouble and social embarraSs-
ment.
Mr.. p. Montague Thompson is the presl-
dent of the Board, who is gentleman
strictly of the Chesterfeldian school, man
az wealth and refined culture, thoroughly
fitted in every respect as being the presiding
officer OF the administrative body which
shapes the present prosperous career OF
V,rsinia's noble charity. The need OF
praise is handsomely due him by the state
and her Taxpayers for the large reduction
OF expenses before alluded to.
As an evidence of the administrative
qualities OF the present officers, they have
Guelled every disposition towards dis$atls-
faction, and keep every functionary OF the
ASYLUM square up to his and her full mea-
sure OF usefulness with the best reciprocal
feeling, Notwithstanding the payroll stands
in arrears more than two months.
The assistant physician, DR.. John Clop-
ton, the lineal descendant OF the late Judge
John 3. Clopton, is held in high esteem not
only BY the patients, but by every subor-
diuatc attache and laborer connected with
The institution. His hearty cooperation
with the president Of the Board and the
executive officers, coupled with bis cour-
teous demeanor, make him IN idol with all.
Mr.. John L. Mercer is the gentlemanly
and confidential keeper Of the asylum, he
being the clerk OF the trustees and store
keeper TO the institution.
MIR. Meredith is the newly-installed rec
tor of the Episcopal church, with whom the
congregation is much pleased both as
gentleman and preacher. With such a
good man in charge it is hoped the church
win take fresh courage, and go forth " CON
quering and to conquer"
All nature is beginning to put OH the
freshness OF spring, and the forest song
sters arc hailIng in sweetest notes thls
pleasant season, which fills all hearts win
nraise To their Maker. HAMILTON.