The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-06-05

meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Western Lunatic Asylum, on Friday last, it
was determined to proceed at once to the
erection of an additional building for the
accommodation of one hundred male pa
tients, in accordance with the plans furnish
ed by architect J. G. Nelson. OF Baltimore.
The advertisement for proposals will be
found in another column of the VIRGINIAN
to-day.
The plan contemplates the erection of a
building corresponding with that recently
constructed and now occupied by female pa
tents of an incurable type ofinsarity-proba-
bly, the most perfect hygienic arrangements
and other provisions for the health and COM
fort of the patients on the continent. Be-
tween seventy five and one hundred incur
able female inmates now occupy the new
apartments, and the thorough ventilation of
the entire building, through the corridors
extending the entire length of the edifce,
and the currents passing through from the
sides, contribute largely to the health and
physical comfort of these poor unfortu-
mates.
The improvements made at the Asylum
in the ventilation and sanitary precautions,
since we visited it several years ago, are
very marked and gratifying. A fresh, cool
breeze, ladened with the aroma of flowers
and shrubbery and foliage, at this season Of
the year, constantly plays through the
buildings set apart for the females, with no
faint of fetid atmosphere, and giving
healthy. invigorating current, so essential to
the health of the patients. The old archi-
tectural arrangements, with closed corridors
and thick walls have been substituted by
iron lattice work, inviting full sweep of
air through all the rooms and halls of the
establishment. Excavations have been
rents opened, so as to furnish thorough ven
tllation beneath, above and around, and re-
moving every source ard cause of air impu-
rity. In connection with the new building for
femals incurables, there is an enclosed lawn
of Sc veral acres shaded by locusts. where the
inmates visit at certain hours in the day for
recreation and exercise in the open air.
The present management Of the Asylum
has devoted much attention to the improve
ment in hygienic arrangements, regarding
them as one of the essential agencies for the
health of the patients, and the success
which has followed these wise precautions
has been marked and gratifying. DIR.
Baldwin. aided by his assistants and corps
of officers. and the earnest, intelligent CO.
operation of the excellent Beard of Direc-
tors, has made many improvements, which
evincc his thorough devotion to his impor-
tant work, and careful study of the In
terests and object of the institution.
The embarrassments which have attended
the Board OF Directors in the enlargement
and improvements determined upon, by
reason of the stinted condition OF the Sta tie
finances, ought to be provided against in the
future. The tund for the support of this
asylum and similar charities in the State,
should be specially provided, and protected
againstall contingencies. No higher duty
presses upon Virginia than to provide suita-
BILE and ample arrangements for the care
and treatment of those whom wise
and mysterious Providence has SO sadly at
ficted, and the highest ambition of the Leg
islature should be TO 50 guard the appropri-
lions. that no halt or delay shall interfere
with the efficieat and liberal accommoda-
lions OF all the wants OF this and other asy-
lums OF the State.