Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-04-11
rHEINsANE ASYLUM.

| Inc MartinSOurgiindS pSHurHt, paper
which is independent in its political dis
cussions, and usually pretty level headed
withal, makes the following sensible re-
marks about the late sweeping changes
at the Asylum:
We look upon the removal OF DIR
Camden as almost calamity 10 the insti-
| tuition. lie has been the Superintendent
for number OF wears past; is thoroughly
familiar with all it's workings and with
the condition aud treatment OF every
patient in the institution. We known
nothing of the ability or fitness of DR..
Bland, his successor, for the position.
Hemay be an able physician and possess.
ed OF fine administrative abilities, but II
is worse than idle TO saw that he can
take charge of the institution, with
out experience and knowledge
of its wants, and discharge the duties of
Superintendent with the same advsnt-
age 10 the inmates and the best interests
of the State, as his predecessor, whose
experience and knowledge has been &C.
quirsd by long service in the position.
Ii may be claimed that DIR. Bland, with
like service and experience, will be
come as competent and well fitted for
the position as DIR. Camden. That may
be. but in the meantime the interests OF
the State and the inmates may suffer
greatly.
The State has no charge which so
much deserves its greatest care and at
tentiOn az its insane. The officers of
the institution should byno means hold
their positions subject 10 the whimS or
dickering of politicians. IL is too sacred
q trust to be hesubjeCt of political trade
and barter. 1t should be discovered
from all partisan bias. The officers
should be selected solely with view 10
their entire fitness for the position, aud
should hold their position so long az
they discharged the duties faithfully, in
diligently, and for the best interests Of
the inmates and OF the State.
All the annual reports vi the InsIitu-
ton, and its Board of Directors, since
DIR. Camden has been the Superinten-
dent show the very best'pOssible manage
ment OF its affairs; in fact, it is claimed
that no similar institution in any State
has been more intelligently and econo.
micSlly conducted. There has never
been a word OF complaint from any
the very highest commentators
OF his management have been an
nuslly announced by the board.
and endorsed by the press, the legis.
lature and the people. We have not
heard that there was any cause assigned
for his removal other than to make
place for a personal and political friend
of the board, Ii will be sorry day for
our public charitable institutions when
they become the objects OF barter and
trade among aspiring aud ambitious
politicians; when their officers are to
be appointed, not so much for efficiency
aud fitness, as for the service they
can be to this or that political aspir-
ant who may control their selection.
The fact that DR.. Camden has been
removed without cause; aud the further
fact that his administration OF the affairs
of the asylum has met with high com
mendation and approval from all
sources, would indicate that il was the
result solely of scheminS political ambi-
ton which seeks the accomplishment Of
future ends through this mode Of pro-
Cedure. IL such turns out TO he the
fact, il will not only ANONYMOUSLY fail
OF its purpose, but will crush those en-
gagged in it.
The people OF this Stste will never
permit their public schools or charitable
institutions TO become mere shutt.ecocks
in the hands Of politicians. Any attempt
in that direction will meet with a re-
buke which will be both overwhelming
and lasting.