The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-29
Virginia's Lunatics--A Stron.

JAMES III. SKINNER, EST, Of StauntOn,
recently made in the House OF Delegates
the following appeal in behalf OF the
asylum in his town. We reproduce it that
the members OF the Legislature may pom
der It well before acting contrary to its
good advice:
Mr.. skinner said that he wished to make
a plca for these noble charities, which are
tenderly cherished in the best feelings of
all the good people OF the State; that he
might the better succeed, he should be glad
to prove "as wise rs the serpent, and rs
harmless az the dove" The bin before the
House proposes to make vacant, at an early
day, all the offices IN the lunatic asylums,
and In the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
and the Blind. He desired to know why
these sweeping changes were proposed. He
hoped not on party grounds; against
a change on any such considera-
ton US this he felt peculiarly au-
fhorized 10 enter q most earnest pro-
test. Years ago, when party feeling ran
high between Wings and Democrats, he,
then as now Democrat, occupied a posi-
ton In the Boards OF both the Western
Lunatic Asylum and the Deaf and Dumb
and Blind Institution. and he had always
sturdiy resisted the removal Of any faith
full incumbent from office on party grounds.
An effort had once been made before a
Democratic Board to displace DR.. Strib-
ling, distinguished though he was through
out the land as the head Of the Western
Asylum; but it ii failed, and that emf
nent man and faithful public servant had
been retained in Office TO his life's close
Is there any charge OF maladministration
In the affairs Of the asylums or the institu-
tlony None whatever is pretended. The
Western Lunatic Asylum is fulfilling most
satisfactory the beneiicent ends OF its estab-
lishment, and the same Is no doubt the
case with the others. In the Western
Asylum 402 patients are reported rs being
treated, while during the past two years
92 OF its inmates have becn restored as
cured to the bOsoms OF their families and
friends, carrying Joy and gladness with
them, no doubt, into many Heretofore af
flicted households. l. there any charge OF
a lack OF qualification among its officials
None at all. They are all entirely compe-
tent 10 the discharge OF their delicate and
responsible duties. Is any want OF fidelity
In the performance Of duty alleged against !
them? None whatever. Most earnestly !
did he feel called upon, then, TO protest |
against an act declaring their offices vacant |
Such an act would be shockingly unjust /
and gEringly unwise.
Let us consider for moment the policy /
OF these causeless removals. The desire OF
all should be TO secure for these asylums
the best medical talent. But how can ii be
secured II the incumbents are to be re-
moved from Office on every change Of par
tyr VIII men eminent In the profession
lay down n lucrative practice 10 take an
Office which Is to be held on such for
tuitous and uncertain tenurey DIR.
Fauntleroy gained large experience and
won for himself enyiable distinction
nj the head OF a military hospital
during the war; when II ended he
established himself Us physician and
surgeon In the city Of Stanton, where lie