The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-07-19
State Institutions.

State Institutions.
Two years ago when the State Asylums
and educational institutions were wrested
from the control of the party which had
managed them since the war, howl was
sent up the like of which had scarcely been
heard in the land before. 1t was announced
that these institutions were destined to
rapid decay and that in short time they
would be dwindled to uselessness under
the palsying touch of Mahonism. The di-
rest predictions were INDUCED, and no
term was too harsh OF prophecy too severe
to be echoed wherever the Bourbon voice
could be heard. And what has been the
result? Every single public institution in
the State, we honestly believe, is in far
better condition than it was two years ago,
and the reform and improvement have Just
commenced. Not only have the institu-
tions prospered, but those for whose ben
eft they were designed, have been better
provided for, better instructed and are bet
ter satisfied than before. This is not mere
assertion, but actual fact derived from
those who are best qualified to express
opinion. Take the University of Vir-
ginia The students are open in their ex-
presSions of qualification at the present
management. All OF their petitions and
grievances have received q courteous and
respectful hearing, and many of the sug-
gestions they have made have not only been
respectfully considered, but put into effect.
The same may be said of the Virginia Mil
ltary Institute. Last week, in converse
ton with first class-man, who is a Funder
and the son of a Funder, he assured us
that under the present regime there has
been marked improvement in the fare of
the cadets table. and the general appoint
ments about the Institute. Not only this.
but the barracks and premises generally
present more attractive appearance than
for years past. and plans are being per-
fected the execution of which will con-
tribute still further to the comfort of the
cadets. The same, we dare say may be
truthfully said with reference to the other
State institutions, and when it is re-
membered that all this has been accom-
plished at less cost than heretofore, that
instead OF an annual accumulation of debt
there is surplus at the end of each year.
the benefit which has followed change of
management is apparent. 4
Under the old order of things these asy-
lums and schools were too frequently re-
garded as mere excuses for the creation of
fat offices, and those for whose benefit they
were ostensibly designed were looked upon
as unfortunate adjuncts which had to be
tolerated, although very troublesome. The
Board of Directors, OIL Visitors, as the
case might be, assembled at stated times,
discussed good dinner, drank wine and
smoked cigars, while they laughed and
talked with the officers by whom they were
assured that everything was moving along
swimmingly and everybody satisfied. A
petition OF complaint from pupil OF
student was regarded us an unwarranted
piece Of impudence, OF if considered at
all the matter complained of was referred
to, perhaps, the very officer against whom
complaint was made, and that was the last
of it, so far as the Board was concerned.
They never undertook to look into the real
welfare OF those committed to their care
They never thought of examining for
themselves into their fare, OF clothing or
general condition, but were content to
draw their impressions from the public ex-
hibitions made, and the sumptuous table
to which on state occasions the visitors set
down. To have made such investigation
would have been looked upon as COM
promising the dignity of the Directors,
and rejecting upon the officers in charge,
and SO they went on smoking cigars and
drinking wine, and never dreaming that
those through whom they received these
luXuries would have been thankful for the
scraps left Oh the table they had laughed
over.
Ii the liberal movement i'll Virginia had
accomplished nothing save the reform of
and improvement in these State institu-
tions, it would have strong claim to the
endorsement OF, the people. And still the
Liberals deserve no special credit for what
has been accomplished. Any change must
have been for the better. The whole ma
chinery of the State was run down at the
heel. Everything in the nature of apublic
charge was in a condition of dry rot, and
the only surprise is that concealment was
possible for SO long time.