The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-02-03
GETTING AT THE FACTS.
THE EAsTERN LUNATrC ASYLUM
rNvEsrIGATrOS.
ine Evidence In Rebuttai--A f,ocmernna--A
'Sa"aished Oxen aud a Supcrannnated
Iowa very Ancient Precedent--The Way
the Engineer Went.
Especial Telegram, - -. r,.0.,.,.,

tSpec'ai telegram 20 The Dspatcb.l
WILLIAMSBURG, February 2.-The legis-
lat've investigating committee finished the
examination OF the asylum books last night
at IL o'clock, and upon the arrival % TIE
s.ehographer this morning the investiga-
.ion was resumed 10 taking the rebutting
testimony. IL was brought out that all
male employees who were Democrats were
dischargcd by the present administration
when II assumed control, and that Il was
pohtcs thnt caused their removal. That
DR.. Wise has taken a very active part in
politics was shown by the evidence. The
defence, however, seems to be trying to
Justify such course by showing that p0-
iit'cai use OF the asylum has been made by
former administrations, but all attempts to
show that any Of DR.. Wise's predecessors
took an active part In politics and made
inc asylum q partisan institution failed.
BOOMERANG EVIDENCE. r. =
The defence produced good deal OF
evidence regarding the improved condition
OF the asylum IN comparison to the condi-
ton prior to the advent Of the present ad-
ministration, which led TO full disclosure
OF The failure OF the first Readiuster Legis-
laturc to make an appropriation for its
support. and the necessary embarrassment
entaiied on the institution in consequence
OF said failure to provide for its wants.
One OF the directors under cross-eyamlna-
ton testified that all supplies were
furnished by contract, and that advertise
ments Tor that purpose were regularly
made in the newspapers. When asked
what papers, he said he could name one,
The Virginia Bible.
DR.. Dunn asked, "Where Is that pub
lished?"
DR.. Fletcher: You mean Resdjuster
Bible
The witness then stated that the paper
advertised in was the Richmond Wig.
The same director then testified that while
standing in his present relation TO the asy-
lum he had been pecuniarily benefited by
selling to the asylum yoke Of oxen dis
qualified for work and. 4 superannuated
COW. The committee Mt this point was
seen TO smile broadly.
VERY ANCIENT PRECEDENT.
Some time was then spent by the de-
fence in endeayorIng TO show that removals
OF asylum officials on account Of politics
had been done before. and it was found
necessary to go back TO 1861 TO find sha-
dowy precedent tor the Mahoneite domgs
in that respect. In no instance was it
shown that the administration preceding
the present inquired into the politics Of an
applicant for office. A number OF asylum
employees were next introduced, and the
cross examination elected some interest
ing evidence regarding political assess
mentS. Ii was testified that an asylum en-
ploye went the rounds for the purpose Of
making up campaign fund, and the stew
ard received the money contributed; one
denied all knowledge Of the transaction;
another that he made voluntary cOntrlbu-
ton: another refused without fear Of
being discharged, and another still paid
up and was not prepared to say what would
have been the consequence OF Il failure TO
respond.
WENT THE WAY DIR. WISE WENT.
The engineer testified that he left soon
after the election Of the present superin-
tendent, because he thought that all Demo-
crafts had to 90, and he had just as well go
in time. He was afterwards re-employed,
and upon being asked his politics ut pres
ent, he replied he went the way DR.. Wise
went.
The committee then adjourned, at > =.
NJ, to meet in Richmond next Thursday
night in the Senate chamber, where all
other evidence to be offered will be heard.
The committee attended a dance at the
asylum last night. and not a dinner, As re-
DOrtea,