The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-04-25

| circumstances and staid a short time and was
d scharged. DIR. Fisher, in charge OF the female
| ward aaid he never knew that Mrs had any
uterine trouble; she was not insane. so far as
he could see, and never treated her Tor any
her as having any trouble, and never knew I
| her having any. and did not know that Or. u
treated her for any until this examination.
In order that it may not be said that am do>
ing DIR. Conrad an injustice by publishing part
of the evidence, without any explanation IRON
him. will say that he did not undertake to deny
the truth of these witness statements, but tried
to explain the suspicious situations IN which ne
had placed himself by his privileges as physi-
clan. But in order that no injustice may be
done him. the records of the case when made
up will be in the Asylum archives, and he, as
party to the suit, will be entitled to copy,
which he can spread before the public IN his
vndication if he wishes.
As for myself, do not publish these states
ments with the malicious intention OF injury to
DIR. Conrad, for nothing is more rePugnant TO
me than the publication OF things of this char
acter.
But in order that the public may know what
kind of information was coming to our ears
| from creditable witnesses, and to ask 1t ! would
not have been deaf to every sense OF duty and
| humanity if had not joined my brother officers
in stepping forward to protect these helpless and
afflicted people whom their friends have placed
here under our care, believing their very help
| less condition would be their strongest appeal
| to our manhood.
Had not done so, l would have deserved
the scorn and execration of every citizen OF
Virginia, and yet can not help but feel that the
| stand have taken in this has contributed largely
to my defeat, whilst the gentlemen who voted
against me disclaimed any thing of the kind and
voted for the following resolution "Resoved,
That this Board in failing to re elect ]. w.
Blackburn Steward of this Asylum does not in
anyway intend to reflect upon his personal or
official conduct"
Yet as to two of these gentlemen, namely,
Messrs. Boyd and Edmundson, l think the fol-
lowing facts will justify me in questioning such
disclaimer. From first to last they are on the
records of this investigation as the staunch
friends and advocates of DR.. Conrad's. They
are the only two members who voted against
sustaining tie charges. Dr. Conrad was
claiming to be able to cast two votes on the
Board. He told reputable witness the morn.
ing of the election that would not be re-elects
ed. At that time these G entlemen were claim,
ing to be entirely uncommitted. He told other
gentlemen, after the election, that he had Capt.
Harman elected; and still. farther, they are ON
the record as voting for me when Capt. Har>
man was my opponent. If they could waive
personal consideration two years ago, why not
waive it now?
Lastly, after forcing the five officers who
signed the petition to the Board into the posi-
ton of prosecutors, and thus compelling them
to employ onnsel at a very heavy expense TO
themselves, and after sustaining the charges by
reimburse these gentlemen, but has left them to
bear the burden of this expense as their reward
for trying to protect the inmates of the Asylum
from abuse.
If in the future some gentleman of high So
cial standing, and an extended relationship
among those claiming to stand in the front rank
of Virginia aristocracy, should deem himself
secure by such protection this, and do as
DIR, Conrad has done, is it likely in view Of the
treatment the officers have received in this in
vestigation, any one will attempt remedy them !?
rather think not. But what will the people
of the State, who have to send their friends to
this Asylum think and do in this matter?
J. w. BLACKBURN.
F. W. Deyoe & Co.'S Mixed Paints con-