The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-12-17
A Well Managed Institution.


The management of the Western Lu-
natic Asylum, at Staunton, under the
superintendency of DR.. Benjamin Black
ford. has been all that the most earnest
and jealous friends of that great public
charity could desire or expect. There is
not an interest of the institution that he
has not at heart There is not COM
fort for the unfortunate inmates OF the
ASYLUM, that he does not provide to the
extent of the means at his command
Cleanliness and order are the prevailing
rules. Familiar with every case under
his charge, he meets its peculiarirles and
demands with q skill and readiness
which none but faithful and efficient
public officer could do. With such high
motives and ambition to stimulate, 1t
might be expected that the annual
statement of the condition of the asylum
would be suggestive, comprehensive ana
thorough. Without going into details,
this is apparent to all who will read it.
The number of patients does not vary
much from last year, nor does the nu mpef
of admissions and discharges materially
differ from the preceding annual report.
Jool,inu to The future, and the enlarged
capacity OF the charity, because OF the
erection of buildings, one each for males
and females, he asks an appropriation
from the Legislature commensurate with
the necessities of the case This will no
doubt be granted. Certainly If an in
te.iigent sense of duty shall prevail in
the General Assembly there will be no
denial The necessity for this is para
mount to every other consideration or
demand. 1t is an imperative call OF
humanity and should receive prompt
and generous response.
In harmony with the delicate feeling
that tones and directs the adminIstra-
tion of the interests of the institution,
is the suggestion eliminating from the
designation of the institution the word
.lunatic.n DIR. BIackford does not be
leve that it is expressive of the condi-
ton of most of the patients, and is asso-
|
notion, that it would subserve good OBJ
iect to change the name OF the western
Lunatic Asylum to that of State Hos
pital, or some similar expression, indl-
eating that the institution is dedicated
to the care and cure of those who arc
not lunatics, or past reclamation.
The refining influences of an ad
vancing christian civilization, the high>
er science that is being invoked in the
management of such charities, the re
medal agencies which are constantly
unfolding for the amelioration of the
condition of those whose reason has been
deranged, or temporarily dethroned
combine in argument to sustain the sug-
upon the General Assembly the pro-
priety OF the change.
There is no duty more exacting or i'm
perative that the Legislature owes TIC
the State, than to yield willing and
ready ear to the suggestions and recon-
mendations of those entrusted with the
care of the unfortunates of the Com
monwealth There is no duty SO press
ing as that which arises out of the con
dtion of those who have lost the power
of self-control, and are committed to the
charitable institutions for treatment
There is none which touches the emo
tions. which arouses the tenderest feel
ings of the heart, with more persuasive
power, than that which the mentally
afflicted imposes. To restore one un
balanced reason to its normal condition
is an achievement that invokes the BEN
ediction of heaven. To bring many
back from mental distress and death to
light and life, is still greater consumma
ton And this is effected, sometimes
by the most delicate and unpretentious
means. A word or kindness may oper
the way-may reveal subtle influence
that will grow into a power to break the
thraldom and redeem from disease and
death an immortal mind
We bespeak for the Staunton institu
ton the most liberal provisions for its
usefulness from the Legislature; and the
public will be disappointed if it does not