Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-19
VERY GRAVE CHARGE
Norfolk Deaf Mute Alleges Immoral
Conduct al Stanton Institution.
He Writes n Letter Setting Forth
That Things Are Not what They
Compromise Racing Biil-Gcssip.

Chairman Hathaway, OF the House
Committee on Asylums and Prisons. yes
terday laid before his committee, in ex-
ecutive session, a letter from john X
Randolph, OF Brambleton. Norfolk,
deaf-mute. who was n student at the
Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institution. at
Stanton, in which he makes some serious
charges against that institution.
Mr. Randolph states in substance that
both he and his wife were students at
the institution. and that they. together
with several other responsible people, are
prepared to give testimony as to the
shocking state OF affairs existing at the
institution He further asserts that he
Is aware Of cases. where the sending or
girls to the institution has meant their
ruin He makes very serious charges
but none specifically, alleging that the
chastity Of female pupils was imperilled
when they were placed there.
In concluding his letter, Mr.. Randolph
begs Mr. Hathaway 70 use his every
effort 10 have such action taken as viii
protect the chastity Of female pupils.
WILL LOOK WELL INTO 1T.
Mr. Randolph has written to Mr.. Charles
/ Bland. OF Portsmouth. and DR.. W. ".
Parker. setting forth about the same
facts az contained in his letter 10 Mr..
Hathaway. and both of these letters have
been referred TO the gentleman from
Richmond and Lancaster. Mr.. Hathaway
said last night that while he could not
vouch for the accuracy Of the charges
made by Mr. Randolph, the gentlemen
from Norfolk spoke well Of him, ana
the matter was one that certainly Jusu-
fled a full and thorough investigation,
and that he would make In few days,
Just when he could not say.
The Dispatch telegraphed to its Staun-
ton correspondent last night 10 ascertain
what foundation there was for these
charges. The following reply was re-
ceived:
"The report that legislative commit
tee had before it to-day charges Of gross
immortality at the Deaf. Dumb. and Blind
Institution was news indeed 10 Stanton.
The Dispatch correspondent tonight saw
the Institution authorities, and they have
no knowledge Of such charges. and say
they chcerfully invite close investigation
and scrutiny Of the institution, both as
TO its morals and management
OTHER GRAVE CHARGES.
Mr.. Hathaway has received a letter
from a prominent lawyer Of this city,
who makes grave charges Of gross mis-
management NJ several Of the state in
situations. and gives the names Of four
Teen ntlemen Who can testify 10 the
correctness Of his charges.
This letter will also be laid before the
Asylums and Prisons Committee. and the
gentlemen named therein will be sum-
moned 20 testify 10 what they know. Mr.
Hathaway declined last night 10 make
known the name Of the lawyer or the
gentlemen named 10 his letters. or 10
throw out any suggestion as 10 the nature
OF the charges made.
THE TOUR OF INSPECTION.
There is a misunderstanding between
the Senate and House committees on
Asylums and Prisons as to the tours OF
inspections. The Senate committee de-
clines 70 20 as a whole but advocates
sending subcommittee. and the House
committee declines 10 concur in this
resolution. Senator Stubs chairman Of
the Senate committee, and Mr. Hatha-
way chairman OF the House committee,
met last night and tried 10 arrange
date for the tours; but, owing 10 the
disagreement as 10 the number OF mem
bers to 30 no conclusions could be ar
rived at Mr.. Hathaway stated. how
ever, that unless the trips We're made
before February lst he would not 90,
as he didn't propose 10 make a junket-
ing tour and return 10 Richmond TOO late
for any legislation that might be neces-
sary TO be enacted.
Compromise Race Bill.
The recommittal Of the two race-track
bills IN the House yesterday is con-
sidered by the hOrsemen and those in
terestea in racing TO have been "A victory
for them, and they hope to be able
10 get through a compromise bill COM
b.niug some OF the features Of both
the Maupin and Reddy bills.
Members Of the Richmond Riding and
Driving Association yesterday drafted
the following bill. which was handed 20
Mr.. Digs. chairman OF the Commit
tee on Counties. Cities, and Towns. TO
be by him laid before his committee when
the Maupln and Reddy bills are con-
sidered:
BE it enacted by the General Assembly
OF Virginia. That 1t shall be unlawful
for any person or persons. or associa-
ton Of persons. corporation. or corpora
tions. 10 have upon the grounds or
race-tracks owned or controlled by them
any running or trOtting-races between
the LIST day Of November Of any year
and the lst day OF May of the next Sue
cee1ing year;
That IT shall be unlawful for any sucn !
person or persons or association OF
persons. corporation, or corporations. TO
Rave any running or tr6tting races upon
the grounds or race-tracks owned or
controlled by them FOR more than fifteen |
days between the lst day OF MAY and |
the lst day OF August. and fifteen DAYS |
between the lst dav OF August and the |
lst day OF November IN any year;
That any such person or persons or
associations Of persons, corporation. or |
corporations. violating the provisions OF |
this act shall be fined not less than go. |
nor more than 500 for the first offence. |
not less than 500, nor more than S.cD |
for the second offence. and for the third |
offence any such person or persons shall /
be confined In Jail not less than SIX. !
nor more than twelve months. and the |
charter OF any such association or per- !
sons. corporation or corporations shall |
Oe revoked. and each days racing In vio- |
latlon Of this act shall constitute sepa-
rate offence
This act shall b. In force from It's
passage.
NO REFERENCE TO POOL-SELLING. |
This bill studiously avoids any aliusion
TO poOl-selling. and imposes heavy !
penalty for winter racing. TIE members !
OF the Riding and Driving Association
entertain strong hopes that this bill VIII !
be substituted for the MauDin bin b.
the committees. and that il will be re-
ported fayorably.
There was SOME little surprise express
ed yesterday at the change Of vote