Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-27
ARE GOOD TEACHERS.
CONDITION OF THE INSTITUTIONS.
All Commended Except That for the
Deaf, Dumb and blind.

The House Committee on Asylums and
Prisons met yesterday morning at 10
o'clock, and adopted the reports of the
various subcommittee as to their in
spections of the various State institu-
tons. The subcommittee, consisting OF
Messrs. b. l.. Winston, +. V. Smith,
Franklin Pierce, George r. Bland. ana S.
s. Batten, who visited the institutions
at stanton, submitted the following:
We, the Subcommittee. appointed by
your body for the purpose Of examining
the Western state Hospital and the Deaf,
Dumb and Blind Institution, both OF
which are situated at stanton, beg TO
report that we have discharged that dlfy.
On the 14th of this month we visited
the Western State Hospital and inspect
ed thoroughly its various departments,
including the male and female wards,
together with the anneXes of that insu-
tuition. While we had no reason TO doubt
before our visit there that We would
find this Institution I'm any otncr condi-
ton than a satisfactory one, We must
confess. in the outstart that II has far
exceeded our most sanguine expectations
The arrangement OF its wards and its
hySieric condition indicate management
OF which the State may well be proud,
and, after most critical examination
through its various departments, we were
| unable 10 detect anything ahording a
just subject for criticism. The new laun-
dry department, now under construction
is model OF its kind and when finished
will. perhaps, be the most thoroughly
equipped laundry in the South, and shows
| a prOgressiVeness on the part q the
management of that institution which we
| heartily endorse. The condition Of the
! inmates of the various wards was OF such
"a character as to indicate that they were
| wen and properly cared for. ard were
| rendered as comfortable and happy as it
| is possible to do for those unfortunate
| classes. We sincerely hope that the state
| will not. through an insufficient apDro-
/ priation FOR this institution. retard its
| progress or high state Of efficiency.
ITS CONDITION UNSATISFACTORY.
In regard t. the Institution for the
| Deaf Dumb and Blind the same sub
| committee say:
Your committee appointed 10 visit the
| Deaf Dumb and Blind Institution beg
10 report that they performed their duty
| on the 18th OF this month. and submit
the following as our report:
The chairman of the subcommittee.
| having testified before the joint commit
tee appointed for the purpose Of inves-
| tigating into the management Of this in
| stitution, declines to participate I'm this
| report. consequently, ii IS submitted by
| the balance OF the members Of the sub
committee.
We regret exceedingly 10 be unable 10
record our approval of the general condi-
ton OF that institution. We carefully in
spected its various departments, including
it's dormitories and iavatOries for both
sexes. together with the school-rooms and
workshops, and were forcibly impressed
with their general surroundings. indicat-
| ing an Observation-Disclosures condi-
| ton. We deem IL best not 10 go into de-
| tails with reference TO our objections 10
| this Institution, nor to make any recon-
| mendations in reference TO H. az the
joint committee appointed to invest gate
| its management Will doubtless submit
report concerning everything appertan-
ing 10 the institution and its management
THE HOSPITAL AT MARION.
The subcommittee that visited the
| Southwestern State Hospital, at Marion.
consisting of Messrs. II. Hathaway h.
r. Rambo. and S. Il. Taylor. submitted
the following:
We made a careful inspection OF the
institution and manner Of managing II,
and commend the institution and its
! management i'm the strongest terms
Books and accounts are kept in a neat
and buslness-like manner: the system o.
receipts and disbursements Of money IL
approved
a new three-storv brick building Is
| nearly complete, with a capacity for 100
patients. at cost 10 the State OF So, 200
This building is substantially built. Of
good material, and modern style The
old building, having been recently re-
paired changing the floors in the bath
rooms to cement and slate. are now in
good sanitary condition. The electric
plant. recently revived and changed TO
remove any danger Of causing fire, Is In
good order, and free from this danger
The floors in the laundry, kitchen. amuse-
ment-hall, and several wards are decay
Ing and need renewing and repairing
badly.
In our opinion. the institution IS Judi
ciously located. on an elevated position
with drainage each way, 10 river on one
side and creek on the other. with an
abundant supply OF pure spring water
that reaches every part Of the building
by gravitation. With the exception OF
needed repairs the institution is, In our
judgment In splendid condition. wen
managed by a competent aud trust
worthy superintendent. aided by corps
OF efficient and capable officers and at
tendants. We. therefore, would suggest
appropriations to meet repairs and fur.
nsh new building.
| CENTRAL IN GOOD CONDITION.
The same subcommittee also submitted
the following:
The subcommittee Of the Committee
on Prisons and Asyiums, appointed to
visit the State Central Hospital, at Pc,
tersburg. have done So and beg leave
10 submit the following report:
After careful personal inspection OF the
hospital find everything In good order.