Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-02

nc made this statement advisedly. and
did so as Confederate soldier, who was
proud OF his record. and who had no
apologies to make for having followed
Lee for four years
BEST MAN HE COULD FIND.
Continuing, Major Stiles said. before
securing Mr.. Sampson he had made every
effort to secure a southern man. and es-
pccially Mr.. c. p. Cross. Failing IN this.
he had gotten the very best man he could
find. and he doubted II he could possibly
have found the equal Of the man he did
get Connected with his engagement Of
Mr.. Sampson he told of little CONVERSE
tion which passed between himself and
the late Major Ginter, I'm which the lat
ter, IN making inquiries about who had
been engaged. asked IL he had gotten
some old. broken down Virginia gentle
man. whom all his friends said was cut
out by Providence for the place. on that
occasion he replied that he had not. but
had gotten live Yankee. and the result
was that few moments later he re-
ceived donation Of $500. Mr.. Samp-
son had offered his services. and simply
gave the addresses Of officers Of institutions
where he had before served. and inquiry
among these brought the most fattering
recommendations. Major Stiles took par
ticular pains to explain away the COM
plants about negro guards, and stated
positively that there was nothing what
ever in them. There had never been any
authority reposed In negroes, but when
he learned of their employment in such
a way fearing 1t might be construed that
they were. he had promptly forbidden it.
The great question, in his opinion was
that of expense, but after minute
reference TO the money matters of the
institution. he said that he thought the
institution amply worthy of all the sup
port which the State gives it. He would
like shorter hours and longer study
hours. In reply to a question from Mr..
Bland, of King and Queen, the witness
stated that ne was not prepared to make
suggestions as to necessary legislation
until the present investigation was dis
posed of. He believed that boys who
were too old had frequently been taken
in.
FREE SCHOOL IMPRACTICABLE.
In reply to a question, from DR.. Win |
the ACCESSIBILITY of establishing a free |
school at the reformatory, similar to
other free schools Of the State the wit
ness said he did not think that it would |
be advisable. for the reason that the
ordinary public-school teacher would be
utterly incapable of controlling those
who would be given into his charge. and
men would still have to be employed to
exercise this control.
In reply to another question, he said
that he did not consider the heading of
the institutions stationery with the
words Laurel Industrial School" as cal
culated to deceive but, if it was, it
should be remedied. He could not see
how the association could possibly get
along with less authority than II had at
present; but he did not think that the
of a boy could properly be con-
strued as depriving him Of his liberty,
as 1t was simply taking up the powers
which the parent had failed to exert.
He knew OF but one instance where
BOY. Professionally discharged, had tenn
)orarily returned to the reformatory,
Until he found employment. He said he
lid not anticipate any immediate neces-
iity for the enlargement OF the reform
tory at Laurel on account of overcrowd-
ny, but eventually he believed that, per-
APPS. other similar institutions would
De found necessary.
This closed the testimony, and the
oard. having no further witnesses which
desired should be heard the commit
ee. at 11:15 o'clock, went into executive
ession, and, after brief discussion, de-
ided to meet again this morning at 10
clock. 1T is not known whether or rot
report will be formulated at this meet !
lg, but some line of action in the matter
Iill doubtless be determined upon.