The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-05-23

the State. Many Of you know how long
drawn out and, at times, seemingly hope
less was the struggle to enact into law
the idea for the better cars OF epileptics,
which was conceived In the minds OF
scme Of your members. The fact that
this great charity has ben created, prac-
t,co,lv without serious opposition on the
mart Of the members Of the present Leg
islature, Is magnificent tribute 20 me
educational work already accompl'sh.eu
by the Virginia Conference OF Chari'ies
and Correction.
Vagrant Law.
The former Legislature 5000 enacted
..a yaprant law. which was hailed by
your then president as step whlch
promised good results In the care OF the
hayward and criminal classes. Ihe Leg
islature OF 1906. realizing that an 1oie
brain is the devils workshop ana ap-
preciaung the fact that the )alls OF .l'e
state, 10 far from being agencies or re,
form. have heretofore too often proved
schools for crime. enacted law to give
employment to all idle prisoners IN the
tails of the State. primarily in the IN
terest Of the prisoners themselves. and
secondarily for the improvement OF the
public highways. In addition to this.
there was evinced a keener appreciation
OF the fact that insanity is a disease.
and, consequently. the Legislature gave
more literally In support OF our great
hospitals for the care Of the insane. AID
was also extended to the Maynard girls
and to the negro deaf, dumb and bllpd.
Never in the history OF the State has
the Legislature been SO generous to all
Of our institutions Of education. nor
have the primary schools ever had so
many and such influential friends in
both branches Of the General Assembly.
These, ladies and gentlemen. are some
OF the fruits OF your labors, and. while
congratulate you most heartily upon what
has been accomplished. would be dere-
dict to my duty did not remind you
that much remains to be done.
Tuberculosis.
An earnest attempt was made to enact
law for the creation of q tuberculosis
commission. which carried a small appro-
priation. This bill passed the Senate.
hut failed to secure the approval OF the
watch dogs OF the treasury" in the
House Of Delegates. Probably there is
no class OF sufferers In the community
SO numerous SO helpless. and at the
same time. SO neglected. The spread
Of consumption has been called the
great white plague. and yet we are told
that consumption is a preventable dis
ease. and that 1t only remains for the
State to give the necessary aid In order
to apply the well -esta blIshed principles
OF preventive medicine
In addition to the care and treatment
Of consumptives. your attention should
be directed In the future. as 1t has been
In the past. to the care Of the feeble
minded and of he sane epileptics. while
tl,N a..
tions-almshouses Jails, penitentiary and
insane hosptals-should receive Your
watchful. II unofficial. attention. For.
In order to secure "the best methods of
relief and correction" 1t will be we'll
for us to remember that eternal vigilance
is the price of liberty
Ladies' and gentlemen. the work of this
conference is founded upon that sent-
ment which Henry Drummond called
THE Greatest Thing in the World" So
long as the Commonwealth can rely upon
your love and self-sacritlce. so long will
the republic take no harm, but femem-
ber-
1.-THE night has thousand eyes,
And the day but one;
Yet the light OF the whole world dies
With the setting sun.
1.-THE mind has thousand eyes.
And the heart but one;
But the light Of a bright life dies
When Love is done"
Mr.. Higgins Replies.
John NJ. Higgins. of Richmond, re-
sponded In cordial terms to Petersburg's
welcome and paid high tributes to her
hospitality.
DR.. Pitchers response referred to the
good work OF tho citys many charitable
faI kha n
an organization to be called the "As-
ISOLATED Charities OF Petersburg"
President Pitchers annual address paid
high tributes to the character and SER
vices OF the former president, the late
Captain G. f. Vawter. explained the
purposes and work % the conference,
as set forth In the constitution and by
laws, relieved legislature work for
those objects. ard especially referred
to the conferences recommendations for
the establishment of State board Of
maynard girls. which has been success
fully started, and for the foundation of
an institution for crippled children.
A Historic Gavel
DR.. Pitcher presented the conference
with a gavel made from the wood of the
tree at Appamattox Courthouse under
which General Lee read his farewell nd
dress.
George p. Davis OF Richmond. secre-
tary of the conference. made brief
speech. referring to Petersburg ms the
"Home OF the Virginia Conference"
where its organization was effected large
~ by the efforts of DR.. w. r. Drewry.
the present treasurer.
q The session was opened with prayer by
Rev. DR.. Foster and closed with the BEN
ediction by Rev. DR. w. c. Taylor.
large number of ladies' were pres-
cnt, and a reception to members and dele
gates was held after adjournment.
literary Entertainment FRIDAY