The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-14
GREAT CONFINEMENT

for the Feeble Minded, discussed prac-
teal provision for the mentally de-
hcient, opening with reference 10
backward children in the public
schools. Often children have physical
defects, and for lack of proper medi-
cal treatment are classcd with the
backward or mentally deficient. 1T is
often case OF adenods, eyes, or defec-
tive hearing, which could be readily
corrected" declared Mr.. Johnstone.
Speaking of the need in Virginia Mr..
Johnstone said:
ION the most conservative estimate
there are at least $500 mentally def
cient children in Virginia. These in
clude both backward and predetermined
children. The line between these two
classes is vague. a great difference.
however. between the two classes is
that Theoretically. the weaknesses of
the backward child are not transmits
sible to his offspring, and SO he may
properly be trained for life in the great
world without danger. On the other
hand. the degeneracy Of feeble minded
ness is transnlissible.
Virginia that has not at least one men
tally deficient child therein, and most
classes contain several. The presence
of such n child in the classroom not
only holds back the class as whole,
but puts IN additional burden upon the
teacher. The child. himself, too, be-
comes discouraged and dissatisfied, and
may ofen slowly drop over the back
wa"d line and take his place among
the actually deficient.
For these backward children spe-
cial schools have been started all over
the country, especially In the larger
Eastern cities. and have proved Of the
! greatest value in the child's develop
mcnt. 1t is a fact proven In many in
stances. too, that the removal of these
children from the normal children saves
wear and tear on the teachers nerves.
| aids in the general advancement of the
grade. and so, in the end. special
4 schools actually cost less in dollars and
lcents.
"of the 1000 children in Virginia
needing our consideration, more than
one fourth should be cared for In these
special schools. For the large proper
4 necessary. and every year Of delay
means a greater burden of crime and
| degeneracH.
The Training school.
"The first institution should be the
! training school built upon the cottage
.lpian, with plain. substaptialsbuild
/ This institute should be planned to
care for not more than 500, 8since super,
Iintendents of the large institutions al
i over the country feel that it. is mis-.
1 take to have too many defective chill
dren under one management. In order
TO provide for this class of children
properly and economically, ono or two
4 persons are needed who will realls
give their attention to accomplish tn,
work They have three main point;
of attack.
First, the State Board OF Education
and especially the superintendent o
schools. who must be urged and agai,
/, urged TO make thorough report upol
the number in their schools, and thel
establish special classes.
Second the State Medical ascot
alton which must next be aroused ant
medical inspection driven HON to them
Third, the State Board OF Charities
Swho must meet the problem of the in
Istituton. This board must present Il
the legislators. a s well as to the pub
/ lie all facts regarding (al the loss @
energy and effort by having people
lin institutions unsuitable 70 thei'
needs. CHI tho, cost, IN n,orals ant
property, in trials, in life, etc.; tc) TIL
i advantages OF training. so that they
y may contribute sAnething 70 thei1