The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-17

tons. And to what end? The result OF a
large majority OF the Investigations conducted
recently has been to emphasize the worth and
ability of the officers or other men criticised.
II is most decidedly TO the detriment of de
partments and institutions for investigations to
b. held, whether for real or fancied reasons, Pub
lie affairs are brought to a halt, business which
should know no interruption is suspended, and
men who have given their best thought and en-
ergy TO the performance of a given duty are
called upon to defend themselves from the at
lacks of carpng critics with exaggerated egos.
II is seldom that department or institution is
benefited by such Investigations as have been
conducted in Richmond and the State during the
past year, but the harm invariably manifests
itself
system of government by investigation
should not be adopted in Virginia, although the
trend of affairs seems to be in that direction.
The latest investigation has had TO do with
the conduct of affairs at the Laurel Industrial
School an institution devoted to the care and
upbuilding of erring youth. and one which has
accomplished vast good for Virginia and recre
ant lads. Without attempting to PREJUDICE the
case believe the verdict of the inquisitors
viii be in favor of the Board of Directors. who
are to be commended rather than criticised for
having given much OF their time, energy and
thought TO the advancement of the best interests
of the institution and its inmates. without
compensation these men have devoted them
selves to the Improvement and better1nent of the
institution at every opportunity, and the SPLEEN
did success of the Industrial School Is theirs
Mr. George r. Davis the resigned supernten
dent of the institution. and Trainer of the charges
against the members Of the Board. discaims any
intention to make structures upon the men to
whom the destines of the school have been in
trusted, and who are held to strict account for
its success or failure and declares his motives
were pure and hatred had no place in his heart
He speaks in frank, open aud sincere fashion
and his motives are TO be accepted as he sets
them forth, but believe the proper and fair
thing for him TO have done, had he the best in
terests of the Laurel Reformatory at heart was
to communicate his reasons for need of changes
in the administration of affairs there TO the
Board or Directors while he was the executive
officer
by this means the members OF the Board
would have been spared the necessity of having
to appear before Investigators to answer petty
trivial and inconsequential allegations, which
seem to have been dissipated at a public hearing.
The highest possible standards and the great.
est efficiency should obtain In all municipal and
State departments and institutions, and the best
available men should be given supervision over
them When the standards are not kept high.
and executive officers and directors fail to do
their duty, Investigations should be held, and
the evil corrected, regardless of who is affected
Invest igations. however are not to be called ON
the slightest provocation. none n all, and
men of high ideals and established worth to
community or State are not to be haggled and
heckled for the full discharge of their duty and
the advancement of affairs committed to them.