Retrogression of a People
February 8, 1896
Summary
A black writer lambasts the recent rapes committed by white officials in health institutions.
Transcription
We confess that we are puzzled to understand how some of the Negro hating white men can have the brazen audacity to reflect upon us in view of the astounding disclosures which have been and are being made relative the institutions in this state controlled by white men of learning and ability.
The scandal connected with the lunatic asylum at Williamsburg where it was proven that the helpless female inmates were not safe from the lustful tendencies of the white officials. This was followed by a more disgraceful condition of affairs at Staunton where it was proven that here too female lunatics had been the victims of bestial white state employees.
The Virginia Penitentiary, prior the advent of the methodical Major B. W. Lynn, was also a stench in the nostrils of the upright people of the state.
It was proven that the grossest immorality had also been practiced there.
This deplorable condition has been remedied under the efficient management of the gentleman referred to.
Now, the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Staunton is on the rack of public investigation and it is proven that acts of gross immorality took place the school-room where only blind pupils were present, and the explanation given was that - they could not see.
What is this boasted civilization coming to? Where are those critics of the one room cabin? What have they to say to these acts of criminality. The white men guilty of it are not illiterate. They are not ignorant, but are presumed to be the best material which the white race affords. As a Virginian, we are ashamed them. Truly has the mire of politics, the disfranchisement of the Negro and the abuse of power worked a deplorable state of affairs, the like which, we hope never to see again.
The scandal connected with the lunatic asylum at Williamsburg where it was proven that the helpless female inmates were not safe from the lustful tendencies of the white officials. This was followed by a more disgraceful condition of affairs at Staunton where it was proven that here too female lunatics had been the victims of bestial white state employees.
The Virginia Penitentiary, prior the advent of the methodical Major B. W. Lynn, was also a stench in the nostrils of the upright people of the state.
It was proven that the grossest immorality had also been practiced there.
This deplorable condition has been remedied under the efficient management of the gentleman referred to.
Now, the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Staunton is on the rack of public investigation and it is proven that acts of gross immorality took place the school-room where only blind pupils were present, and the explanation given was that - they could not see.
What is this boasted civilization coming to? Where are those critics of the one room cabin? What have they to say to these acts of criminality. The white men guilty of it are not illiterate. They are not ignorant, but are presumed to be the best material which the white race affords. As a Virginian, we are ashamed them. Truly has the mire of politics, the disfranchisement of the Negro and the abuse of power worked a deplorable state of affairs, the like which, we hope never to see again.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Lower Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Liam Eynan
Citation
“Retrogression of a People,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 19, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1770.