Infamous practice.
--We alluded yesterday to some sharp huckstering operations carried on by parties living in this city.
The facts then stated are now confirmed by a letter addressed to the
Mayor of
Richmond by one of the most reliable citizens of
Fluvanna county.
It appears that the people of that section have contributed freely to the hospitals, but have been much annoyed by reports that the provisions and delicacies sent here were consumed by the nurses and doctors, while the sick were put off with other diet.
An application was made to the
Army Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association in
Richmond, and the charge completely refuted.
Subsequently, however, an individual appeared in the county on the pretence of buying chickens, butter, and other articles, stating that his own house was crowded with invalid soldiers whom be was gratuitously feeding and nursing, and the impression created by this person was that all the food sent to the sick had been embezzled by the hospital officials, who either consumed or sold it. The fact in this case is that the hackster (for his name is in the
Mayor's possession,) is making purchases for speculation instead of benevolence.
We need not occupy space in refuting the gross imputation upon the physicians in charge of our hospitals, for their high personal and professional character places them above suspicion; but we sincerely hope that every effort will be made to apprehend every one who is employed it the nefarious practice of speculating upon the sympathies of the people and the necessities of the sick, for it is really a stigma upon the reputation of the capital of
Virginia.
