Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 October 1888 — THE INSANE HOSPITAL SCANDAL. [ARTICLE]

THE INSANE HOSPITAL SCANDAL

More about the Political Corruption of the Democratic Management -Diseased Meats and Wormy Butter- The Highest Prices Paid for the Poorest Goods. Last week we published the address of Dr. W. B. Fletcher respecting the corruption in the Indiana insane asylum. But in order that the people of the state may fully appreciate the infamy of the present management of the hospital for the insane they must understand the character of the managers. Dr. Thomas H. Harrison, president of the board, was appointed as A DIRTY WORKER IN POLITICS for the express purpose of running the hospital as a political machine, and because of his known unscuprulousness in matters of that kind. He had no interest in the insane as a class, no acquaintance with the management of other institutions of like character, and no qualifications whatever for the position. He was not even a respectable politician. He was made president of the board of managers partly as a reward for dirty work already done, and partly to secure further services of the same kind. He is simply a dirty worker in politics and an active partner of the Sullivan-Coy ring. The other members of the board are B. H. Burrell and Philip M. Gapen. Burrell is a negative man, and has not figured much beyond approving the general policy of the board. Gapen has cooperated actively with Dr. Harrison in prostituting the institution, except when absent from the state. DRAWING HIS SALARY WHEN ABSENT. In 1885-86 he spent a year in Arkansas, running a saw-mill, but regularly drawing his salary of $50 a month as a member of the board, without attending a single meeting. For some time past he has been John E. Sullivan's business manager, drawing pay from him and from the hospital at the same time, and also looking after Sullivan’s contracts with the hospital. The board maintained close relations with Simeon Coy until he was sent to the penitentiary, and still maintains close relations with Coy’s successors in the ring management, of which Sullivan is the head.

Under this management the Indiana hospital for the insane has for several years past been a CESSPOOL OF CORRUPTION and a breeding ground for the most outrageous abuses and inhuman practices The institution, instead of being a noble state charity, dedicated solely to the welfare and comfort of the insane has been made a house of refuge for political workers, and a source of profit and plunder to the Harrison-Sullivan ring. The welfare and comfort of the insane have been a secondary consideration. To put money into the pockets of favored contractors the insane have been fed on DISEASED MEATS AND WORMY BUTTER. Thousands of pounds of oleomargarine have been furnished the inmates as creamery butter and paid for as such. They have been deprived of their trained keepers and nurses and subjected to rough and unkind treatment by inexperienced persons, appointed through political influence alone. Within four years 648 changes were made in the hospital force. Many of the persons thus appointed were ignorant, brutal and utterly devoid of sympathy for the insane. Patients have been kicked, whipped, knocked down and stamped on, and maltreated in various ways. The insane, sent here from all parts of the state, and for whose care and treatment the institution is supported by the people, have been treated as if their interests stood in the way of those of the corrupt ring controlling it.

HIGHEST PRICES FOR POOREST GOODS. Year after year they have awarded contracts to John E, Sullivan by which. "as Dr. Fletcher says, they “pay the highest prices for the poorest goods.” Sullivan’s contracts under the present management aggregate several hundred thousand dollars, and out of the profits lie has contributed largely to the Marion county corruption fund, to the defense of the Coy gang and other ring projects. His . hold on the hospital board is complete. He has them under his* thumh. At his request they have, in violation of law, loaned him money out of the hospital contingent fund. Dr., Harrison remarking at the time that “the boys are pretty hard pressed now.” This was when Sullivan had been putting up money freely for the defense of Coy and other indicted members-of the ring. It is impossible to exaggerate the extent of the rascality, corruption and cruelty that have been going on in the hospital for years past, There js but one remedy, j Turn the ras als out.