Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-02-13

THAT CHAPEL.


An article appeared in the Standard of the
End inst. in which the writer says that ''Ru-
mors are afoat that the State has been badly
swindled in the building of the chapel at the
Insane Asylum, etc." As we were the only
party having any contract on the building
the rest of the work having been done by the
day-it was quite evident that it was intended
| for the Trustees or contractors or both, and
that one or the other party has attempted to
swndle. We now learn that the article was
! inspired by two ofthe ''leading republicans" in
this city and further, that they declare that
they ''did not mean to implicate the Trus-
tees" In June last we contracted with DR..
Lapham, in behalf of the Trustees acting I'M
der the direction of the Committee of the EX-
ecutive Council on the Hospital, to furnish
all materials necessary for the brick work of
the chapel, and erect the building within
specified time. andfor given sum. We COM
pleted the job within the time, to the satisfac-
ton of the Trustees, as certified to in writing
by the chairman of the Board and also to the
satisfaction of the Committee of the Council.
We are aware also, that the matter is fully
understood by the Governor and Council, and
also the Committee of the Legislature on the
Hospital. From first to last we were treated
gentlemanly by all concerned, and heard no
intimation that anybody was attempting a
snindle. Had there been any such attempt,
the CoMmittee of the Council, who had ac-
cess at all times to the management, and eX-
elusive control of the appropriation, would
have probably discovered it.
Now, while we are perfectly willing that the
gentlemen, who very cunningly procured the
| insertion of the article, should superintend
on all public occasions, and see to it that our
public institutions, both city and State, are
properly managed. we respectfully submit
whether due regard to the interests OF the
State did not require them, as guardians of
the public veal, to have at once informed
| the Trustees or the Committee of the Council,
or to have given notice through the State pa
per, that somebody was trying to swindle the
State.
We are assured by the Standard managers
that they ''knew nothing of the transaction"
and published the article by request, intend
ing to cast no odium on any one;' that sit
coming from republican authority there might
be something in it," We feel conscious of
having discharged our duty faithfully, and as
the work was inspected daily while in pro-
gress, by the Committee on the part of the
Trustees, aud occasionally by the Commit
tee Of the Council, and also by the master
carpenter, who was employed by the day to
see that the work was properly done, we
think we succeeded satisfactorily. 1t may be
that the motive of the authors of the article
was simply to induce,a reformation in the
management of our State affairs and public
institutions generally. If so, they certainly
ought not to withhold their names from the
public. Let us have the benefit of their judg-
ment in the matter, which may be of incacu-
liable advantage to the State in the future
As they were governed by some motive. in the
matter, honorable no doubt, we trust they will
as publicly give in the columns of the Jour
nal, over their own signatures, the foundation
for the "rumors" thus slyly given to the pub
lie. We pledge ourselves, and we know that
all having anything to do with the building
will be happy to do the same, to assist in any
way in our power to ferret out any wrong do
ing. We have been repeatedly asked by our
own citizens what the article meant, and as
much as we regret the necessity, we feel
justified in making this statement in answer.
j. A. BIcKNELL.
THOMAS FARNHAM.
Augusta, Feb. 10, 1872.