Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1878-09-12


THE Democratic Legislature and the Dem
ecratic Administration went before the people
on false pretenses of economy. They made
loud professions of reducing the running ex
penses of the public institutions. They reor-
ganized without regard to the welfare of the
States afflicted wards, for the purpose of
giving places 10 able bodied Democratic de-
pendents; and to offset the iniquity in the
eyes of the public they made show of redu-
cling appropriations. When it came to the
reorganization of the Columbus Insane Asy-
lum it was found that the Democratic men,
bers of the Legislature were not unit on the
subject. To stiffen the weak backs of the
dissenters Governor Bishops assuring elo-
quence was called in The Governor was
anxious to show how business man could
run public affairs. He, was confident there
could be saving of $50, 900 at the Columbus
Asylum, and he proposed to give the matter
his personal attention during the summer and
see that the saving was made The reorgani-
zing bill was passed and the reduced appro-
priations made, the majority probably COM
fcrting themselves with the reflection that the
inevitable deficiencies would not como up for
consideration until after the election. A few
depended on Governor Bishops promise to
save $50, 900, and looked forward to balance
on hand next winter. The amount appropri-
ated for current expenses Of the Asylum for
the fiscal year 1878 and first quarter of 1879
February Is, 1878, to February IS, 1879
was $175,000, which included $4,000 for
deficiency, leaving the amount available for
the year 100000. The Governors PROPOSE
tion to save $50, 900 does not seem to have
been realized. We do not have to wait till
the reports come in next winter to show the
enormous deficiencies that will have to be
met The records of the Auditors office fur
nish facilities to show up the false professions
of the Democrats in time for the people to
pass on them at the October election. Of the
100000 appropriated (exelusive of the de-
ficiency) there only remained unexpended on
the 18th of August last the sum of $43,O0O.
At this rate of expenditure, the deficiency at
the end of the year will be $74,00e. The
approach of winter, however, necessltates in.
creased outlay, and renders it probable that
unless brake is put on that will have the
effect of crippling the institution, the de-
ficiency will reach 100000. This appalling
prospect has had a shocking effect ON the
nerves of the Trustees, and they are now en-
gagged in desperate efforts to avert the impen-
ding dead fall. During the last two days
twenty-three employees have been discharged
and the wages of many others have been re-
duced. The wages of the girls who work in
the ironing room and wait on table have been
reduced one-half. The positions of supervi-
visors have been abolished, and the whole
working force has been reduced, while the
attendance of patients is increasing. The
management of the asylum is engaged in an
almost despairing effort to reach shore in
surging sea. They will not be able to 'make
both ends meet" even by reducing the work.
ing force far below the imperative needs of
the institution. This is what Democratic
claims of economy amount TOO. s. Journal
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