Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-02-21

according to contract were offered to the pub
lie at large up to January LIST, 1878.
During the year 1873 had the con-
tract, and executed the same satisfac-
torily to all parties, in every particular. Dur
ing the year 1874, Mr.. w. Davis had the con-
tract. 1t has been customary that bids were
brought IN Tor furnishing meats on the Goth of
December of each year. for the year following
For the year 1875 no proposals were offered,
although was there, at the stewards office, on
the usual day, to hand in my proposal for fur
nlshing meat during that year, but was told
that the contract had been given out. There
were no public proposals offered during or
for the year 1876.
A week previous to the Goth of December,
1876, I called at the stewards office and asked
Mr.. Dryer how he was disposed in offering pro-
posals for furnishing meat for the asylum for
the insane, whereupon he Informed me that he
did not know what to do in regard to that; that
he would see the board Of trustees, whether they
would deem it best to establish butcher shop
! at the asylum or not.
called on several members Of the board
concerning that part, of whom I received the
answer that if Mr.. Dyer had said such. he
would manage things satisfactorily. There
upon, presented my proposal to Mr.. Dryer,
on the 18th of December, 1876, for furnishing
meat, at the rate Of $685. per 100 pounds, when
Mr.. Dryer, the steward, informed me that he
would let me know, as soon as possible and I
have never heard of it since.
Now, Mr.. Ahrens, you will at once perceive
that this sort of actions are not fair, in no
shape way. When furnished the hospital
with meat had to comply with every letter
of the contract as regarding the furnishing of
first class meat, but as it is now, most every
thing imaginable is brought there, such as bull
banf 1Iyhi oil
decent market. All l would ask is to have a
fair show between my fellow men, as do not
believe in giving one man all the advantage Of
an institution supported and governed by The
State.
Being that you are and have been, ON the
committee for the insane asylum, would most
respectfully request you to give this matter
your kind attention; besides there is one man S
time as a trustee, about up, and it would be
well it the authorities would at once have, or
take in consideration the vile doings Of a GER
tain clique, and give everyone chance to offer
his desires, or give vent to his inclinations.
Hoping to hear from you as a personal friend, I
remain; respectfully yours,
HENRY HILDEBRANDT.
Senator Rice said that the charges contained
in the communications were very serious and
he suggested the propriety of committee to
investigate which he would like to hear
from Senators.
Senator DOran said these were grave charges.
He had also heard serious accusations against
the general management of the institution,
especially as to its extravaganza. His Republic
can friends, upon whom the responsibility for
the institution rested, ought to take some ac-
ton in the matter, and that speedily. For him
self, he feared that the charges were not without
foundation in fact, and that the institution
was decidedly rotten. The superintendent he
believed to be good man, but there was some
thing wrong. An examination of the reports
@l.o4. . IL
patient while in his county, just the
river, the care of the poor only cost $1.50. He
was told, too, he did not vouch for it's truth
that more was paid for every article of food and
clothing used in the hospital, than in any other
public institution in the State. He hoped that
it would be no whitewashing affair."
but go to the very bottom, strike whom it
might.
Senator Morton said the institution asked
$1l2, 900 last year. The State gave it $10O, 1000,
and it is now before the Legislature asking for
deficiency of $l2,5OO. This was not the first
time he had heard grave charges against the in
stitution, especially in reference to it's financial
management. AS items of extravaganza he
said he had been told that the State was charged
with $500 for a cat and $500 for a terrier
dog. These charges he thought, should be
investigated by special committee, the inves-
tigation going into the entire management
of the institution. He had not a doubt if such
an investigation was had, a rotten condition of
things would be developed.
Senator Edgerton acknowledged the gravity
of the charges, and agreed that they ought to be
investigated thoroughly, but until the Republic
can side of the House had shown disposition
to shirk investigation, or to cover up any
derelictions, it should not be held responsible.
He noticed the names of two old Democrats on
the hospital committee, but he had never seen
minority report from them indicating, much
less ascertaing any of the Irregularities now
charged. He closed by moving special COM
mittee, with Senator Doran chairman.
Senator Morton disclaimed any intention to
reflect upon the standing committee What he
wanted was committee especially for this in
vestigation and one that would go to the bottom.
Senator Edgerton knew of no better man to
head such a committee than Senator Doran.
Senator Doran, recurring TO the management
of the institution, said that every year the ex
| penses OF the institution were increased unit
they HAD become so enormous as to excite gen.
eral comment. This being the case the Re
publican party, who controlled the government
was responsible for not ordering an investiga
ton to see if the increase was caused by the
necessities of the case or extravaganza. He re-
peated his assertion that he believed
the management of the institution was
rotten, and believed the Governor ought to re
move the barnacles at once. But he had no de
sire to be on the committee. His friend Edger
investigation to him with perfect contidcnc.
that he would go to the bottom.
Senator j. B. Gilillan said the Republica,
! party never shirked investigation into an al
legged wrong. Rather they courted it, as tn,
party represented in this body now courted in
vestigation in this case. But, in his opin
ion, they should go slow and &C
considerably. All would remember the hui
and cry raised over alleged Irregularities by
recent State auditor, the long and expensive
investigation which followed, resulting in hi
acquittal. He did not think any Senator would
say but what that investigation was made a
thorough one of the ablest Democratic law
yers in the State could make it. But while ad
a thorough investigation, and to the end tina
such'might be secured he would suggest tina
the President appoint majority of the com
mlttee from the minority party.
Senator Pillsbury held that it was the dut
OF Senator Doran to serve the committee
The charges if true, should be exposed
Senator Doran stated that he knew nothin
of his own knowledge, only by report and b
Inference drawn from the figures given in til
report of the cost of care of patients, etc
These charges he had before called che after
ton OF the Senator to. while every Senator ha
the same information.
Senatar c. ID. Gilfllan called attention to til
, fact that such an investigation as ought to b
had could not be made during the remainder c
the session, and he suggested that the commits
, tee be given further time, with instructions
report to the Governor.
Senator Henry did not think the charge {
extravaganza applied to this State institutio
, alone, and thought the investigation Shout
embrace them all.
Some further desultory consideration ensuet