Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-09-11
THE INSANE ASYLUM.
WORE DEVELOPMENTS OF TIE
loose STYLE OF ACCOUNTS.
Signing Voucher in Blank--Cost Of
Building Exceeds Estimate Only 1885,
ooo-Tha Committee Invite the Trustees
to Come Forward.

The Senate committee of investigation met
again yesterday at the capitol and proceeded
with the tedious task of going through the
treasurer's accounts. The work was divided up
among tn. committee, Senators Morton and
Drew and Senator Rice and Secretary Smith
taking years accounts each and tabulating
them, MARKING those which need ex Slanation or
to which they wish to draw the attention of the
officers or trustees of the asylum, while Senator
Doran examined closely the annual reports of
the treasurer and trustees and all legislation
connected with the institution from it. foua-
dation.
AS on the previous raw. many curious vouch-
era and entries were met WITH but it is pos
sihle to explain them as being clerical errors or
careless blundering it would not be Just to the
parties concerned to publish them before they
nave chance to explain. For instance. there
was a 81 tnr hack plastering at 4Oc. per yard
while the Institution paid for the lime. and the
contract called for clustering with three coats
ane. hard finish at lGc. Nails Common fence)
were charged by Nutter d Co. 97O per keg
while Miller sold to the asylum finishing nails
ut 10c. per pound. and fence nails at 7c.
Those who signed and allowed the bills may
be able to explain, while it is also possible for
Q. T. Brown tn show why he endors ed a voucher
which totally blank except the footing.
which read in the usual printed form Received,
&C., sS4.s7, and no signature attached. It was
backed NOV. 3Dth. 1868, sS4.37, a. Fl. Kerr,
and endorsed by G. T. Brown.
Senator Doran found that the original esti-
m,te for building the asylum according to the
plans and specifications VS. 1926, 900.
and the actual coat up to 1875 was
the estimntc. It il the intention of
Che committee to ascertain exactly the cost of
the buildings up to date. They will also as
certain the cost of all the real estate purchased
bv the trustees of employees and others, and
have the SINE valued by an appraiser.
Senator Doran in looking through the reports
found miny iuexplicahle entries where bal
nnces missing and moneys entered from
unexplained sources. These. perhaps, viii! be
made clear to the understanding of the astute
Senator when the Rev. Aaron H. Kerr explains
20 him his model method of bookkeeping. 1t
mas been the bofst of the TRUSTEES that the cost
per capita was much lower than at any other
institution of the kind. Mr.. Doran fonnd that
they make that out bv choosing some dozen in
stitutions and give their average for 1874. while
they give their own for 1876. but had thew
taken thu Minnesota average for 1874 it would
have been found higher than the rest. In 1876
it was $3.50, and in 1874 much as $3.50 per
week.
INVITED TO ATTEND.
In order that the trustees shonld not llbo,
under the idea that they are not wanted at the
meetings of the committee. or that there is a
desire to prevent explanations. the following
letter was sent to each of them yesterday-the
steward was notified to appear before the com
mission two days ago.
with a view of obtaining the most reliable
testimony relative to the management of the
Minnesota hospital for the insane. and that no
Injustice may be done any member Of the man
agement, am instructed by the chairman.
the Hon. NJ. Doran, to advise you that yourself
any of the board of trustees are cordially in
vited to attend any meetings of the Senate
committee and give any testimony or make any
explanations that may seem to you Just and
proper.
am, very respectfully, your ohedient servant
VIM. SMITH Secy."
The committee expect Mr.. Dryer will be in
attendance to-day when the same systematic
course of inquiry will be pursued as that fol
lowed while the committee held their meetings
in st. Peter. Tho commission adjourned at
lalf-pa o. CLOCK.