The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-15
THE INSANE ASYLUM ROW.
DIR. Walkers Official Head in PeriI-Some
Unwritten Democratic History.

Dr. John G. Walker, an assistant at the Insane
Asylum. but who is about to arrogantly assume
the entire management OF tho Institution, IN a
published card, has denounced DIR. Rogers, the su-
perintendent, with conduct unbecomlng a gem
tleman," called him a liar, and INDUCED in va
rious other pleasantries of a similar character.
This action has about precipitated the coming
crisis, and it is altogether probable that DIR.
Walker will be compelled to leave the institu-
tion. DIR. Rogers was in the city yesterday in
consultation about the matter, and determined
TO formally notify DR.. Walker Of his release from
his official position. He justly assumes the posi-.
tion That he is SUPERINTENDENT of the Insane Hos
pital, and solely responsible for its management,
and that he cannot afford to retain the
services of a subordinate who is inimical to
him, and who by his recent action has at least
indicated a revengeful spirit that promises to
greatly impair the usefulness of the institution.
In regard to DR.. Walkers card, DR.. Rogers says
ii is totally unjuatitiable by the facts in the case,
and that he proposes to act in the matter con-
~sistently with The dignity of his position. His
action in the removal of DR.. Walker viii have to
he concurred in by the board of trustees, and
thus the issue will be directly made, for if the
board refuses to sanction 1t the superintendent
will be compelled by self respect to resign. DR..
Walker expects to be vindicated by the trustees,
but the opinion prevails that in this he will be
disappointed.
In connection with this matter one of the most
prominent Democratic politicians in the
State, a man who ID on the inside,
yesterday gave a Journal reporter
some unwritten history. in the light Of which
recent events are more easily understood. In
speaking of DR.. Walker, he said: "rhere was a
time when he was a big-brained man, and had
nnnsfdarnh1 ia 80 - 4lo r H.. -.
some followers among the old timers, hut he ex-
aggerates his own importance and influence.
The nomination of his nephew, Holcombe, for
Superintendent of Public Instruction, was par
TALLY brought about in this way: It was under
stood that DR.. Walkers health was exceedingly
bad, and that lie eould not survive many months.
1t was also given out that the support of a large
number of relatives, in the event
of his death, would fall upon
Holconbe, and these. considerations weighed
somewhat with the older members of the party
in securing the nomination, although Holcembe
Is a "hustler," and made a vigorous canvass for
himself. Walker assumed, however, thar the
nomination WAS due to his individual efforts.
When the Legislature met he drew up the So
called Brown bill" for the reorganization of the
benevolent institutions. 1t was his intention to
make Two entirely separate departments of the
Insane Hospital, so that he cGuld have the super
intendeney OF one, but this provision was strlck-
en- out of the hill at an early stage, for il was
very unpopular. The bill was passed with the
express understanding that it should in no way
affect the present officers of the Insane Hos
pitai, and l can assure you now that there
Will be no changes made there, unless
they become absolutely necessary on account of
internal strife. When the mill passed, however,
and the new trustees we're appointed, Walker
again had the cheek TO claim that Ire had accom-
plished all this, and as a reward for his alleged
services made the demand that was the begin
ming Of the present quarrel. OF course the Board
are friendly to him and want him to remain in
his present position, but they will not place him
over Rogers; it would be folly to do SO, and, il he
continues to act as he has been he may get the
grand bounce. | happen to know that Rogers
has been a very efficient officer, and has man
aged the institution admirably. To he sure, there
has been some complaint against him by politi-
cal workers. because he has not sacrificed busi-
ness and professional considerations for party
ENDS. 1t would be an outrage to remove him,
and l don't believe it will be done. Ii it should
he, we would never be able to reconcile those
members of the Legislature who voted for the
Brown bill under the promise that Rogers and
Thomas would not be molested."
A Journal reporter last night tried to commu-
nicate with DR.. Rogers by telephone regarding
the matter, but WINS informed that he WAS sert-
ously indispOsed and was confined to his room.