The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-09
THE REMOVAL OF DIR. ROGERS.
The Action of the Board Generally De-
nOunced-What Governor Porter Says.

The commission OF DR.. W. B. Fletcher as SUI
periDtendent of the Insane Hospfssl was issued
yesterday, and he was at the institution during
the day. DR.. Rogers will remain a.. the hospital
for several days yet as matters are in such
shape that he cannot Withdraw Immediately. BE
will, however, leave for Newport shortly on
visit. The question has been raised that Dr.
Fletcher, as State senator, is ineligible for the
position, under section 80, article section 1885,
Revised Statutes, 1881 which provides that no
senator or representative shall hold any civil
office of profit. The action Of the trustees in
demanding the resignation of DIR. Rogers was
in violation of tho decree of the Democratic
caucus which elected the board. resolution
was adopted directing that DR.. Rogers should
be retained superintendent and DIR. Thomas
in the position which he now holds. When the
trustees yesterday asked Dr. Thomas to con-
tinue he asked For how longf' and added that
he did not care to depend upon the uncertain
ties OF a capricious body for position.
GOVERNOR PoRTERs OPINION.
Governor Porter was asked yesterday after
noon what he thought would be the effect Of the
change
al know" the Governor said, chat better
man than DR.. Rogers for superintendent could
not be found, He is not only scholarly gentle
man, but by intuition he is proficient in all that
pertains to mechanics, and possesses the quail
ications practically ana scientifically, for the
work of experimenting such stupendous in
stitutiOn. Iregard him as a remarkable man.
For seven years he was an invalid, and during
that time, lying on his back he applied himself
to his books constantly and obtained a college
education, of which he holds a diploma. He
afterward visited Europe and there finished his
medical education. His management of the In
sane Hospital, the largest in the country, has
been highly creditable to the State. If the
trustees which appointed last January had
been confirmed DIR. Rogers would not have been
disturbed
"What do you think will be the effect upon the
institutions OF the political system of manage
mentf
1.-THE political abuses, under the existing law,
are highly disgraceful to the State. The man
agement of the benevolent institutions should be
above all political considerations. The heads Of
two of the institutions are incapable men,
but they are held in their positions by
the political power Of their friends,
who give no consideration of the inter-
ests involved. 1 hope to see q law passed
in Indiana providing that each benevolent board
shall consist of four persons, two Republicans
and two Democrats, and that the Governor shall
constitute fifth member when there is an equal
course, be non-partiean, and In the matter OF APP
pOintments or the distribution of patronage of
any kind politics should be given no considera-
tion."
THE TALK ABOUT THE STREETS.
The removal OF DIR. Rogers and the appoint
ment of DR.. Fletcher as superintendent Of the
Insane Asylum, was the general topic OF. CONVEX
sation on the streets yesterday. The action of
the board was soundly condemned on all sides
by Republicans and Democrats alike Said one
leading Democrat: al do not care to be quoted
in the Journal, but 1t will be exaggeration for
you to say that nine out of every ten Democrats
in this county are opposed to this infamous bust
ness. 1t is only q part of the bargain
and sale which was begun in the last
Legislature, and 1t places DR.. Fletcher
in q very unenviabe position. Similar
expressions were heard on all sides, and it is
evident that the board has made mistake
which will greatly divide the party in the next
campaign. The opinion was also freely OK
pressed that the administration of DR.. Fletcher
would fall far short of being success. In his
professional pursuits he is well informed, but he
has a notorious lack Of business and executive
ability.
In the News, yesterday evening, DR.. Harrison
states that the morning papers misrepresented
him, and that he did not deny that DIR. Rogers's
resignation was demanded. Mr.. Harrison's
memory ia either very defective or he wilfully
misrepresents the facts. He stated positively to
the Journal reporter that the resignation was
voluntary.