The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-14
THE INSANE ASYLUM soUABBLE.
The Belligerent Attitude of DIR. Walker-An
Opinion from Attorney General Hord
Sustaining DIR. Rogers.

DR.. John C. Walker, in charge Of the female
department of the Insane Hospital, is making a
desperate struggle to have everything his own
way at the asylum. He does not ask,
but he demands the exclusive right to
appoint the attendants in his depart
ment, and it now seems to be his determination,
regardless of the legal barriers, TO have supreme
power in its management. 1t is evident that his
object has been TO so shape matters that
the removal or resignation of Dr. Rogers
could be brought about. but it now
seems improbable that he will succeed in this
DR.. Harrison, the president Of the boards, who
was in the city yesterday, stated that the re-
moval of DR.. Rogers would be uniustifable, and
that no effort would he made to force him to re-
sign. As the election of the new board, how
ever, had been brought about largely by the eff
forts of DIR. Walker, there was disposition to
reward him, and the board wanted
to give him this best possible
position inside the asylum. His demand
l ,,3 the power OF independent MANAGEMENT OF
his department, however, would virtually sepa-
rate 1t entirely from the rest of the institution,
and the board realize that tnis could not be
matter might be effectually settled
and that there might be no breach of the law,
Dr. Harrison submitted this question to the
Attorney general:
"Can The board OF any of the benevolent insti-
tutions confer the power to directly or indirectly
ent of the institution"
In reply to this question, Attorney general
Hord yesterday gave the following opinions:
"Under the statute (section 2,774, Revised
Statutes of 1881, the superintendent re-
quired TO take personal charge and supervision
OF their respective institutions and of the in
mates therein and of the subordinate officers,
trustees, attendants aud employees connected
Herewith, subject to the rules and regu-
and general control of the board of trustees,
He may for good cause discharge any of such
subordinates and employees. and appoint other
competent persons in their places, which APP
pointment shall continue only until the next
meeting of the board, at which time the snpern-
tendent shall report all such changes and the
causes therefor, and the board may confirm such
make other suitable appointments, subject to
the confirmation of such board.
THE appointing power is vested exclusively in
the superintendent by statute, and the confrma-
ton or rejection Of such appointments remains
with the board. The board cannot divest the
superintendent of the rights and powers CON
ferred on him by statute, and confer the appoint
position of superintendent he has the exclusive
right to the exercise of the duties imposed on
him by law"
Tue foregoing opinion, which fertihes DR..
Rogers against any enerOachment upon the
powers which riPhtfuly belong to the superln-
tendent, will be submitted as the answer to the
demand of DR.. Walker. DR.. Harrison declares
emphaucally that DIR. Rogers will not be re-
moved, and there now seems to be but little
is thought that some effort will lie made o COM
promise matters so that the two physicians can
continue their relations without any serious
dscOrd.