The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1886-07-01
How the Infirmary Su-
perintendent Should
be Investigated.

peFintendent Should
be Investigated.
THE LEGAL AND TIL
FAIR WAY.
1t is apparent, not only to tht
readers of the Sentinel, but to The
citizens of our county in general
that an investigation of the con
duct of Daniel Nixon, Superin-
tendent OF the County Infirmary
is an absolute necessity. The
charges preferred against hin
by the Sentinel of neglect of du.
ty, cruelty and incompetency
are so grave in their character
that if true, even in part only,
mark Mr.. Nixon as a man unfit
for such position as that of Su'
perintendent of an Institution OF
charity: If the charges are not
true, then Mr.. Nixon has been
greatly wronged, and in all fair
ness and Justice should be eX-
onerated, and his official char
actcr among his fellow citizers
cleared of the stigma now rest
ing upon it.
Therefore,. an investigation
should be made; but in what
manner and by whom? II should
be done publicly, as the charges
have been spread broadcast
throughout the county and even
beyond its limits. and if Mr.. Nix
on is guiltiless. let his exonera
ton be as public. There should
be no secrecy, and no jugglery
for the purpose of "whitewash
ing" A fair, honest. public in
quiry should be made.
The Infirmary Directors should
make such investigation. By law
they have the full control and
management of the Infirmary in
all details. They are created a
body corporate and polite; may
sue and be sued; may defend and
be defended in any Court within
the State; may have. seal, &c. !;
shall make contracts and purch-
ases such as are necessary for the
institution; and shall prescribe
such rules and regulations as il
thinks proper for the manage
ment and good government of
the same, and for inducing the
practice of sobriety, morality and
industry among its inmates; shall
meet quarter yearly at the Infir-
mary shall keep.a record of the
proceedings Of their meetings and
all their transactions, &c. Rev.
Stat. sec. 961. 1t is further pro-
vided by law that. the Directors
shall appoint a Superintendent
and fix his salary. He (the Su-
perintendent) shall perform such
duties as they impose upon him,
and be governed in all respects
by their rules and. regulations,
and may be removed by them al
pleasure. Rev. Stat. Sec. 962.
At each quarterly meeting. and
at such other times as they deem
necessary, the Directors shall
carefully examine the condition
of the institution, and the farm
and paupers, the manner in which
they are fed, clothed ard other
wise provided for and treated; |
they shall ascertain what labor
hey are required to perform: and
shall inspect the books and ac-
counts of the Superintendent
Rev. Stat. sec. 966.
In the three sections of the
statutes TO which we have refer
ed, all the powers and duties of
he Infirmary Directors are pre-
cribed. They are a body cor
,orate and polite. One of the
belonging to them is the
of a Superintendent
mother is the removal of such
ppointee at pleasure. A part of ,
herr duty is, at their quarterly !
or at such other times {
IS they deem necessary, to exam :
ne the condition of the institu
ion, the manner IN which The in !
mates are fed, clothed and other
rise provided for and treated. i
The duty prescribed, of an ex- t
mination or investigation, is in :
cry plain terms. The law has )
laced this duty upon no otheT
erson or persons, or body csr- a
orate. There is neither law nor
recedent for t, e appointment OF a
committee by the 1nfirmary p
directors to perform this duty for n
hem; and an attempt to do so Is $,
IMPLY an effort to eyade the law. Il
They have the appointing, re- u
,oving and investigating power. p :
What more can be asked or de- es
red? Can there be a doubt e
nat the lniirmary Directors, act !,
,g III their official capacity. are e.
he proper persons before whom h h
lis investigation should be s.
lades They have taken a SOL F
mn oath to faithfully perform i
Il their duties. Their own con-
m