The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-18
A MISMANAGED TRUST,

A MISMANAGED TRUST.
The report made by the Indiana Civil
service Reform Association Of the results of
their investigation Of the management of the
Indiana Hospital for the Insane shows that
those in charge have deliberately and sys-
tematically traded on it to the enrichment of
certain favorites. It cannot be truthfully
said that the gentlemen making the report
have done so as partisans, nor that it was
done for partisan effect. 1t so happens that
their report comes at a time near an election.
But it would require careful calculation to
avoid making such report at time when
there was no election in prospect and likely to
be more or less influenced thereby. 1t will
not be claimed by the most ultra partisan
that these gentlemen are dishonest or insin-
cere. They have carefully investigated the
condition Of that charity, and have deliber-
ately and reluctantly comesto the conclusion
that it has not been managed as it should
have been, but has been made the means Of
playing into the hands Of few favorites, who
have made thousands of dollars by means of
getting the contracts for supplies at liberal
figures for wholesome goods, and have in many
cases supplied very inferior. It would seem
that of all unfortunates the insane should be
saved from such shameless trickery. De-
mented and defenseless as they are, II would
ho of e. 10
insist that they be provided with nothing not
good and wholesome. There can be no parti-
san business in this thing as principle, nor
should there be for any reason. The reply to
this report, therefore, should be as dignifed,
dispassionate and honest as it is itself, so that
the people of Indiana may know the exact
truth about this thing that costs them so
much and involves the decent and proper
treatment of the most helpless of our unfor-
Inmates. 1t is made plain that thousands of
dollars have been paid to one man, to the ex
clusion somehow of other bidders, though it
is shown that there were other bidders, who
claim that they put in lower bids than those
accepted from the favorite. But the report
confined to the business of specializing at the
expense OF the State and the comfort
and we'll being of the inmates. There
has been extravaganza, and absenteeism,
and cruelty. These things cannot be lightly
passed over. The State of Indiana has long
been proud of her public charities, and the
people have cheerfully consented to be taxed
for the good of tho unfortunate If these
trusts have not been properly managed and if
the insane have suffered from any cause, the
people have the right to inquire into it, and it
will not do to attempt to discount what has
been revealed by saying that it is a partisan
trick for effect upon the coming election.
These institutions are non-partisan in their
conception and purpose, and the explanation
offered in reply to this report should be non
partisan also. The time has passed when
such enormities and wrongs can be perpetrated
and hidden behind men backed by their party.
It is time that they should be wholly removed
from partisan control, and they should be
taken out of politics, and managed as they
should be for the sole purpose Of doing the
most good in the direction for which they
were established and maintained. For the
credit of the State, it is hoped that those in
charge will make their reply in dignifed and
in any Of the business transactions of life.