Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-05

About the District buildings to-day the main
talk was about the charges against Intendant
Stoutenburgh, Of the Washington asylum, con-
tanned in the letter sent to the Commissioners
yesterday by Mr.. Michigan, who was recently
removed from the Office Of chief engineer at
the asylum. The letter was published in yes
terday's STAR. When the Commissioners
arrived at the building this morning they were
somewhat inclined to view the charges made as
not worthy of much consideration, as they
emanated from a person who had waited until
he was removed from office before making
them. Mr. wheatley said that he Thought it
strange that Michigan had not told these
things before. Mr.. Wheatley was Ioath to
believe the statements made concerning the
personal habits of Mrs. Stoutenburgh. MIR.
Wheatley said that short time ago commit
tee, of which Rev. DIR. Bartlett was chairman,
made a visit of inspection to the asylum, and
their report did not indicate that any such con-
dition Of affairs existed as that set forth by
Michigan. Later in the day he made
who had fnomedse Of affairs a ths
asylum to satisfy himself whether there
was probable ground for the charges. The
statements he received made him somewhat
serious, and he decided to pursue his inquiries.
THE SALE OF PROPERTY.
Some Of the property disposed Of at the
asylum, consisting mainly of old iron, has been
sold by the property clerk, and is properly &C.
counted for at the District building. 1t is al
legged that other materials have been sold.
Mr.. Wheatley was of opinion that Mr.. Stouten-
burgh had made returns of certain materials
sold, but search through Mr.. Stoutenburgh's
reports failed to disclose the fact.
The Commissioners decided this afternoon
to request Mr.. McGuigan to put his charges in
formal shape and swear to them. Meanwhile
In Whaatlav will
sonal inquiries.
Mr.. sToUTENBURGHs DEyIALs.
Mr.. Stoutenburgh says that he always has
courted the freest investigation of his manage
ment and does not shrink from the test now.
As to the disposal of property belonging to the
institution he characteriZes Mr.. McGuigan's
charges as utterly baseless He says that any
property that becomes unfit for use or unserv-
iceable at the asylum is turned over to the
property clerk of the Commissioners, and it is
disposed of under his direction at public auc-
ton and the proceeds turned into the District
treasury. In respect to the accusation against
Mrs. Stoutenburgh, he says Mrs Stoutenburgh
Is too well known in the community for him to
make denial of such a fabrication.
Officials at the asylum, he says, have invaria-
bly, been cautioned against cruel or brutal treat
ment Of those under their charge. Only the
force absolutely necessary to compel compi-
ance with the regulations of the insti-
tuition mas peen resOrted TO, ana no NO.
lence whatever has been reported, ncr would
il be tolerated for one instant. Mr. Stouten-
burgh says he prefers to give the officials at the
asylum the best of food that he has instead of
turning it over to the prisoners. That the food
furnished the latter Is scanty and often I'M
wholesome he denies, and says such an as
sertion is a libel upon the contractors who
furnish all the supplies used at the asylum. He
denies also that any materials from the asylum
have ever been sent away to any favored per-
sons or relatives.
Mr.. Stoutenburgh said he thought the ami
mus for McGuigan's charges was apparent.
Michigan, he says, became so insubordinate
that he could not tolerate him any longer.
March "a. 1889, after complaints of his ineffi-
cheney and neglect had been made by others,
he preferred charges against Engineer Nc
Guigan and laid the matter before the Com
missioners. A meeting of the board was held,
and, after due consideration of the communica-
ton. two days later, it was decided to discharge
Michigan.
MR.. MGUIGAN SAYS HE IS READY.
Mr.. Michigan stated to STAR reporter to
day that he was ready to make good his
charges against the management of the Wash
ington asylum. and would put them in any form
the Commissioners desired. He did not, he
said, think it necessary to answer what Mr..
Stoutenburgh was quoted saying. He had
asked the Commissioners to investigate any
charges Mr.. Stoutenburgh had to make against
him. and he was willing, he said, to leave the
matter to the Commissioners If they were in
chned to investigate it.