Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-05
DIR. PURvIs ExONERATED.
His Management Commended - Some
Thinxs That Might be Changed.

Some months ago the attention of Secretary
Noble was called to the management Of the
Freedman's Hospital by number Of charges
Med in the Department OF the Interior and
sustained In some instances by affidavits. He
gave directions to have the truth of the charges
investigated, course which was in accorda nee
with the wish of DR.. Purvis, the surgeon in
charge OF the hospital committee consist
ing OF Thomas h. Musick, the chief of the mis-
ceiianeous division, Interior Department; J.
W. Babson, the chief of the issue and gaze tie
division, Patent Office, and VIM. H. De Lacey
OF the Secretary's oeice was appointed to in
vestigate the charges. The committee organ
ized on March 81, and since that date as their
other duties permitted have made the investi-
gat6n, holding their sessions both at the In
terror Department and at the Freedmans
Hospital
TIE THREE CHARGES.
The charges against Dr. Purvis were three in
number: First that he neglected. misused and
maltreated patients; second, that he disobeyed
the lawful orders of the Secretary, and. third.
tnat ne Incorporated hospital supplies and
that friends Of the officials not subjects OF
charity have been furnished medicine, stimu-
lants and condiments from the hospital sup
plies witnesses were examined and per sonal
inspection was made by the committee of the
CONDITION and management Of the hospital and
OF the books and the records.
THE TESTIMONY.
Under the first charge the afidavits Of wit
nesses, as well as oral testimony, were consd-
cred. and in the resume Of the evidence as pre-
pared by the chairman, Mr.. ,Musick, it is stated
that the charge was not sustained As to the
charge that he disobeyed an order Of the Secre.
tary, which was based upon the affidavit of q man
who got an order OF admission to the hospital
from the Interior Department, but before pre-
sentlng 1t he became intoxicated and Dr. Pur-
Wis refused to admit him. the opinion is ex-
pressed that DIR. Purvis ought not to be con-
demned for this action.
No evidence was found. Chairman Musick
states, i'll support of the charge that friends of
officials not subjects Of charity have been fur
nished medicines, stimulants and condiments
from the hospital supplies.
USING HOSPITAL BEEF.
As to DR.. Puryis using beef in his family
that was furnished to the hospital, it is stated
that the evidence shows that DIR. Purvis was in
the habit of having a piece of beef cut off from
the hospital supply for his family use, but that
it was weighed out and charged to HIM and he
paid for it, and 10 injury, in the opinion of the
chairman, was done to the government or any
wrong. Other charges made were unsup-
ported by evidence. In conclusion Mr. Musick
states that considering the number and varied
character OF the patients treated at the hos
ptal. very large proportion of them being
the dregs OF society. as is evidenced by the
fact that the diagnosis Of so many cases show
they originated in dissipated, rowdyish or i'm
moral habits and practices. the amount of fault
found with the management Of the hospital
seems remarkably small, and it is the deliber-
ate opinion of the committee that DR.. Purvis
and his assistants entitled to high COM
mendation for the condition of affairs in the
institution generally.
THINGS THAT SHOULD BE CHANGED.
Nevertheless, believe that there is much
in the system Of administration which should
be changed at an early day. 1t is now emphat-
ically on the basis of a one-man power. The
surgeon in charge is autocrat with over
$50, 900 public money annually at his disposal
without any adequate checks, balances or ac-
countability. That DIR. Purvs has not abused
the great and irresponsible responsibility
which rests upon him is greatly to his credit
But there can be no assurance that with the
wide open opportunities for population some
successor Of DR.. Purvis will not BE- tempted to
take advantage Of them to the injury an, dis
grace Of the institution"
number Of recommendations will be made
part of the report, and then it will be sub
mItted for the action of the Secretary.