The morning call., 1893-07-09
ROYCE'S THEFTS.
Veterans Home Directors
Responsible.
A SCATHING REPORT MADE
The Canteen Declared to Be a Dis
grace-A Scene Between Messrs.
Ham and Hyde.

Once a fight seemed imminent at the
meeting Of the Veterans Home Assoca-
ton yesterday afternoon, but more good
humor than anger was manifested. This
was despite the fact that the report of the
investigating committee was so severe
upon the directors and the secre ary that
much warm talk was expected EX-
Treasurer Royce had defender at the
meeting.
The report of the committee which in
YES igated the home was signed by S. J..
Loop, C. A. Fuller, Magnus TAFT and
Jerome Deasy. The other member. Com.
rade Thatcher, was prevented by absence
from signing it. w. Fl. l.. Barnes, who
had assisted the committee with advice.
when requested, read the report.
1t Stated that when Mr.. Waltz was
treasurer he kept no books except the bank
deposit account. His administration was
strictly honest and for the best interests of
the association. however. Quarterly
meetings to 60 over the treasurer's ac-
counts are incumbent on the directors, but
none was held while Mr.. Waltz was in
office. Neither did the finance committee
SAouiuc HIS dCCUuutS, MS WAS IT'S uutys All
this neglect was a cause for censure.
Almost Immediately after c. E. K.
ROYCE became treasurer, continued the re-
port. he began stealing. AT the time when
the directors should have held their quar-
the hrst time he had Incorporated
S541S Sc. When he resign led his pecula-
tons amounted to S1S973 90.
He knew from past experience that the
directors did not hold meetings or require
the keeping of books. as they should have
done" said the committee. Their loose
methods encouraged his populations The
directors and the finance COMMITTEES, es-
Decially, are morally as accountable for
the einbezzlemet. because of their neglect
of their prescribed duty, as Royce him.
SELF"
1t was recommended that the associa-
ton should take legal advice as to the cul-
pability Of the directors, especially Of the
auditing committee, for their neglect, 'for
which there was no excuse, ana for which
nc apology has been offered"
The committee thought that advice
should be obtained as To whether this
neglect id not justify civil action against
the directors 10 recover moneys which, but
for their failure to perform their duty,
would not have been stolen.
The management of the home was criti-
eized unsparinsly. Samples of the pro-
visions received at the home were taken
by the committee when it began invasti-
eating on May Z. and all were found to BIZ
of a quality below that represented by the
sellers and the committee on supplies
The prices charged and allowed were ex-
orbitant. 1t was recommended that the
present method of getting supplies through
committee on supplies be stopped. 1t
has brought about unfair dealing and
al in in 60
Quentin prison should he adopted in stead.
The canteen as it has been conducted
was condemned. In other homes said
Inc committee. such a canteen would not
be permitted to exist. Spirituous liquors
in Other canteens at veterans homes are
not allowed, and the amount of beer sold
is limited. Accountable concoctions at the
Yountville Home are drunk by the barrel.
The only limit is the pecunarv capaclty
Of the veterans 10 buy. A profit of 100 per
cent has been made on the liquors sold, it
is estimated. 1t was intended to Csc the
proceeds to improve the home. but nearly
all were EN- beZZled bv K yce.
ut is disgrace that so large part Of
the pensions and the money appropriated
for the veterans should be spent in getting
drunk on poisonous liquids sold at the
canteeD. How the greater part of the
pensions received by the veterans is dis
posed OF, let he canteen and the groggeries
of Napa County answer. The canteen is
not wholly responsible for the irtemper-
ance which has created so much trouble at
the home. A law should be secured to re-
strict he sale Of liquor at places near the
home"
II was found that too much had been
paid for the buildings at the home. The
canteen cost $500, and an expert architect
said it could be built for $780, The laun-
dry and bathhOuss were constructed at a
cost open TO reasonable criticism.
The hospital has not been we'll conduct
ed. In the laundry the clothes of the
healthy and well are washed with those
of the sick and diseased. Filthy garments
have been thrown with the clean.
Medical Director Aiken holds the ap-
pointment of notary public and has re-
ceived considerable sum from the
veterans for fees. He said they were not
eXacted, but were gwen voluntarily. The
committee recommended that he do not
receive any fees from veterans TOR notarial
services, as his appointment was secured
for their benefit
The arabic and at the home should be
put to some use. The inmates would be
benefited by having some farming occu-
patton. 1t seems pitiable, the committee
said, that the most uncultiva ed part of
Napa County should be the Veterans
Home.
The committee said that Mr. Rock wells
resignation as secretary If the board of
directors made much comment on him I'M
necessary. If he had not resigned the
commttee would have proposed such ac-
tioD on his part. The secre airy ought to
BIZ made of sterner stuff than Mr.. Rockwell,
who should nave taken action " hen hn saw
how the direc ors were neglecting their
duties. The committee was unable To
name any director who had properly dis
charged his duty.
1t suggested that the directors who had
permitted the home to fall into disrepute
and sustain heavy pecunary loss should
resign at once.
A copy of the report will be sent to Gov
ern0r Markham, who appointed the direc-
tors. Unless a change be made the next
Legislature will be hostile to granting the
necessary appropriations for the home.
A statement of the amounts received by
Royce and his disposition of them was
read by General Barnes. Ii showed that
the total sum which he received was
Sl19,12l 40. and of this he retained
SlS,973 %.
The amounts turned over to him by the
cantaen were: April 9. 1892. 500; July
10. $50 05; August l. S19S Is: August 90,
500. September 5, S75; October II. 800;
October is, 500; November 10. s56l so;