Arizona republican., 1896-06-23
HAMBLIN. IS A FOLLOWER
Refuses to Resign His
 Place.
Summarily Dismissed by the
 Board of Control.
pr. H. A. Hughes Appointed SupeF- intendent of the Territorial
 Insane Asylum.

Dr. Ira B. Hamblin was removed yesterday afternoon from the position of superintendent of the territorial in- sane asylum. The action was taken by the board of control, acting under a provision of law that the board of di- rectors of the insane asylum (of which body the board of control is direct suc- cessor) may remove the superintend- ent or any other employe of the asy- lum when in their judgment deemed best for the interests of the public ser vice. This necessity, according to the board and to the governor, has arisen.
 The provision of law page 436, Sec. 2482, Revised Statutes) that covers the case, is as follows: "The board of di- rectors shall have power to remove the superintendent, any assistant or any employe for neglect of duty, when they deem 1t is to be necessary for the best interests of the management of the affairs of the asylum; provided, that in case of the removal of the superintend- ent he may have the right of appeal to the governor of the territory Shortly after the assumption by Gov ernor Franklin of the executive office, Dr. HambliD called upon him and of fered his resignation at any time the executive might be pleased to accept it. About two weeks ago the desired intimation was given. But the doctor did not respond. Instead, he came in to argue with the governor. asking that he be retained But the resigna- tion was insisted upon, as for the best interests of the public service. As it was not forthcoming, summary re- moval had to be resorted to.
 Dr. H. A. Hughes, one of the oldest practitioners in Arizona and the phy- sician with probably the largest prac- t;ce in Phoenix, has been selected for the position. He is also g. Democrat of the fighting and uncompromising variety and has ever been prominent in the councils of his party. His appoint ment was urged by the entire medical association of the territory, which body also formally, and probably for cause to it's members known, reuuested the removal of Dr. Hamblin. News of the appointment was received with pleas ure on the streets last night Dr. Hughes files his bond today in the | sum of $5,000, will take the oath of Of | flee, be duly commissioned and will | then make formal application for pos session
 But aM will not be plain sailing. Dr. Hamblin has joined the list of would be holdovers and will hang to his Of 1 flee as long as he can. This has been the understanding, but YVES verified last night by The Republican. 1 Dr. Hamblin was caught by tele- phone last night and informed Of the action of the board.
 What do you propose to do in the | matter?" was asked of him.
 T propose to keep right on being superintendent of the territorial insane asylum" was the ready answer. When Dr. Hughes comes I shall be pleased to welcome him, but shall not leave the asylum till unseated in Q. law court.s' I But what can you base your atti- tude on?"
 T have the advice of my lawyer" said Dr. Hamblin, that the board of control has no right to unseat me. that l am under appointment and bond and am confirmed by the legislature to- hold office for the term Of two years from appointment Yes; you can e1n- phatically say that I will not retire.s' l The governor was asked last night what measures would be put on foot for the removal of Hamhiin. Moth ing,'' was the terse reply. 'sHambffn
 has already been removed: he's out and Dr. Hughes is the superintendent of the asylum
 It is probable, however, that some thing stronger than moral suasion will be tried and that the courts will be in- voked in the matter, as has been done
 against the baking member of the
 board of control and treasurer. Tha fight may become bitter one readily.
 for if specific charges are demanded.
 the territorial officials express them selves ready to supply them.
 The office of superintendent of the insane asylum is not a bad job, as
 jobs go these days of slack prosperity.
 It pays $2,100 a year, and the wife of the superintendent draws an additional
 $500 year for acting as matron. Then
 there is the benefit of commodious
 apartments at the asylum for the su-
 perintendent and family, free food as
 well and free attendance. It is possi-
 ble that on account of these creature
 comforts that Hamblin is unwilling to
 let go, and then, again, he may have
 other reasons which have not yet come
 to light.