The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-10
HICKMAN TELLS
OF A COMBINATION
Story of the Druggist
of the County
Hospital.
EXTRAVAGANT CHARGES
An Investigation by the Board
of Health Is Now
Under Way.
BIG SAVINGS COULD BE MADE.
Chief Engineer William Carson Says
the Boilers Are So Old They
Are Dangerous.
BIG SAVINGS COULD BE MADE.

W. N. Hickman. druggist at the City
and County Hospital, made some sensa-
tional statements at the investigation OF
hospital affairs that was resumed before
the Board. of Health yesterday morning.
He was answering running fire of ques-
tions relating to the drugs and instru-
ments used at the institution, and in ex-
PLANTATION of the fact that last months bill
for these materials was lower than those
of previous periods said that he thought
that the "com bination" must have broken
up.
What combination is that?" asked DR..
Hart hastily, after a startled glance had
passed between the physicians.
well, I'm not certain" said Hickman,
"but 1 think it is between the wholesale
houses of Redington & Co., Mack & Co.
and Langley, Michaels & Co. These firms
usually alternate in securing the contract
for supplies, which is let every month. It
has been the custom for two houses to put
in high bids, and the one whose turn it is
to get the contract is low one"
at looks prearranged then, does it?''
asked DR.. Hart.
Yes, it does. Last month couple of
Eastern houses put in bids. They were
about per cent higher than Mack & Co."
The talk of com binations did not 20 any.
further at this time, but the board will
delve deeper into the subject in the future.
The witness declared the prices paid for
drugs are extravagant and that 10 per cent
or more could be saved by buying in the
open market rather than under the pres
eni contract system.
"What was the entire expense of drugs
and surgical goods for the hospital last
year," asked DR.. Hart.
about $4,000.
do you look over all drug bills2"
81 do"
"Have you noticed any extravagant
prices?"
81 have. Drugs have been purchased
far in excess OF the market price. Bottles
and corks can be purchased at from so to
100 per cent less than was paid"
The witness then stated that excessive
prices have been charged for codeine, as
nigh as IS so to So an ounce having been
paid.
"What could you have bought it for p"
was asked.
The witness gave figures showing he
could have bought codeine from so to
60 cents an ounce less than the figures
at which the City secured the drug.
According to the druggists estimate he
article.
Caroolic acid, ground Enseed, opium,
creosote, clinical Thermometers, subnitrate
of bismuth, ether, chloroform and absorb
ent cotton were also mentioned as articles
on which large saving could be made.
He believed that if he were given the
purchasing of the wines, liquors and
/ drugs he would make saving of $500 a
year at least.
William Carson, the chief engineer OF
the hospital, testified that the coal received
was not only alwrps full weight. but some
times over weight. No amount of ques-
tioning could bring out any suggestion oil
iobbery in the matter of coal
Engineer Carson testified, however, that
the boilers and pipe system were III a con-
dition absolutely dangerous, and an ex-
/ plosion at any time would not surprise
/ MIN