The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-28
DIR. MORRISON BITTER.
His Remarks About "the Demands
the MnhV for Earrnsnn,a RnnnunI

His Remarks About "the Demands of
the Mob" for FergusOn's Removal.
1t has been known for several days that
DR.. +. A. Morrison, president OF the Board
of Health, was bitterly opposed to the re-
moval Of the superintendent of the City
Hospital for political effect. After a meet
ing of the board the other day, when
large delegation called to protest against it.
Mayor Taggart sought to create the impress
sion that the matter lay with the board
not with himself. Afterwards DIR. Morrison
said that the board had not been asked to
assume this responsibility, and indicated
very clearly that If this were true DIR. Fer
guson would be retained. He emphasized
his position on this point last night. DR..
Durham, of the board, did not arrive until
after the meeting of the Board of Safety,
across the hall, had adjourned. After leav-
ing the Safety Board meeting Mayor Tag
CART did not go into the Office Of the Board
of Health. When the meeting was called to
order Dr. Morrison stated that the subject
to be considered was DR.. Ferguson's resig-
nation. DR.. Lockridge moved that the res
ignation be accepted. His motion was Sec
onded by DR.. Durham. DIR. Morrison said
that he would have to ask that the roll be
called, in order that each member might
be on record on this important subject. He
apprehended that mistake was being made
and wanted the records to show where the
blame must lay. DR.. e. d. Clark, secretary
of the board, called the roll. Drs. Lockridge
and Durham voted aye
Justice to the citizens Of indianapolis and
regard for the interest OF the hospital de-
mands that I vote no." said Dr. Morrison
when his name was called. "a year ago it
was necessary to ask him to go to the hos
pital, because the institution had run down
under a superintendent for whom 1 had
voted Dr. Ferguson was receiving 81, 500 a
year. The salary there was 81, 800 He asked
to be allowed to remain here. At my per-
sonal solicitation he went to the hospital as
a temporary arrangement. He did not take
his family there for two months. Every
lowed to return. He was virtually forced to
continue as superintendent. He made the
hospital a credit to the city, he harmonized
the situation In the Training School and In
tfoduced the right kind of methods I re-
aliZe that the change has been made that
the question is settled. / cannot forbear to
speak against it. In response to demands
of mob il seems to me we are sinking our
professional regulations. They are bowling
for him to-day and may howl for us to-
morrow. l want to go on record as oppos-
ing his resignation I have received letters
protesting against 1t from every visiting or
ganization. From all parts Of the State
DO you believe his place can be f1lled?"
asked DIR. Lockridge testify.
Certainly responded DR.. Morrison. with
undisturbed equanimity; even our places
can be filled, for that matter"
DR.. Lockrtdge inquired If 1t were not al
ways customary to change every two years.
DR.. Morrison responded that DR.. w. N.
Wishard served for four years, as did Drs.
Edengarter and Wright, some of them aft
err the, politics of the administration
There is no use to mince matters" de-
clared DR.. Morrison. This thing will be
done, I know, and it is done in response TO
Throughout the meeting Dr. Morrison
spoke dispassionately, and he made it plain
that he had no criticism to offer as to the
attitude of his associates. Both Of them as
sured him that they appreciated he felt in
honor bound to stand by DR.. Ferguson.
1T looks like s. he will have to 60" said
have tried to look at it from all Sides
Mr.. Marsee seemed impressed with the
idea, when he addressed us the other day,
that there was no one in indianapolis COM
netent TO take DR.. Ferguson's place." said
DR.. Lockridge. THAT struck me as being
a reflection on the alumnus of the Indiana
''Oh, he did not mean that" said DR.. Nor
rison. DR.: Ferguson, you know, has made
one else knows. of them and would not be
able to carry them out. think that was
what DR.. Marsee meant"
When 1t came TO selecting a successor DR..
Morrison innocentIy asked If there was anv
objection to them considering a man whose
name had not been presented as an appli-
cant. Are we restricted to applicants?"
he asked.
mo. sir. we are not" answered DR.. Lock-
ridge. II am almost a stickler for the rule
Of the Office seeking the man.
DIR. Lockridge then handed Up letter he
had received from DIR. John II. Carson, of
Mapleton, who mentioned reasons why he
should be appointed. His application was
filed"
u nominate DR.. Poucher." said DR.. Dur
ham.
II second that nomination." said DR..
Lockridge
No other names were mentioned. despite
DR.. Lockridge's protestatons that the board
was not restricted" (by the mayor) to the
names OF those who were applicants. The
roll was called and all three members voted
for DR.. Poucher. DIR. Morrison saying that
while he felt inclined TO vote ''no." he did
not want II TO appear that the action Of the
board was not unanimous. He said that he
regarded Or. Poucher as an able man.
Then you do not believe that the hospital
viii go 10 rack and ruin2" asked DR. Lock-
ridge, still somewhat RULED
Not at all. ! think ht:a equal to DIR.