The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1897-12-23
HOW Is THIS, GERWIG ?
A Correspondent Has Few Things
TO Say in Regard to Infirmary
Matters.

Editor News -Democrat:-W learn
from several prominent and reliable
parties that there IL imperative need for
a change in the administration OF our
county infirmary as practiced by Super
intenent Gerwig. 1t is asserted, and
probably is fact, that MIR. Gerwig's ad-
ministration is a burning disgrace to our
county, and that he is in the habit Of
abusing his authority most shamefully,
under the pretense that he is only obey
ing the rules adopted by the inflrmary
directors. II the directors have promul-
gated rules of the kind thus indicated
they should be prosecuted to the extent
of law for maleasance in office. Our
infrmary is the most important of our
charitable institution, and its unfortun-
ate inmates should be treated with the
greatest tenderness and kindness, whereas
Gerwig treats them as though they were
stitution, and the inmates should be sub.
jected to such punishment as the super.
intendent chose to inflict. The general
impression has been gratutiously circula,
ted that Mr.. Gerwig was following In the
footsteps of his predecessor, J.W. Pontius
Nothing could be further from the truth
Mr.. Pontius brought the inflrmary farm
to a much higher state Of cultivation
than 1t ever was in before or is now. He
was also kind, indulgent superinten
dent, yet maintained good order and com
manded the confidence and respect OF al
the inmates. When he left the inmates
felt as though they were losing their best
friend and adviser, as indeed they were
Mr.. Gerwig on the contrary, is consider
ed by them as their enemy, and they
openly express their dislike and con
tempt for him and his administration
1t is generally talked by the inmates o.
the ruin being brought upon this valu
liable property. The farm is not KEEP
in proper condition for production o.
good crop; COWS are dried up for want o.
feed, etc. There is more than enough
than enough of all needed vegetables fol
the inmates to have enough and to SPAR
three times every day, where Gerwlg hal
raised not more than half enough to feet
the inmates, and matters are growing
worse every month The superintendent
should not be allowed to deny any inmat,
the privilege Of attending church when
ever they pleased, yet Gerwig has shut
several up in cell and kept them OF
bread and water for presuming to exer
else this right, treating them as amen
able to state prison rules
A committee should be appointed i'm
mediateIy to investigate these matters ant
make such suggestions as may be neces
sary or expedinet TO prevent such grosi
abuse of authority as the present super
intendent is guilty Of and prevent the ap
pointment Of such person to the super
intendency in all future time. Uudel
his mal-administration the crosses
obsoenity and blasphemy is heard every
day at the tables in the dining room, anC
however refined any woman may be sh'
Is obliged to hear this whenever she take
her meals. Instead Of being a good ex
ample to the inmates, even those Of gros
sest habits oriticise an1 hold him il
contempt. There should be immediate
notice served on the incoming board o
directors that these abuses must be stopped
at once, or they will feel the just lndigna
tion of our citizens throughout Starl
county. MEMO.