The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-07-19
CANNOT AVOID
AN INQUIRY
Charges Filed Against
TOurtillOtt and Mrs.
Madigan.
Charles |. Williams Formally
Accuses the Attaches Of
Immoral Conduct.

were filed to-day against T. T. Tourtil-
lott, secretary to the medical superin-
tendent of the Agnews State Hospital,
and against Mrs. Madigan, one of the
attendants at the same institution.
The communication containing the
charges was put into the mail this
afternoon and addressed to 7. S. Mont
gomery, secretary of the board of man
ayers, by Charles L. Williams husband
Of the young woman who alleged in an
affidavit that she was discharged from
the asylum on the demand of Frank
H. Gould. because she knew too much
about Tourtillott, who is a half brother
Of Gould, and Mrs. Madigan.
This clears the way Of all technicali-
ties and throws the doors open to the
most sweeping of investigations. Here
tofore 1t has been the excuse of the
Gould majority of the board that it
would be useless to call a special ses-
sion of the board to investigate the
many recent charges against attaches
Of the asylum, because no charges had
been formally filed. The issue now has
been fairly and squarely presented to
the directors, and how they will meet
1t remains to be seen.
Mr.. Williams charges not only are
clear and specific, but his communica-
ton gives list of eight witnesses, who
will, 1t is asserted, prove valuable and
important" His action was fastened
by the attack made by Gould on all
who had dared to utter a word of criti-
cism on the present administration at
Agnews.
Mr.. Williams views on the present
situation are best told in his own
words. He said:
THAT was a remarkable reflection Of
Mr.. Gould when he said that those who
are out are doing all the kicking and
attempting to SANDER his good brother
The whole object of the dictatorial adj
ministration has been to prescribe
against me or mine. and you take a
hasty walk down the avenue with your
grip has been the programme carried
out in every instance.
None know this better than those
who are filling positions in the State
This very trouble, this miserable con-
dition of affairs is solely due to the eff
forts of Director Gould to compel
every one to bow and cringe before
him. This is the root Of all the mischief.
Director Gould in his interview in
The Call says: The reason these So
called scandals have arisen Is that in
pie have been turned out to make room
for competent. truthful and kindly per-
sons. 1t has been one continual strug-
gle for the board of directors for more
than a year past to counterfeit the evil
influences of persons here, most diff
cult at times to identify. There Is not
a statement made derogatory to this
institution that is not supported by the
statements of people discharged from
here because of their incompetency, I'M
truthfulness or cruelty
II shall submit at the forthcoming in
veStigation a number Of recomenda-
lions which were given where Mrs.
Williams is concerned. These are
the recommendations I refer to-
said Mr.. Williams. as he pro-
duced three letters. These re-
W. Hatch, formerly medical superin-
tendent at Agnews, and now member
Of the State Lunacy Commission; from
DR.. ]. r. Curnow, chairman Of the
board of managers Of the Agnews State
Hospital, and from DR.. Leonard Stock
ing, senior assistant physician at the
hospital. They show that during the
seven years Mrs. Williams was employ
ed at Agnews she established an en-
viable record on the very points
charged against her by Director Gould.
The recommendations are as follows:
Office of the Trustees of the State Insane
Asylum at Agnews.
SAN JOSE, Cal, April rs. 1898.
To Whom 1t May Concern: This is to
certify that Mrs. Charles Williams (nee
BarnhiseD has been employed in the State
Insane Hospital at Agnews for the past
seven years, four years of that time as
night attendant or night watch, during
all of which time she performed her du-
ties faithfully and conscientiously. She
showed a kindness and a sympathy that
was always attractive to insane patients,
and consequently always gave her great
influence over them. l. therefore, cheer
fully recommend her as good. faithful
and capable nurse j. r. CURNOW,
Chairman Board of Managers, AgnewS
Insane Asylum, CAL
SACRAMENTO. May 81. 1885,
To Whom 1t May Concern: The bearer,
Mrs. Charles Williams was employed as
an attendant upon the insane and as
night attendant at the Agnews State Hos
pital during my term as medical director
of that institution. She was an efficient
attendant, willing and Industrious, kind
to those under her. Respectfully,
f. w. HATCH, M. D.
Agnews State Hospital.
AGNEWS, May is, 1898.
Mrs Olivia 3. Williams was an employee
in this hospital for more than seven
For several years she occupied the re-
sponsible position of night watch or
nurse.
She is a woman of excellent character.
intelligent and of a kindly disposition l
always found her truthful, reliable, con-
scientious in the discharge of duties and
very kind and attentive to patients.
I commend her to the conSderate at
tention of any one to whom she may pre-
sent this letter, confident she will prove
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