The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-10-21
THE TRUTH OUT At LAST
Rottenness at the Topeka Insane
Asylum Laid Bare by Superin-
tendent C. II. Wetmore.
He TELLS A MOST ASTOUNDING STORY.
Cruelty, Inhumanity and Debauchozy Reign
-Drunkards and Incompetents Are In
Charge OF the Insane-Street Medicine
Fakir Appointed Physician - Deaths
from Negiect-DIsgraceful Proceedings

-DFunhhrub anu AhCoIaPctohSo nv 80
Charge OF the Insane--street Medicine
Fakir Appointed Physician - Deaths
from NegIect-DIsgraceful Proceedings.
DR.. G. H. Wetmore rendered his
resignation as superintendent OF the
state insane asylum at Topeka to Gov.
Leedy and the state board of charities
last Saturday. Accompanying the
resignation was letter to the govern
or in which DR.. Wetmore gave his rea-
sons for resigning. The letter tells
an astounding story of cruelty, inhu-
mainly and debauchery at the institu-
ton under the present populist man
agement. The doctor tells of the
death of patients from neglect; speaks
of the drunkards and incompetents
placed over the unfortunate inmates;
charges that a state joint exists at the
asylum; accuses Chairman II. g. Jump
err, of the state board of charities,
with being on continual debauch
for the past is months; openly charges
subordinate officials with attempting
to ruin pure women.
These are only few of the sensa-
tional charges made. Nothing has
come up in Kansas since its organiza-
ton as q state that equals the horri-
BILE story. DIR. Wetmore declares he
stands ready to prove every charge,
and says he can prove even more.
Dr. Wetmore is an old line reformer.
He entered the populist party many
years ago because he thought it stood
for reform. He was appointed super
intendent of the Osawatomie asylum
under the Lewelling administration,
but did not get the place, because the
supreme court held that the old super
intendent was entitled to hold the
position under the tenure act. When
Gov. Leedy took charge, he had the
state board of charities give DIR. Wet
more the uperintendency of the
Topeka insane asylum.
That DR.. Wetmore was regarded as
fully competent to fill that position is
evidenced by the tribute paid him by
the board of charities in its ann ual re-
port, which is now in the state print
er's hands In that he is mplimented
in the highest terms for efficiency and
integrity. That section will probably
be cut out now. The report will not
be published for week yet; this will
give the board time to revise it. AS
additional evidence of his compe tency
Taylor Riddle, chairman of the popu-
list state committee, only last Friday
gave out an interview in which he
said that ''all of the state institutions
are in the hands of compe tent men and
in better condition to-day than since
they were founded"
Dr. Wetmore's letter to Gov. Leedy
ia in full as follows:
DIR. WetmOre's Letter.
"Topeka, Kan, Oct. Z, 1898.
Hon J. w. Leedy, Governor of Kan, Topeka,
Kan:
Dear Sir: l have this day trans
mitted to the board of trustees of the
state charitable institutions my resig.
nation as superin tendent of the To-
peka insane asylum, to take effect i'm
mediately. AS you are directly re-
sponsible for the appoint ment of the
mem beers of the board of trustees and
their management of the charitable
institutions of this state, and as have
hereto frequently made complaints
to you and to the board relative to the
abuses existing at the institution I'M
der my charge, and my powerlessness
to correct the same owing to the lack
of support from yourself and the men,
bers of the board, deem it my duty
to give you somewhat in detail the
reasons for my resignation.
II have been practicing physician
for over 40 years and for the past IS
years have followed my profession at
Emporia in this state, and | think l
may say without boasting that l have
not only secured but always deserved
the esteem and confidence of my fell
low citizens. l feel that l can no
longer do injustice to my feelings and
my sense of humanity and decency by
remaining at the head of an institu-
ton and bearing the responsibility of
its Encouragement while | remain
powerless to correct the evils of the
most fragrant and outrageous char
acter.
"When assumed the duties of super
intendent of the Topeka asylum, did
30 with the full determination to use
my utmost endeavors to protect the
unfortunate inmates of the institution
from every wrong that might be prac-
ticed upon them by those in whose
charge they were placed, and to give
them such care and attention in their
most unfortunate condition as would
meet with the appreciation of their
solicitous friends and relatives at
home.
Many Wrongs Perpetrated.
"After many months incumbency
have become cognizant of many
wrongs that have been perpetrated on
the inmates of the institution by un-
scrupulous employees placed there for
the purpose of discharging personal
and political obligations at the ex-
pense of the state, without reference
to their professional capabilities. As
you are well aware 1 have been for
many years in entire sympathy with
the reform movement in Kansas and
an earnest supporter of Ex-Gov. Lew.
cling and yourself, yet 1 feel that 1
can no longer reconcile myself, in
Alt. x.o4tor - s,,sfioa 10 rnyca1f to