The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-11-04
STILL MORE D|SGRACEFUL.
No Denial of Outrages at Topeka In
sane Asylum---Riddle's Pc
litical Machine.
USED THE INSANE ASYLUM FOR PETS.

DR.. wetmore Was Upbraided for Discharg-
ing Man Who Neglected His Duties
Letter from An Attendant at Osawa
tonic Reveals a Horrible Condition In
That Institution Also.
Three weeks have passed since DIR.
Wetmore. the populist superintendent
of the Topeka insane asylum, in his
letter of resignation to Gov. Leedy,
described the horrors existing at that
institution. No effort has been made
by Gov. Leedy to correct this terrible
condition, if it does exist, and no de-
NAL of the truth of the charges made
by DIR. Wetmore has been issued by
either Gov. Leedy or the state board
Of charities. And now the situation
becomes worse by new facts which
have developed in support of DIR.
Wetmore's charges. 1t appears
that the asylum has been used
as political machine to re-
ward the ''pets" of the admins
tration, and Taylor Riddle, chairman
OF the populist state central commit
tee, has been the real dictator as to
how the asylum should be managed
not regarding fitness, honor, ability or
good service, but entirely as means
to take care of party workers." 1t
seem impossible in this enlightened
age, and here in Kansas where the
people have such regard for public
honor, that such II condition could ex-
list, and yet it is fact, proven beyond
doubt by Riddles own letters, that he
was attempting to run the Topeka
asylum solely for the purpose of re.
warding political strikers.
The following letter from Taylor
Riddle to Dr. Wetmore reveals the
above facts:
Riddles Letter.
Topeka, Kan, July Z, 1893
DR.. Wetmore Superintendent Insane Asylum
Topeka, Kansas:
Dear Sir: Much complaint has reached the
ears of the administration and my own as we'll
in regard to the management OF the institu-
ton which you superintend
You have apparently without cause dis
charged some of the best men in the insttu-
ton. and in my judgment you have caused us
more trouble and will cause us to lose more
votes by your actions than the other institu-
tions can work good to us by their careful
management TO cap the climax of your in
efficient management you have discharged Ldr'
d. j. Clifford without cause and that while he
wasaway lighting the battles of the party which
made il possible for you to occupy the position
which you hold.
have long contemplated seeing you or
writing you in regard to this matter, but as
this is clearly the governors duty, so far have
restrained. But as chairman of our party, l
now enter my protest against further dismissal
of the best men you have from the institution,
either with frivolous excuse or without any
at all Our loss of support from the discharge
OF such men as Mr. Clifford at your hands, Will
be harder to overcome in votes than all the
good your institution has ever done for our
party.
1 shall not attempt to take up the cause of
other parties who have suffered like injustices
ut your hands. nor do L ask you to reinstate
them; but do ask you to reinstate Mr.. Cliff
ford, as we cannot, as party, afford such mis-
takes as this seems to me to be Yours, for
party success. (Signed)
TAYLOR RIDDLE Chairman.
Following is Dr. Wetmore's reply:
Wetmore's Reply.
Topeka, Kan July 9, 1898
Taylor Riddle
1 am in receipt of yours Of the 9TH inst In
reply 1 have only this to say: If you will at
tend to the duties of your position. instead OF
assuming to dictate in matters of which you
are entirely ignorant, you will render more
efficient services to the party and appear less
ridicul GUS than you ever have heretofore.
(Signed) c. H. WETMoRE
But Mr.. Clifford, who was discharged
and who now has position in ST.
Joseph, Mo-, sustains DR.. Wetmore in
all that he says regarding the manage
ment of the asylum, and in the follow
ing sworn statement:
CIifford's Affidavit.
State of Missouri County OF Buchanan, SIS.
d. j. Clifford OF lawful age, being duly sworn,
deposes and says: am now resident OF ST.
Joseph. Mo- and have been for several months
past; that 1 held the position as attendant at
the Topeka insane asylum from July 2 1877
until the latter part Of June, 1893 am dem
ocrat and in 1896 was secretary OF the commit
tee on rules and order OF business at the
Hutchinson state convention and assisted In
the formulation of the fusion which suose-
ouently resulted in the election Of John
w. Leedy and the fusion ticket was thrown
actively in connection with DR.. Wetmore, lGte
Superintendent OF the asylum, and have care
fully read his statement in regard to the man
agement of the institution for the past year,
and am reluctantly constrained to admit tnat,
many OF the charges III MS lStlCI arc SuoSNoh-
sally correct while quite number of fragrant
abuses as an outgrowth of misconduct and inefi-
1iencv are unrevealed in his letter During my
;ncumbency as an attendant 1 observed quite
number of instances Of brutality towards the
patients from attendants in different wards
1t was an almost universal topic Of conversation
among the better class Of employees that women
of uncertain virtue were assigned to positions
Of responsibility and trust, while many in
stances of untoward conduct on the part OF the
lady employees and male attendants were called
to Che attention of Dr. Wetmore, the super
intendent of the institution, but he was pc wer-
less to correct the abuses on account OF the OBJ
structive tactics of certain members OF the
state board of charities who had secured posi-
lions for the aforesaid women OF anomalous and
suspicious character Every conceivable Ell
fort was brought into requisition to con ceal
many OF the shortcomings Of the more favored
attendants who were in close touch with GER
tain members OF the state board of charities,
the latter being cognizant OF their personal
delinouences (signed.l D. j. CLIFFORD.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th
day of October 1873. (Signed)
ROBERT B. FULLERTON, Notary PUBLIC
Ny term expires May 81, 1900.
Following is Chairman Riddles let
ter to DR.. Wetmore, protesting against
Clifford's discharge.
AT OSAwATOMIE, TOO.