Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-09-07
UGLY CHARGES MADE
BOARD OF CONTROLS REPORT on
WAUPACA VETERANS HOME.
ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES
Treasurer Roberts Refuses to Let
Board Examine His Books-Little
Interest Paid on State Deposit
Two Trustees Accused of Writing
Part of Insurance on Home.

Gov. Scofeld Monday night made
public a somewhat sensational report Of
the state board of control onits inspec-
ton Of the Wisconsin Veterans home
at Waupaca. The home is under the
control of a board of trustees elected
by the G. A. R. OF Wisconsin and is
principally supported by state funds.
The board Of controls report said r.
n. Roberts, treasurer Of the home, re-
fused to let it see his books; that no
interest, with the exception of $66.73,
had been paid on the homes fund de-
posted in Mr. Roberts bank; and that
two Of the trustees had written some of
the insurance carried on the home.
The report is bound to create a big
stir among the veterans Of the state.
The report in full follows:
The board of control herewith re-
ports: In compliance with law, a visit
was made to the Wisconsin Veterans
home on Tuesday, Aug. Is, all mem
bers of the board being present, except
ing President Lyon, who was engaged
elsewhere. The board found the in
mates of the home generally well
pleased, contented and well cared for.
The business management Of the home
has improved since the last visit of
this board. The system of purchasing
now in vogue is approved. The gen
eral physical condition of the institu-
ton is good. Repairs are well kept up,
and the grounds are maintained in
good condition.
THE board, having been requested
to investigate the matter Of deposit
and interest of funds belonging to the
home, and also to the insurance placed
on the home property, the board in
vestigated and reports:
AN examination Of the bank books
Of the National Bank of Waupaca,
where the funds are deposited by R. n.
Roberts, the treasurer, was denied the
board. A balance slip was furnished
by Mr.. Roberts, but as it did not agree
with the account at the home, the lat
ter was taken by the board as basis
During the months from June 80,
1898, to June 80, 1899, the contingent
fund deposit varied from S5,293.27 to
$3,332,23. At one time, Dec 80, 1898,
There was an overdraft of S126.38. At
the end Of each other quarter
tween the first two sums given.
The amount of substance fund de-
posted for the same months was from
S362.42 up to S6,O05.51. Mr. Roberts in
formed the board that one credit of
$66.73 for interest had been paid in Au-
gust, 1899. No other amount of in
terest has been paid. Nothing was
learned Of the rate or time for which
this interest was computed.
Insurance policies on the home
property are bought by the committee
of trustees, consisting Of Messrs.
Roberts. Smith and Brothers. A
small amount of the insurance is writ
ten directly by two Of the trustees and
the balance is placed with number Of
agencies in different parts Of the state.
The board of control was furnished
with considerable unsworn gratuitOus
testimony, bearing on the amount Of
consideration paid by these agencies
for the business, but no effort to in
vestigate such charge was made by the
board.
''The new hospital building and CEN
trail heating plant are well under way.
Mr.. Roberts, the resident trustee, in
formed the board Of control that they
would complete the buildings with
advanced by private guaranty
and that the trustees Of the home
would look for reimbursement later
from the state