The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-07-01


Olympia. June 80. 1889.
To the Editor. presume you win give
me opportunity to say that your double
loaded editorial OF the 3Oth inst. Is entirely
unwarranted in Its statements. II is not
true that DIR. Lockhart was removed on
account Of political considerations. Politi-
cal considerations were never At any time
taken up by the board in this case. The
truth is that il the facts we're made
known II would be seen that the beard OF
audit and control could have done nothing
less than it did do To have done less
would have subjected IL to the just and
indignant criticism OF the people OF this
state. Sensational charges. most grave IN
character, were made against DR.. Lockhart
and his management. 1t is true THAI
these were not placed officially before the
board for the reason that it was deemed
wise and in the interest of the Medical
Lake asylum, that Lockhart be allowed to
resign, IL his resignation could be secured
without publicity or outcry." Injudicious
friends having made the 'outcry." I feel
obliged in self-defense to publish the fol-
lowing letter. which It viii be noted bears
date OF almost two months ago:
State OF Washington, Executive Depart
Wilson Lockhart, II. B., Superintendent
Eastern Washington Hospital for Insane.
Medical Lake. Wash-Dear Sir: Ever
sncs you we're appointed to the supsrin
complaints have been made against your
management. These were looked into and
In many instances found to be somewhat
cred almost entirely by discharged en-
pioyes. The fact remained, however that
Affairs at the asylum did not proceed with
conduct o an Of sat e
ter. Quite number Of these charges.
when, l am bound to say. were somewhat
scantily supported, related to undue and
improper familiarity said to have been at
tempted by you upon female employees or
patients. These, not being properly sup
ported. have from time to time been passed
board Of audit and control. however. two
written charges. supported by affidavits
from young women formerly employed in
the tn. hos?itai. were submitted. charging you
tlemanly conduct and with the making OF
insulting proposals. II is clear to my mind
that these latter charges cannot be passed
over In silence. It is true that the two
young women making them are not now
employed at the hospital. 1t is true, be-
neve, that they were discharged by you.
under the
published the public will. as 1t always does,
sympathize with the women In the case.
Regarding the truth Of these charges. OF
course. have nc means of knowing. We
have upon one side the statements Of the
attendants, duly verified. On the other.
denial
I'm view OF the serious condition of af-
fairs which now confronts the beard OF
audit and control, cannot but think that
your better course will be to offer your
resignation. II trial Is gone into. evil
dence. OF course. at once becomes public
property. and serious harm will be DONE
public confidence in state institutions will
be somewhat shaken, and you yourself per-
sonally injured, even thougb the charges
made by the young women DO exaEgerafed
or even groundless. Still. they must be
met. and when once suspicion has been
aroused by direct and positive charges
made. 1t Is not easily allayed, and the USE
fuiness OF the official whose conduct Ii
thus called In question seems to be at an
end
''At the late meeting OF the board these
matters were talked over informally. and
Col. Rfdpath stated that on his return to
your position. Ny own opinion fs that II
this can be done without publicity or out
cry. that It Is the wisest course for you to
pursue. Yours very truly,
tSigne6 y. r. ROGERS. Governor"
DR.. Mclean. who has been placed In
charge OF the Medical Lake asylum, il q
classically educated. Christian gentleman.
who has never at any time been charged
with moral lapses. The general public may
rest assured that the standard OF morals
at public institutions will be maintained
under this administration, and threats of
political ruin and personal displeasure will
be contemptuously disregarded.
JOHN r. ROGERS.