Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-17
DR.. RICHARDSON IN CHARGE
New Superintendent of St, Elimbeth's Be-
gins His Duties.
Interesting Statement of His Inten-
lions in Conducting the Great
Institution.

DR.. Alonzo r. Richardson of Ohio, who
was recently appointed by the Secretary Of
| the Interior to the position of superinteu-
| dent of the Government Hospital for the
Insane, to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of DR.. William w. Godding arrived
today at the institution of which he is to
be the executive medical head. He was ac-
companied by his wife and two of his
daughters. The new superintendent and the
members of his family with him v ere met
at the Pennsylvania station by carriages
from the asylum. DR.. Charles H. Latimer
Of st. Elizabeth's staff escorted them TO
the hospital. DR.. Richardson went to work
early to learn the manner in vii Oh the in
stitution is being conducted. He was called
upon by the members of st. Elizabeth's
medical staff and afterWard he conYersed
with them concerning their respective dll-
ties, wards or buildings as the case might
be. DIR. Richardson was seen in the morn
ing after he had obtained moments leis-
ure. He said he had not yet had time to
become acquainted with st. EIizabeth's. He
had, ne said. previously visited at the in
stitution a couple of times, and he of course
knew something of it from the annual re-
ports. Since his last visit, during the
Dewey ceremonies in Washington, he had.
he stated, been endeavoring to obtain some
insight into the hospitals workings from a
distance, as it We're. He spoke in high
terms of the late superintendent, DR.. God
04HS WHO vas Ills
The question Of DR.. Richardson's policy
in conducting the affairs Of the government
hospital was preached, and he replied that
as yet he really had formulated none.
While speaking Of the eminence of DR..
Godding as a superintendent DR.. Richard
son said that he himself would endeavor
to retain his own individuality In presid-
ing over the asylum, as, in his opinion,
this must be done II he was to accomplish
anything as a successful superintendent,
and could be done more successfully than
If he tried to pattern after his predecessor,
In which perhaps he might fail.
No Changes of Employees.
In speaking of any probable changes in
the hospital force, of which there has been
considerable uneasiness expressed, both
among employees of the institution as we'll
as by persons having friends at the hos
pital as patients. DR.. Richardson saidi Il
wish 1t to be announced publicly and most
emphatcally that there will be no changes
made except when the interests of the in
stltutfon absolutely demand it. Every en-
ploye and officer of the hospital who does
his or her duty will be kept. come here
without friend to reward or an enemy
to punish
DR.. Richardson added that he was not
politician and that he did not believe in
making political places in asylums.
He is a man OF medium height, with
pleasing personality and a socialble dispo-
slllon. His bond as executive officer and
dlspurslng agent of the government hos
pltal Will become operative by November
l, II Is thought, thus relieving Dr. A H
Wilmer, first assistant physician, who has
been the acting superintendent of st. EIiz-
apeth S since the death of DR.. Godding.
Dr. Richardson was born near Ports
mouth, OHIO, in 1852. He received his edu-
cation at the Ohio University, taking q
junior course Of three years and receiving
the degree of A. NJ. there He later at
tended medical schools in Cincinnati and
New York city, graduating from Bellevue
Hospital Medical College in 1876.
His Professional Career.
In the same year he accepted the posi-
ton of assistant physician at the Athens
Ohio, state hospital for the insane. where
he remained three years, going from there
into private practice in Portsmouth Ohio
In 1881 he was offered the superint endency
of the Athens Institution and accepted.
In 1880 he resigned the position and went
to Columbus for private practice. In 1882
ne accepted the SUPPLEMENTARY of the Co.
iumbuS State Asylum. remaining there until
1898. when he was offered and accepted
the position Of superintendent of the state
hospital for the insane at Massillon, Ohio
where he was when appointed to the SUI
perintendency Of the government hospital
for the insane. Previously he had served
on the commission which was appointed
to locate the site Of the Massillon institu-
ton, afterward serving as g. member of the
board of trustees until accepting the su-
perintendency.
DIR. Richardson is ranked high by medical
men over the country as an alienist He
Is personal friend of President Mckinley
He has son studying medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania and daugh-
ter at Mount Holyoke Seminary, Mass.