New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-25
STANDS BY DIR. BACKUS.
LONG ISLAND HOSPITAL BOARD CRITI-

USES THE GOV ERNOR ACIlON.
The keen dissatisfaction felt by the Board Of
Managers of the Long Island State Hospital on
account of the failure of Governor Roosevelt TO
reappoint DR.. Truman j. Backus, of Brooklyn.
is put on record by the adoption of strong reso-
buttons. They touch upon the salient features
| of the Governors course which is still matter
of surprise TO the friends Of DIR. Backus The
Board says it recognizes the right Of Governor
Roosevelt to nominate manager, but the reso-
lutions in plain terms inform the Governor that
he has offended the dignity OF the Board by
Showing discourtesy to DR.. Backus" on account
of Impressions which the Governor now ad-
mits 10 be erroneous. The Board repudiates the
suggestion that the hospital has been brought
into politics, and 1t challenges an investigation
1t insists upon being heard in its own defence
when parte testimony is offered against it,
and not. as in the present instance, TO be judged
and convicted without a hearing. The resclu-
lions contain a ringing and enthusiastic indorse-
ment of Dr. Backus The official preamble and
resolutions follow:
Long Island State Hospital held at lis office in
asues Brookyn on Honday the 18th Of
airy, 1900, the following preamble and resolutions
m nous Sl adopted BY the Board anu w
Hospital has learned With keen regret and a deep
sense Of wrong that His Excellency Governor
sons Set forth by a member OF this Board to reap
aaus our as ha n this
after having given assurances In reply under date
~ transmitted to this Board to the effect that it
was his dsteTmnat2 on, to reapgoint Dr. Bac s6
ate at the earliest possible day. did Witho inti-
any of its members of change of purpose on his
part, or giving opportunity TO this Board or any
citizen for the position of manager in the place
of Dr. Backus, and sent his name TO the Senate for
Relying upon the declared determination of Gov
his CDR Backus's) honorable and admirable record
abs and Of D the apd o
OpPosltSnI to his reappointm9ent this Board with
awaited with patience and confidence the con-
yenience. Of governor Roosevelt in presenting the
This Board recognizes the absolute right of the
Governor of the State to nominate for manager
on this Board whomsoever his Judgment may sug-
Of its members but it does most Respectfully pro-
test against Governor Roosevelts action in having
Baekps and then setting him aside for cause with
members an opportunity of being heard
Since the rejection of DR.. Baokus the attention
for his change of purpose relative to- Dr. Backns
It is matter Of surprise to this Board that Gov
ernor Roosevelt permitted himself to change his
Parte testimony and offend the dignity 1D Of this
BOARD Boa by showing diseourtesy to its honored presI-
x PaF ba TESTIMONY which in large measure and
curSory
r6 Board 1G e1s 50 the be
to the effect that the Long Island State Hospital
end Roard IS Shoe 9
aware of any friction existing between II. or any
its members It has stened with i resn"Gt
ana courtesy to the suggestions Of the Commission
ment they were in the interests OF the hospital and
its suggestions like consideration from that Cow
bit ~ s ms noFu does rot claim TO be infaliihle
nants are made Is only nj the Justice when
10 the Commission In Lunacy respecting its action
or ne official action OF any of It's members IL
should have the opportunity of being heard In re-
ply and should not. as in the present instance be
sogVeG am convicted upon ex parte TESTIMONY
am much of which must have from na rites
With the facts or intended to deceive Govnrna
Roosevelt as to the facts. which latter in the onin
Of political triekery. p''''e ioi"i
pc it 'hTr"fore Resolved That in the failure TO
n%Trd the Long Island State Hospital has met
with loss that this BOARD considers mfsfort1irA
and and the Board has lost a president whose off,
Siency and admirable Judgment and kindly courtesy
nave won IT'S entire confidence and the affectionata
regard of its members DR.. Rackus's services were
money; they were the emanation If tenS YIN YIN
Ing heart thoroughly equipped to deal in most
tions tending to alleviate tn" sunerings and pro
fortunate of all the wards 20 tho state "
-. "Res0lved That tsi9 Bsord indorses and makes
that ii gratefully thanks him for the time and
studY ana directions he has given. without stint
to Its deliberations and for the admira BILE and sue
cessful manner In which he has seen to the car
rying out of its conclusions, and II respectfuliv
REQUESTS him to meet with the Board and assist it
referred to his special supervision
Resolved. That the method of procedure through
which DR.. Backus retired from the office OF
manager on this Board is disappointment and
di,scSuragement to its members. and should be to
their time, and energies in furthering the phlan-
thropc obligations Of the State to its wards with
out reward Of any kind whatever except that
which comes through the pleasure of personal
identification with good works and the pronptings
Of right conscience Against the continuance of
nestly protests.
Resolved That a copy of this preamble and reso-
lutions. properly attested be sert to Governor
Roosevelt, to the Commission on Lunacy and to
our affectionately esteemed friend and late col
league, Truman ]. Backus"
e. F. SMITH, Secretary