New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-13
JOHNSON'S APPOINTMENT.
THE GOVERNOR TELLS WHY DIR. BACKuS
WAS REPLACED IN THE LONG
ISLAND HOSPITAL.
ISLAND HOSPITAL.

Albany. Feb, u (SpeciaD.-Governor Roose-
Welt made a statement of much interest to-day
of the circumstances that preceded his action
in nominating Bradish Johnson as the successor
Of DR.. Truman J. Backus of Brooklyn, as a
member of the Board of Trustees of the Long
Island State Hospital This change was heard
of in Brooklyn with surprise since the reap
pointment Of DR.. Backus had been believed to
be certain
Governor Roosevelt stated frankly that he had
at one time resolved to reappoint DR. Backus,
and, indeed had his denomination papers ready
for his signature, when either DR.. Peter NJ. Wise
or William Church Osborn. of the State Com
mission in Lunacy, visited him. and requested
that the nomination be held up" Shortly af-
ter this another member of the State Commits
sion in Lunacy William L. Parkhurst who was
appointed member of that Commission through
the influence of Senator Raines. called upon
him 0he GOVERNOR land gave IN detail the
count of the difficulties between himself and DR..
Backus, and urged various reasons why DR..
Backus should not be renomnated."
The Governor then adds: Il gathered the I'M
preston. which proves TO have been erroneous.
that the views of Mr. Parkhurst were shared
by both his associates" CDR. Wise and Mr.. Os-
born). Then the Governor nominated Mr.. John
son as the successor to Dr. BaCkus, and Senator
Raines secured the confirmation OF Mr.. Johnson
at lightning speed.
Governor RooseveIt's statement Is as follows:
In the first place, knew nothing whatever of
Senator Rainess attitude toward DR.. Backus
until after / had nominated Mr.. Johnson, and,
indeed, supposed them to be friendly, both
Dr. backus and Senator Raines had been active
in endeavoring to secure the retention of Good
win Brown as Lunacy Commissioner at the time
nominated William Church Osborn as Mr..
Browns successor. The Long Island Hospital
has been the only one under the Commission
concerning which complaints have reached
cially to friction between the members of the
Lunacy Commission and members of the Board
of Managers
1 had, however, fully intended to renominate
Dr. Backus and the message containing his re-
nomination had been actually drawn up, when
l received from one of the members of the
Lunacy Commissioned Mr. Parkhurst-a re-
quest that the nomination he held up. Shortly
afterward another member-Mr Parkhurst-
called upon me and gave III Qetail the account
Of the difficulties between himsel; and DR..
Backus, and urged various reasons why DR..
Backus should not be renominated, the allega-
tiOns rejecting in no way upon the character
of DR.. Backus though they did reflect upon his
efficiency as administrative in that particu-
lar position. | gathered the impression which
proves to have been erroneous, that the views
OF Mr.. Parkhurst were shared by both his col
leagues.
At the same time was informed that the con-
f1rmation would be bitterly fought in the Senate.
Nothing Is more surely detrimental TO the in
terests of a State institution than friction, and
Of the kind that was evidently growing between
Mr.. Backus and at least member of the
Lunacy Commission, and taking all the cir
cumstances of the case into consideration 1 felt
that the best interest of the State would be sub
served by appointing to the Board some
wholly unconnected with any of the past differ
enCes and who should also be of as high char
acter and attainments as DR.. BaCkus himself.
1 Immediately nominated Bradsh Johnson.
choosing him because he a of means
and leisure, who had always taken lively in
terest in charitable work. and who was of the
very highest standing personally and in every
other way. AS his nomination
confirmed and before any question to the
matter had arisen 1 wrote Mr.. Johnson fol-
lows:
State OF New-York. Executive Chamber
Albany, February 3, 1900.
Bradish Johnson esq, New-York City
My Dear Mr. Johnson: You were confirmed at
Long Island State Hospital 1 thank you very much
for accepting and appreciate the sacrifice of your
time and eXertiOn which this involves, but you
performing a great service to the State, which
deeply appreciate.
All I have request Is that will keep the in
stitution absolutely out of politics and Will do all
that in you lies TO have 1t administered with
has been, you know. friction in the past between
the Commissioners in Lunacy and certain members
of the Board of Managers. The Commissioner from
end of the State Is Mr.. William Church Osborn,
No. Il Broadway, New-YorlI City. He is a particu-
larlY fine fellow, in whom you put absolute
confidence. l very much wish that YOU could get
into touch with him at once In all these institu-
ment. but of thoroughly efficient business admins
trBton.
With great regard. l am very sincerely yours
THEODORE ROOSEVELT