The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-21

DR.. Smith had been guilty of indiscretion
and gross immortality in his relations
with the insane female patients placed
under his care.
No Democrat had anything to do with
the conviction of DR.. Smith. The Repub-
licans and their allies are the men who
found DR.. Kirby Smith guilty. 1t is true
that they tried to avoid an investigation,
but when public opinion demanded it, they
had to give a verdict of guilty against
one of their own employees.
The DR.. Babb Scandal.
Shortly after the adjournment of the
Legislature, Rev. Thomas w. Babb was
selected by superintendent Smith as
chaplain of the penitentiary at a salary
of sixty dollars per month, and he went
to the Halifax farms to begin his duty
as spiritual guide of the convicts. The
appointment was not given out to the
public and it would not probably have
been known that the appointment had
been made but for the following protest
to the appointment entered by Mr. e. I.
Clark, a director of the penitentiary, and
the Populist State Senator from Halifax
county:
q respectfully protest against the ap-
pointment Of Rev. T. W. Babb as chap
lain to the State farms in Halifax and
Northampton. If a chaplain is needed at
all, one ought to be chosen who is above
reproach. I append as part of this pro-
test the following article from the Bibli-
cal Recorder of Goth of February, 1885.
CThat article showed that Babb had
been turned out of the Baptist ministry
for l. Drunkenness; 2 Disregard of inan-
cial obligations; 3. Falsehood; 4. Sensa-
tionaI conversation; 5. Actual adultery)
The force of this protest, based upon
the finding Of honorable Baptist divines,
respected and loved throughout the whole
State, was such that the penitentiary
directors did not dare continue DR.. Babb
as chaplain Was he dismissed in dis
grace? Was he told that no man of his
character could hold a place of public
trust in North Carolina? Not much. He
was treated as John R. Smith and Robert
Hancock-swapped into a place where,
while the salary was less, the perquisites
were more. He was transferred to the
position of steward of the Halifax farm.
And now we will let DR.. Babb tell all
about it himself. The following is clipped
from the News and Observer of January
Is, 1898. DR.. Rabb was then in Raleigh.
No denial ever was made by him or any
other man of the correctness of the in
terview The facts stated are without
doubt entirely true. 1t will be borne in
mind that the facts detailed, as in the
other cases hereinbefore given, reach the
public entirely through official sources.
Crom News and Observer Jan. IS, 1889
Scandal No. 7.-Rev. DR.. Babb Tells
Some State Farm Secrets.
Several days ago came news of the
dismissal of Capt. Hughes, supervisor of
the Halifax State farm. At the same fell
sweep the heads of the Rev. Dr.. Babb,
steward, and Dr. Costen physician, went
off They were notified that their services
were no longer needed by a letter from
Superintendent Mewborne. AS soon as
the directors meet-next Wednesdays
R. Harden, the overseer, will also walk
the plank.
Incompetence is charged against the
whole gang. Then, besides, it is said
they couldn't get along well together; and
now each one is making charges against
tie other.
"Dr. Babb has been here ever since his
discharge. and 1 had a long talk with him
yesterday and he told me some things
that are not calculated to add much balm
to Capt. Hughes wounds or increase Har-
denis chances before the board next
Wednesday.
1.-The Doctor came here to see the Gov
ernor about his discharge and find out, if
possible, the reason therefor. He will
remain until he gets a whack also at the
directors.
Z" Then, besides,' he added, 4 wanted
to sorter get civilized. I've been in that
stockade on the farm ever since Deem
Der Ia month and twelve days. I've
been as closely confined as a prisoner,
and not paper could l see. Peter Hughes
wouldn't allow a News and Observer on
the place. 1t made me a barbarian, all
for twenty-five dollars a month, and
came here to get civilized. l felt on that
farm as if I was forty miles from any
where, and the same distance from any
where else
Why were you discharged, Doctor?
The Governor told me he turned me
off because l did not agree with him on
the railroad question
What was the matter with old man
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