The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-29
WASHINGTON ASYLUM
DECISION EXPECTED
Commissioner West Re-
turns From Vacation.
STOUTENBURGH MAY REMAIN
Predicted by Many Who Have Followed
the Case and Now Defend
Intendant.

Commissioner West returned to Wash
ington today from a two-weeks' vaca-
ton. and it is expected that action will
be announced in several matters which
have been awaiting his signature. Chief
among these is the decision in the case
of Intendant Stoutenburgh. who was CEN
sured so severely by the Board of Char
tiles in its report of the investigation
into affairs of the Washington Asylum.
Those who are familiar with the con
ditions existing at the asylum prior to
the publication of the report OF the
Board OF Charities are inclined to the
belief that all has not been ted, apd
that Mr.. Stoutenburgh, who has devoted
so many years of his life to the District
institution, has some counter charges up
his sleeve.
He has repeatedly refused to talk for
publication, taking refuge behind the
statement that he will make his peace
with Commissioner West, who is in di-
rect charge of the asylum. The fact re-
mains that Mr.. Stoutenburgh has not
| engaged new quarters, nor does he APP
pear nervous and frightened when walk
ing through the corridors OF the Dis
trict building. The opinion prevails that
he viii continue indefinitely as intendant
of the Washington Asylum.
Had Little Assistance.
II is known that Mr. Stoutenburgh had
little assistance offered him by the
Board Of Charities. which has supervi-
sion over the institution. 1t is alleged
that penurlous policy is responsible In
| a great degree for the gross tnconpe-
tency and lax methods" which were sc
thoroughly exposed by the investigators
The cook who was charged with beinE
unable TO read the receipts he signed
was allowed only $40 per month. and
was supposed to cook for an average o
$50 inmates. a first-class cook was re
fused the position. according to thu
story, because he demanded $50 pc
! month. Consequently the Board OF Char
tiles has been criticised for attempting
e to get something for nothing and the
I ! complaining because they could not &c
h It. The employees of the asylum are no
toriously underpaid, according to re
> ports received by District officials.
Mutiny of Employees.
Il Another point argued in favor of IN
z intendant is that there has existed
: sort of mutiny among the subordinate
IS employed at the institution. 1t is claim
It ed that the assistant intendant, w.
IS Ladd. influenced much OF the testimon
, given against the administration OF Nj
Stoutenburgh by promises OF more lei
lent treatment, should he Qadd) sue
coed to the position as head of the II
~ stitution Ladd is accredited with ha'
,. ing told certain employees, whose duti'
al at present necessitate their getting I
: at all hours of the night. that II Stoutei
lie burgh was removed their lot would
s, an easier one. Mr.. Stoutenburgh
OF friends believe that this point will
thoroughly exposed in the answer whi'
he is soon 10 make 10 Commission
West.
he The Commissioner took all the tesi
of monY in the Washington Asylum inve
OF tigation, aggregating more than IL
E. ltypewritten pages, with him on his vac
n, tion, and has no doubt made up
ng mind relative to his action in the ma
ter. 1t is probable that his declst
will be announced within the next i
dayS.