The Washington times., 1903-09-18
STOUTENBURGH' REPLY
is READY FOR REVIEW
Will Be Submitted to Two
Civil Commissioners.
OTHER QUESTIONS RAISED
lntendant at Washington Asylum Will
Be Retained if Defense Is
Satisfactory.

Inc affairs of the Washington Asylum
have been the subject of much discus
sion recently among officials OF the Dis
trict government. and there is consid-
cradle speculation as to the final out
come of ali the charges and counter
| charges in which the administration of
the institution is involved. The opinion
prevails that Intendant Stoutenburgn
viii be retained in charge OF the aims
house, notwithstanding the criticism
which has invariably emanated from un-
official sources.
In this regard some interesting facts
have been made known. The order of
the Commissioners denying the inten-
dant furnishings for his house has given
rise TO the questions concerning what
his allowances should be in addition to
his salary, and in what other instances
is he at present violating the law.
Webb's digest of the laws OF the cor
pOration of Washington. in so far as the
| Washington Asylum is concerned. is still
The law, nc important provision Of the
law having been amended 1t is there
ordered that the lntendant report month
| ~ to the Commissioners statement OF
he number of persons in the almshouse
aud workhouse. He must also report
weekly the sale of every species of pro-
! luce. of whatever kind or nature. raised
n cultivated about the premises.
Violations of Law.
II was at that time made the special
/ Int. oF . he int do, laf .nr
20 be performed. or produce of any kind
disposed OF. without obtaining a just
value 10 the District therefor As far
IS could be ascertained at the District
| Building today no one OF these pro-
visions OF the law has ever been COM
piled with.
When Intendant stoutenburgh was
censured by the Commissioners for max
ing requIsition for stair carpet and other
/ furnishings, he offered as his defense.
| two points; one that the law creating
the institution allowed such furnishings,
and secondly. that he CStoutenburshl
was merely following a precedent es-
tablished by his predecessor. The exact
/ wording OF the law is that "he shall
receive as compensation for his services,
in addition TO suitable apartments for
A residence and necessary food for him
self and family, together with fuel and
lights. the sum of $500 per annum, paw
able monthly, and no perquisities of any
kind whatsoever, shall attach TO the Of
Ace. directly or indirectly"
In view OF the fact that a specific pro-
vision was made for fuel and lights, it
is contended that had Congress intended
furniture to be included. IL would have
30 stated. The absence OF specific Iegis-
lation would Seem 10 make the inten-
dant's requisition contrary to law
Keeps Extensive Stable.
Another section of the law states that
the intendant will be allowed to keep a
horse at the expense Of the Government
any vehicles OF any sort. Yet. It Is
understood that the stable OF the in
tendant is quite extensive. 1t is main
| ;ained by many Of the District officials.
that il the intendant would seek TO hide
behind the law creating the Washington
Asylum he should conform to all. and
not one. Of its provisions
| MIR. Stoutenburgh stated vest srday
that his defense to the charges of bad
/ management preferred by the investi-
| eating committee OF the Board OF Chart
ties was ready and awaiting the return
OF Commissioner mcfarland. The Wash
| ington Asylum is directly under Com
| missioner West but StOutenburgh be-
| lieves his interests will be best sub
served by presenting his case before
both the civil members Of the Board.