The San Francisco call., 1903-01-16
HOME FOR CARE
Of WEAK WARDS
Demand for Investiga-
ton Of Affairs at
Eldridge.
True History Of the Jessup
Fund Bequest to the
State.

Facts coming to light concerning affairs
at the California Home for the Care and
Training of Feeble Minded Children will
probably impel the Governor and the Leg
isIature TO propose and execute some
method of inquiry that viii result In bet
ter mana cement Of the institution 1t ap-
pears that the responsibility for diversion
OF the Jessup trust fund Of 5000 can be
readily placed where it belongs. The Leg
islature in its wisdom may decide 10 make
al appropriation TO restore this fund The
real problems 10 be solved are not OF q
financial nature. but pertain TO the treat
nent Of the inmates. A brier history-
however, Of the Jessup trust may enlight-
en- the members of the Legislature.
The Will OF Hannah NJ. Jessup, which
was executed in San Francisco February
II. 1880. and filed for probate June l. ISL
contains this beguest:
Second give and bequeath and devise
unto Mrs Kate B. Lathrop. William Har-
rey. Julia NJ. Judah. Charles A Aur-
d6ch and J. W. Frindlay, trustees OF the
California Home for the Care and Train
ing of Feeble Minded Children. and their
SUCCESSORS in Office. the sum Of $500 law
ful money of the United States IN
TRUST for the following uses and pur-
poses to-wit:
best advantage from time TO time and
to use the interest, dividend or profit
thereof or such part thereof as in their
judgment or in that of a majority OF
them shall be necessary and proper IN
the support and care and maintenance IN
the home OF my son, Louis 3. Jessup, now
an inmate OF said Institution Upon his
death 1 give. devise and bedueath unto
the board of trustees of the California
Home for the Care and Training OF Feeble
Minded Children in trust for the state OF
California the said sum Of 5000 10 use for
the best interests OF the home
The trustees placed the money in the
Savings Bank of Santa Rosa 1t was 50
wisely invested under the care or j. r.
OvertOn, president OF the bank, that prof
its approximating 500 were added TO the
principal
In reply to letter Of inquiry Mr.. Over
ton. under date OF November p 1872,
wrote: The Jessup fund was carried to
treasurer's account and used 70 pay for
some Improvement made at the home in
the regular way and with the consent OF
Governor Gage and Mr.. kevane, so l was
informed
The Attorney General. Controller and
State Board of Examiners can readily as
certain whether the provision Of the Jes-
sup trust has been violated, but an In
vestigatiou. non-partisan, thorough and
Z
quired to ascertain the actual truth
touching recent reports OF ignor-
ance and cruelty upon the part
OF several attaches OF the institu-
ton The Governor and the Legislature
may deem it prudent 10 institute and
complete such investigation before ac-
/ ton is taken on the subject OF confirm
/ ing recent appointments 70 the board OF
trustees.
/ The ordinary iunketing trip Of IegiS-
tiatfve committee to the home Will not
enlighten the public regarding the true
conditions at Eldridge- Men and women
( who possess knowledge relating 10 sys-
/ TENS which apply TO the care and edu-
cation OF the feeble minded ought to par
I ticipate in the inquiry There is surely a
conflict of authority at the home. OBJ
+ stacles are placed in the path Of Super
Z frtendent Dawson. Attaches who fancy
/ that political influence Will sustain them.
resort. so it is reported, to extreme meas
ures of discipline.