Omaha daily bee., 1909-12-03
WHY DID PATRICK QUIT
Real Reason for Resigning from State
Board Matter Of Interest.
J. R. SHERMAN HOPES FOR IT
= Thinks Now that the sarpy County
senator f. OFF the Board lie
ought 60 Specify His
Objections.

Charles r. Sherman, Omaha member Of
the State Board OF Control Of the Insti-
tutes for the Blind and the Deaf and
Dumb, when asked II he knew the real
reason why former Senator Patrick OF
Sarpy county resigned from the board,
had little to say.
Senator Patrfck's letter Of resignation
speaks for Itself" said Mr.. Sherman. "He
intimates that In his opinion most Of the
state institutions Of Nebraska are ad-
ministered under a vicious system. While
we may not all go that far, perhaps there
is some cause for criticism Of our methods
I'm managing Institutions such as those in
charge Of the board from which Mr.. Pat
rick has resigned.
Patrick was a member OF the board a
very short time, a little over two months.
I think, but he seems to have found some
thing that offended his sense Of the fit
ness OF things. 1 note that he does not
c~riticise anybody personally, or by name,
so 1t is difficult to surmise just what point
Of administration or particular officials he
has in mind. No one has ever raised any
question Of the entire fitness OF superin-
tendent Abbott of the School for the Blind.
and 1 believe It is generally admitted that
Superintendent Stewart Of the Institute
for the Deaf and Dumb is a competent
man.
Now that Senator Patrick has cut loose
I from his connection with the board. per-
\ haps he will feel free to become specific
in his criticism, since his letter of resigna-
ton says that he wants to be in a posi-
ton to express his real sentiments on the
entire matter
Tex of the Letter.
Following is the text Of the letter sent
60 Governor shallenberger under date by
Mr.. Patrick in rendering his resignation:
Dear Governor: In my judgment, the
present system Of administering most of
our state institutions is vicious in principle
and abhorrently wrong in fact, and that
i may feel free to ~criticise as / see fit, /
resignation as member of the board of
trustees for the schools for the deaf and
blind.
To my mind, 1t is a sad reflection upon
the intelligence of the people Of this great
state that they have thus long tolerated
a condition which imposes upon the un-
fortunate and helpless wards OF the state
the supervision of those selected because
or their partisan politics or political influ-
ence' rather than on account Of a peculiar
fitness to discharge the duties, and capa.
bly, meet the responsibilities Of their re-
Bpecttve trusts. Under present conditions
these institutions are but part Of the
$1,000 GNAAAAA Va NV "a - III DOhGl
and 1t is but natural that in the selection
OF the numerous appointees preference b,
given to those whose past political service
is thought worthy Of reward at the ex.
pense of the state, whose political influ.
ence 10 desired In future political contests
With partisan politics eliminated from
me control OF these public institutions
their management would fall under tn,
supervision Of men and women OF specia
qualification and fitness for the positions
ms there could be no great incentive To-
their selection. The permancy of thei
position would depend upon their efficiency
land the standard of service rendered. Suci
- change in conditions would undoubtedlN
result in better care and better Treatment
of the states unfortunates, as we'll as IL
great saving and profit to the taxpayer
Of the state.
/ sincerely hope that you will strenuousl,
urge upon the next legislature the neces
Fity of dlvorcing all state Institutions en-
tirely from partisan politics. Truly yours
WILLIAM r. PATRICK.
wstohes-BRENZER-l5th and Dodge.