The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-10-03
SAYS GOVERNOR
USED INFLUENCE
FOR HIS NEPHEW
DR.. Darlington Quotes Pet
ersburg Member of
Prison Board
HE is HATED BY
DAVIS SHOE COMPANY
Charges That Company With
Unfair Treatment of Pris-
oners--Scathing Criti-
cism for Board

(iSIIl lOI DOdIu
Charging that Governor Mann used
his personal influence on behalf of
his nephew, DR.. Herbert Mann, in the
fight for the office of surgeon to the
penitentiary. and that the Thacker
Boot and Shoe Company. generally
known as the Davis Boot and Shoe
Company. employed every meana to
bring about his defeat. DR.. Darlington
gave out last night statement over
his own signature which is criti-
ctsm Of the most scathing character
OF the four members of the Prison
Board who voted against him Satur-
day evening, and of the Governor Of
Virginia.
DIR. Darlington asks why. n condi-
lions were not satisfactory at the pen
1tentiary. charges were not made
against him. He points out that the
members of the board less than
year ago commended him in their re-
port. and he quotes statement OF
Mr.. Stratton. member of the board,
in which 1t is alleged that gentleman
says he discussed the matter with
Governor Mann several months ago.
He quotes Mr.. Stratton as saying that
he was kind tied to the MAuns."
although endeavoring to get all the
hight possible ON the subject.
DR.. Darlington charges MIR. Cohen
with being the Davis Shoe Company's
''man on the board and that, at
every meeting OF the board held at
the request OF the shoe company, MT
Cohen invariably "sprang TO their
aid"
Declaring that the Davis Shoe
Company hates him worse than the
devil hates holy water" Dr. Caring
ton charges in just so many words
that convicts who prove good work
men are systematically delayed in
procuring their parole. Dr. Caring
ton denounces this ~ the most sick
ening and malign influence In con-
nection with the penitentiary.
DIR. Carringtons statement is as
follows:
Or. carrinaton's Statement.
But for the yelled and unfair at
tack made upon me by four members
OF the penitentiary board in their let
ter to the Governor this statement
would not have been written. I reel
however, that in justice to myself. my
friends and the friends Of good gov
~
public the true conditions. and the
improper influences that conspired to
defeat my reelection as surgeon at
the penitentsary. and to secure the
selection of the nephew Of the Gov
ernor for that position.
Il wish first to call attention to the
] fact that the penitentiary board has
full power TO Investigate tho conduct
Of the surgeon at any time, and to
Ixtr
misbehavior. incapacity. neglect OF
official duty. or for any act performed
without authority of law fsee Va. Code
1902. Sec. las: Va. Code 1904. Sec.
1857.
n. IL the board had any ground OF
complaint against my administration
~ surgeon 1t was their duty to notify
me Of 1t. and give me an opportunity
TO be heard in my defense. This in
vestiga ton could have been had at
any time by the board.
'The fact is. however. that have
never received from the board, or any
Of its members. the slightest intima-
4ion that the administration OF my
duties as surgeon was In any way I'M
\ aAtiAfactory.. On. tina contrary In their
last annual report to Governor Mann.
dated November u. 1910 the eoara
we are especially pieaseo with
the report OF the surgeon OF the
penitentiAry showing that the
health conditions. discipline. and
the general well being OF the con-
Ucts, are IN most satisfactory
conditions.
Most respectfully submitted.
J. D. PATTON.
ssss.s. J. AZ. HARRIS,
sss f. G. sTRATToN.
SAMA COHEN.
W. b. BRADLEY.
Demands Conditions q Given.
Every single Saturday. or board day.
snce ! have been surgeon Of the
prison. ! have made written and
Sextended report to the board. giving
the name. disease. and condition Of
every convict coming under my care
sn the hospital. In addition. the same
report sets forth the number OF calls
! ,nsrsor. arcu.ad tro,r r jug " ,hn oI