The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-03-31


detail OF the situation was carefully
considered
Our conclusions are stated in the fol-
lowing paragraphs:
l. That the board Of directors of
the school has been faithful careful
and efficient In its management OF the
ms titution.
2 There has been absolutely no cvi-
dence that any member OF the board
or directors has. in any way, used Il
public trust for private profit. On the
contrary. the testimony clearly shows
that various members OF the board
particularly Charles Hutzler and e. A..
Catlin and Thomas Poindextcr--have
been singularly self-sacriicing In the
service they have rendered the school,
and that these gentlemen are due the
thanks OF the friends OF the institu-
ton.
8. That. while the evidence shows
that Messrs. Hutzler, Catlin and Poin-
dexter have, as directors, had trans
actions relating to the school with
business interests with which they are
personally connected, It was likewise
clearly shown that these transactions
We're, in every instance. to the distinct
advantage Of the school.
The State Board OF Charities and
Corrections accepts and indorses the
modern view that, as a matter OF gem
eral policy, directors Of such institu-
tionS may wisely refrain, as directors,
fsom such transactions The COM
plete divorce Of public from private
business relationships is cardinal
principle underlying the highest con.
ception of Institutional trusteeship.
On the other hand, it must be said that,
in this particular instance, we have
much to commend and nothing to criti-
cfZc In the actual service rendered by
the directors. indeed from the ev-
dence produced, 1t Is difficult to see
how the institution, with its limited
resources, could have met its pressing
obligations. had not the gentlemen
named pursued the course that has
been pursued by them. The thing to
be chiefly regretted is that the State
gas given the institution such made
uuate support that such an Anticipated
system Of administration has been
rendered necessary.
4th. That the public statement of
Mt. George b. Davis. published in the
Richmond Evening Journal under date
of February 81, 1911, was made the
subject of an exhaustive examination.
Mr.. Davis, In his testimony. disavowed
any reflection whatever upon Messrs.
Hutzler, Catlin and PoindeXter. &c
stated emphatically that he ..ad i'm
plicit faith in the integrity Of these
gentlemen, and that his sole object
in making, said statement in the public
press was to inaugurate a more mod
crn and effective system OF admins
tration at the school. Many men Of
the highest standing testified that so
far from being a nursery for vice
and crime" as charged byaMr. Davis.
the institution Is doing a great and
good work. It was shown by undis-
puted testimony that Mr.. Davis HIM
self had, throughout his entire incum-
bency OF the office of superintendent,
repeatedly made reports to the direc-
tors that the institution was In pros
porous and satisfactory condition.
Moreover, 1t should be added that, In
the examinations of the Laurel Indus
trial School made from time 10 time
by the state Of Board OF Charities and
Corrections, we We're invariably In
formed by Superintendent Davis and
his assistant that the institution was
in excellent shape, and that It was
doing good work. Our board. however
has more than once susg eated to these
gentlemen that the number Of FAINT
lies" be Increased. and assurance was
given us that this would be done as
soon as practicable. We also recon-
mcnded that the directors consider the
Inauguration Of the cottage plan.
9th. THAT we are satisfied from tho
evidence produced that Mr.. Davis was
cepting in SO far as his exemplary
character as Il man reelected atSel
upon the life OF the school. In fact,
we have been unable to resist the con-
ciusion that his public letter was writ
ten under an impulse OF excitement
and disappointment.
The evidence produced In this inves-
fgation has strongly impressed us with
tho fact that the responsibility In tho
executive management of the school
has been too largely divided re-
sponsbility. Friction is apt to DO
The child OF an excessive division CT
administrative power and responsi-
bility. It would seem. therefore,
matter of very great importance that
the directors. shall select as superin-
tendent man of recognized admins
trasivc powers. which should be clearly
defined III the bylaws.
eth. Thnt the State Board OF Chart
ties and Corrections il clearly OF the
opinion that the Laurel Industrial
school is in sore need OF larger sup
port from the Stntc TO the end that
the modern policy OF segregation and
classification shall be rendered practl-
cable In connection With the work OF