Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-02-10
DEPOsED WARDEN
ANSWERS CHARGE
6. A. Sfeadman Writes TO STAR
About His Work at
Overlook.

Defending himself against the
charges made by Freebooter Gilbert at
a recent meeting of the Board of Free
holders, Charles A. Steadman, tile de-
posed warden of the Overlook Insane
Asylum, has written a letter to the
STAR, replying to his accusers and
branding his dismissal as inspired by
political favor.
His letter in part says:
I w 1t to the public to refute the
statements made by Freebooter Gilbert
at the meeting of the Board of Chosen
Freenolders concerning the reasons for
my removal.
attribute the opposition to me as
inspired by certain politicians, as the al
legged charges are groundless.
Mr.. Gilbert gives as the reason for
my attempted remova the alleged facts
in n report by Joseph r. Byers as Sec
rotary of the State Charities Aid AS
in he cost of management n opera
ton of the Overlook Asylum and others
throughout the county.
Mr.. Byers says in his report, whicl
was read at the meeting of the Board
of .Freeholders in December, 1910: Il
visited the institution ~(OverbrOok) and
made an analysis of it's fiscal admin
~istration for the year ending April 80,
1910"
To this report I need but say that ]
was appointed May i. 1910.
am not IN control of the institq
to the committee on county hospitals
in many matters to the medica
superintendent. The committee au
made. and I have to report every charg,
that is made and all matters of detail
and discipline to them, and also repor
on general matters to the full board.
The committee last year received an
appropriation of $235, 900 and had avail
able funds amounting to S426,000, and
not only kept within the amount, but
turned over a balance to their success
sors.
The appropriation for the hospital Is
fixed. by the finance committee of the
board,
The committee makes all appointments,
regulates all salaries and the purchase Of
all supplies; and all my requests and
suggestions are referred to 1t for action.
committees to pay a higher wage to en-
and nurses than is paid elsewhere.
and to buy better meat, food products
and clothing than are bought at other in
All this, of course, adds to the cost of
and / believe l am not pre-
sumptuous in saying that having no d.
be properly charged with the increased
cost.
1t must also be taken into account that
the institution is rapidly growing and
that more patients mean of necessity more
nurses, more employees. more food and
and the expenditure Of more
l can say without fear of successful con-
that mo intolerable conditions"
exist, as stated. nor is petty jealousy In
as both departments have
worked In harmony, though differing
sometimes in methods and in details.
My. policy has been to enforce discipline
Ind bring order out of chaos.
I have had no debts to pay nor grudges
% satisfy.
I was surprised at the charges made, |
md l am able and willing to refute them |
md to justify any and all my acts.
I never heard of these charges until 1
that my position was sought.
l have tried to make good and eliminate
from the institution and treat all
in a broad and progressive bust
less name |
No charges of any kind nave ever been
made directly against me. and l was In
complete ignorance of any feeling against
until after the election and shortly
orior to the organization of the new board.
1t is hare to write in my own defense, |
Dut l feel the facts should be known and
hat a prejudice should not be created
me based on false Impressions and
data.