Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-03
THE AFTERNOON SESSION.

Directly upon the opening of the after.
noon session, Mrs. Laura L. Cony, sec
rotary of the board OF trustees, was call
ed to the stand. She said she was ap.
pointed to the board in 1907.
"You are the only member of the old
board except DR.. Gordon?" asked Mr.
Williamson.
Yes"
Nov, Mrs. Cony, have you gone
there (meaning the hospitaD often?''
Yes. I am the local trustee
you have overcome any natural fear?'
Eyes. have"
Mentioning the renovating of the apart.
ments. Mrs. Cony said she felt as If She
had been associated in these, purchases
with DIR. Miller, and did not wish to
shirk any of the responsibility. She said
what he did was with the full consent OF
the trustees.
furnished for the head of the institu-
tion,' asked DIR. Miller.
4 should say they were suitably fur.
nished," replied the witness.
As to the using of oleomargerine, Mrs
Cony explained it was merely for the
purpose of economy. at a time when but.
ter prices were high.
Witness said patients found no fault
and that she believed the trustees should
be blamed for this action. If it was not
commendable, 60 .,,.as g -sEzz=4
Witness explained, in reference Ato the
usurping of the duties of treasurer In
the purchase of horses, the urgency OF
the case causing the trustees to take
this action. zasa.s z
what have you observed as. to tn,
method of receiving and treating pa
tients?"
Witness outlined the course of the pa
tent from the receiving ward to the tim,
cure is effected or otherwise.
DO you know John Hooper, who testi
fed?'
II do"
Ibid he make some request Of your
"Some time ago he wanted to know
if there was any chance of securing en-
ployment in the hospital. l told him 1
was impossible, and since then he ha!
been violently opposed to the manage
ment of that institution"
'Have you any specific knowledge O
the alleged abuse of patients2. Have
you ever seen any abuse?''
why, no."
what would you say as to the major
ity of the attendants; are they faith
ful?"
IT should say the majority of the at
tendants are faithful, and they are fai
above the average
Have you ever had occasion to ex
anime records of any particular pa
tient7"
Il examine the records quite frequent
iy''
Explaining the revision of the rules
Mrs. Cony read the recorded action o.
the trustees by which It was decided Il
submit to the attorney general for rul
ing. 1t was later voted to revise the reg
ulations in accordance with the attorney
generals decision and subject to endorse
ment of the attorney general.
WAS there any desire on the part o.
that board to oppose the desires of the
attorney general of this State?''
Not in the slightest"
with the exception of the charge.
against DR.. Twomey. has Mr.. Smith evel
made any charges or suggestions befor,
the board?"
Il don't remember any,"
''why did you not record further ths
charges against DIR. Twomey?"
Witness answered it was the desire tt
shield the young physician from any
possible harm which might come from
such charges.
Have you ever visited any other in
sane hospitals?''
Il have visited Is insane hospitals"
What was your reason?"
MY primary reason was to stud,
conditions in other hospitals"
In reference to the purchase of bed
by DR.. Miller, the witness didn't re
call anything of that kind. Witness ex
planned the difficulty occasioned by tn,
steward not acting in cooperation will
the existing administration Of the in
stitution.
you mean the steward and superin
tendent must be in harmony?"
"Yes'
you regard DIR. Miller as efficient p
LAS far as the medical work goes
should say decidedly; as far as the ad
ministrative work. have never beer
able to Judge" Mrs. Cony further ex
! lained the superintendent had nevel
| carried out all his plans because O
| battling opposition certain to appear