Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1914-04-08
PHYSICIAN SUBJECTED
TO SEVERE CRITICISM

mencement of this investigation, her
inquisitorial disposition, to say moth
ing OF attention to duty, would have
enabled her TO be informed as TO
the happening OF unusual events.
My thanks are due the depart
ment of the Attorney General, and
especially to Assistant Attorney Gen
eral Leslie c. Hardy, to whom, IN
he absence of Attorney General
Bullard, fell the legal end of the
duties connected with the investiga-
ton, and whose excellent legal mind
and clarity OF vision aided greatly
in the unusual circumstances.
Who Is to Blame?
Having. in this report laid bare
the conditions which have existed at
the institution for many months, it
yet remains to be said who is blame
worthy. The testimony discloses
that the superintendent has at vari-
Gus times recognized and admitted
his incompetency and that he has at
least on one occasion endeavored
to resign, and to this extent is en-
titled to. favorable mention.
On the other hand, while the
visits of the chairman Of the Board
of Control have been conspicuous
by their infrequency, he appears to
have relied upon the reports OF the
Secretary OF the Board as to cOndi-
tons existing at the Institution. Also
hat as early as September, 1913, his
rspicions were sufficiently aroused
rs 10 cause him to send a special
emmissary in the person of A. iut-
'1t General Harris to the institu-
tiol, and although l am unadvised
5 to the contents of his report or
the character thereof. / think l may
safely assume that it was adverse
s to conditions then existing at
the institution.
Again. in October, 1918, within
hirty days after the report OF Ad-
iutant General Harris had been filed.
the Governor dispatched his private
secretary on a mission of investiga-
ton and the Secretary, after a stay
Of several days, was undoubtedly
convinced of deplorable morale, and
although not in his confidence as to
the character of his report, / may.
| believe, safely assume that it also
was adverse.
Therefore. the testimony is all to-
ward the justihable conclusion that
the Board of Control has not only
had, at ali times. ample opportunity
to be, but has in fact been cognizant
of existent conditions.
Labored Against Hand;cars
In the introduction to this report
| have given a history of the events
leading up to the investigation.
hold that in attempting to take
stenographic notes at the institution
| was exercising no greater prerog-
alive than should be accorded any
private citizen of the state in desir-
ing to inspect a public institution.
Yet, the spectacle IS presented of a
State official elected by the people,
member OF the Board of Control.
one of three officials charged by law
with the appointment of the Super
intendent and the management of
the institution, being confronted.
during the performance of 4 public
duty by telegraphic Instructions over
the signature OF a nOn-elective off
cial, charging the Superintendent TO
Obstruct him in the discharge of his
duty. | dare say that in the careers
OF great artists there are times when
for the depletion of extraordinary
subjects they realize the inadequacy
Of motif: that in the lives of great
orators there comes a time when to
attempt to do full justice TO a theme
they feel the attempt would he haz-
ardous to the vocal chords; that in
the experience of great writers there
are times when they realize the in
adequacy of English adjcctivcs 10
afford proper description; and 7
likewise. in this instance, feel, that
to attempt to depict a situation prob
ably without 4 PARALLEL in the an
nails of modern statecrait, would be
in me, an ordinary scribe, prcsump-
tious.
Justihes His Course.
In conclusion. therefore, I desire
to say that in simply recording the
history OF this Investigation and re-
training from any attempt at criti-
ism OF the actions of my associ-
'tes on the Board, and with the
conscientious feeling that the evil
1ence herewith transmitted amply
the rectitude vt nv
course. l need not feel pcrturbcd by
The unjust aspersi0ns cast upon my
motives. If, in the performance OF
a plain public duty. I have been
-bitrarily handicapped; If, regard
oss OF law l have been maliciously
'arassed at every turn. If. without
have been subjected
o gross insult in my official capa-
,ity, | feel. notwithstanding. that
very aspect 81 duty and public pol
cy indicates the righteousness of
ny course.
Respectfully submitted.
J. {. CALLAGHAN.