The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-01
Bowman Files Exceptions to
Commissions Findings.
Paves Way for Republican In
vesti&atiOn of Control Board.
.REITERATES HIS TESTIMONY
Before Legislative Probe Com
mission Last Week.
Objects to Findings That Re-
fleet on Own Record.

fleet ON Own Record.
Harry C. Bowman. Republican
member of the state board of control.
today filed with Governor Hodges
series of objections and exceptions to
the findings of the commission ap-
control board. Bowman's exceptions
deal with findings concerning his
charges against w. E. Brooks and
Stance Myers, Democratic members,
and findings against his own official
record. While Bowman did not state
the purpose of his action today, it is
generally construed as a preliminary
move to a further airing of the trou-
b1es either through an appeal to the
supreme court or an inquiry on mo-
ton of the incoming state admins
tration.
The exceptions to the commissions
findings were filed personally by
Bowman and were handed to Gov
ernor Hodges today when the latter
returned from trip to Hays City.
plans.
Has More Evidence.
II have talked enough and have
gone as far as I care to and proven
my charges" said Bowman. Il am
a good citizen. though, and if further
cVlu0uCc Is QoSlTcU, Cdu pTOUuCc L.
By his remarks, Bowman left the
inference that he would not attempt
to set aside the commissions find
ings on his own motion, but would
leave further action to Arthur Cap
per, governor-elect, and S. M. Brew
ster, attorney general elect. The new
state officials will take their office
January II. Among state house Of
ficials, it was generally believed that
Bowman anticipated or planned fur
ther action in the case by his action
today in safeguarding his legal
rights.
In his exceptions filed with the gov
ernor, Bowman said:
BOwman's Exceptions.
"Of all the charges before the COM
mittee, the ones pertaining to the
Larned State hospital are the most
serious, and the facts are matters Of
record or documentary evidence at
the institution, in the office of the
board Of control, and In the office of
the state auditor. Item by item OF
the facts stated in the two editorials
of the Winfield Courier were read and
admitted to be true. There is no
necessity Of reviewing the evidence
relative to the Larned State hospital
as the facts, which were in issue be-
proved. but admitted with a very few
explanations.
There is but little contention as
to the facts stated in the Emporia
Gazette. The Emporia Gazette said
that w. E. Brooks of the Brooks
Wholesale company of Fort Scott, was
appointed a member of the board by
Governor Hodges, and set out certain
sales Of this company to the state in
stitutions The evidence shows that
before assuming his duties, as a MEM
ber of the board, that he sold the
Brooks Wholesale company to two of
his single sons who live with him. for
100000, who gave him prOmissory
notes therefor on which 100000 has
been paid; that the payment of the
balance depends upon the success of
the business of said company, and
that while Mr.. Brooks was mayor of
Fort Scott he sold feed to the city
of Fort Scott.
''It is not disputed that the pur-
chases were not consolidated at the
consolidated lettings, and that there
were more split awards than at any
of the previous lettings Of the board
of control. The evidence shows that
instead of thousands of dollars being
saved, by the consolidated lettings,
that increased prices were paid on
II items OF dry goods and on 40 items
of groceries, with a decrease on 26
items of dry goods and on 43 items
Of groceries; and that the current
expenses Of the five institutions under
| the board Of control increased $43,-
| 1881 on the year, wit han increase
| OF only 1O5 inmates. This evidence
was not disputed. Neither was it
disputed that certain supplies were
| not purchased at regular lettings, but
were purchased at other times with
! loss to the state. especially sugar.
| "As to favoritism, it is contended
! that where increased prices were paid
| it was due either to a better quality
of goods or an error in judgment.
The evidence shows that new bidders
| from Leavenworth and Fort Scott, the
respective homes Of Mr.. Myers an6
/ Mr.. Brooks. received contracts on nu
merous items at higher prices thar
: the bids Of various business men, wh(
/ for years had reduced their prices tt
the state charitable institutions. Dis
| interested witnesses testified as t.
specific examples Of favoritism o1
'errors of Judgment and Mr.. Brooks
/ by my attorney, F. S. Jackson to takt
! the stand and be questioned as to tht
| various facts stated in the Winfield
Courier and the Emporia Gazette
which were in issue before this com
mittee.
"said H. c. Bowman also object
and excepts to the latter part Of tn,
second finding; and to every part o
every finding which might be con
strued to reflect upon his official rec
ord In any Of the matters covered b,
this investigation"
i Brings No Peace Message.
!, Washington, Dec. President viii