The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-11-20
Conditions at Soldiers Home
Described by a Witness.
Nels Larson, a Stationary En-
gineer, Tells His Story.
HOW THE TROUBLE STARTED
1t Began With Publication Of
Col. HarrisOn's Letter.
eliminated When Members of
s Home Were Expelled.

Dodge City, Kan, Nov. 2O.-Cond1-
tons in the state soldiers home today
are worse than at any time in years,
according to Nels Larson, stationary
engineer at the home Under the prom
Use of protection from officers of the
G. A. r., Larson told the investigators
that Col. ]. n. Harrison and H. r.
Wells of the board of managers had
created strife and dissatisfaction
through their criticism of the inma teS.
Larson has been an employee at the
soldiers home under three admins
tratiOns. He thought conditions under
COmmandant Haitian was in the home,
Larson said that the standard of dis
cipline slipped and many inmates COM
planned as to the Democratic manage
ment
TT seems to me, though, that condi-
lions at this time are worse than
have known them" said Larson. Il
will have to say that there is more dis
satisfaction than at any time since
came to the home.'
Before testifying Larson was assur-
ed by c. A. Meek, state department
commander, in charge of the 1nVest1-
cation, that he would have absolute
protection for any statement he might
make. With this assurance, Larson
told a frank. candid story of condi-
tons. Som etimes, as he made his
statements. he looked directly at S. S.
Martin, commander of the home, who
was in the room.
How 1t Started.
What started the trouble here?"
Larson was asked.
1T seemed to start when Col. Har-
rison wrote a letter to the newspapers
and gave out an interview criticising
the inmates. The real trouble came
when members of the home were ex-
PEELED for making reply to his
charges
According to Larson's story, in
mates of the home resented the OPP
pressive rules of the board and felt
that they did not receive a fair hear
ing. He said: Judging from the
order posted on the bulletin board
denying inmates the right to circulate
petitions, it seems they have no right
to defend themselves. They feel that
they are entitled to hearing and are
not getting it under the present con-
ditions."
do you believe conditions in the
home at this time tend to create dis
satisfaction and discord?" Larson was
asked.
Yes, 1 do" was his candid reply
Larson said that he lived a short
distance from the flag pole near
which all of the public meetings were
held during the summer months.
Usually he was sitting on his porch
during the evening hours and he
heard some of the remarks of board
members.
'I amt no hand for public speak
ings," Larson told the Investigators |
"But just naturally heard some of |
the things that were said. I really at |
tended but one meeting, but from my |
porch heard some of the things that |
were said"
What did you hear that seemed to |
arouse the members of the home ?" |
was asked.
Heard Some Speeches.
'I heard Mr.. Wells say If there is |
any one who is not legally a member |
of this home, 1 want him to pack up |
and get out Another time 1 heard |
him say, If what I have said has
What do you know about rationsf |
Do you always get enough?" !,
mot always" said Larson, "espe-
cially sugar and coffee. There are
three members of my family now
Sometimes 1 get supplies for two,
sometimes two and a half, sometimes
three. I went to the board about it
wanted to eat. But they were cut
down again.
Have employees been discharged
without a hearipg?"
81 have been told So"
''Who?"
''wilkers. the sexton. was dis
charged. He said that he asked the
board for reasons for his discharge,
but they wouldn't give them"
The witness said that a number of
persons on the pay roll had been dis
charged by the board of managers
and indicated that the civil service
rules had not been applied to the
reason or explanation for their action
had increased the sentiment against
the managing officers.