Norwich bulletin., 1915-11-24
VETERANS BACK UP
 COMPLAINTS ABOUT NORoToN
Tell Governor and Investigators Wha
 Their Grievances Are.


 Veterans of the Civil war proved that the old fighting spirit was still strong within them when they boldly stood up before Governor Holcomb and members of the executive board at the Soldiers home at Noroton, on Tues day, and backed up by statements the complaints made by them in letters written to the governor concerning all legged mismanagement and bad condi- tions the home.
 Governor ,Holcomb arrived at 1-0.30.
 Its too early to make any predic- tions," he said. Just now the whole situation is rather nebulous, but we are here to hear any com plaints the men want to make and to look over ithe institution"
 With the governor were Adjutant General George M. Cole Surgeon General Phineas H. Ingalls, of Hart ford, Judge Alfred B. Beers, of tive committed; John H. Thatcher of Hartford and D. w. Sharpe of New Haven. The last two are members of the board. None would talk about the, investigation. Colonel Robbins in uniform met the party carriages in which the distinguished visitors rode over the bridge to the home with the colonel standing on the rear step of the executive com mittee's carriage
 There were fireworks all during the hearing, only three inmates speaking in favor of the oficiaIsin charge, and others denouncing them and even asking for their removal Immediately upon the arrival of the governor and the board mem- bers all the inmates were invited to the meeting in the chapel of the home. Thirty-two accepted and crowded in to the seats in front of the governors l table. The governor took from his pocket number of letters sent him and as he read the names alond asked the veterans whose name was signed if he had anything further to say.
 Expect Simple Food in Variety.
 Captain Ezra Sprague of tn. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers was the first.
 When circumstances made it home" he said. T did not expect sirloin stEak and fried oysters, but expected that what simple food was serv<d would be given us in times we cannot eat 1t. No green vegetables at all; only once or twice last summer they gave us green corn. Vt don't have any more oat- meal, and the eggs are boiled in water that has been used before so they are dirty when they are serv- ed. When I called the attention of Major Smith, Colonel Robbins assist ant, to, it, he asked if we wanted them to wash the eggs. I think that was impertinent of Major Smith, I - "Oh." interrupted Governor Hol- comb, you think Major Smith was not courteous"
 1! 'Decidedly not courteous" replied Captain Sprague, 'and I say so here in his presence"
 Salut1ng the governor Captain Sprague returned to his place, and then before sitting down. said:
 Beans, governor, beans have been purchased in great quantities for this home, but I have been here two years and haven't seen a baked bean. They are all stewed. Not only that. but they are stewed so badly we get them" Wants Civil Service to Apply.
 The governor then read letter from Michael McMahon, in which the latter asked that the officials of the heme be removed and the place put under the civil service lawk.
 You still think the beds are un- clean?' asked the governor.
 T know it, governor. returned l Go around and look for yourself. The floors are dirty, too"
 Anything else?" inquired the gov- ernor.
 Water Bugs and Ants.
 Well. we ought to be able to sit down to the table without having water bugs and ants walking over our food. The filth on the stools is bad. and if we don't take our baths during the first three days. of the week we don't get any. If we get furlough in those three days, we get no baths. Oieomaraarine in Hash. | William L. Wheeler said the food had been unsatisfactory for long time. Too much grease in 1t, and 1t Ewent against his stomach, especially the hash three times week.
 What makes the hash so greasy he was asked
 .'Oleomargarine. And my bed is clean only because it clean 1t myself. ' | The letter written by John Beck, read next, created e sensation It asked that Governor Holcomb, as head of the state, should remove the present officers in charge for misman- agement,, for providing bad food, for showing favoritism and practicing dis crimination. for keeping the beds So crowded the health of the men wan | Ienda ngered . a md for having the mat