The New York herald., 1921-04-06

Spect0I DeSpdtcH 70 IHE NEW YORK lfEkALD.
New York Herald Bureau
|. Albany, April s.
Gov. Miller, summoned Frederick A.
Higgins and DIR. Charles w. Pilgrim,
members of the State Hospital Com
mission, before him to-day in the
Executive Chamber and after putting
them through a severe grilling for two
hours demanded that they either re-
sign or appear again on Thursday to
show cause why they should not be
removed on charges of incompetency
and conduct unbecoming State Of
ficials.
The Governor denounced the two
Commissioners for making statements
that patients in State institutions will
suffer because of the economy pro-
gramne. He told the officials that they
evidently had made up their minds
they would not get along on the money
allowed them; that they knew little
about their jobs; that they were out
Of harmony with the new order of
economy and that every employee that
is not willing to cooperate to the limit
in effecting real economy must get
out
IT fs reported this evening tlia; the
two Commissioners will resign. They
said they would prepare a statement
telling what they would do.
This sensational episode created al
most a panic throughout the Sta.e ad-
nninistration. Officials VINO nave been
fighting economy are trembling in their
boots.
Mr.. Higgins and DR. Pilgrim are
strong Republicans. Higgins comes
from the Twenty-third district in New
York. OF which Collin Woodward Is
leader. After five years of service IN
the hospital department. Mr.. Higgins
was reappointcd three weeks ago by the
Governor for 4 six year term.
DR.. Pilgrim is from Poughkeepsie and
has been connected with the insane and
hospital departments for thirty 2ears
He has as strong political backing as
any State official.
When the appropriation bill was be-
fore the Senate Mr.. Higgins appeared
and said that as a result of cuts in his
department patients would suffer.
Thoroughly angry, the Governor in his
denunciatlon to-day pounded his desk
time and again in demanding yes or
no answer to his queries
"Thc way you jump at conclusions is
proof there should be a new Commits
sioner," the Governor declared angrily
to Mr.. Higgins
His face scarlet with rage. the Com
missioner jumped UP and shouted. You
will get my resignation"
DR.. Pilgrim tried to defend Mr.. Hig-
gins. "If YOU don't resign you can tell
me that on Thursday" the Governor
said as he declared the hearing closed.
such a hearing would be the same as
a resignation" Mr.. Higgins called after
the Governor. who strodc into his prf-
vate chamber.
The Governor asked for many details
regarding which the Commissioners ad-
mitted they could not explain. As they
were devoting all their time to running
the hospitals, the Governor asked the
Commissioners il they did not think
they ought to know some of the things
he was asking.
The Governor wanted TO know
whether Mr.. Higginss appearance be-
fore the Legislature was prearrangcd
Mr.. Higgins made denial.
Senator Walker was prepared 10 ask
you questions which fitted in pretty
well with the data you had there to
supply answers. wasn't her" the Gov
ernor asked.
You are better at medicine than you
are at figures" the Governor told Dr.
Pilgrim. a moment later.
The Governor informed the Commits
sioners that before the budget was pre-
pared the state architect had made n
survey OF the state institutions, and
that allowances made based on that STIR
vey provide $500 additional beds for
next year.
After receiving answers 20 various
questions the Governor said to MIR. Hig-
gins
You have indicated an attitude which
convinces me that you are not in a
frame OF mind to make the appropria-
tions serve their purpose. even IL sum-
clent TO serve. We must have a State
Government administered by people who
are willing with the head of the Gov
ernment and the Legislature. to produce
economical administration.
There will not be anybody In the
state Government while | am head or It.
II can help II, who IL not willing to do
that"
Andrew ID. Morgan. the third mem
ber Of the Hospital Commission. ia not
included in the proceeding.
MORE than 100000 wcii-to-do families OF