The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1921-12-13

Calling for Investigation. The Super
intendent Made Statement on Floor.
SAVANNAH, Ga.-After the in
vestigating committee had submitted
its report giving the results Of its
probe into the affairs of the Georgia
Baptist hospital in Atlanta, together
with the statement that DIR. ]. M.
Long, superintendent, had been found
guilty of several charges made against
! him and that he had been disciplined,
! DIR. Long, in an address before the
convention, gave notice of his resigna-
ton rendered to the board of trustees
/ to become effective on December 81.
The resolution was presented by Cliff
ford Walker, of Monroe, former attor-
iney general and candidate for govern
i or, who submitted the resolution on
behalf of the board of trustees, who de-
clared that charges, which were not
made public, had first been made
against the management of the hos
pital and later transferred to the board
of trustees The latter body, after
thorough investigation of the matter,
had discovered the state of affairs to
| be in such a muddle that it had been
tempted to resign. The object of the
committee which he desired appoint
| ed, said Mr. Walker, was for the pur-
pose of making a thorough investiga-
ton of the complete system OF man
agement which he regretted to say
was in a very bad condition and open
to the attacks of other Baptist mem
bers who were loath to see the work
! of such a great institution as the Bap-
fist hospital die out, or diminish
through Encouragement. In order to
preserve the success and integrity OF
the institution, declared Mr.. Walker,
it was necessary that the convention
take the burden upon its shoulders, and
make a thorough and impartial lnvesti-
cation into the charges against the OF
fcers of the hospital.
Began Last March.
The action against DR.. Long began
+ last March, when the board OF trus-
tees, having received letter suggest
ling that it had better investigate the
management and financial affairs of
the hospital, began the first formal in
quiry. DR.. Long was at that time cali
ed before the body. He made an ex-
PLANTATION, and the matter was dropped.
AT the convention here, however, a
sharp controversy arose over the at
fair, and after debating whether to
let the matter rest until committee
could report next year or instruct an
/ immediate investigation the latter
course was decided upon
The committee, through Warren
Grice, of Macon, reported to the con-
yention. Mr.. Grice informed the con-
vention that the committee had con-
vened at Hotel Savannah, and that DIR.
Long was present. Charges were plac-
ed against him and a mass of evidence
which they found impossible to read
in such a short time, was also up Tor
consideration. DIR. Long admitted some
of the charges, which, as intimated by
Mr.. Grice, seem to charge poor judg-
Iment more than anything else. The
committee did not inform the conven-
ton lust what the charges were, but
ii is understood that the paramount
Feature was the debt of near $350,OO0,
which the hospital has facing it.
DR.. Long Speaks.
Mr. Grice informed the convention
that DR.. Long was disciplined Tor the
charges found to be true. Other charg-
es, the report said, were found not to
tbe true.
The report contained three recon-
mendations, which provided that the
convention not go into the matter
further, that vote of confidence be
given to the GARD of trustees, and that
the board of trustees be given the au-
Ithority to sell the hospital site on
ILuckie street in Atlanta, together with
the Barlow apartments there. Inc
money thus secured, the recommends
tons read was to be applied on the
liquidation OF hospital debts.
DR.. Long was then given the Hoor.
The convention was all attention while
he spoke. He prefaced his statement
with resume OF his connection with
the Georgia Baptists He said this was
the twenty-frst convention which he
had attended, and for the past nine
wears he had been superintendent OF
the hospital.
The speaker reminded the conven-
ton that the position OF superntend-
emf OF the hospital was offered to HIM
that he did not seek it. He said when
he read the letter oHerlng the posi-
ton he told his wife that It was a
most difficult position which he faced,
but he intended to accept.
"Thankless Job"
He recalled an incident which took
place in his church, he being a pastor
at the time he accepted the hospital
position. in which one of the old mem
Ibers of his church told him that he
was making the mistake of his life by
accepting the hospital position. The
church member said: ITS thankless
and hopeless job.
Il have found the job to be thank
less" said DIR. Long, but not hope
less. | would rather dies than to do
anything which might harm the insti-
tuition. It is with this thought in mind
and my love for the institution that
Il have placed my resignation in the
hands of the board of trustees to be
accepted effective December 81.
A. ]. Orme, a member of the board,
was the next speaker on the floor. He
asked for further assistance IN solving
the financial problem OF the hospital.
He asked for some of the prosperous
men at the convention to lend their
signatures on A note to be given guar