The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-06-10
Mr.. Fenning Before the Bar Of
Public Opinion

The case 81 Commissioners fleming in Congress is probably
, near an end.
opinion ii the District Columbia and before the President
81 the United States remains to be settled
Whether Mr. fleming is Federal official subject to I'M
eachment; whether has violated certain laws an Of
fetal are largely matters for Congress the courts 70 de-
termine.
official the President and people Of the District may desire
il not being passed upon By Congress This question moral
rather than legal, in aspect.
Both tie President and the people Of the District should be-
and are immensely interested in the subject Several millions
of exserviCe and Of the District are also more
deeply interested In It than most people imagine
The theory Of public office service Of the public through
ont the history of all Federal and District appointments the
Presidents 81 United States have sought TO select men
time would be given To the public and VINO would sever
their private connections far possible that efficient public
Mr. fleming was appointed Commissioners Of the District
Though holding that office he still retained h wholesale con-
necon guardian for large numbers Of insane veterans
az the There Were it is stated as many as lOO
veterans At time under his care.
possible for him do his full duty TO the District
and to these unfortunate st the timer Could he
possibly keep sympathetic personal touch with these wrecked
their estates and 1--WE o the people Of the District the time
longing to them, and for which he IS well paid?
The precedent established il this case one that ne Pes
futureg May serving their country IL public positions
drawing splendid salaries therefor continue to hold to
their professional private connections reapng large IA
nancial benefits therefrom9
The human side 81 this wholesale guardianship business
seems to Be pushed 10 the rear When and
physically III we seek TO show them By sympathetic and
kindly attentions that aiding them 70 come back
Are the poor lonely Of wars far away from
their relatives and friends any the less entitled to thoughtful
compassion and superVsionq Is mental illness little 70 be
considered that patients be left altogether ID the hands
Of professional attendants receiving pefunCory visits from
their guardians7
possible for Wholesale guardian with 100 wards under
him 81 time q Do bis full human duty By 81 Of them,
visiting each and saying doing something kindly. when
hs goes where they only every two weeks? be
does give these mentally III the time they entitled to-
4 lie giving to tie public The time he IS paid for?
may be claimed that guardians for large numbers Of
insane and women little FOR their wards and must
leave them The q those supposed to be fitted for this
work but those engaged human welfare work win feel
that there much that could Be done BY guardians TO brighten
the lives O their wards and give them hope d recovery and
release from behind iron bars.
So Ear the people Of The District Of Columbia
cened the issue is the rghtuness Of their public officials
retaining unofficial connections widespread IN the case
Of Mr. fleming. With President Coolidge the issue viii
doubtless be: Are public servants to be required to give
their time 70 the public will they be allowed to stimuli
taneousy their private interests the latter being
remunerative that they are put first?
rs PUBLIC OFFICE TO BE PUBLIC TRUST OR Al
PRIVATE "ONCH?''