Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
2014.2.3180Scope and Content
A copy of a three page typed letter from C. R. Woodson to Governor David R. Francis, Jefferson City, Mo, dated December 10th, 1891. A receipt dated stamp in the upper right hand cornerContext
My dear Gov:--
You will pardon me for trespassing; but I desire, first to give you a brief statement concerning our Institution: we have at present Five hundred and Seventy-two (572) patients; we have fed them well; clothed them well, and had them well attended; our Institution is furnishes as well or better, I am informed, than any time in its existence; we have raised all the vegetables and corn that we could use during the summer and coming winter; we have done a great deal of work with our patients; I am quite sure that we have done as much as Five thousand $5000.00) dollars worth of work since the commencement of our New Buildings, in the way of grading, filling and making tunnels; our employes have been paid better wages during the past year than heretofore; all seem to be well satisfied. Our percapita per diem is Five cents less than during the years 1889-90, and I feel satisfied that in the month of December we can reduce another half cent, which will make a differenct of Five and one half cents (5 1-2) per day per patient. We have not drawn any maintenance fund from State Treasurer; and I am satisfied that we will not have to do so this year; should we pass through this year, I am of the opinion that we can next.
It has required considerable effort both mentally and physically on my part, as well as my staff and other officers, to conduct the business of this institution as we have daring the year; all have worked very faithfully and successfully; we have received One hundred and Seventy-seven (177) patients during the year; have discharged as recovered or greatly improved, about One hundred (100) patients; have had fewer deaths than usual; no escapes.
Now I desire to inform you that the Legislature cut off Two thousand ($2,000.00)dollars of the amount asked for, for the officers salary; this was done by a member of our county, in order to give us the Hospital Building; he said he had no intention of affecting the salary of a single officer; and is willing and in favor of having said amount replaced. I think every member of the Legislature from this county will favor same; every member of our Board of Members stated they were in favor of having the deficiency made up; this reduction had affected the salary of every officer in our institution.
After giving you the above statements, should you have a special session of the Legislature; I desire to ask you to embrace in your call of the Legislature a clause ; asking them to transfer Two thousand and ($2,000.00) dollars from the maintenance account to the officers' salary account. I feel that there would be no abjection upon the part of our greatest retrenchers to transfer the fund if they know that we have administered the affairs of this Institution in the economic manner that we have. Should they fail to transfer said fund, it not only leaves us short on our regular salaries, but every officer has to wait Three or Four months after the 1st of January-93 for his salary. As to the manner in which we have conducted the Institution, I would refer you to my friends or my foes. I would be very glad to have you make a thorough inspection of our Institution sometime when you are in the city. I submit these suggestions to your wisdom and careful consideration. I remain,
Yours respectfully,Dimensions
Dimension Notes
8.5" x 11"