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THE GAOL SURGEON
[Welland Tribune, 22 December 1882]
To the Editor Welland Tribune:
DEAR SIR- In your last issue I see a reply, or rather what purports to be a reply, to the report of committee of county council re meideal supplies and medical attendance in connection with gaol. I am glad that Dr. Schooley has seen fit to rush into print to justify a certain party in charging the county exorbitant prices for medicines. But then what could you expect of a man who unblushingly admits that he took medicines belonging to the county and used them for his own private practice, excusing himself by saying that in one instance it was on a Sunday. I suppose he thinks the better the day the better the deed. It appears he thinks it no sin to appropriate others property on a Sunday. But he seeks to defend Mr. Hobson in his excessive charges by stating that I charged Mr. Cumines a high price for certain articles, making Mr. Cumines a fulcrum on which to rest his lever of defence of Mr. Hobson. This is absurd on the face of it. Mr. Cumines understands his business and knows the price of drugs, and if I overcharged him he could have returned the article. Not so with the county. They were buying articles of which they had no conception as to price, and were depending on the honesty of the gaol surgeon (an officer of the county) to check anything that was wrong in these bills. But he coolly states in his letter “that the price of drugs does not concern me.” A nice county servant, surely who would stand by and see the people’s money taken without a fair compensation. He stated before committee that he called Mr. Hobson’s attention once to a high charge. Why did he certify to correctness of account when the charge was so excessive that he in his simplicity could not see?
For the Doctor’s information I will state that the committee based their report on the evidence of two witnesses substantiated by his own admissions; and, if necessary, that evidence can be printed and also verified by declaration, then the public can judge for themselves whether the committee reported facts or not. I am positive that the people of the county have every confidence in such gentlemen as Messrs. Joseph Garner, Cruickshank and Ramsden, a majority of committee and that those gentlemen would not be guilty of presenting a fraudulent report. All I have to say in answer to such an assertion is that the above named gentleman have held the trust and confidence of their fellow electors for years, and must consequently be honest, truthful and upright or they could never have enjoyed the confidence that has been so often reposed in them. The Doctor labors hard to show that the quantity of medicine used depends on amount of sickness. Nobody denies this fact, but the Doctor only quotes a part of the sentence viz: “for the immediate wants of such supply.” Here he stops and forgets to add the remainder contained in report. Further Dr. Schooley states, “That Messrs. Garner and Burgar intimate that there is something more to be told; who asked them to conceal anything?” Now Mr. Editor, if the gaol surgeon desires to know more, and is not satisfied with the report, all he has to do is to ask that the inspector of prisons hold an official investigation. This would be done under oath (a power that the committee could not avail themselves of) and then he could learn the particulars to which Messrs. Garner and Burgar referred. Dr. Schooley says we had 11 months to enquire into the matter. True! And Mr. Editor why did not the committee report at June session of council? Simply because several of the members of the committee were told that there was nothing in the charge but petty spite, and it was impossible to get the chairman (Mr. Fraser) to act; and the committee had to appoint another chairman. The truth was that the parties interested did not want an investigation, and did what they could to have it staved off. To the final reply or charge which the Doctor styles, “The true investigation inwardness of the investigation.” That Dr. Burgar, a brother of mine, wanted the position, and when he failed Dr. Glasgow tried to get the appointment and failed also.” I append the declaration of those two gentlemen. Thanking you, Mr. Editor, for kindness in allowing so lengthy a reply. I remain, yours truly, J.H. Burgar
DECLARATION of DR. BURGAR
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In the matter of the position of Gaol Surgeon for the County of Welland: I, William E. Burgar, of the Town of Welland, in the County of Welland, Physician and Surgeon, do solemnly declare:- I have this day read the letter of Dr. Schooley, published in both the town papers under the caption, “Report of Special Committee and Gaol Supplies.” The said letter reflects personally on me in this, that it alleges that I was an applicant for the position above referred to, and that my application was refused. The facts in regard to this statement are as follows. About ten years ago the present gaol surgeon who occupied the position put an application for an increase of salary into the hands of a then member of the council to be presented to the council. A great deal of dissatisfaction was always expressed by the prisoners in gaol as to the treatment received by them from the said surgeon. Those two facts coming the ears of another member of the council, I was requested by that member to put in an application for the position. Microfilm here unreadable. Drawn into notice in the letter just referred to is the application the particulars of which are herein set forth, and the statements there in the said letters are evidently made with the intention of detracting pubic attention from the matters now in question. And I make this declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of an act passed in the thirty-seventh year of Her Majesty’s reign, entitled, “An Act for the Suppression of Voluntary and Extra Judicial Oaths.” Signed, W.E Burgar Declared before me at Welland in the county of Welland this 15th day of December A.D., 1882. Thos. D. Cowper A Commissioner |
DECLARATION of DR. GLASGOW
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In the matter of the position of Gaol Surgeon for the County of Welland:
I, Sinclair Holden Glasgow, of the Town of Welland, in the County of Welland, Physician and Surgeon, do solemnly declare that: I have read the letter of J.W. Schooley, M.D., of this town, published in the Welland Telegraph and Welland Tribune this day the 15th of December under the caption, “Report of Special Committee on Gaol Supplies, etc.” With regard to the allegation contained in the last part thereof, stating that I applied to be appointed gaol surgeon of this county, I say that the case is altogether untrue, and without foundation, in fact. And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the act passed in the thirty-seventh year of her Majesty’s Reign, entitled, “An Act for the Suppression of Voluntary and Extra Judicial Oaths.” Signed, S.H. Glasgow Declared before me at the town of Welland in the county of Welland, this 15th day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1882. Thos. D. Cowper A Commissioner |
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