Branch Colby letter to Celestia Colby 24 Apr 1893

[stationery with letter head] R.R. SOUTHARD SEWER COMMISSIONER DALY PRINTING CO. NEW CITY HALL

WILLIAM WISE ASST. SEWER COMMISSIONER SEWER DEPARTMENT Of the City of St. Louis

St. Louis, April 24, '93

My dear mother,

I inclose some letters that both of you will enjoy and comment is almost unnecessary. The children are very proud of their letters and we had to read them to them over and over again. I thought you would like a copy of Dorothy's letter to Detroit so copied it for you. The children are much interested in their spring millinery just now, both have new hats and they discuss the good and bad points like vetrans. For three days M. has been laid up with an awful cold, and is most miserable in consequence. We have lots of maple sugar from aunt Flavia so don't send the little cakes, but keep them. We are greatly worried about your health and know you are not as well as you make out to be. Your cellar undoubtedly increases your rheumatisn and must be very bad for your general health besides.

I am seriously thinking of resigning my place to join the "R. E. McMath Surveying Co." Mr. McMath's election takes him from any active interest in the Co. and he has come to me and made a proposition upon behalf of himself and the other stockholders. I am offered the first chance by vote of the stockholders, four in number.

I would have $150.00 per month and some stock in the Co. Mr. McMath thinks it offers a good future for me. What do you think? Of course I know that you don't have the facts to judge but must form an opinion on general principles. I would have to decide by the 1st of May.

We are glad to hear that your appropriation is not to be cut, and we wish the increase might be made. I did not send Felmley a paper because I did not think it would be of any interest to him. Applications come for copies every day, from engineers and Baltimore has asked me to recommend two of my engineers and two studio men to them as they want to start a similar survey.

We hope for a new girl May 1st. Mollie Savage

With much love to both B.

[newspaper clipping] be-Democrat, Friday Mor

block 4473 Bertha Harris and husband to Frank Reichman—warranty deed . . . . . 2,800.00 WESTMINSTER PLACE — 60 feet, bet. Newstead and Taylor aves., city block 4580. Walter B. Mauny and wife to Swan H. Blossom's trustee—warranty deed . . . . . 7,200.00

MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Health Commissioner Brennan's Trial. The trial of Health Commissioner Wm. N. Brennan progressed yesterday before Mayor Walbridge. At 3 o'clock the case was half done and the city rested. City Counselor Marshall believed at that hour that more than sufficient evidence had been produced to sustain all the charges of incompetency, neglect of duty and maladministration that had been preferred against Brennan. During both the morning and afternoon sessions Brennan's attorneys diverted the spectators and Court by making dramatic charges of "outrage" and "high-handedness" on the part of the Mayor. The latter was very good-natured, however, and contented himself with warning them to be a trifle more moderate in their talk.

John C. Lohman, Superintendent of the Work House, was the first witness examined by the city, and testified that months have gone by without Brennan's visiting his institution, though the laws defining his duties say explicitly that he shall inspect the rooms and the food of the prisoners at least once every two weeks.

Supt. Kerly, of the Female Hospital, also testified to the extreme irregularity of the Commissioner's visits, and, in addition, told of the miserable appointments Brennan has been in the habit of making.

Supt. J. C. Gallagher, of the Poor House, could remember only eight visits made to his institution by Brennan during all the time the Commissioner held office.

Chief Sanitary Officer Chas. Francis, who held the office of Health Commissioner for six years, and is now recognized by everybody as the brains of the department, told what he knew of Brennan's errors of omission and commission. A great proportion of Brennan's appointments, he said, have been utterly worthless, as far as sobriety and capability are concerned.

Dr. A. C. Robinson, of the Board of Health, testified to Brennan's incompetency as a public officer.

After Dr. Robinson's examination the case was adjourned for dinner.

At the afternoon session Dr. O. E. Forster, of the Board of Health, was put on the stand. He did not wish to give his opinion of Dr. Brennan's qualifications as Health Commissioner. As a member of the Board of Health Brennan had always shown a great tardiness and carelessness in attending meetings. Why the Commissioner had been so derelict he did not know whether it was due to laziness, ignorance of his duties or any other cause. Asked concerning the appointment of Dr. Chitlick Mortland as assistant physician at the Insane Asylum in place of Dr. George Kearney, witness stated that Brennan had not informed the board. The board did not even know that Dr. Kearney had been discharged by the Commissioner. Several appointees made by Brennan were of the most incompetent kind, especially Thomas McCarthy, who was given the job of storekeeper at the Female Hospital.

At this point Mayor Walbridge and Counselor Marshall consulted, and decided that the case of the city was complete.

"We will turn it all over to you, now," remarked Mr. Marshall to the defendant's attorneys.

"We want time," remarked Dr. Brennan's counsel; "say let's lay it over for about a week."

"Guess we had better go on in the morning," remarked the Mayor.

"We can't," replied the counsel. "Dr, Brennan must appear in a murder case at St. Charles to-morrow. The Prosecuting Attorney of St. Charles insists that our client appear, and, as the papers have been served upon him, he can not very well get out of it."

Mayor Walbridge finally consented to lay the trial over until Monday morning at 11 o'clock. At that hour the defense will open their case. The trial that calls the Commissioner to St. Charles is that of Peter Gowezewster, charged with the murder of a boy names Bettler. Dr. Brennan, at the time of the killing, was autopsy physician for Coroner Irwin, and performed the pos-tmortem on the victim.

[envelope]

[post mark: ST.LOUIS, MO. APR 24 5-PM 1893]

Miss Rose Colby, Normal, Illinois

Lock Box 556

[post mark on back of envelope]

NORMAL, ILL. APR 25 7 AM 1893 REC'D