Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/793

 BOARD OF CONTROL IN MINNESOTA 779

no public opinion demanding the change. The institutions of the state have been managed, in the opinion of all competent persons, as well as those of any state in the union. Political factors were but remotely influential, and permanence in office as well as ability in management characterized the superintend- ents. The state Board of Corrections and Charities was one of the most efficient in the whole country, and the esteem in which it has been held is clearly shown by the fact that at nearly every session of the legislature since its organization new and important duties have been imposed upon it, and increased appropriations have been made for its necessary expenses. The secretaries, only two of them since its organization, were both men of capacity and industry, who enjoyed the public confidence to a remarkable degree. The various boards of trustees were composed for the most part of eminent and respectable citizens who from pride in their work and from a desire to serve the public had given much time and toil to their duties without com- pensation. No scandal of any kind has occurred in the treat- ment of the wards of the state in many years.

Why, then, should any change have occurred in the manage- ment ? It was brought about mainly by the exertions and advocacy of Hon. Robert C. Dunn, auditor of state, who will deserve the credit for success, and who must share at least the responsibility of any adverse fortune, coming to the new system.

In his report to the legislature of 1899 Mr. Dunn recom- mended the appointment of a committee to investigate the sub- ject of the management of state institutions, alleging that Wisconsin and Iowa had saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by consolidating the management of all institutions under a single board. The legislature did not follow the suggestion, and it has been stated that the reason for the failure to do so was to be found in the fact that the legislature was Republican, while Governor Lind, who was a Republican-Populist-Democrat, would have the privilege of appointing the first members of the new board, should one be created.

Whether this be true or not, it is certain that the message of Governor Lind to the same legislature discussed the whole