Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-02-08
eastern Gimts.
BATH, FEBRUARY 8, 1866.
Maine State Prison.

The reports of the Warden and Inspectors
of the State Prison present the affairs of the
prison ia favorable light, The amour, earned
in the several departments the past year, is
S9,27o so Expenses S7,79i So. Balance
ofearninRs over and above expenses, 81 ,475,-
az. In the expenses the salaries of the Off
GERS are not included.
Mr.. Bennett, the excellent Warden, says
the appropriation of 500 in 1850, to purchase
aLibrary for the use of the convicts, and the
lighting of the prison to enable them to read
have been productive of beneficial results in
the dimnution of punishment and in improved
general department In 1913, with sirty-ser-
en- convic,s, there were inflicted t,co hundred
and forty.fre days of punishment i during the
past year, with ninay-ttro convicts, sirty days.
And yet the prisoners are more Industrious,
better disposed, and earn more for the State
than in any previous year.
1t may not be generally known how the
plan of library and the lighting of the prison
originated. Gov. Hubbard directed his atten-
ton to the physical and mental condition of
the couvicts while he was chief magistrate OF
the State on his'first visit TO the prison, and
saw at glance that there was great need OF
improvement in many particulars. lie sug-
gested the plan of library and the lighting
of the prison, and the plan was at once ap-
proved by his Council. The present Warden,
who is admirably adapted to the position he
occupies, and who ought to be retained IN that
position for the reason that not oneman In
thousand, can SO well ill it, set himself to
work to carry out those suggestions, which
he warmly approved, and hence we see the
beneficial results. The discipline of the pris
on is mild and parental, and the motives
thrown around the convict such as'are calcu-
lated to win him to the path of rectitude and
good citizenship. This is but one of the many
reforms for which the State is indebted to
JOHN HUBBARD.
The Inspectors say that Mr. Bennett, since
he has had charge of the prison. has evnced
a remarkable adaptedness to the station he
fills. He has the affection of all the convicts
who can be reached by mild and persuasive
measures; while he governs the more incor-
rigible with judiciuus decision. Few men,
our observation has convinced us, have the
necessary qualifications combined in Mr.. Ben
nett for conducting the affairs of the prison in
manner so beneficial TO the convicts, and so
profitable TO the State.
The Chaplain says -
"Our prison, in almost all respects, is fitted
to advance the physical and moral well being
of its inmates, who are furnished with whole
some diet, pure air, sufficient clothing, con-
tinual, but not oppressive employment; and
who have also the use of a well selected Lii
brary.
During the past year the Sabbath service,
and the school for instruction in the common
branches, have been conducted by the Chap
lain as in former years. By the kindness of
the Deputy Warden, and other officers, | have
had free access to the convicts at all times,
and have become acquainted with their char
acters and habits. Most of them declare their
resolution TO lead better life when they are
once more free; and one or two hope to con-
nee; themselves with Christian Church.
1t is TO be hoped that neither the company of
the bad, nor the indifference of the good, may
drive them back into their old paths