The Placer herald., 1859-05-21
State Prison.

PrlSOn AFFAIRS appealeU III 1uo SoS' o"io"lV
Standard on Thursday; and as everything
relating to that institution, for evident rea-
sons, possesses interest to the people of Pla-
Ger county, we publish it entire. Mr.. Newly
having been familiar with the Prison manage
ment under Estell and McCauley, and having
visited there lately while the State officers
were in charge, is enabled to speak truthfully
of the happy change effected. And from
the red hot Goals he lays upon the head of
McCauley, it seems he knows him sufficiently
well to deplore the return of the Prison
management to his hands. He promises
developments in regard to McCauley, if such
as he intimates, are of damnng character
The public are ready to hear from Mr.. New
by-they have seen this man McCauley
making charges of a grave nature against
public officer whose fair fame had never been
tarnished by single accusation, through
years of public service. They have seen
him secure the appointment of Committee
plant in indorsing and disseminating his
venomous charges. They have seen these
charges dispeled by a thorough examination
and report of another Committee, and now
they want to know of the worth and moral
standing of the man who is so bold in step
ping forth to charge the Lieut.. Gov of high
crimee and misdeameanors.
We notice the STANDARD in remarking
upon Mr.. Newby's communication says they
have "known Mr.. McCauey for several years,
and have always esteemed him an enterpris-
ing man and good citizen" We do not OBJ
iect to the editor of the Standard being
friend of McCauley, but are far from liking
the course Of that paper when we see it ap-
plaudng a man all covered with charges OF
corruption, and at whom the finger of sccln
and condemnation has been directed for sew
era wears, and at the same time las never
raised a syllable in defence of the second
officer of the State, (although man Of un-
blemished reputation in all his previous ca
reer) since he has been assailed by crew of
corrupt men. We charge it upon the Stan
dard, that it has permitted outrageous and
unholv assaults upon faithful, efficient, and
honorable public officer, made by a band of
bad men, to 90 unchecked and unreproved
bv it, The same is true of other Democrat
c papers, aspiring to be influential, who
have never, since charges have been brought
against It. Gov. Walkup by those notori-
Gus lobby bummers, McCauley and Graham,
have given him, in their editorials, the ben
eft of doub. in respect to those charges.
They have ;amely permitted the sleuth-
hounds to fasten their bloody fangs in the
reputation of an officer who stood fair in
public estimation, without single effort to
prevent it. How are we to regard a Dem
ocratic press that is willing to see man
crushed by the amv-steeped clique of 'Es
tell e. Co." name that has been the synonym
of corruption to the people of California for
years? Certainly not with much respect.
But to the communication of Mr.. Newly:
Read what he says of the man who makes
charges of SERIOUS character against
public officer:
A soiourn of month has made me thoroughly
acquainted with the affairs of the institution
Last Friday, the prison and contents were taken
possession of by the former lessee Mr.. McCauley.
The prison. under the discreet management of
Governor Weller and Lieutenant Governor Wal
kur. has improved highly Nothing has been
neglected to improve the physical condition of the
six hundred unfortunate beings coniied within
the prison walls. nor has moral instruction been
wanting | was present at divine service held
within the prison, the last Sabbath the institution
remained under the control of the State officers.
The whole number of prisoners were present, and
the services, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Gilbert.
assisted by his estimable wife and daughter. were
of the most impressive character The prisoners,
during the recitation of the solemn service, list
ened with marked attention; and when the rev.
ercnd gentleman impressed upon them his we'll
founded conviction, that there was none among
thcm although at present lost to society who
could not. if he would, recover his lost character
and regain his position among his fellow wmen,
many among that hardened community were
sensibly affected.
The recent change of management will fall
heavily upon the prisoners. The kind and judci-
Gus treatment they have received for the last ten
months has had q marked effect, and never, since
the foundation of the institution, has the appear
tented.
The prison itself has been extensively enlarged
and improved. Comfortable quarters and an emf
nent physician have been provided for the sick
and disabled, and instead of being crammed by
hundreds into a small space, as they were former
ly under McCauley, the prisoners have large,
well ventilated cells, with ample room and every
conv venience for cleanliness and comfort Having
noticed a pamphlet in circulation containing
charges, seemingly grave, against the former oti-
GERS of the prison, | will state from personal
| knowledge the value to be attached to them: Of
Governor Weller will say nothing bought ac-
cusations cannot harm him. The charges brought
against Lieut-Gov. Joseph Walkup, | shall notice
more extensively When Gov. Walkup first took
charge of the prison, he found the affairs Of the
institution most ineXtricabe mass of confusion.
1t required months of incessant labor to repair
two years of gross mismanagement. To effect
this, it necessary for him to give his undivl-
ded attention and to actually reside at the prison;