Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-18
CONVICT LABOR AND THE CAR
RIAGE INTEREST.

Some time since it was announced that the
Convention of Carriage Builders held in New
York denounced the competition ofthe Maine
State prison, and convict labor generally.
There has been so much comment on the SUBJ
ject in the Press that it is due to this impor-
tant interest to give the abstract of the pro-
ceedings Of the Convention on this matter
taken from the official records of the organi-
cation. Ii is as follows:
Mr.. J. W. B:itton Of n. Y. stated that he
had learned with surprise, that.the State au
thorities OF Maine have for several years been
engaged in the manufacture of carriages at
the State prison. Instead of hiring out the
labor of the convicts to contractors, as is Gus
tomary. they have organized large carriage
shop in the prison. These carriages are
thrown upon the market in competition with
the regular trade. Mr.. Britton concluded his
remarks by offering the following resolution.
Whereas. This association has heard with
profound regret that the Government Ut the
State Of Maine is now employing the inmates
OF Its prison in the manufacture of carriages
for its own account and profit, and selling
them in direct competition with its own cit.
zens, to their great and serious injury. There
tore be it,
Resolved. That the Carriage Builders Ma
tional Association of the United States in an
nual meeting assembled, earnestly and sol
emily protest against practice so unjust,
and SO directly infringing upon the rights of
the citizen.
Resolved. That the Secretary be directed
to forward this resolution to the Governor of
the State of Maine.
Mr.. Britton then called upon the President
for his views as he had heard nothing from
him on the subject.
Mr.. Kimball said that although it would
seem that he was largely interested in this
question, being carriage manufacturer in
Maine, he was, probably, the least affected by
il OF any in the State, as the largest part of
his sales were made in his repository in Bos
ton. But it does interfere with other manu-
facturers, more especially those in the eastern
part of the State. The warden of the prison,
who was appointed a few years ago, happened
to be a carriage maker by trade, and thought
that this business could be carried on with
profit The State had expended since then a
large amount in the erection of buildings and
purchase of tools and machinery. The plan
has been claimed as very successful and profit
able to the State. But he doubted whether, if
the facts could be asceItained aud an account
of stock taken, at its real value, if such fa-
vorable showing could be made. Ga the con-
trary he had no doubt the State would lose
largely in the end by the operation. He was
Of the opinion that when the matter was
brought before the Governor and Council and
other State officials most OF whom he knew
personally and regarded as homes. men, dvsir-
ing to do right by all the citizens of the State,
that they would give the subject their care
full consideration, allowing the carriage aud
harness makers to be heard on the subject if
they desir, d, and would then act fairly in the
mater, and in his opinion would soon change
the mode OF operation. Mr.. Kimball spoke at
length, and closed by saying that he did not
wish TO be understood AS opposing convict la
bur, but he was decidedly averse TO the gov
ernment, State or National, entering into
manufacture on their own account. His re-
marks met with The warm appreciation of the
members.
Mr. Brtton followed with some remarks
coinciding fully with the president, and stated
that the question did not interfere with the
employment of State prison labor by con-
tractors, but was directed against their EN-
ployment by the Government itself.
Mr.. Simmons, f Maine, who had intro
duced the subject for the consideration OF the
Association, was called upon for some re-
marks but stated that his views had been
fully expressed by the previous speakers.
The resolution was passed.
The number Of persons admitted TO mem
bership this year in the Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher's church amounted to POS, making
the whole number admitted since its organi-
cation 35f7. The Sunday schools have con.
trbuted during the year to benevolent objects,
$2.4SG 20 and the members of the copgrega-
ton have raised for maintaining worshin and
for benevolent purposes, s37,3i5.ss.