Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-03-02
STATE PRISON INVESTIGATION


STATE PRISON IN INVESTIGATIONS
The investigation Of the management
of the State Prison has closed, leaving
Warden Rice standing higher in public
estimation than ever, with every accusa-
ton against him disproved, and the leg
islature satisfied that the Prison is honest
ly and humanely conducted.
Il will be recolected that the founda-
ton for making an investigation Of the
Prison was the publication Of certain
newspaper articles and reports. signed by
no one, alleging corruption on the part of
the Warden and Inspectors, by which the
State was being annually cheated and
robbed None who were well informed as
to the management of the Prison credited
the disparaging statements set ahoat, and
they were so vague and shadowy that per-
sons Of sagacity could see in them no rea-
sonable evidence OF fraud at the Prison,
no ground for ordering an investigation at
considerable direct expense to the State
treasury, and indirect cost by the damag-
ing effect upon the discipline and business
of the institution.
Nevertheless in the third week of the
session, Mr.. Talbot, one of the leading
democrats in the House, presented charges
against the management of the Prison, and
moved an order for formal investigation.
From this move resulted the examination
Just ended, so that the credit or discredit,
the economy or lack of economy, the cost
ing of the State several thousand dollars
in an investigation based on newspaper
reports, fairly belongs to the democratic
side of the legislature.
The testimony fails to make good sim
gle charge against the Warden, Or to show
dishonesty, incapacity, or inhumanity in
the management. From the lips Of those
who were summoned as his accusers there
appears more in favor of the Warden than
against him. Those who attended the
hearings before the committee expecting
Developments showing fraud or wrongs of
ed. and are unanimously of the opinion
that 50 bigger boo was never made over
so small a calf. In the appraisal of prop
erty and stock at the Prison, where it was
claimed certain proof of fraud would be
found, the sharp wits of experts have been
unable to detect wrong doing. the re-
port showing but little disagreement of
their appraisal with that of the Inspectors
made several weeks ago. In the conclu-
sions arrived at there is no difference of
opinion between democrats and republi-
cans, the former being frank in declaring
that the investigation fails to prove any
thing against the Prison. The report of
the Commute will be unanimous, exonera-
ting Warden Rice completely, and we
have no doubt that it will be adopted in
the legislature without dissenting voice
in either branch, under the unanimous
conviction that the State Prison is in hon
est hands and most efficiently conducted
in all respects.
We are glad that the ISLANDERS which
have filed the air in regard to this insti-
tuition are thus effectuslly disposed Of.
Warden Rice must have felt sorely grieved
at the charges flung against him, while at
the same time he was doing the best no
could for the State, and succeeding admira-
bly,; but now he obtains satisfaction in the
complete vindication OF his character and
course. The State also is relieved from
the disgrace that the allegations against
the Prison cast upon it, while the repub-
licans can point to their course in the inves-
tigation as evidence that they are not
afraid to have the acts of republican Off
cials investigated.
WASHINGTON MATTERS.
The Congressional Committee on Ways
and Means have decided to report bill fix
ing the duty on still wines at 80 cents a gal.
Ion. or 81 per case.
Senator Cameron moved on Thursday to
take mp the centennial bill, and after some
discussion, 1t being understood the vote
should be . test vote on the motion, Mr..
Thurman said the idea Of an exposition was
entirely destructive Of the proper celebration
Of American independence, and congress
eosld not do worse than to take money out
Of the treasssy for this purpose. Mr.. Sum-
asr and Mr.. Merrill of Me. also opposed the
motion. After discussion, the Senate by q
vote Of 70 to 25. refused to take up the bill.