Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-02-28
The State Prison.

, Close Of The InvestigatiOn-C Complete Vim
dieation OF the Warden and the Entire
Management of the Prison-Failure tO
Sustain "a single Charge.
The investigating committee did not get to.
gether for business until 8 o'clock yesterday
afternoon.
VIM. Wilson was recalled. But IL over
seers and assistants have been employed al
any one time; at some times 2 in shoe shop
now one; two in blacksmith shop; same in
paint shop and carriage shop; one in harness
shop, etc; ) regular guards on wall; extra
guards are sometimes allowed guards have
$500-salary fixed in 1865; few of tie
guards boarded at the prison for short time
board deducted from their annual salary
deputy warden acted as commissary because
the clerk could not attend to it. Mr.. Piper
was first appointed as commissary; salary Of
| that officer, 5000; office has continued since !;
| VIM. G.. Rice was afterwards commissary.
| The gate keeper occupies the post at the gate,
as sentinel and assistant guard salary $500 /;
duties Of commissary to take charge Of all
the clothing and provisions; receive all!
goods; examine them by bills; overseer the
provisions in dealing them out; collects
| the soled clothing and send to wash house,
have them repaired; examines cells, etc. The
gate keeper was put on because it was deem
ed prudent to have a man at that post and
not compel man on guard to leave his posi-
ton. In 1865, the salary of warden was
| fixed at $500, he thinks, although not quite
| sure, and it was approved by the Governor
and Council; every time before the salary
was raised it was approved by the Governor
and Council Salary of $4,000 has been paid
for the last two years. Had no chaplain for
the past year. Late chaplain served two
years.
Warden Rice was examined. Carnage
business the principal business when he took
charge of the prison. Harness business be-
gun in 1870. Have had the general super
vision, making all the purchases; made them
at cash prices intend to get goods at cash
prices; bills are made out against the prison;
for some portion of them purchased iron on
four months time, and secured discount for
cash whenever he could; the security Of the
State enables him to make reasonable rates.
Manufacture all the large wheels; other
wheels arc purchased; purchase carriage iron
mostly at Portland leather purchased largely
in New Sharon; sole leather in Boston. Car
riages are sold at prison and by parties out
side. Books do not show exactly the
carriages sold, but entry book would show
the number that had gone out Those who
take carriages to sell, as agents, receive
recompense, and they are responsible for the
same. Books will show with what persons
carriages have been exchanged. In boot and
shoe department, overseer does a good deal
of selling. Do considerable custom work in
carriage department, and boots and shoes.
Account of custom work is kept in shops and
prices fixed. Have employed about 10 con-
victs in carriage shop at time-number va
ries. Some men are worth 81 day; book
shows the daily work of convicts. Appropria-
tons made by the legislature put into his
(the wardens) hands apd is charged to him,
and he has to account for them. He described
clearly the manner of expanding appropria-
,ions. Had improved the living and clothing
at the institution since he had been there.
Vouchers show exactly what he has paid or
received. Had not received for own personal
benefit dollar for any trade made. Had not
as much help as is required in the prison.
No person employed paid more than they
would be entitled to receive elsewhere. Their
services are paid at the smallest figure pos
sible. No perquisi.eS are received by him
self or any of his subordinates. Had paid
for fuel, which he has since found tie statute
allows him from the State.
This closed the investigation, and no fur
Their hearing will be given by the committee.
The accountants who have been taking the
account of stock at the prison, have returned
their books to the committee. We give be-
low the figures, comparing them with the
last account taken by the Inspectors.
The following figures show the account of
stocl; taken by the Inspectors the lst of last