The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-06-17
OUT AND IN.

HEAP OF PRIVATE PRoPERIY-CoLoNEL
sEULER TAKES AWAY CAR LOAD.
Occasional Correspondence of the Sentinel
FgERsoNvnLE, June IA, lS75.-Accord-
ing TO the LIMIT in the resignation of Col.
Shuler, the present warden, this prison pas
ses into the hands of the democratic ap-
pointees tomorrow. The accumulation of
articles boxed up for removal at the war
dens residence indicates large amount Of
property claimed by the officers, although
the bills for furnishing the house and i'm
proving the grounds by the state amount to
thousands OF expense and cost to the people.
There seems TO be car load remaining Of
private property of the warden, and the
new warden Is also required TO make some
Purchases of articles needed for daily use in
the house. This shows that when the door
has been opened for state outlay there re-
mains large margin for private profit
The prodts OF Office holding are exhibited
in the increase of means and expenses of
living in the favored officials, and the off,
GERS do not leave their posts without large
for pensions where the wealth.
has bSen accumulated during the
holding Office. This brings forward the
question whether sny perquisitos can be
allowed officers beyond the strict letter and
instrnotion of the law, and whether any
further outlay must not be accounted for TO
the state. I6 appears Watkins's question is
likely 10 be tested in this matter, as a suit
has been instituted in the Clark Circuit
Court calling upon the warden to account
for this great outlay and uso of the state
finances, and claiming judgment in $780,
600. The practice has been sc. loose and the
peFquisitos so large as TO imperatiyely call
for some judicial Interpretation of how tar
the state can be bled. Besides the effect
upon the convicts Of this e1.travagance has
been to encourage their assertions that they
ere the victims rather than criminals, and
that, II they had held fat Offices, they would
have enjoyed luxuries, rather than 9 prison.
er's COS. They look upon the luxuries dis
played at and about the wsrden's residence
as so much taken from the taxpayers to
supply private enjoyment and gain, while
they suffer privation and task labor. Even
the favors bestowed upon them
seem TO lose their eject, because
the eDloyments of the officers sre
so far beyond their reach. Criminals usu-
ally look upon society as sheir enemy and
much more SO when their officers are enioy-
ing peTquisites and laxuries of questionable
legal sanction. Plain living and privation
would have better effect in reducing the
belief that society was not proving upon
them. Whether this cause has made an inn
portaEt hgure or not, the discipline of their
prison has become demoFalized and the
convicts are ready for any move TO regain
liberty. The finances and credit of the
institution has also fallen into disrepute.
and the whole system becomes a discredit
TO the state. the supplies have not been
purchased from propTietors at this place.
and hence private Interest chimes In with
the general discomfort manifested at the
condition OF affairs. The new government
has heavy work to do, and the credit of the
state Is involved in bringing the institution
out OF its present difficulties.