Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-03-24
Massachusetts, and thought the model one was in

Massachusetts, and thought the model one was II
Cambridge. The pensioners had rather work thar
loaf. He thought the teaching Of experience il
other States was to the effect that in order to make
| the control Of the counties. He thought also tina
more thorough discipline should be introduced
and the convicts taught after all that prison was
place of punishment, and not pleasant home Oh
| place of recreation.
Mr.. Chamberlain of Lincoln, said he thought
the object was rather to keep the convicts EN-
ployed than to make their labor specially remun
erative. He would ask if all the counties shoulo
have the same rate of board for prisoners. The
statutes say the support of prisoners shall not ex
coed the sum Of SO per week
Mr.. Thing of Kennebec, thought it an importan,
question to settle if support Of prisoners meant
simply the board of prisoners.
1t was then ascertained that the price paid pei
week In Androscoggin was 3d. Cumberland W
IS, Kcnnebec SO, Lincoln SO. Oxford SO, Penob-
scot SO, Sagadahoc So, York S267.
Mr.. Sands of Piscataquis, said that his county
had to depend upon Penobscot for Jail accommo-
dations, and thought some definite price should be
fixed for expenses
Mr.. Furgerson was in favor of fixing uniform
price.
Mr.. Wilson said that uniformity of system
throughout the state was most important. Those
who have been active in getting up these work
shops, saw that our prisons were schools of vice,
and workshops were needed. Young boys mix
with old criminals in Jail and become demoralized
The idea is not so much the pecuniary advantage
so much as the improvement of these men. Men
can now be sent to these workshops instead of at
State Prison. They can thus acquire trade and
will not be obliged to steal when they go out.
The contract system in the State Prison would
cause trouble Thought if the right managers
could be obtained the counties could manage the
work best.
1t appeared from the discussion that some plan
must be adopted to confne the religious services
to the prisoners, and not allow outside parties to
come in.
Mr. Montgomery Of Lincoln county, was not in
favor OF cutting down the price of board, but give
jailors price that they can afford 10 give out good
wholesome food and plenty of it.
Mr.. Bracket Of York spoke of the wages paid
the jailor, which was equal to about 50 per week
for the care of prisoners. He wanted to have
just and humane rates adopted and issued by the
we don't always know what kind Of men we are
to have for jailors.
Mr.. Wilson said that he thought the making Of
rules for workshops and fixing the price of board
did not belong to the inspectors.
The following committees were chosen
On Prison pline-Messrs. Townsend Of
Cumberland, Furgerson Of Penobscot, Halves Of
Kennebec.
On Board Of PriSoners-Messrs. Reed of An
droscoggin, Bragdon of York, Gordon of Oxford.
On Instruction and Religious Erercises-Messrs.
Chamberlain of Lincoln, Parks of Sagadahoc,
Sands Of Piscataquis.
On Prison Garb-Messrs. Roak of Androscog-
gin, Marble of Sagadahoc, Bracket of York.
The convention then adjourned to this morning
at 8 o'clock.