Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-02-02
The Jail Workshop.

18th, there appears an article over the signature
Of "kennebec", asking some questions and in
dulging in some criticisms in relation to the az
fairs of the comfy workshop.
The writer doubt not for wise reasons, with
holds his name; and if were to reply to him
should be as one who beats the air. SO l shall at
tempt none. But the people of the county have
right to expect response from their commission
ers, and in replying to the article, and not to "Ken-
nebec," shall avoid all seeming personalities, as
the writer or his or her name is unknown to me.
/. Is it not eight months, instead Of six,
since the work commenced,
When the report was made the exact figures, so
far a. receipts and expenditures concerned,
were gwen so that SO far as profit and loss 60 1t
makes no difference. The time really was
about seven months.
At the first purchase of stock, Mr.. Neal and
myself gave Mr.. Halves letter over our official
signatures, authorizing him to contract for stock
and findings for the shop the credit of the
county, make contracts for goods, and set the en-
terprise going in the way that seemed best to him
after looking the matter over. We also advised
that he take Mr.. Durham with him, introduce
him to shoe and leather dealers as our Supern-
tendent and get all the light they could in rela-
ton to the business.
2. About buying leather Of poor quality for
"A cts.
Tie lot to which reference is made was the
very best quality of Chicago kip" bought at the
market price, % cts. foot, and which gave the
best of satisfaction to customers. The stock
bought afterwards for 10 cts. was another variety
of goods, and the question of economy depends
wholly upon the use intended. If we want
man to preach sermon, we 90 for minister.
If we want attorney, we go for a lawyer. If
we want guardian for helpless children; we 60
for the honestest find, and if we
wanted to find man who could take the poor
debtors oath when be was able to pay, we should
go for the greatest rogue in the community, so If
are to make boots of Chicago Kip we do
not buy splits COW hide.
3. Did not the Superintendent authorize
other man to buy:
Yes, he sent bv Hon. Hiram Pishon of Vassal-
horo an old and successful tanner and dealer, to
buy bill of leather, and all parties satisfied.
Mr. Pishon, who was going to the city on his own
business, charged the county no commission.
That was surely in the interest Of economy.
4. The bills all on file and open to the in
spection Of the public.
s. - Gather bought for the shop has been
bought al t.e market price, and has cost from IS
to % cents for kip. have forgotten the cost of
upper but no leather has cost above % cents.
| think have answered all the inquiries the
people are interested in. In answer to the closing
paragraph, | have to say that neither "Kenne
bee, any other person can more earnestly de-
sire the financial success Of the enterprise than do
the commissioners, and not one meeting of the
board has occurred stree the shop was put in OPP
Grafton but its economic arrangement and opera
tion has been discussed, and perhaps the public
will allow ne 10 say that at the close of the year
the balance was more favorable to the county
than any member of the board anticipated, and
we would further say that in our humble opinion
the financial pt ase of the enterprise is not the
only or the chief question to consider in deciding
its success OF failure.
We earnestly ask all who have any doubts of
the wisdom Of the enterprise TO so carefully over
the shop and see for themselves The Superin-
tendent, Mr.. Durham is at all times ready to
tend to visitors. If "kennebec" will favor me
with his or her name, should like TO correspond.
must decline a newspaper controversy.
ID. II. THING, Chairman Co. Com'Is.