The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-01-05

escaping under The new rt0ime; 70 VHs hungry nfgn-
wayman whether the quality and quantity OF prison
will improve after the change Of agents and TO the
bogus invalid whether tho keeper will club him
ever the head much and in gen
oral way ill-treat him worse than now
Among subordinate officers this periodical expulsion
from place and petty power also produces its effects
Some Of these latter, which occasionally come 10 light
In the numerous escapes following immedi-
atey in the wake OF election which has changed the
political complexion OF the State government Thus
within few weeks preceding the close of the old year
some half dozen corvicts escaped from Sing Sing
OF keepers dismissed for suspected completely with
the runawAyR
In view Of the many changes likely TO be made at the
prison above named II may be safely inferred that the
friends OF the various asprants for ONCE are now o.
doubling the efforts which they have been prosecuting
with unfagging diligence for the past two months.
For the position OF Agent and Warden there are three
canddates-viz, ex-Assembyman Henry c. Nelson
OF Sing Singi Casper c. Chds, Jr., OF the place
and Thomas Sutton, OF horrisana the rst and last
named having already had experience In the Office
Mr. Nelson, who born and brought up within a few
hundred yards OF the prison, is counted among the
shrewdest and most reputable business men in Sing
Sing village He has already served two terms as
Agent ind Warden Of the prison. and during his
there was afforded q signal opportunity IN which 10
demonstrate his fitness for the position. When the
Legislature OF 1859 abolished the shower bath and all
other modes of punishment in the penal institutions OF
the State the humane but ILL., advised quickly
responded 10 by revolts which broke out smultane-
ously in all three OF the PRISONS and when 700 Of the
OPEN REVOLT,
It was due to the frmness Of Warden Nelson and the
jndcious measures adopted by him that all OF the in
subOrdnates with the exception of the rngleaders,
were reduced TO absolute submission IN less than three
days The prompt and energetic means he employed
on that occasion were at approved by the Board
OF State Prison Inspectors, we'll by Governor Hof
man. Mr.. Childs who may be denominated politician
by occupation, has resided Sing Sing for years
and IS at present proprietor OF weekly newspaper
there During two terms he enjoyed whatever enaolu-
ments appertain TO the Office OF clerk at the prison
and has since for two years occupied the mortabe
position OF clerk to the Board OF County SUPERVISORS
Among the residents OF Sing Sing whose opinions are
entitled 10 consideration the writer in conversation
with Them informed that the posS appointment
OF Mr.. Childs would be
MOST UNFORTUNATE SELECTION.
Mr. Sutton. during the term he of1ciated Agent
officer, and he would doubt give equal satisfaction
now II again appointed The almost universal senti-
ment expressed in the vicinity OF Sing Sing is that Ut
tered by prominent citizen to the writer THE In
spectors should let well enough alone Warden Walker
makes excellent official, but II there is change
be made in the wardenship by all means
Jet us have whom know and
who has had experience at the prison. that
may feel safe when lying down at night rest with
wives and children" Next TO the wardenshp the
position Of principal keeper is the most important,
in great the good order and discipline OF the
prison The candidates this post Captain Charles
Hilbert keeper, and David A. Harper. of Brooklyn,
who for four years has had charge OF the
1t is conceded that either Of them would make good
principal keeper The subordinate vacancies to be
nled will number about eighty, and for these is est
mated THAI there not less than 300 aspirants