Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-08
The Keunebec Jaii.

The kemnebec jail.
Nearly n month since Sheriff Libby appointed
John o. Page Of China. deputy Sheriff Jailsr in
this county, and the happy transformation
through which the Kennebec Jail has passed in
that time is q good indication Of the wisdom Of
his appointment. Mr.. Page began the work OF
cleansing and bas carried it forward with great
thoroughness and completeness. Meat as pin"
expresses it now. There are always certain obsta-
cles in the way of cleanliness in such place, but
these certainly have been removed, and the Ken
nebec jail is to-day sweet aud clearly and com-
Portable as any parlor in town. After the remov-
al Of the dirt, the walls and ceiling and inside Of
the cells were whitewashed, the lower portion
of the ce lis on each ridor being painted drsb
color, and the iron work-doors, iron grated win
dows, stairs, ratings, etc., painted black and var
nished. The lower portions of the walls are
painted instead Of being whitewashed. so as to
prevent the soiling Of clothes by rubbing against
them. A gas jet has been provided ct the win.
dow Of each cell. New flooring has been laid in
a portion of the jail. Two sinks have been
placed in the basement, connected with the water
works, where the convcts perform their sblutions.
This arrangement is in place Of hogshead that
used to stand 10 corner filed with water.
Other changes and improvements have been
made which need not spec ify in detail.
Mr.. Page has been assisted in this work by the
convicts who have gladly taken hold and rendered
cheerful help, and who in a measure are
proud Of their changed quarters. The bedding Of
the cells is clean and neat also, in keeping with
the other surroundings. The prisoners are not
allowed to mngle, but are shut in their cells,
when not at work. This takes away in measure
the opportunity for the VIGOROUSLY bad and vi
cious TO corrupt the IN nds of those who have just
begun a downward course, and who with the
right influences may yet be reached and saved.
While the Jail is now all we have represented
it-nest, comfortable and even attractive, those
who represent the county or State in its manage
me ut do not intend to disguise the fact that it
penal institution place Of punishment. They
do not intend to fit up place in which bad men
would like to congregate; bat that they would
rather be out in the world. in full possession Of
their liberty. We would here state, that in the
prosecution Of the renovations in and about the
jail, Mr.. Page has had valuable aid from John
IL Weeks, the faithful turnkey at the institution.
The work shops on the north side of the Jail are
running, Win some ucu cmplOfcu III
making mems thick boots. The men look strong
and healthy, and show evidence of being well
kept. No "shoddy" is used in the manufacture of
these goods; they have obtained good reputa-
ton among dealers, and the stock now on hand
will no doubt soon be disposed of. Seventy five
cases have been sold within the last fortnight
Mr.. {. ii. Durham is the Superintendent of the
workshops, and Mr.. w. F. Austin his assistant.
Yesterday afternoon, the Jail officially in.
spected by the State Prison and Jail Inspectors,
Hon. William Wilson of Hallowell, Hon. Rufus
Prince of Turner and DR.. A. j. Billings of Free
dom. They we're accompanied in their visit by
the Sheriff of the county, W. II. Libby, Esq
the County Treasurer, Hon. Alsnson Stsrks, and
the kennebec County Commissioners. Hon. r. S.
Neal, Hon. Z. G. Hodgdon. and Hon. d. IL.
Thing. The Inspectors were very much pleased
with their visit, and congratulated the Sheriff,
County Commiss toner's and Jailor upon the recent
improvements. Their next annual report will
show their opinion on this subject. They are
persuaded that the Kennebec jail will now COM
pare favorably in all its internal appointments, as
does its beautiful exterior, with any jail under
their inspection. This will be creditable not only
to the county, but to the State as visitors to The
capital are apt to regard the Jail here a type Of
similar institutions ihrough out the State.