Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-03-12
Our State Pris0n.

Having srong desire 10 vie" 'he
buildings and grounds OF our State Pris-
on, and to see the class Of criminals
furnished by temperance State, we ac-
cepted an invitation from Senator Irish
to visit this institution with his commit
lee, during the recent session OF the
Legislature. Thomsston. situated on
the Knox Lincoln K. r, about fifty
bridges and terry from Augusta, is the
place OF location. The day and night
spent in this vicinity, were so cold, and
our attention was so completely taken
up with prison affairs. that We are unable
10 give even an impression OF the location
In the prison were 2O4 cOnyicts, four
OF whom only were females. The male
prisoners, as = class, were extremely
young, and possessing ugly, ill-shaped
heads, would be marked characters Il
loose upon the street. Cells for these
couyic.s are arranged, on either side OF
q guard room, in rows. three tiers in
height. The cells are exceedingly
small. but are neatly kept and light, fac
ing The prison wall windows. Each cell
is provided with bed. which the men
told against the wall before leaving for
work. in the morning. Many OF these
rooms are decorated with pictures, and
specimens OF the conyicts handiwork.
We saw several vessels and a steamer
made by prisoners, and Warden Rice has
q full-rigged ship in relief framed and
hung upon his wall-s present from .
discharged convict. Several members
OF our party stepped FROM these pleasan.
cells into the dungeon, allowing the
doors TO be closed upon them. On re-
turning 10 daylight, they concluded II
ever sentenced to confinement and hard
labor, they would consider good conduc,
the best policy.
Warden Rice and his wife are human
iiarians. in the highest sense OF the word,
and endeavor 10 make prison life reloIm-
story as well as punitive. For s num-
Der of years Mrs Rice acted as prison
instructor. and had these great, coarse
men in the school room for Instruction,
daily. All persons who have given the
subject OF prison life any attention,
agree that labor with confinement en-
sures better health and spirits, snd tends
10 divert minds IRON evil thoughts to
some practical business. Hence The
State has provided workshops in con-
nectiOn wuh the prison. A carriage
shop. shoe shop. blacksmith shop, paint
shop, finishing room, etc. furnish en-
ployment Tor al the eOnvicts. The men
are very cheerful ST their work. and con-
verse freely with visitors. They speak
in the kindeS, terms Of Mr.. Rice, and
agree in stating that their Treatment Is
sll that they can ask for. yet all seem
anxious tor pardons. A Communication Of
sentence IS msde 10 convicts for good
behavior in the prison, and this. with
Mr.. Rice's trm bit easy rule. has made
the prison renowned Tor orderly inmates.
The pIedecessor OF Mr.. Rice was muir
dered. Now, even the o7erseers OF the
manufacturing departments, g unarmed
without tear of personal injury.
During the past year the prison has
been enlarged, and other inproy emenIs
and extensions are 10 be made 10 the
shops during the current year. The in
sIitulion IS not sell sustaining. nor can
We expect it 10 become 50; but if the
industries were an absolute source OF
loss 10 the State. they should be c0ntin-
ued. on account OF the improved health
and spirits which have resulted from
iteiT introduction.
Among all the dishonesty OF the times.
and peculation in positions OF trust. after
congersiug with Mr.. Rice and the cor
victs. snd upon careful comparison OF
the institution and reports concerning it.
We fee confident that our State prison i
conducted by an honest man. and upon
the best and most economical basis. The
Legislature did wisely in providing III
orally for its future requirements.