New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-03-18

ful. Then there is the sanitary care OF the prison
to be exercised the labor being rendered greater by
tho miserable locality In which the ediice IS unfor
tupately situated. Nor is it super1uOus to say that
every subordinate in the Tombs needs looking AZ
fer: that the enforcement of the regulations re-
specting cleanliness and good order, requires vigil
lance and skill; and that there are good
many innocent and unfortunate wretches locked
ND there who ought to find friend
in the Warden. Great would DO tne
GOOD accomplished If We could have man In
authority over this important prison, who has made
prison discipline study. and who would discharge
his duties with warm heart, clear head and clean
hands, Unfortunately the needed man Is hard TO
find The salary of the place, apart from ndefensi-
bio perquisites is small and the position Is not an
agreeable One Nor has it usually been assigned IN
way to make 1t desirable in the eyes Of man who
would be really fit for it for it has been made one OF
the rewards of partisan service assigned to the trad
ing politicians who long captured this city, just
now. it is understood, there Is busy scramble for
tbe place. Controller Kelly is said to be really tho
man who has it in his gift and to have already made
his selection
The Tombs. properly managed, would do n great
dealtocheche increase Of crime in this city, where
check is so much needed. Perhaps in majority
of cases. 1t does enough in the way OF punishment,
except when the prisoner has money or influence
enough to purchase mmunities and indulgences
But it is also great receiving prison to when not
only the worst criminals are consigned for time.
but also hundreds monthly who are hardly criminals
at all-men and women, and mere bows ana girls.
who have been guilty Of nothing more than triiling
msdemeanors, or who have been guilty Of nothing
M all except poverty, andifrendlessness and house
lessness and hunger, and Dakedness, ana SICKNESS
and lunacy In the disposition of these inmates any
thing like classification il hardly possible az the
prison is at present arranged. Nor can a Warden
rive his persona attention 10 every Ofhardship.
He can. however. have under him subordinates who
will accord proper attention to the wants Of those
who are committed, and who will promptly report
to him instances of hardship which require inter-
ference and merit sympathy. What Is not wanted
is Ignorance. neartlessness, brutality. About the
guilt OF a majority of those committed there is, I'M
fortunately no question; but 1t Is equally uhiortu-
nate that about the substantial innocence Oh MI
norty there is also no question. those composlhgH
need somebody to speak for them, to act for them,
and TO advise them. Their questions should be an
swered therappeals should be attended to- 1t should
NOT he taken for granted that they are telling false
hoods merely because they have fallen under
suspicion. The determination OF their cases should
he carefully and humaney considered. Now, it is
undoubtedly true that the character of the Warden
will give color to the whole internal management of
tho Tombs. The prison will be much what he makes
il. He should, therefore be an honest, intelligent
and benevolent man. If Mr.. Kelly has determined
that Mr. Reese shall be nominated, there is no more
TO say. except to express the hope that Mr.. Reese
may prove better fitted for the place than many
Tammany politicians who have asked for 1t could
possiblV be,