Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-12-24
THE COUNTY JAIL.
How the Institution is Managed and the
Prisoners Treated by the Keep
er.--NOted Criminals In
the Cells.

Yesterday the LEDGER man made avlslt
to the county Jail in order to inspect the
institution and ascertain its condition and
that of the prisoners. The Shelby county
jail is by far the finest building in Mem
phis, and with few exceptions perhaps the
largest and best prison Of the kind in the
Union. Indeed it is said that this jail
ranks next to our State capitol at Nash
vile, in theexcellence Of its arrangements
Though by no means so large as the peni-
tentiary or insane asylum Of the State,
it is unique in design and imposing in APP
pearance, having been built at a cost Of
$640,0O0, a sum far in excess of what was
required for the construction Of
county prison. However, this Jail
an ornament to the architecture Of Mem
phis, though its inmates are anything but
creditable to society. But it is rather Of
the condition than the architecture of the
Jail we would speak Last February
when Jailor Dawson resigned his position
in consequence Of the unfortunate acci-
dent that resulted in the killing Of Mr..
Griffin, Sheriff Charles Anderson put the
institution in charge Of Mr.. John Leslie,
who up to that time had been turnkey.
As Mr.. James Anderson was elected
sheriff, and intended to select other men
than those holding to FIJI the different po-
sitions, Mr.. Leslie resigned the jailership
August 17th Mr. Anderson died of yell
low fever in October, and subsequently
the County Court elected Mr.. V. L. Nc
Gowan sheriff. This officer the first of
last month appointed Mr.. Leslie jailer, a
position which he fills with credit
and fidelity. A public officer,
in the appointment Of deputies
and Others to position, can give no better
evidence of his honesty, fitness and
sense of duty than in the selection Of COM
petent and efficient persons. We find this
illustrated in the selection of Mr. Leslie,
whose experience, intelligence and ambi-
tion are sufficient guarantees Of his per-
sonal merit and official ability to discharge
the duties Of jaier correctly and satisfac-
torily. Under his charge the Jail is kept
as clean as any private residence or first
class hotel Mr.. Leslie has shown great
pride in this, and the neat, clean condition
of the Jail testifes to the success of his
efforts. The Jail is kept so clean that the
prisoners say it is a felony to spit on the
floor, the penalty being imprisonment III
the dungeon. Wewere especially pleased
with the attention that Mr.. Leslie gives tC
the sanitary demands Of such institution
The building is kept well ventilated
and also well heated. The prisoners arr
therefore quite comfortable, having no
only plenty Of pure air, but warm apart
ments and good beds. Every three month
the straw is taken out of the mattresse
and burned. The mattresses, after being
cleansed are reflled with new straw anC
returned to the cells. This is a decided
improvement and preoaution against
yermin and disease that should be follow
ed by every jailer in the land. We to,
often find in jails objects Of wretched hu
manity, whose sunken eyes, pale, blood
less faces and emaciated forms tell plainl.
enough that an early death is resulting
from bad ventilation, filthy beds and othe
negligence on the part of the officials
You meet with nothing of this kind at tn
Shelby county jail, for the comfort of tn
prisoner has been secured and the demand
of humanity complied with by Mr.. Les
lie and his assistants. The turnkey (CleI
Harris) is well known colored citizel
who heretofore has figured conspicuousl
in local politics. Clem's voice, like tht
of the dove is heard no longer in the Ian
of politics. He makes good turnke.
being prompt, efficient and careful in IL
discharge of his duties. John Kelly, tt
night watchman, Is The right man in IL
right place. For years he was nigl
watchman at the Peabody Hotel, and
upright conduct has earned the respe
and confidence of all who kno
him. John j. Connolly is
charge of the engine and maohinel
of the institution. He Is trust
engineer and thoroughly competent f
tho duties Of his position. Mr.. Connel
says that much expense would be saved
the County Court would get a steam co.
denser for the Jail. In this connection
would ask the Jail commissioners to e1ar
inc the matter and report the facts to 4
Court at its session next month
Since Mr. Leslie has been jailer or tur
kew no prisoner has ever escaped, and
intends that no one ever shall. AT PR
ent thego are l52 prisoners in {
iail as follows: White males, {
white females, 4 black malos, 81 bla
females, 10. There are number Of not
prisoners in the cells now awaiting trf
There is Sam Brizzell, the colored barb
who killed Columbus Stewart (colored)
the corner Of Second and Gqyoso stree
The difficulty was caused by domestic
fairs, and although Stewart was killed,
provoked the tragedy. Brlazell was &C
yicted, but was granted new trial. a