Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-01-08
The Affairs Of Kennebec County.

The County Commissioners have just
completed their annual review of the business
of the year The financial affairs of the
comfy, when we take into account the I'M
favorable circumstances under which they
have been conducted, are found in satisfac-
tory condition.
The work shop, one of the largest items
of business in which the county is interested
has had succession of unfavorable circum-
stances to contend with Although the wear
commenced with low prices and dull markets,
and though there has been almost a contin-
nal weakening since, and though large part
Of the inmates of the Jail are tramps, unused
to labor and unskiled in craft, and though
while the Commissioners have studied
to keep all busy at something, yet
the effort has been to see how little
rather than how much could be accom-
pliShcd, yet the goods have been sold at
prices which afford sufficient margin to JUS
tify the commissioners in continuing the OPP
erations. The boots are mostly sold, and
the labor is now TO he put upon shoes and
kip and split brogans for the spring trade.
Thr well known superintendent, Mr.. c. II.
Durham is still employed and is giving good
satisfaction.
T,c influence of the labor system has been
decidedly favorable to the health, morals and
general department of the prisoners, and we
hope the day i far distant when the old svs-
tenn of idlcness and vicious intercourse shall
he resumed. At the beginning of the year
gas jets were placed at the window of each
cell and the inmates are allowed lights till
eight o'clock
Religious services have been held every
Sabbath afternoon for the entire year, which
have been attended by all prisoners, unless
excused by the jailor, and which have been
characterized by decOrum and good attention.
OF the jailor J. O. Page, Esq. and his as
sistant, Mr. Libby. the commissioners speak in
high terms of praise and appreciation.
In consequence of the general depression in
business and the low prices of provisions, the
commissioners have reduced the price of
board of prisoners to two dollars a week.
The commissioners wish publicly to express
their appreciation of the faithful labors of the
christian ladies who have conducted the re-
ligious services during the year. We doubt
not they find their reward in the assurance,
'lnasmuch rs We have done il unto one of the
least Of these, ye have done it unto me-"
The commissioners hope that the same spirit
which has animated them in the past will
prompt them to continue their work of love
in the future.
The expenses of the county have been
heavier in some directions than usual and in
others somewhat lighter
The Superior Court. which was established
by the last legislature has been an extra ex-
pense the year just closed. but it is hoped that
in the end it will prove all that its friends
claim for il, and be found an economy for both
clients and taxpayers. The expenses of this
court since Its first organization in April has
been about $1,000. for which no provision
was made in estimates for 1873 The ex-
penses of the Supreme Court have of course
been considerably less in consequence of this,
but how much we are not able to say.
The increased expense Of supporting pris-
oners in Jail is largely due to the remarkable
increase of that unfortunate class known as
cramps" and when the causes which pro-
duced them shall have been removed it is to
be hoped this burden will be removed also.
The cost of liquor prosecutions is a large
item of expense, but the fines collected do
something towards paving the bills. The es-
Inmates for the present will show a satisfac-
tory condition of the finances. about all the
additional appropriations being for the ex-
penses of the Superior Court in 1873 and
1879. Perhaps if more attention was given
to shutting up drinking houses and tipping
shops. and less to arresting and imprisoning
drunken men, ii might be in the interest Of
both economy and public morals To allow
a man to sell liquor unlawfully. and then
imprison poor, weak, demoralized fellow
man for getting drunk, seems inconsistent, to
say the least