Morning journal and courier., 1883-02-14
WednesdaY. Feb. 14. 1883.
BUTLER,s LATEST.


 Governor Butler evidently does not intend something to talk about His latest out break-the removal of Warden Earle of the State prison at Concord--has made even a greater sensation than his yoluminous and slashing message did.
 Captain Earle took charge of the prison about year and half ago. He had served with fidelity, courage and honor in the late war, and in his subsequent career had proved himself worthy of respect and confidence. He was selected by Governor Long after a careful search as the best man available for the place. When he entered office he made some changes in the rules and discipline of nor, and with his sanction and that of the prison commissioners. Some of the con- victs rebelled against the new warden's ways and there was quite serious mutiny, which the warden dealt with discreetly and resolute- ly, receiving the thanks of Governor Long for his management of an exceedingly diff cult situation. Warden Earle also improved the financial condition of the prison The re- ceipts were increased more than fifteen thou sand dollars during the last year, ,and the annual deficit was much less than 1t had been for many years before At the same time the food of the prisoners was improved in variety and quality, more frequent visits and oppor tunities for writing and receiving letters were allowed, and the number of books in the prison library was increased.
 These facts, about which there is no dis pute seem to show that Warden Earle was not inefficient. But he has been removed, and that without notice or hearing. It is said that he was called to the State House by Governor Butler and requested to assemble the 600 convicts under his charge in the chapel and say to them that the Governor wished to have any of them who chose write him letter, seal it and it would be delivered without inspection by any prison officer. Warden Earle did as requested, when there was great cheer and noisy demonstration for Butler, and the warden and prison officials were groaned and hissed About seventy of the convicts wrote such letters as they chose and Warden Earle delivered them to the Governor.
 Governor Butler says that Earle's removal was for the best interests of the community ana or the prison ana that the letters which he caused to be sent sealed, so that the prisoners would not be controlled by fear, proved such utter disregard for and lack of confidence in the warden by all the convicts that his removal was necessary for the warden's own protection, aside from other reasons This explanation is not satis- factory to large part of the people of Mass schusetts, judging from what appears in the newspapers of the State. It is pointed out that the warden of prison cannot be ex- pected to have the ''confidence" of all the fine gentlemen who have the misfortune to be under his control and that it is not neces- sary that he should have it. It is cited as curious fact that the convicts have for a month past predicted that Warden Earle would be removed and have named his sue cessor. And attention is called to the fact that the Governor has, in effect, notified the convicts in the State prison that they are free to accuse their keeper; and he will heed their accusations without giving the accused to disprove or explain them. But Governor Butler will not care much what is said. He probably wanted the place l for some one of his own faithful followers l and took a direct, if questionable, way to 1 peE it