The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1886-02-27
AN EXPLANATION.

Mr.. EDlToR-Permit me through your
columns to correct an alleged msstate-
meut and make an explanation. was
one of large number who attended the
adjourned temperance meeting which
convened in Odd Fellows Hall, on Sat
urday, the 9th instant; and, as one of its
officers, was present during the morning
session. Owing to circumstances which
could not we'll control, was present only
for few minutes during the afternoon
session, and was then obliged to go in
the country. Upon my return l was adj
vised from several different sources
which | could not question that one of
the speakers, in the heat of discussion
and argument, referred with particular
emphasis to special privileges, favors and
liberties granted by the officers of the
Jail to certain prisoners confined therein
for violating the Local Option law; and,
among other marked indulgences, he
stated they received, was that "they
were driven around the country by the
doctor" This, l suppose, was mark of
distinguished consideration. AS the
medical officer of the institution, | sup
pose this shot was intended for me; but
| am happy to say 1t passed over my
head. If my information is correct,
have only to say the speaker has either
been enormously advised or untrue state
ments have been made to him.
The facts are these: During the time
of confinement in the Jail of two pris-
oners from Chesapeake City for violating
the law there were a number of cases of
sickness, as well as of minor surgical
cases, under treatment at that time. In
fact, it was more of a hospital than a
Jail. was in need of some one to assist
me in the cases of these unfortunates,
and l happily discovered that one of
the prisoners above mentioned had had
some experience as steward in the
British army, and Immediately availed
myself of his services. He proved to be
most efficient, kind and faithful nurse,
contributing much to their com fort and
recovery by his attention to their wants.
The day upon which his penalty of con-
fnement expired l happened to have an
other case requiring surgical attention in
the country, and as a matter of personal
convenience to myself l called at the
Jail and took the man, who was no longer
a prisoner, with me, and made use of his
experience again as an assistant and
nurse.
This was the first and only time he
was the subject of special favor by being
"driven around the county by the doc
tor" This was the ground of our offend
ing-only this, and nothing more. As
far as | personally know, he never was
outside the bars during his term of i'm
prisonment. l do not desire to be consid.
cred as even winking at or condoning
the offence in any violator of the Local
Option law or any other law, but at the
same time know of nothing in the pen.
atty for it's violation which demands
severe treatment toward the offender at
the hands of any of the officers of the
Jail, or that torbids them from being
treated kindly SO long as they conducted
themselves properly. This they received
at all times, and l think it rather sub
ject for public commentator than re-
proof. | make this statement, Mr.. Edi-
tor, in justice to myself and to disabusc
the mind of any erroneous impression
upon the subject. JOHN II. LAMAR,
Physician to Jail.