The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-13
YIELDED TO PRESSURE.
>SUPT. R. M. MASON, OF THE WORK.
HOUSE, RESIGNS.
A Patriotic Document, Based Upon the
Expressed Determination Of Judge
DuBose, Accepted by Chairman
Slaughter-The Probable Successor.

The people have made themselves heard
and felt, and THE APPEAL in voicing the
sentiments OF the soveriegns, congratulates
them and feels gratided itself.
Ever since it became manifest that
affairs were entirely too loose at the county
workhouse, under Supt. Dick Mason, The
APPEAL has commended for reform.
Genial to a fault, and possessed of wide
influence, Squire Mason had intrcnched
himself behind the powers that be in the
county court, and his removal seemed us
unlikely as does that OF the rock OF Glib
ralter. 1t will be remembered that the
criminal court did all in its power to bust
him. but of no avail. He was simply sem
fenced TO term in the institution over
which he was superintendent, fine inn
posed, and rendered incapable OF further
service in the Office. Defendant appealed
to the supreme court OF the State, in which
tribunal his case is now pending. In the
meantime, lac continued 10 hold office,
and, as a last resort, Judge DuBose an
nounced that he would send no more
prisoners there while Squire Dick held
the reins.
:, At the July term Of the county court n
4 committee WAS appointed TO investigate
u the charges. 1t was composed OF Mossrs.
- Winters, Strickland and Gutenberg. The
report was made at the October term, re-
Gently closed, and the majority report,
signed by Messrs. Strickland and Buttcn.
berg, which was adopted, was all that the
superintendent could desire.
II now appears that, behind the adopted
report, there was a sort OF understanding
that moral suasion would be employed to
induce the resignation Of the accused.
Here is the result
MEMPHIS, Tenn, october 70, 1855
To the Hon d. G. slaughter, Chairman County
Court of shelby County
The Judge OF the criminal court an
nounced from the bench yesterday morn
ing, and to me personally, yesterday after
noon, that he would not send any more
convicts TO the work-houso as long rs
remain superintendent. The enforcement
OF this order will fill the Jail with prisoners
who ought to be at the work-house, Great
ing heavy burden in the way Of expense
on the county.
This ORDER II continue in Office, forces
me TO occupy position antagonistic TO the
public good, and one that am determined
not TO occupy. In view Of this fact, but
protesting against the harsh and unjust
manner in which / have been treated
while irving to honestly discharge the
duties Of this office, hereby tender my
resignation rs superintendent Of the work.
house OF Shelby county, to take effect as
soon rs my successor Is appointed and an
inventory taken OF the property and
prisoners in my charge, and receipt given
10 me for the same. Very respectfully,
X. NJ. Mason,
Superintendent Work.house.
Chairman Slaughter, under different cir.
cumstances, would never have accepted
Mr.. Mason's resignation, for he regard,
him faithful aud efficient officer. How
ever, he did accept it, and has called {
special session Of the court TO elect a sue
- ecssor, 10 meet on the 22d instant, ter
days from the date on which the resigna
ton was offered. The only candidate ou
thus far is Squire j. n. Harrison, Of III,
Third district, and II is quite likely he vii