Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-04-10
THE FOLSOM PRISON AND WATER
POWER

Warden Aull, of the Folsom prison, is
right in his conclusion that if manufactur-
ing is to be the rule in our State Prisons,
the water power of the American river at
Folsom ought to be utilized in thu interest
of manufacturing in that prison. He holds
that, with the water power at hand, he
could employ two Thousand convicts at
Folsom to lar better advantage than they
can be kept at labor at San Quentin. The
utilization of the water power would, of
course, involve the putting in of machin-
cry and the erection of shops.
The policy of the State in establishing
prison at Folsom was settled upon many
years ago, and costly structures have been
erected for the detention of convicts at
that place. The reasons that moved the
State to take such action still exist, and
are as strong as ever, with others which
have developed. There ought, therefore, to
be no thought of abandoning the prisoners
to idleness, or of deserving the prison in
behalf Of San Quentin. Nor do we believe
any such idea is entertained. The State
owns considerable land at Folsom, upon a
good part of which large numbers of the
conyicts can be proftably employed. But if
the water power were utilized the capacity
of the prison for providing labor for all
the prisoners would be vastly increased,
and not be confined merely TO the working
Of the granite quarries or the land. Aside
from the question Of prosecuting manu-
features in prisons, and without touching
upon the issue the projection of that ques-
ton always opens, 1t is undeniable that
the very worst use the State can mike of
its prisoners is to keep them in idleness.
II, therefore, prisoners are to be kept at
labor, the utilization of the water power
at Folsom would certainly be economic
wisdom.
Sacramento is very much interested in
whatever is done about the American river
water power. 1t has long looked forward
to the day when that power will be so APP
piled as to insure the erection of factories
at various points along the river between
this city and Folsom, and finally result in
lining the American river banks from
Folsom down with manufactures. Some
day this will come about The State is
better situated to take the initial step in
inaugurating that era. She can find en-
ployment for her convicts at Folsom as
readily as at San Quentin, the matter of
location, aside from economic power to OPP
crate machinery, having little to do with
the matter. When it comes to the ques-
ton OF motive power, however, the claims
OF Folsom are superior to any other local
ity in the State at all conveniently related
to commercial centers. The American
river water power is, indeed, sufficient to
turn every wheel in California and all that
may be added for many years to come.
This power can be transmitted to great
distances and be used as far down the
stream as this city. 1t is, when once APP
Piled, almost costless, and thus practically
eliminates the consideration of expensive
engines, fuel and large investment for mo-
tive machinery. 1t would seem to be A.
wise policy, suggested by Warden Aull, to
employ the convicts at Folsom in bringing
in the power to the prison, SO that when
ever tie State determines to actively en-
ploy the Folsom oonvicts it will be able to
do so without delay. There are no con-
siderations in favor of San Quentin as a
place for the detention of convicts, that do
not operate in favor of Folsom, save only
the fact that the State has large machin-
cry plant at the former prison. But
there Is counterbalancing advantage
IN favor of Folsom, that unlike the machin-
cry plant, will never depreciate or require
renewal-the exhaustless water power
of torrential stream. The policy of the
State, therefore, ought to be to maintain
both prisons, and possibly may take the
shape of making one Of them place of de-
tentlon for neophytes in crime, first offend
ers, and those under punishment for the
least grave ofenses. In each prison the
convicts must be employed, and where
that employment involves the introduce
ton of new machinery, the Folsom prison
has decidedly the superior claim for its
erection.