Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1889-12-16

Total Tor the year
The PRESENT MARSHAL.

(Parson), has the same arrangements as
his predecessors in respect 10 compensa-
ton for hauling groceries and meat-S25
per month for the one, and so per month
for the other-the government feeding,
caring for, and proving a driver for the
team and paying the marshal - per trip
between the penitentiary and the city for
the use off During August, September
and twenty three days in October, of this
year il made siXty-four trips at 8, $4,000
carriage OF groceries and meat during said
months, Sl65. 90: total $500.
For 500 the government can provide il
self with span Of horses, wagon and har-
ness 70 perform this service, and 500 ad-
ditional may purchase two good cows. suf-
ficient 70 furnish all the milk necessary for
the penitentiary. and il would seem as
though it were economy TO do so.
The present marshal has twelve mich
cows, about one hundred hogs and two ex-
ira horses at the penitentiars- The deputy
warden, Mr.. Amos, keeps two horses and
a large number Of turkeys and chickens at
the same place. AL these are fed and
cared for by prison labor; portion Of the
food for these animals and fowls is derived
from surplus food and swill from the prison
tables and kitchen; the balance is paid for
by the marshal and deputy warden.
From his twelve COWS the marshal sup
plies milk for the table Of the deputy
warden and guards, at the expense OF the
government and sells from $40 TO SO worth
Of milk per month 70 the prisoners or such
of them as have money 70 buy il, at the
uniform price Of twenty-five cents per
gallon. This industry furnishes revenue
To the marshal Of not less than 500 per
month. and at the same time has solved a
disputed question concerning prison dis
cipline, viz: q. to whether it is best
victs with articles Of food other
than the regular prison fare, even
though it brings profit TO the officers in
charge. II IS but justice TO the marshal to
state in this connection, that when ques-
toned in regard 10 this milk supply, he
answered that many Of the convicts were
old men with poor teeth and obliged 20 eat
mush.
CHARGE OF FRAUD.
We find under the management of the
| several marshals during the period covered
| by our Investigations:
THAT nearly all the vouchers rendered
| the government by the deputy wardens for
potatoes or milk were fraudulent in whole
or in part.
THAT the supplies furnished nave been
| excessive in quantity
| 3-That the prices paid for such supplies
have in many Instances beencextravagant.
THAT the wagon account is an impO-
sition upon the government
| j-That il is bad policy and worse iudg
| meut 10 permit the marshal or any EN-.
ployees under him 10 keep private property
! or animals in or about the premises, or "a
permit prisoners 10 perform any kind OF
work or labor for the personal benefit Of
! the marshal.
6-That men serving teens of imprison.
ineut for violation Of the laws Of Congress
against polygamy and unlawful cohabita
ton have been granted greater liberties and
more generous favors than those impris-
| oned for other Offenses. Believing this tC
| be unwise and an unjust discrimination,
we respectfully suggest that it be discon
| rinued.
We are of opinion that the person who
acts as warden Of the peuItentiary ought
70 have better rank and pay than a mere
| guard. His position Is mOst-rcspOusibl6
one and calls for a peculiar order Of talent
| If be is fitted for the position he is Ger,
tainly entitled TO what Is here suggested
We believe that such a change would alsC
| cOuduce 10 the improvement Of prison
| discipline. This officer ought also TO b,
provided with horse and light wagon al
| the expense of the government; his dutie.
| call him 10 the city almost every day, ant
| as the penitentiary is four miles distant
the use Of a conveyance Is necessity.