Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-03-05
STATS PRISON INTERROGATION.

The investigation of affairs at San Quentin
was resumed before The joint committee of the
Legislature last evening, Mr.. Shanahan in the
chair. The first witness was Alfred Estill, Ser
geant- rms of the Ways and Means Commit
tee OF The assembly, who testified that under
direction OF the committee he had visited San
Quentin Prison to serve subpoena on Mr..
Thorp, Commissary of the prison, which SUBJ
pena commanded said Thorp to appear before
The committee with the Commissary's books.
He stated that Thorp. could not be found, nor
his books; that he did not see Warden McComb
there, but did see Deputy Warden Chambers,
who said Thorp was not there; that he had not
thought there was no use in his waiting to find
1horp, and witness was OF the same opinion,
from appearances. Could not get his
books; aud did not believe sds ,TIh9rp nor
to return there. Witness indicated by his
testimony and manner, that he believed
Thoip and his books were intentionally
away from home and would continue SO.
The committee after a warm discussion over the
situation directed that subpeta be issued for
ihorp, and also one for Warden McComb, di-
recting them, either or both. TO appear forth
with !. ingiDgthe C, mnissarys books. Thecom-
mit.ee thought that the books could not be hid
behind the urexplsined absence of the Commits
,aty. but that Thorp was responsible to the
Ward en-, and the books could certainly be
reached either direct or through the Warden.
j. B. Ellis Clerk of the Board of Prison Di-
rectors. was sworn and testified. He said he
knew nothing about Ihorp's whereabouts. The
last he saw him was Sunday morning. He did
not know whether or not he had leave of
absence.
The Commissary mskes all purcha es for the
prisons under direction of The Warden. Most
of the purchases, however, are made under con-
tract. There is probably 81 LOO worth of articles
purchased each month outside of contracts.
and these the Commissary purchases, or they
are purchased on an order or letter from the
Warden to the vender. The jute is purchased
from Calcutta under contract.
Referring TO the building of the addition to
the Warden's house, costing about S., 0t0 wit
ness did not remember that any authority was
granted for the purchase of materials for said
building.
The books of the prison were recently ex-
ported, when ii was ascertained that no coal &C.
count was kept, and by order of the Board it
was directed that hereafter an accurate account
large saving could be made by Gle aiming out the
wells ON the premises and getting supply of
water from them instead of from the Marin
county water works, where the cost is about 5000
per month.
Secretary of State Hendricks was called to
the stand and as former State Prison Director,
and President of the State Pathological Commits
sion. was asked his views as TO Warden Nc
Comb sadaptability and efficiency for that Office.
He stated that he had very carefully watched
the management of the two State Prisons, aud
especially that OF Warden Mccomb; that form.
| erly he had high regard for him; that his dis
| cipline and management was good in most re
| specis, and that he was thoroughly good
Warden, hut always thought that he did moi
pay enough attention to learning the ways
| of prisoners. nor have sufficient care
about furnishing them reading matter. etc.
| Subsequently. continued the witne &, careful
| observation caused me to entirely change my
| opinion. and this change was based upon what
conceive his acting in bad faith toward pris
opers. Prisoners discern this in a war.en OF
officer over them very quickly. The wines:
| then related the warden's treatment OF name
| sake of witness, who, at the soicitstion OF the
applicants wife, he had been instrumental in
! having appointed TO some minor position at the
prison. He did not know that they were any
| relation, but the man seemed very worthy He
made extended inquiries and found him
| to be so, and hence recommended
| him He made an excellent officer, but
/ after time Warden McComb found
| fault with him. charged him with various Of
| fenscs. among which was opening letters. Thess
| caused him to lose confidence in the man. bu
/ now he has the hest Of reasons to believe the
| the charges were not true but were only 10 &c
rid of his namesake, who was thorough !,
honest. snd which fact was the reason why Nc
Comb did not want him there. ] wish to ray