St. Paul daily globe., 1889-01-10

ture in regard to this matter, and have thus
far employed the convcts as far as circum-
stances would permit, with the facilities at
hand.
The sentiment SO generally prevailing
among our mechanics and labOrers, as well
as in the minds of capitalists and laborers,
that the state should not dispose of the labor
of its criminals in manner that would men-
ace the capital invested in our industries and
MANUFACTURES. or the wages of those en-
ployed therein, was the direct cause of the
enactment of the law terminating the con-
tract with Messrs. Seymour: Sabin & Co.
1t is maintained that the state can utilize
the labor of its convicts in such manner as
will practically prevent it from coming into
competition with free labor, and that it can
do SO without entailing any financial loss
upon the people.
The issue is still an untried one and it is
for you, in your deliberations, to decide as to
the best and most practical manner of dis
posing Of 1t so that it will bring about de-
sired results, if possible. to the great individ-
ual and state interests involved.
Unless you supplement or change the eX-
listing law in regard to this matter it will be
necessary to at once make preparation to
carry it into operation.
Under the present statutes the state prison
and its management are controlled by a
board of inspectors consisting of three mem
bers and a warden designated by the exeeu-
tive.
This plan of management seemed to satis-
factorily Eli all requirements under the sys-
tenn of contracting the labor of the conyicts:
the duties of the warden consisting chiefly
i'll looking after the discipline of the pris-
oners and providing for their maintenance
under certain prescribed regulations.
Now, however, it has been determined
upon its own account, which will involve
the handling of large sums of money, the
purchase OF machinery and materials, and
the sale of manufactured articles and goods
OF various kinds, it becomes absolutely
necessary to adopt some entirely different
method.
The state is about to engage in business
operations, a procedure that is at the best
questionable. and unless proper safeguards
are interposed. one that is fraught with
danger.
Great care should be taken not only to pre-
vent the venture from proving an unfortu-
nate one, entailing financial loss upon the
people, but also TO so regulate it that neither
capital nor labor shall have cause for COM
plaint.
would suggest that joint committee be
appointed from the senate and house of rep
resentatives to consider this important and
perpleXing problem. and report 10 you the
result of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
1t would be well, i'll my opinion, to have @
bill introduced, increasing the number OF
the board of inspectors of five (5) members
and giving to such board authority TO select
a warden, and, if necessary superintend-
ment, may be necessary to conduct, IN the
best possible and most business like manner
the operations determined upon under the
present law, or such notifications thereof as
you may deem it wise to make.
The advantage of this plan of providing
for the control and management of the state
prison, over the one now in operation, under
existing law, is manifest; for under it you
would have a responsible bC d. of men to
hold accountable for the proper administra-
ton of it's affairs and the selection of war
den and other officers; and, further, the
whole matter would then be entirely re-
movedfrom the field of politics.
am convinced that the plan | have sug-
gested would bring TO the state the best and
most satisfactory results.
1t would, in my Judgment, be a mistake to
| make very considerable purchases of ma
ch1nery to commence with. In this matter
the board could proceed cautiously, and as
the plan and its requirements developed.
The present warden, who has given con-
siderable attention and thought to
| this subject, assures me that large
number OF the prisoners can be en-
ployed for some time to come about
the penitentiary in finishing work already
concentrated; and that by sending some of
those who are we'll behaved to the reform
atory at ST. Cloud which will be in readiness
in the spring, he can. at trif1ing expense.
naming prisoners in manufacturing few
simple articles. and at q fair margin of profit,
until such time as the permanent arrange
ments determined upon can he entered into.
If this plan were adopted, the board OF ln-
spectors would have ample time TO take ad-l
vantage OF the experience gained i'll other
and older states in the employment of con-
vict labor on ''stft4 accoun >, and would.
no doubt, be able to avail itself Of much prof
liable information.
And further proceeding IN this manner
the practicabilty of the plan, if it be prec-
ticable, could be demonstrated within the
next two years, and without the expendlture
of any considerable amount OF money, which
should in any case be avoided until the exr
pertinent has been amply trled ana proven
feasible. Casual mention has been made OF
the reformatory in process OF erection at ST.
loud. This institution is more especially
intended for those whose criminal career Ia o
short one; whose vicious tendencies are not
pro lounced, and who would be more sus-
ceptible to influences OF reformatory
character.
such an Institution, in checking the develop
ment of criminal impulses, and in correcting
evil habits not too long INDUCED, cannot be
dn-lbted.
TIE Appropriation made by the last legisla-
ture seems to have been inadequate to fully
equip that portion of the building already
completed so that the space provided can be
utilized. and l would suggest that you con.
slider the matter of making such additional
appropriation as in your judgment may seem
obtained.
RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION.
Among the many important issues that
have commanded serious attention during
the last few years, and the one that has been
agitated, possibly, more than all others, in
nearly every state of the Union, is that of
railroad transportation. more especially as IL
affects the agricultural classes in the market
ing of grain, stock and other farm products.
This agitation has been quite as pronounced
in our own state as in any other, and, so Tar
as the question of railroad rates is concerned,
has resulted from system OF tariffs adopted
by the transportation companies in their
earlier history. and at a time when the state
was sparsely settled, an when, as conse-
ouence the business of the roads was COM
paratively light.
1t was observed by the people that rates Of
freight and passenger fares were not reduced
to a point commensurate with the increase of
population in the state, and consequent
growth of traffic; and, as result, the feeling
became general, even if more marked in the
agricultural sections, that some legislation
was essential to the end that reasonable rates
| should be maintained and no discrimination
| of any character permitted.
| At the last session OF the legislature bill
| was passed creating board OF railroad and
| warehouse commissioners, and defining It's
| duties, as EN- Nodied in the existing law,
which law is the outgrowth OF the sentiment
| as above referred to.
In two or three instances the railroads have
appealed from the rulings OF the board to the
| courts of the state and decisions have been
rendered to the effect that the right to fix
| rates is vested in the board of commission
| ers, and that from its rulings no appeal can
| be entertained.
AS the law is interpreted by the courts, the
| power of the board of commissioners over
| the railroads. in the matter of the regulation
| OF freight and passenger rates, is practically
without limit, and 1t is maintained by the
| Transportation companies that too great
authority is thus bestowed upon the board,
and that at least the right Of appeal to the
courts should be permitted whenever the
| demands of the commission seem to be op-
pre>slve. .
On the other hand the theory prevails
| among those who favor the statute as it now
stands, that. should t railroad companies