Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-12-06
JAIL POINTERS.
Gathered by a Journal Reporter from
Chat with County Commissioner.

One OF our County Commissioners was
recently interviewed by Journal reporter
regarding the changes in discipline at the
jail. The gentleman said;
This matter has been under discussion
by the commissioners for long time. but we
have been in a position where we could not
do Just as we wished without consulting
others. We have not, as many people sup
pose, absolute authority to carry out any
plan that may seem. advisable to US. The
point is just here; we can suggest
and advise what shall be done at
the jail. but after all, the sher-
if is the final power and can con-
duct matters to suit himself. And here l
would like to say that we were very much
pleased with the hearty consent and cooper
alton given by Sheriff Stevens in the adoption
of this new arrangement. 1t. of course,
makes more work for him and the turnkey.
but, as it was for the good of the county, the
idea was accepted at once. he jail, as .
matter of necessity is great expense to the
oo
small as possible, We tried the workshop
and was told by one inmate, while that was
running. that he didn't know how he could
stand the confinement we're it not
for the work to pass away the
time. That didn't seem much like
punishment. did it? Then, we were
competing with skilled workmen who made
the work their life business, with men who
never saw shoes made before, and who were
only confined for few days or weeks at
time. We didn't lose much money through
the plan but we didn't make any The law
in regard to stone work sheds I regard as
rather impracticsbe. especially for us. II
would necess,ate the building Of sheds, pur-
chasing of tools, horses, carts and sleds, en-
p,oying men as overseers, and other expenses
tina. would not be met by the proceeds from
the work. Then our Jail is not very extern
-ively occupied in warm weather. 1t 10 the
chilly winds of the fall and winter
that drive the Sc vagranis to the jail, and
90 the work would amount to but
little 10 the summer months. After carefully
considering the whole subjec: in all its bear
inxs, we decided that it would have marked
and immediate fleet upon the county's ex-
pen.es to adopt the present system. These
prisoners are in jail for punishment, net for
recreation, or to be furnished with pleasant
winter quarters at the tax payers expense.
They have forfeited all claim to such priv
iieges at home and surely should not have
them in jail So. for the future. the cell
doors will be closed on all prisoners, exec pit
when out for necessary work or exercise.
think it will have beneficial effect on the
class of people who pstronize our jails.
The same gentleman in speaking of the
cost to the county from police and constable
expenses in performing these duties, said that
the police machinery of the shole county
wa. run almost to perfection. Where, for
merly, the commissioners were obliged to cut
and prune the accounts handed in, that now,
they were seldom touched. coming in cor
rectly. Augusta especially was compliment
ed for the accurate and economical manner
in which its police business was conducted.