The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1891-01-07
THE PENlTeNTlARY.
The Governor Thinks the Contract sys-
tenn Will lie Better for the state.

The Governor Thinks the Contract sys-
tenn Will lie Better for the state.
The peniientiary, formerly belonging
10 and under the control of the United
States, has now become the property OF
the state. The same, with the lands con-
nected Herewith, we're granted 10 the
state by the act providing for our admis-
sion into the union. Under our territorial
organization, the control and manage
ment Of this institution was under the ex-
elusive jurisdiction of the United States,
with whom the territory contracted FOR
the maintenance and support Of its pris-
oners. In providing for the change from
territorial 10 state government, no pro
vision was made To cover the period be-
tween the date OF admission and the time
when the legislature should provide for
the proper management of the same.
Between that date, however. and the 18th
day Of February, 1870, the United States
marshal remained in charge under the
contract between the territory and the
United States. On the latter date found
the United States no longer willing 10
continue in charge. With no appropria-
tion available 10 maintain the institution
and no law under which to act, was left
10 my own resources in the matter. ! re-
cordingly contracted with Mr.. Frank
Comfy and Thomas McTague Of
Deer Lodge City, Montana. for the
care, custody and maintenance Of
the institution and inmates Sub
ject TO the ratification Of the legislature)
at the rate Of 20 cents per capita for 100
prisoners per capita and 65 cents per cap
ita for all over one hundred.
The price paid the United States by the
territory was s. cents per capita. The
performance of this contract was secured
by a bond of $4,000. The contractors
have, | believe, faithfully performed
their part Of the contract. They have
trusted entirely 10 the good faith and
ability OF the state TO reimburse them and
i earnestly hoI Q this will be done without
delay. Independent Of the value Of the
improvements made by the contraction,
for which reasonable compensation
should be made. there is now due 10 them
the sum of Si4,Wl.a0.
How shall the prison be managed in
the future? Shall a warden be APP
10 maintain il under state control and
supervision, or will the contract system
be continued? These are the questions
submitted TO your sound judgment. SO
far as the mere cost 10 the state is con-
cerned am inclined 10 believe that y,
contract system. under such rules and
regulations as the board OF prison man
ayers might make, would he more adyan-
tageous TO the state. Whatever conclu-
sion is reached in this connection IL is
absolutely necessary that considerable
improvements should be made in the
prison and the grounds. The dictates Of
humanity and a decent regard for the
health and possible reformation of the
inmates demand more commodious
quarters. and such an arrangement that
young offenders may not be compelled 10
be incarcerated with the chronic and
more vicious criminals. The capacity Of
the penitentiary is about 40 men; whole
number confined January !, 1891, 2i0.
During the year just past - were re-
leased, two by pardon, 20 by expiration of
sentence, two delivered for new trials
and five by death, of the number con-
fined to December 1880, the sex and color
were as follows: white males. 2l7; white
females. 3; colored males. g., colored fe-
males, Indians, g.; Chinese, :. Total
2i2 The crimes for which they were con-
victed embrace: murder, robbery, at
tempted rape, assault with deadly weap-
on. assault TO do bodily harm, assault 10
commit burglary, burglary, breaking jail,
crime against nature, embezzlement,
forgery, larceny, manslaughter, assault
10 commit murder, obtaining valuable
papers under false pretenses. obtaining
money under false pretense, perjury, re.
sisting an officer. receiving stolen prop
erty. assault to commit robbery, sodony.
and the terms of punishment range from
one year 10 life. Oft the later there are
16. One hundred and eighty-four were
citizens Of the United States and IS we're
foreigners.
Counties sent from-Be overhead, l3:
Cascade, ~; Choteau, 10; Custer. IL !;
Deer Lodge, "a; Dawson, .; Fergus, o.;
Gallatin, 8; jefferson, 8; Lewis and
Clarke, 40; Madison, 3; Meagher. 5;
Missoula, 10; Park, Il; Silver Bow. a. (;
Yellowstone, Z; total, 2i2. The first an.
nual report Of the contractors will be
hereafter placed before you.