Morning journal and courier., 1893-05-17
AT WETHKRsFIELD,

The 6pSclal 6tat6 pIisOu COmQ1ttoo WeuI to Wethersfisld again to-day and took the testimony of Officer Risley at the warden's request. MT. Risley said: have been at the prison since 1881. I have been gate keeper since 1882, covering the whole of Chamberlain's wardeney. The system of allowing trusted prisoners to go about was not originated by General Chamberlain. Prisoners have been as we'll behaved and as reliable under Chamberlain as they were before his arrival. The witness did not know much about the inside of the prison. I know of some escapes since have been connected with the prison. There was one escape under Warden Sergeant. There have been none since the new prison was occupied. The food is good and plenty of it. Officer Risley went over the list of ex- tras He said 5000 heads of cabbages are put in for the winter. The prisoners also have sweet corn. There is change in the quality of the potatoes during the last eight years. The corn is good. If 1t is not it Is sent back.
 DEAD BODIES ON vEGErABLEs.
 The dead bodies of prisoners used to be kept in the cellar on box with vegetables; all about the place. I have seen one body partly eaten up. The Ice about the body melted and the water trickled down into the cabbage that was used for the officers mess.
 Before the hearing the warden asked that he might be permitted at soms time to show that his record in the Massachusetts prison in Charlestown was honorable. He wished to show it by letters and credentials which he had received He asked this, as he said the charges against him were said. l., k- mated in a conversation that was over heard in ths street cars on the way to Wethersield. He thought that he ought to have the right to prove previous good character.
 Senator Jones said the committee would take the request under consideration.
 THAT ELECTRIC BILL.
 The conference committee on the dis agreement between the senate and the house on the electric street railway bill have fully discussed the matter, and see where concessions might be made by both houses; and the prospects are fair for such settlement of the differences that the passage of the bill may be assured. Neither Senator Pierce nor the house members of the committee were ready to assent fully at their first meeting, to any particular cOuce6slOUb IhCu merely AScorta1uoU what the others demanded, or might pos sibly eoncede, and agreed to confer with influential members in each house and BE- certain their views on the various conces- sions.
 The committee will hold another meeting tonight, and, having information of the views of the two houses as to the proposed changes will be in better shape to reach some conclusion. However, it is not prob able that decisive action will be taken to- night, but that other conferences this week may be called. That report may be agreed upon during the week, however, is fairly possible.
 Some seventy charters and amendments of charters now pending before the cities and boroughs committee are awaiting final action on the general bill, and early results upon 1t will greatly advance the reporting, printing and action upon these charters by the general assembly.
 UNPAID BOUNTY. The claims committee have reported a general law providing that men who were drafted or enlisted in the army during the war may recover unpaid town bounty on proof that they served, notwithstanding the statute of limitations
 The cities and boroughs committee re- ported 8 bill giving towns control over ree- ervoirs to prevent fishing and nuisances. Ofenses under the act are to be misde- mesnors.