The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1894-04-05
STATE PENIIENTIARY.

to Boise, we had the pleasure, in
company with several other Weisei
gentlemen who were in the capital at
the time, of being shown through the
state penltentiary, through the kind
ness of Governor Mcconnell. 1t was
with much qualification that we noted
the changes since last we visited the
same institution, at the time Frank
Jenne was warden At that time the
place was rotten with the marks of a
foolish and threadbare state economy
which was not economy, but seedy
warning to all visitors to stay away
from poky Idaho. The two dilapi-
dated buildings were enclosed by a
shaky board fence that threatened to
go down before the first heavy wind
or combined rush of the convicts.
The interior of the buildings were
badly arranged, the upper tiers of
cells being flush to the ceiling, I'M
ventilated and ruinous to the health
of prisoners there confined: guards
sleeping quarters were filthy and I'M
healthy. Under the present admin
istraton all this has been changed,
aided by the appropriation made by
the last lcgislatuse. A handsome,
high and strong stone wall that will
hold herd of wild mastodons has
replaced the board fence. The. con
Wet buildings, which were rank
'jobs when first constructed, but
which are yet quite servicable until
we are able to do better, however,
have been much improved. The
ceilings have been raised some eight
feet, making the upper cells habitabe
for humans. A thorough system Of
hot and cold water has been put in.
A new and handsome stone structure
of two storys has been constructed at
the entrance gate in which are the
quarters of the wardens, guards, the
armory, library and so on. The
penitentary now reflects credit instead
Of reproach to our state. No state
can afford TO be without the foremost
attainments in its public institutions.
Such are marks of advanced civiliza-
ton, without which no standing rs a
commonwealth can be maintained
Let Idaho ever strive to advance the
splendor Of her public works, and
avoid the permission of any decaying
monuments of siurianism to eat. like
worms, the core of future greatness
The appropriation was insufficient to
make all improvements necessary at
our state prison and Governor Neon
nell, who has made great exertions
for the present benefits, will RECON-
mend further Appropriation TO the
next session of the legislature, and
the SIGNAL will endorse such action
as wise and economic. The Govern
or's recommendation will suggest the
institution of regular school at the
make better and wiser men out of
them when discharged, chapel open
to all christian creeds, and most i'm
portantly, an electric light plant to
be operated by the convicts. From
this, wires can be conveyed to the
capitol building in the city, thus saw
ing the paying of thousands of dol
lars, in time, to electric light com
panies Whatever faults may be laid
to Mcconnell, we, who have never
pretended to advocate the principles
of his party, can heartily say of him,
as a man, that Idaho will never be
the worse for having had him for
her governor, and if his policy is
pursued by the executive branch for
five years more, it will result in last
ing good and as state place us the
compeer of any in our broad Union
in substantial existence. Equality
with all in palatial and costly splendor
we do not seek or care for.