The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1895-01-12
STATE INSTITUTIONS.
penitentiary, Insane Asylum. State Uni
VersitY. Capitol, Etc.

versity, Capitol, Etc.
Prominent among our state institu-
tons may be classed the penitentiary,
the insane asylum. the Soldiers Home,
the State University, the capitol build
ing and grounds, the normal schools
and the reform school.
l suggest that committee be APP
pointed to examine the books and re-
port upon the general condition of
the prison. ] invite careful scrutiny
of the methods employed in purchasing
supplies, and the food and treatment
furnished the inmates.
The expense per capita during the
last two years has been much greater
than it would have been had the
grounds been surrounded by a suitable
wall, for in consequence of its unsafe
condition, the number of guards neces-
sary to prevent escapes has been out
of proportion to the number of in
mates
The cost of furnishing the table has
been in excess of many prisons, but the
policy of the board of state prison COM
missioners has been to give the cOnvicts
plenty of wholesome food and require
each and every one of them, who is not
sick, to perform certain number Of
hours labOr every day, except the Sab
bath.
During the past two years we have
granted but two absolute pardons,
while we have committed the sentences
of 49,
| 1t is the unanimous belief of the
present board of pardOns that much
good may be accomplished by holding
out as a reward for reformation and
industry the hope that some reduction
will be made in their terms of impris-
onment.
recommend that in addition to the
regular appropriation, you provide for
the employment of a teacher, say four
months each winter, that a school may
be maintained for the benefit and in
structiOn of the younger inmates.
Three hundred dollars per year, or 5000
for the ensuing two years, will pay the
salary Of a suitable teacher who can
be assisted by one or more of the in
mates.
1t is important that new cell house
be built a. once, and additional cells
provided. Almost a complete new out
fit of bedding is required. the old being
worn out. Hospital aceommoda tons
must be furnished, and it would be a
great aid in elevating the morals of
the inmates If we had a chapel in which
services could be held on Sunday. The
same room would answer for a school.
We should have an electric light plant,
and means should be provided to heat
! the buildings with the natural hot wat
er we have at our disposal.
l think a saving to the state could
be effected by a change in the method
of conveying prisoners from the vari-
Gus counties TO the penitentiary by
making it the duty of the warden to
send a guard after them. when notified
by the district judge that a prisoner
has been sentenced. Each discharged
convict should be furnished Transports
ton to the place where convicted, and
at least 81 i'm money, in addition to the
suit Of clothes furnished. AS the law
now stands they get $40 EACH which is
not enough to pay their fare and ex
penses to remote counties.
AS the Improvements contemplated
are of a permanent character and viii
be a part of so important an institu
ton of the state, L reiterate my rec
ommendation made to the legislator,
two years ago, and advise that thu
necessary funds for this purpose b'
! raised by the sale of bonds instead o
direct tax; 10-20's, bearing per cent
interest, could be sold, and before the,