New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-03-11

measure which Mr. Plat is pushing forward ana
this is in it's way bad as the Police bill. 1t Is
known as the Pententiary bill. and ii as) eInanate'
from Mr.. Barnes.
Years ago the Albany Peuitentary was recos-
n!z.d as model institution Under Amos Ph-S-
bury and his SON. It's fame was universal for
good nanagernen: that ii was selected as Cow
eminent prison. and surrounding counties sent their
criminals there for confinement. The prison was
no. only self-sNpportiEg, but yielded handsome
revenue 10 the county. The institution wa" MOI
then affected by politics. but was Jun on economic
principles Abani:. $780, after Mr.. Plisburys death.
the politicians obtained control OF the prison ana us
Management, became a story of fraud and cOrruD-
ton The appointment OF superintendent was then
lodged in Board Of Supervisors. ana that boafh
was about bad the New ORR common 'oul-
Gil heforp the last election Every detail OF Inc
penitentisry administration scandalors h8
revenues fell off. i;s prisoners were neglected ana
IL became simply a centre Of low political activity.
The guards. keepers and officers were pohucd.
heelers anl contracts for prison labor were let
and sub.et in defiance OF public sentiment against
the outcrv Of organized labor, and merely for the
personal profit OF favored politicians. Legislative
Investigations were frequent and served to show inc
great corrupting influence of partisan management
OF an institution of this kind.
Public sentiment Al last aroused ci'lHe"'
movement The result and the famous AIod"S
Committee of Thirteen took hold Of The peni'ehudI!
with vew Of effectng reformation Sausre1
that the election of superintendent by the Board
OF Supervisors was the chief cause OF onehce'
by the united action of the bes; men OF an p3THeS'
irrespective Of politics the power Of appointing 'he
superintendent taken from the Supervisors anu
lodged with a commission Of three. This arrange
rnent has been in force Cor many years has gwen
excellent satisfaction. and has put an END 10 penn
Tertiary abuses and scandals
The commission is admirably arranged and ade-
ouaely and fairly represents all the different county
interests one OF the Commissioners Is the Distrlct-
Attorney who represents the law department OF me
county; another the County IRE asurer the AUDIT
fne and financial officer ana the third Commits
eioner who is selected by the chairman or the
Board OF Supervisors represents the county gen
orally Under this weI-baanced administration The
penitcrrtiary has certainly prosptred much OF It's
o.d-time reputation has returned. and It's super
intendents are conceded TO have filled their PAGES
with efficiency and credit
Inc present Penitentary Commission consists OF
two Democrats and one Republican-the District
Attorney. In few months the commission VIII
be Republican. by the retiremen; of That member
who is selected by the chairman Of the Boart OF
Supervisors and the appointment Of a Repubhcan
in his place Albany as is well known. rs naturally
an anti Plat county and II happens therefore that
the Republicans who will soon control the pehi'eh-
tary and have the naming of a new superintendent,
If one Is desired Will in all probability be opposed
to Mr. Barnes and his Toga County master III
any case the penitentiary could not be USED Tor
the nurposes Of building up the desired Plat ma
chine il Is he-efore proposed that by the anu
OF the Legislature the law shall be so fixed as 70
sec,re Mr. Barnes the control Of the penitentary
and its patronage This 10 be renders necessary
practically return the old system 50 productive
OF evils and Will inevitably entail serious loss on
the county and create an intense anu-fepu 81
sentiment throughout the community Bnt ar
Barnes cares nothing for mat ne p hot ~
but Platite, and, 80 long as ne can op'di IN, ~
gates 70 State conventions and maxi gehis W nI,, t
future The scheme of Nh. Barn'ss blil Involves
s sore re 10 have al n he
place Of the Sonpty g ' seecpd BY the
Board of supervisors, not by It's chairman Inc
for,y Of the board Of Supervisors counting Plat,
men and their allies the Hin Democrats are iTiena.
Of The commission Immediately and control the
9ententiary. To such man as Barnes me Cphhoroi
Of this institution means great deal He wouii nave
no scruples using all the political opportunities
thus afforded There connected win the pls @
between thirty and forty guards. who receive w
a month. besides their board and lodging; ana IN
s sSsrs on1 mere ro arr Of dhr empe The Contracts
for supplies work and other matters are many a NJ
't for the ssienance Of his hungry and thirsty
followers is 10 create in Albany a standing army
Repu6r,an Rr PAM S the Mr. barnes was
beaten last fan by the Republicans of this com
munity. Out OF the four Assembly ds6TictS' ME ne
Pia,t's influence enabled to seat his delegation
at Saratoga and by the same influence was forced
upon the party 1ere for another term as hold
over State Committeeman II through the pending
legislation ne obtains control OF the penitentary
and the police force he expects 10 be permanently
retained IN office.
Doubtless these schemes have been We
matured and arranged y Mr.. Platts cab
met and possibly. the Legislature may allow u
sentiment here IS strong and determined. and the
success Of Mr. Barnes Will be dearly purchased. at
the expense OF the party. Honest Republicans. ir-
respective Of partlsanshp. are already outspoks1
against his measures The independent citizens who
supported the ticket in several recent elections. wit1
many thousand thinking votes, are united In con
dernnlny the man and his methods Albany can be
made ana kept Republican but IL must be by other
means than partisan legislation in the interests Or
such short sighted and selfish politicians as William
Barnes. jr.. and the late boss, Thomas c. Patt