Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-14

'iht NOuiu uiifc the ljdNls SHVt ''Ht-
pany from Virginia Mr.. Davis went into
a profoundly Interesting dissertation on
the moral questions involved H. the work
ing of prisoners.
the diet of the prisoners was next gone
into. and II was shown that the cost OF
Feeding was only i3-l00 cents per head
per dag. Mr.. Davis was called upon for
his opinion as to this. and stated that
though he was sorry TO have to testify
to it. the prisoners. In his judgment. were
underfed. and they were usually hungry
and haggard.
Mr. Msupin, who IL connected with the
tobacco-factory at the perltentiary, stated
that ne had seen fish fed TO the prisoners
which We're alive with magots. and that
the prisoners couldn't eat them lie dis
claimed any belief that Major Lynn was
purposely feeding rotten food TO- the pri-
soners, but said the accommodations for
keeping and cooking the food were such
a. to make IL impossible for the diet TO
be good.
MIR. Davis again spoke. and said the
conyicts couldn't work on the food that
was given them, and that but for the
extra work that was given them by the
contractors. which enabled them to make
some money on their own account, where
with to buy food, they would not be able
TO work
Mr.. White and Major Lynn showed that
the food given was more than the law
allowed and that only by some extraor-
dinary accident was unsound food issued
never with their knowledge or consent.
APPOINTMENT OF GUARDS.
Just before adjournment Mr.. Maupin
recalled the question as to the appointing
.t Ia. a.
pounded to Mr.. Glasgow. and asked Mr..
Lynn for his opinion thereon. The Super
intendent replied that II the Legislature
passed a law taking absolute control OF
the guards from him he would resign. as
he could not run the prison unless he
had the respect and absolute control Of
his su5ordinates.
Mr.. Glasgow reiterated HE statement
that to vest the appointing and discharg-
ing powers. 50 far as the guards are con-
cerned. with the board would be to the
interest Of the institution and the Super
intendent. lie thought that the appoint
ing power. now vested could be used
by an improper superintendent as 4
means Of perpetuatinS his term Of office.
The committees adjourned without
taking any action. but II Is probable that
a subcommittee will inspect the prison
in a few days
The Dayis-Harrison Contest.
The House Committee OF Privileges and
Elections met AT I o'clock yesterday eve
ming. and heard the case OF W. X. Davis
against Carter II. Harrison. from the
Powhatan District. The contestant was
represented by Mr. Charles NJ. Wallace.
Jr. and Senator Flanagan appeared for
the contestee, All OF the depositIons were
read and the case was finally submitted
TO the committee, which will meet again
this morning 90 consider the matter fur
ther. The most serious charge made by
Mr.. Davis seems TO b. as to the election
at Smiths Cross-R Roads, IN Powhatan
county. where he alleges the regular
constable, T.. u. Fariss. was removed by
the Judges of election by threats, abuse,
and intimidation, and J. Haskins Hobson
appointed in his place. Mr. Hobson is
the State chairman OF the Popu!ist party.
The deposition Of Colonel W. W. Young.
one OF the judges. was read TO the COM
mittee. He testified that nothing OF that
sort occurred. and that II any person
had attempted anything OF the kind he
would have sent the offending party 10
jail. The contestant examined Constable
Fariss. and he denied being threatened.
ana Colonel YoIrg the Democratic Judge,
testified that so far az he knew and be-
lieved, the election ~iced the will OF the
people, and that be knew " nothing that
occurred that was unfair.
CONSIDERING INSURANCE BILLS.
The Senate Committee on General Laws
met yesterday morning and considered
the Mason bill. providing for the APP
pointment ., an Insurance commissioner;
and Mr.. I,Ovenstein's bill. providing
against discrimination by any insurance
company, but no action was taken upon
either.
The committee reported iavorably the
bill giving to the police OF any city juris-
diction at baseball and football parks,
fairgrounds. and such places. with an
amendment providing that such jurisdic-
tion shall be exercised II the parks are
located within one and a half miles OF
corporation. instead Of one mile, as stpu-
lated in the bill.
FISH COMMISSION.
The Senate Committee on Fish and
Game will meet tomorrow TO con-
slider Mr.. Masons bill creating
fish commission. 1t IS expected that
Senator LeCato viii offer a substitute
proposing a department. TO take charge
lar TO the Agricultural Department.: that
is, there viii be commissioner who VIII
operate under the direction Of the board,
consisting OF three members TWO OF
whom are not 10 receive any other
compensation than actual expenses in
CURED in attending the meetings there
Of Mr.. LeCato and others who concur
IN his views think that there are plenty
OF able and thoroughly practical men who
will accept positions as members OF this
board upon these terms.
THE MECHANICs'-LIEN BILL
Mr.. Charles r. Bland. Of Portsmouth
will to-day introduce another mechanics
lien bill in the House. This bin provides
that no assignment or transfer OF any
debt or any part thereof, due or 10 be-
come due. to neral contractor. by the
owner for the construction. erection. or
repairing Of any building or structure for
such owner shall be valid OF enforciole
I'm any court OF law or equity, by any
legal process or in any 9th > manner, by
the assignor OF any such debt, unless and
until the claims OF all contractors,
supply-men. and laborers against such
general contractor for labor performed
and material furnished I'm and about the
construction OF such building shall have
been satisfied.
NOTES AND GOSSIP.
The bill authorizing the Norfolk and
Western railroad 10 reorganize It's system
was passed by the Senate yesterday
and Immediately communicated 10 the
House. where ii was taken up shortly az
forwards and passed. The bill only needs
the Governors approval now TO become
operative.
The House bill providing for relieving
Dublic-school teachers from duty on ma
tional and State holidays was adversely
kv tho Senate rOppafftaa ON