Evening star., 1898-06-14
CHOICE OF JAIL WARDEN
The Effect Of Delay Upon Executions Set for
Thursday.
List Of Candidates for the Appoint
ment-Court Acting Deliberately
The Possible Selection.

Either We will appoint a warden Of the
Jail tomorrow or the executions set for
Thursday next at the jail will be postponed
until the Office is filed said Chief Justice
Bingham to The Star reporter today.
Il do not think, however, that there will
be any need to suspend the hangings," the
chief justice added, 'as it Is more than
likely We will have agreed upon a warden"
Chief Justice Bingham had been asked if,
failing 10 select warden, the deputy
would be empowered to act as such. There
fore it is evident from his reply that there
is no such intention.
District Attorney Davis states that the
statute only names warden to have the
care Of the jail, and that even admitting
that there is a Ceputy, the latter cannot
act in the absence of the other.
There can be no deputy when the head
is away" sententiously remarked Mr.. Da-
Wis.
The need of a warden to carry out the
death senterce in the of murderets
StIather and Smith Thursday next there
fore Is practically forcing an immediate
appointment by the justices. The matter
will come before the Supreme Court about
IL o'clock tomor1 ow, and it is believed the
new warden's ns me will be announced
shortly after the moor recess.
Increasing Interest.
Constantly increasing interest in the ap-
pointment is being shown at the city hall.
Representative Lands of Indiana, accom-
panied by his candidate, Captain Harris,
called upon Justice McComas and Chief
Justice Bingham today. Mr.. Austin Herr
also presented his application, indorsed by
number of influential citizens.
Captain James McDevitt, the we'll
known detective, also presented his own
claims to several of the justices, with
whom he is personally acquainted
General S. S: Yoder. former sergeant-at-
arms Of the House, submitted his applica-
ton to the chief justice.
Another candidate is Frank w. Miller,
real estate dealer, with an office on 18th
street. Deputy James Springman. the
guard, is being pushed by high influence in
the district attorneys Office, and his favor
able record is of value Crier w. c. Carroll
Of Criminal Court No. 2, also, would like
the place and is regarded with favor by
some of the Supreme Court.
Deputy Warden Russ right to the place
by virtue Of civil service reform is admit
ted by all the other candidates, but it is
not likely. judging frcm conversations with
those who make the appointment, that he
will be honored although his fine qualities
and efficiency the subjects Of commen-
datory remarks. Perry Carson is seeking
the office, and is a persistent caller upon
the chief justice.
Chief Justices View.
In another talk with The Star reporter
Chief Justice Bingham said:
I'VE have been moving slowly in the mat
ter, we regard the office as of great i'm
portance. We want a good man to fill it,
The trouble is that the salary is too small
A good man should get $500 or $500, but
only an act of Congress can increase it,
The justices have no power. Few applica-
tons have been presented to us. The office
may not be given to an applicant If we
can think of a good man we will ask him
to accept our offer, even If he has never
thought of applying.
Il do not think Former Marshal Rams
dell is interested in the matter: at least,
1 have had no talk with him. The justices
are most anxious to appoint a wise, hu-
name. intelligent man, and there is need
for us to go slow. No, the question of
home rule has never been considered. nor
has the office been classed as home-rule
office.
Fit rlen have always been selected, with
out regard to their legal residence, and
We shall follow that rule in this instance.
The force now at the Jail is an excellent
one. Few changes are made, and then only
for the &C cd of the service. Some have been
there thirty years. The new warden will
be appointed for four full years"
Power of the Court.
The law invests the Supreme Court of the
District with authority to appoint the
warden or to remove him whenever the
public interest requires 1t. The term of
service is four years, and the salary 81 800
per annum. No fees or other emoluments
are allowed him. Before entering upon his
duties the warden must give a bond to
the United States in the penal sum of
5000.
The warden is given exclusive supervision
and control of the jail, and is held account
able for the safekeepng of all the prison.
ers. He has the power to appoint all the
subordinate officers, guards and employees,
subject to the approval of the chief Justice
His report is made annually, in November
to the Secretary of the Interior. The rules
for the government and discipline of the
Jail are prescribed by the court.
NO WARRANTS PROCURED.