Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-08-11

Lax Discipline at the County jail.
The story printed in the Gazette, on
another page. of the escapades Of two
life-term prisoners at the county Jail,
does not speak in complimentary terms
OF the discipline maintained at that
institution by Sheriff Finn. On the
contrary, il show on the part Of the
sheriff such lack of conception of bis
duties as the custodian of violators of
the law as to call for severe rebuke
by the court at its next session.
According to this story, Jeremiah
Tarrigan, prisoner under sentence of
death for the crime OF murder, was
allowed to come to Wilmington. In
custody of jail warden, to Look after
matters connected with his application
for pardon. Another prisoner, Wilson
Stafford, oolored, sentenced to life
term for murder, seems to have abused
the privilege of the freedom of the
town allowed him by the sheriff, and
mads his escape. At least he stayed
away ovsr night. and the sheriff was
much worried by his absence. Unless
he graciously returns soon, the con-
clusion that he has fled will DO
irresistible.
From these stories, and they are un-
contradioted, 1t will be seen that
Sheriff Finn is not strict discipline
ran, so far az murderers are concerned.
and is inclined to permit them priv.
eRes that are not ordinarily accorded
even to prisoners of common grade.
Tue man Stafford, il is understood, has
long been regarded more in the light
of servant than prisoner, and in
return for various mental services
about tho Jail, house and stable has
been allowed TO GO about as he pleased,
provided he returned to jail at nights
which restriction he faithfully OBJ
ssrved until his disappearance few
nights ago.
Jeremiah Harrigan has had an
eventfu career. lle was indicted for
numbering Dennis Shea on the night
of September 10th, 1881. Shea came to
harrigan's unlicensed groggery, on the
Lancaster Pike near nockessin, on that
night, and was ordered out 10y Har-
rigan. who had grudge against him.
lie went out, but Harrigan followed
and shot him dead in the middle Of
the road.
At the ensuing term OF court Har.
rigan was tried, convicted and sen,
fenced to be hanged on March 24th,
1882. Two days before that dste,
Governor Hall respited him to Decsm.
Der 10Th, 1882, and on December 18th,
gave him further grace until Decem.
Der l4th,. 1883. On the latter dale,
Governor Stockley gave him breath
ing spell until December 18th, 1884
and again respited him until Decem
Der 9th. 1887. when Governor Biggl
extended his time on earth, SO far al
executive clemency was concerned, Il
March 3lst, 1901. Governor Reynold
then took a turn, and practically son
fenced HarriRan to life imprisonmen
by respiting him until March, 1850.
Recently renewed efforts have besl
made to secure pardon for narrigan
the Jail authorities taking an interes
this time, from ;he fact, that whei
some prisoners, in attempting t.
escape, made desperate attack upoi
Warden Gould, Harrigan came to th
rescue and rendered valuable assist
ance.
But, all things considered, Their
seems to be no reason why Harriga
and the negro Stafford should hav
been granted any further privilege
than those accorded other prisoners
As result of this lax discipline. on
prisoner has escapeh. II prisoner
sentenced to Imprisonment are to b
treated like guests, ths punishment @
the law will be robbed OF its creates
terrors and crime thereby encouraged
Sheriff Finn should institute rabbi
reform forthwith. 1t is badly needed