The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-06-29
WARDEN AGU|RRE
BUMPS INTO THE
PRISON BOARD
A Clash Over Certain
Appointments.

From the common talk INDUCED in by
politicians, II would seem. that Martin @.
Aguirre, the new Warden Of San Quentin
Prison. intends trying TO have things all
his own way as regards the matter OF
appointments and conduct OF the prison
generally. Il what is said by several who
are in a position TO know whereof they
speak is TO be relied upon. Aguirre has
already clashed with the Board OF State
Prison Directors and will not formally
take his seat as Warden until July l.
The inception OF the trouble between the
board and the new Warden. il is said, is
due wholly to an attempt on the part Of
Aguirre, acting as the agent Of Dan
Burns. to place eX-Supervisor Ed Smith
in the position of commissary at the
prison. This was the original intention,
but when Aguirre made known his desire
to make Smith commissary ne met with
decided opposition. The Directors voiced
their unanimous sentiment that for vari-
Gus reasons Smith was untitled for the
office and should never receive their in
dorsement
Finding that argument and other de-
vices were unable TO gain his end. Aguirre
finally declared that he would appoint
But when he thus laid down his hand in
perfect confidence Aguirre found that he
had been euchred. He was not politician
enough TO cope with the veteran board
and was soon made 10 realize II. Without
a moments hesitation he was informed
that as Warden he had right to appoint
Whomever he might wish. but that the
board controlled the salary of the posi-
ton, and if Smith was appointed would
reduce II TO S2o a month. Staggered at
this reply, Aguirre came 10 this city and
held a consultation with his political mas
tiers. the result of which was that it was
finally admitted the board held the whip
hand and must be respected. So Smith
was not appointed
But Aguirre felt angry and n
ed over his defeat that he immediately
laid plans to be revenged. He did not
have to nurse MS wrath long, for q short
time afterward the board requested
Aguirre TO retain Captain ]. F. Birlem as
captain OF the guard, and Endorsed him
as perhaps the most efficient officer at
San Quentin. Aguirre sWeetly acQuiesced
but winked the other eye, at the same
time leading the board TO believe that
Thomas Wilkinson should remain as COM
missary. In TACT, 1t is stated that the Di-
rectors felt so positive of the retention OF
these two men that President Fitzgerald
sent Wilkinson a telegram no later than
last Tuesday telling him to be at his ease
everything had been fixed nicely
On the same day Aguirre introduced ex-
Chief OF Police Russell of San Diego TO
Birlem as his successor and notified VIII
Thomas Foley, the father of Cages pri-
waite secretary, would be made commits
sary. To complete his pleasant work, the
/ Los Angeles was appointed turnkey tC
succeed j. c. Jameson. and Deputy Sher.
if Barnhill Of the same place front gate.
keeper 10 succeed Fred Woods CAPTAIN
/ Of the Yard Edgar, generally admitted h
be the most unpopular official at Sar
quentin, has been retained for the same
reason, but it is believed that even for tins
purpose of revenge Aguirre cannot afforc
/ to keep. Edgar long
Inc Keeling is represented to be so keer
! that the board will not let a long time
elapse before it will endeavor to make tht
Warden realize that it is large factor II
prison affairs and must be respected