Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-03-22

The Council committee on police
wrestled with the workhouse promblem
last night, and it is still debatable
question. Considerable light was shed
on the matter as a result of the discus
sion, and several more or less meritor-
ious ideas were advanced. The ques-
ton will now go to the finance COM
mittee, which will be asked to consider
it from money standpoint.
The principal matter in the discus
sion, aside from the location or re-
location of the city prison, was the re-
newal by Sheriff Richards of propo-
sition which he made some time ago.
This offer was stated to the committee
by Clerk Thomas O'Brien. He agrees
to keep all the city prisoners in the
county Jail for fifty cents a day, with
the further stipulation that the aggre-
gate sum to be paid annually to him by
the city shall not exceed $4,000.
A delegation of North End citizens
appeared before the committee to pro-
test against the scheme outlined in the
message of Mayor Sweeney to convert
the old water works pumping station
into a workhouse. They were Gen.
Alfred Caldwell, VIM. Caldwell, Alfred
PAUL, Fidelius Reister and George E.
Stfel. Councilman Charles Ali was
present as spectator, and Mayor Swee-
I ney and Chief Clemans also attended
the meeting. The general sentiment
appeared to be favorable to the accept
ance of the Sheriff's proposition.
MAYOR SWEENEY'S VIEWS.
Mayor Sweeney addressed the COM
mittee after North Main street citizens
had been heard in protest against the
water works plan. The Mayor stated
that the present site Of the workhouse
is not an ideal location in any respect,
except possibly its accessibility to the
stone quarries where the city prisoners
are employed. The building is not
suitable He had made his suggestion
with reference to the use Of the old
water works plant as matter of ex-
pediency. He thought the workhouse
and the brick chimney might be util-
lied with the result of saving to the
city of about $4,000. In answer to the
argument of citizens that they would
| be required to look upon the criminals
! at work, etc, he stated that it was his
| idea to have a shed roof constructed
| over the place In which the prisoners
were engaged in work.
why net place them in jail?" asked
Mr.. PAUL. In reply the Mayor used
the argument that the petty offenders
should be compelled to work, and that
the work which they do should yield a
revenue which would at least partly
defray the expense of their mainten-
ance. Chief of Police Clemans sug-
gested that the workhouse might be
under proper conditions, instead of a
burden upon the taxpayers. He re-
garded the idea as entirely feasible
Gen. Caldwell and Mr.. Riester argued
against this proposition, and stated that
lime stone crushed could be purchased
at a figure much less than the cost of
| securing it by the prisoners. Mr.. PAUL
was called upon to verify this state
ment, and he asserted that he had pur-
chased
CRUSHED LIMESTONE
for dollar ton, for use in the con-
struction of the Moundsville and Ben
wood electric railway.
| Mr.. Stifel stated that he had ascer-
| tanned from citizens living south of
| the creek that they opposed the work
house plan. Mr.. Chew stated that he
| was opposed to workhouse within
the city limits.
Sheriff Richards was invited in. The
! Sheriff stated that he had no reason
| to change his mind with regard to the
| nrOpOSitioO no made for cari0o for III q