The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-03-02
Manager ent Of State Prison.

TO the Editor:
Noticing the bin proposed by the COM
mittee on penal institutions changing
the management of our State Prison, !
desire to submit briefly my views with
reference to the qualifications thai
should be possessed by the manage ror
superintendent of this important State
institution.
The Democratic party of North Caro-
lima has never been dominated by any
particular class or profession of men,
nor encouraged legislation faVoring one
class or profession above another. It's
sClidity and strength are due TO the
fact that the people the rank and file
have untrammeled voice in it's con
ventions as we'll as at the polls, and
consequently in the hestOWal of the
public offices in it's control no discrim-
nation is usually shown for or against
any particular class or profession Of
people. 1t cannot be denied that there
are certain high and responsible posi-
items for which only men in certain pro-
fessions are suited and qualified. This
is necessarily so. So in the matter of
selecting q head or chief manager to
discharge the responsible duties ana
direct the great business interests con-
nected with the penitentiary, ii seems
TO me there are certain distinct quail
fications necessary for so important an
office, and the appointing or electinS
power should choose that man whose
vocation or calling in life has given
him the training, education and expert
ence, which will enable him to meet the
requirements of such position in a sue
cessful and creditable manner | do
not hesitate to. say that an intelligent,
successful, practical farmer of we'll
known executive ability, is the man
above all others best suited, qualified
and most needed at the head Of this
important institution. The man who
knows how to operate business affairs,
, who can manage and utilize labor ac-
cording TO intelligent methods and sys-
TENS, who can keep farms in an inn
proved state and have crops produced
that will bring net profits, who can
fOresee with reasonable accuracy the
results of investments of oney and la
Dor and each myear furnishing a bal
ance sheet that will show an income
to the State more than the output such
a one is needed and nowhere else can
he he so surely found than in the ranks
of the agricultural class of cur people.
Il am aware that such places for the
past two years has been filled by an
! eminent practicing attorney. but ii is
no Encouragement to his ability and
learning to say that he was unsuited
for this work because his training and
experience had been in the line of his
chosen profession. This institution un-
der our new State administration should
be placed in the hands of men whose
chosen business in life PECULIARLY lit
them for such responsible duties. The
, scramble among politicians for this or
that place should cease, and the bust
ness affairs of this penal institution be
restored TO the public confidence.
| am glad TO see in the public press
one or more successful and practical
farmers have been mentioned for man
ager or superintendent of this institu-
ton. | recall now with pleasure the
name of j. j. Laughnghouse. of Pitt,
u practical business man and farmer.
whose whole life has been spent upon
the farm and his best energies devoted
, to farming interests. With his system
attic, intelligent methods and progress
sive ideas he has made a success of
agriculture. He is thoughtful, clear
headed and intelligent, a wise manager,
well educated and in the prime and
vigor of life. Why not select such as
he, and let this institution be managed
in a way that win bring credit and
commentator to the party now in pow
er and benefit and real profit to our
State. 1t pays always to reward true
merit, and in filling public position,
whether Of great or small responsibility,
that man best suited and qualified
should not be ignored
G.. Il. KING.