Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1902-03-08

uG dCllluS VI Inv G9JlSsltlOAi HN1iAA9 w
have taken possession of our law
makers, and has gotten in its work
pretty thoroughly on all sides. The
chief topic of discussion, not only in
Senate and House, but throughout all
public places, hotels, clubs, etc,
around the Capital City, has been the
penitentiary investigation AS stated .
before in these columns, the commit
tee appointed two years ago by the
Legislature from its own members has |
given a vast amount of time ana |
thought to this work, and has conduct
ed its investigation in fair and care
full manner. The task before them
was herculean. A great number OF
witnesses were examined and the com
mittee, in its desire to be absolutely
just to all parties, sent far and wide
for witnesses to prove just what the
management had been. Day ana
night since the early days Of the seS-
sion they have been shut off from
everything but this important work, in
the committee rooms. AS the session
drew to close a resolution was adopt
ed by the Legislature asking for a
prompt report of the work that had
been done. This report was made and
signed by all save one member, who
digsented, and one who was i'll, but in
order to do it the investigation had to
stop at its most important stage, and
while its expert was still at work on
the books of the penitentiary. The
committee reported that in so far as
they could discover the board had been
honest; that there had been no mis-
appropriation Of funds but that the
MANAGEMENT had not been efficient
and a change in the law as to the
penitentiary management was recon-
mended. Upon submission of the re-
port. for the first time in the eXpe-
rience of the oldest legislator the re-
port of an investigation committee
was not adopted without argument,
but was followed by the presentation
Of resolution dismissing the com
mittee and generating the manage
ment as honest and efficient. This
resolution opened the gates for long
pent-up floods Of eloquence and for
two whole days the Senate and House,
with their respective lobbies, listened
to impassioned speeches on both
sides of the question. 1t did not seem
to be the opinion of any man that
intentional wrong had been done by
the gentlemen in charge of the States
prison-only such as would accrue
from the careless management of large
interests. On the other hand, 1t was
contended that there had been no
carelessness, but on the contrary, the
State had been largely the gamer by
the methods pursued by those in au-
tnority. Intense feeling was developed
during the debate and much bitter
ness engendered during the consider
alton of this unusual resolution, and
most of the Senators and Representa-
tives spoke for or against the meas
ure. To put it mildly, the committee
was placed in most difficult position
by this resolution. Had they been al
; lowed to complete their work there is
no knowing what might have been
their report, whether clearing or con
: demning the warden and board. As
1t was they were required to stop
short off and make a partial report
After two days discussion the matter
. was amicably adjusted by the substi
tuition of resolution receiving the
: report and dismissing the committee
Another committee was appointed tc
i, investigate the facts leading up to the
: dismissal from the office of treasurer
L of Mr.. Showers, but Messrs. Showers
! and Raiford refused to testify because
they were under indictment by The
grand jury. Mr.. Phil A. Rush like
= wise refused for similar reasons. Tht
G committees findings We're practically
the same as the facts that have al
I ready been published in this matter.
q In the forged interlineation in
n bill passed by the last Legislature, b!
!. which forgery the "Wineman heirs
? of Chicago were the gamers largely
u the investigating committee spen
q much time and summoned many VIII
g nesses in their endeavor to get at al
0 the facts in this outrageous and some
/ what original violation Of law. Thei
), report does not make q specific charg
= against any one, but the inference tha
II has been drawn from it reflects Sc
e riously upon man now high in al
f. fairs of the State We do not wish t
!, + do any man injury in these columns
" hence make no atiirmations where
v charge is not preferred.
h The committee to investigate publ
II offices varied the monotony by repor
70 ing favorable findings and homes
4. men, hence we append its full repor
y SECRETARY OF STATE.
1t We find this Office in all respect
le le kept in first.class style, the receipt
II and expenditures fully accounted TO
n. by proper and legal vouchers, an
le heartily commend the honest an
T. businesslike methods of the presel
s. incumbent, as we'll as those of his i
~. mented predecessor. Respectfully su
IL mitted, d. A. WHITE
ne H. G. JOHNSTON.
th AUDITOR.
We find all books required by la
in the office and the same in nei
I'd and business.like manner, just as Il
law directs, everything ia place, ar
at a place for everything, and the Sta
is to be commended for the very c
70 ficient business methods which a
practiced In this Office. The tideli
,r and zeal that has characterized
management Is matter of great prit
to the people of our State, and In t
language of the inspired author,
can be said well done, thou good Al
tb faithful servant" etc. Respectful
nd submitted, G, X. Cock,
or Ts,...t.,