The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1903-09-13
BOARD
RAISES SALARIES
Numerous Changes Are
Made at San Quentin
Penitentiary.
Some Offices Abolished and
improvements Are
Discussed.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

SAN QUENTIN PRISON, Sept. H.
At the meeting of the State Board Of
Prison Directors to-day considerable
business was transacted. No paroles
were granted owing to there not being
a full board present Many applications
for parole, however, were brought up for
discussion and prominent attorneys made
arguments in favor of their respective
clients.
Various offices at the prison were abol-
ished, while others were created. Some
salaries of attaches were increased and
the remuneration of others was curtailed.
The prison guard was ordered increased
and new watch towers are to be con-
structed Other improvements at the
prison. recommended by Warden
Thompkins, were considered and some OF
the ideas will be carried out. The board
was in session all day.
The meeting was called to order at 10
a. m. Chairman Fitzgerald stated that
he had hoped Governor Pardee would be
present, but it was not possible. Direc-
tors Wray and Devlin were also absent.
Attorney w. w. Foote Of San Francisco
and Senator Charles Shortridge appeared
on behalf of Frank ]. Klessner and
Charles B. Wilcox respectively. Both
I men are life-termers and want to be
/ paroled Klessner was convicted in Red
Bluff of having murdered Theodore Tryor
and has served nearly twenty-three years
of his term. The crime was the outcome
of land trouble. Klessner is an old Union
soldier and receives a large pension. He
came to California in 1875 and has a wife
and five children.
! Wilcoxs application has been on file for
a long time. In fact, at the last meeting
! of the board prior to Governor Cages re-
( tirement from office they recommended
executive clemency and fully expected
that Wilcox would be pardoned. He killed
man ten years ago in San Jose during
a political argument. Shortridge wished
the board TO change that portion of its
/ resolution reading for valuable, extraor-
binary and efficient service to the State
we recommend executive clemency in be-
half of Charles B. Wilcox" to read, I'VE
! recommend a pardon" The matter will
! be decided at the next meeting.
! During the afternoon in an executive
session il was ordered that four more
guards be appointed, at compensation Of
$50 each per month. The salary of COM
/ missary, the position held by Irving S.
/ Ballard was increased from 1925 to $50
per month. Right Gatekeeper Frank
Arbogast will receice SO instead of $50,
and the boss of the road gang will re-
! ceive 500 instead of $50 per month.
The offices of overseer of the tute mill.
$50 per month; chief engineer, $685. and
tailor, at 500 per month, We're abolished.
The Office of chief electrician, at $135 per
month was created, and the appointment
Z of J. A Woohl was ratified 1t was also
/ ordered that Warden Tompkins install
I electric power to pump water for the
/ prison at a cost not 10 exceed 500. At
4 the present time the State is paying $500
each month for the same work by steam
power. The electricity viii cost SIS per
month
The board adjourned to meet at Folsom
! Saturday, September Is.