Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1903-01-15

compnance WIN ,ne uws Asvv., v~a~.-.
investigation of the subject. they have
decided to make the Parsons institution
one wholly for the treatment OF epi-
leptics. The removal OF the insane
epileptics from the other state hospitals
is most desirable. and II Is believed will
prove beneficial both to the epileptics
and the other insane. You will note that
the board Is asking more land at some
of the institutions; also increased water
supply both for sanitation and fire pro-
lection. The reasons given for these re-
quests seem excellent and the improve
ments necessary.
THE PENITENTIARY.
Certain repairs and improvements are
needed at the penitentiary. specially
call your attention to the need of new
ward for the women prisoners, also for
the appropriation for water supply. The
| legislature of 1901 authorized the pur-
chase or lease of additional coal lands
for the use of the state, but no appro-
priation was made for the purpose Of
| making either the purchase or lease; but
contract has been made for the pur-
chase of what is known as Staigers Is
land, q tract of land containing S44 2-3
acres.
The parole law for convicts Of the state
| penitentiary, development Of the con-
ditional pardon rule inaugurated by Gov
| Stanley during his first term, is In sue
cessful operation, as shown by reports on
| file. 1t is now recognized by experienced
prison management as an aid In prison
discipline and as means through which
young men, especially those who are
serving their first terms In the peniten-
tiary, can be saved from following life
90 G.. a.
present system Of granting paroles in this
state is. in my judgment, the lack Of an
equitable adjustment of the method
through which 1t Is put in operation. It
should be based upon a merit system.
The parole should come from q list of
eligibles, on grades which the prisoner
attains through his own efforts. This
would place the friendless inmate upon
the same footing with the one favored
by friends and influence from the out
side. l would suggest such legislation as
may be necessary to meet these require
ments.
The twine plant at the penltentiary. In
view Of the inexperience of those charged
with its conduct, has achieved a reason
able degree of success, and l believe
should be maintained upon the present
basis; and suggest that the profits of the
ulated, this fund to be used to protect
the revolving fund from loss should any
occur, which is liable to happen even
under the most careful business manage
ment.
OKLAHOMA PRISONERS.
There are 1,O69 prisoners in the peni-
tentiary, of whom 276 are from Okla
homa. question the wisdom of Kan
.l...- .aulH
of taking care of Oklahoma's prisoners,
and recommend that Oklahoma be asked
to relieve us of this charge as soon as
she can do so. ..t.
KANSAS STATE SOLDIERS HOME.
This home was founded upon the pa
triotc sentiment that 1t was the duty
of the state to provide for the INDECENT
soldier Of the civil war and his family.
l believe the home and Its AFFAIRS are in
splendid condition, but I call the atten-
tion of the legislature to the very i'm
portant need of fire protection at this in
stitution.
STATE BANKS.
The report of the bank commissioner
shows the institutions under the control |
Of this department as being In excellent
condition. Perhaps nothing more clearly |
indicates the prosperous cOnultlOn OF our
people that a comparison Of the state
ments made by our banks under the Off |
cial call in 1900 and again in 1902. Com
parison made between the calls of Sep |
tember l. 1900 and November rs, 1902,
shows the total number of banks under
state supervision at this time Is At,
a gain of 80 banks in two years. The to-
tai capital is now $7,751, 200, an increase of
81, ,13S, 200 during the same period. The
total surplus Is now $1.769, ,701.S6, a gain
of $419, ,491.34. The total deposits are now
24n, ,135, 1858, gain Of $S,50S,S41.H. The
total loans are now $32 1856, ,0469S, an In
crease Of 81, ,072,211.4 The cash and sight
exchange Qegal reserve) at this time
Is $15, ,352, ,451.A, or 1925 per cent. Of the
entire deposits, showing the banks Of the
state are upon safe and conservative
basis.
HANDLING OF PUBLIC FUNDS.
believe that the law should be so
amended that county treasurers, when
they remit any funds to the state treas
urer. should be required to notify the
and the auditor. upon receiving such
notice, should be required to charge the
treasurer with such amount. And, would
further recommend that our laws be so
amended that the accounts of the state
fiscal agency and the state despositories
be kept with the auditor Of state and
state treasurer IN more businesslike
manner Under tbn pressrf law. naitb
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