The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-07-12
NET RETURNS MAY
 REACH S25O,OOO
Carmichael Reports CondctS in
 Good Condition
GOV. JELKS IS COMMENDED
His Plan for Handling convicts Has Been More Successful Than the Most Sanguine Had
 Hoped For.

Montgomery, July u.-(Speeial) )-Presi- dent J. M. Carmichael estimates that the net returns from the convict depart ment will reach quarter of a million dollars The net receipts for the nine months ending June 30, were s217, 7,104n. The condition of the convicts is pro- nounced good and everything is reported as moving along splendidly.
 The report of the convict department for the quarter and nine months ending June 30. presented to Acting Governor Cunningham this afternoon, is as fol- lows:
 Montgomery, Ala. July 1, 1904. .Hon. R. M Cunningham, Governor, Montgomery, Ala:
 Dear sir-section 44S9 of the code of Alabama contains this language: The governor shall have general superintend- ence and control of the inspectors and of all matters relating to convicts, and see that the inspectors perform their duties; and there shall be made quarterly to him, by the president and as often as he may require a report of the condi- ton of the convicts and of the work done by each officer
 Tn pursuance of this requirement of law, I now submit the report so re- quired.
 Conditions Favorable
 ",rhe condition of the convicts is, per- haps, as favorable as it has ever been during the existence of this department. True some are sick and a few have departed this life during this quarter, but in the main the convicts are healthy and are apparently as well contented as people could possibly be under the cir cumstances. They are well fed, well clothed, and their general well being carefully looked after.
 The policy of the administration, that is, of the inspectors, approved by the governor, is for this department to ac- quire as rapidly as may be, absolute con trol of the convicts, so that no man not connected with this department, will be responsible for the personal treatment of convicts.I
 Every quarter, perhaps every day, de- monstrates more and more thoroughly the wisdom of Governor Jelks, and of those concurring in his opinion, in inau- gurating the method of working convicts in the mines. Under this system tho convicts are well treated, and as a finan-
 
 most sanguine hopes of those who inau- gurated the project at the outset. Since chat time another contract has been made with the Dunham Lumber company of the same character and others still it is hoped will be made in the same man. ner, and doubtless with the same meas ure of success.
 During the last quarter the president, as usual has given attention to office work and the general superintendence of the department.
 Work O. Inspection.
 The physician inspector has been en- gagged in classifying and giving medical attention to the convicts. and the asso- ciate inspector has made the usual in- spection of convicts, to look after their treatment, and the like. Each one of the inspectors has attended every meeting of the board and all have counselled to- gether in relation to the best methods of managing the intricate questions aris- ing frequently before the board.
 The subordinate officers of the depart ment having charge of the several pris- ons. have been engaged in giving diligent attention to their respective duties, hav- ing in view in the main the interests of the state and the success of the depart ment.
 Mining Operations.
 The mining operations have been very successful, improving somewhat all the while. The farms at Wetumpka, Speig- ner and No. have respectable promise of success In fact, they are as good as the farms in the surrounding neighbor- hood where they are located.
 The primary object of the present ad- ministration is the well being of the indi- vidual conyicts. Nevertheless, as sec ondary proposition it's financial success is a matter also of much importance. l therefore beg to suggest that the net in come from this department that is the amount going into the treasury after all expenses are paid, for the first quarter of the present fiscal year, beginning octo- Der was:
 First quarter ..-........-S -Sohlos.-o Second ouar-te -ter...... 94,945. .49
 Third quarter. 64,soS.sf S017. 7.104 n