Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-24
WARDEN: WILL RESIGN
Capt. Harris to Leave the
United States Jail.
TIRED Of OFFICIAL LIFE
Means to Return to His Former
Home in Indiana.
APPLICANTS FOR THE PLACE
Many of Those Who Seek the APP
pointment Enlist Support of
Prominent Persouages.
TIRED OF. OFFICIAL LIFE
APPLICANTS FOR THE PLACE

Capt. c. G.. Dawson. who has been
deputy. warden Of the Moundsville peni-
Tertiary for several years. and Emanuel
Ream. captain of the watch at the United
States jail. this city, are regarded as the
leading candidates for appointment as
warden of the jail, which position, it is
said, is soon to be vacated by James H.
Harris. There are other candidates for
the position. however, among them being
w. Grayson Urner, the present deputy
warden. Under the law, the appointment
of warden is made by the justices of the
Supreme Court of the District of Column
bia. and while they know nothing of the
proposed resignation officially, it is
stated, they are aware that Warden Har-
ris intends to resign. Just when the res
ignation will be handed to the justices
the warden has not indicated to them. but
it is thought he will surrender the Office
the last of April or of May.
Capt. Harris desires to return to private
life He will probably return to Indiana,
where his son. Frederick Harris formerly
connected with the jail, is a prosperous
farmer. Before coming to this city Capt.
Harris was resident of Indiana, being
He was prominent republican and men,
Der of the G. A. r.
1t was stated this afternoon that the
justices of the Supreme Court of the
District have been flooded with letters
| from friends of some of the applicants for
the appointment.
Want Men of Experience.
1t is understood the court will give close
consideration to qualifications of the can
didates before making a selection, and
will probably favor man who has had
much experience in connection with the
conduct of prisons. as Capt. Dawson and
Capt Ream.
The former is with the institution at
of installing the sanitary improvements
there. Capt. Ream was connected with
the big prison at Columbus, Ohio, and had
charge of one of the shops.
0Both Capt. Dawson and Capt Ream
have strong backing. 1t is said that the
governors of several states. cabinet Of
f1cers and of other prominent men has
been enlisted. 1t is probable the resig-
nation will be rendered in a few days and
then the question of a successor will be
discussed.
.: Business of the Jail.
The last annual report of the warden
gives an idea of the business transacted
In the prison during the twelve months
The warden had as many as 566 prison
ers to care for. the largest number for
any day during the period mentioned
There were 46j prisoners in iail the
31st of October 1905, while one year
later the warden had 424 unfOrtunates
under his care; 81 of them being women
Not only has the warden Gone his
best to look after physical wants Of
the prisoners. it is said. but he has also
made an effort to see to their spiritual
Weliare During the time Warden Har-
ris has had charge of the prison he has
improved the discipline and done all in
his power to- assist the prisoners pay
ing them personal visits and trying to
lend them helping hand. 1t has been
the desire of the warden to supply
work for the prisoners. and he has
recommended that something be done
along that line. He also recommended
that the building be put in sanitary
condition.
mended the establishment of ii reforma-
tory In this city in order to provide en-
ployment for the prisoners. Complaints
have been made regarding the institution
from time to time, but they were usually
about the condition of the building and
the method of feeding the prisoners. The
warden was unable to remedy the condi-
lions without an appropriation from
congress.
Residents Oppose improvements.
Residents of East Washington and prop
erty owners in that section have bitterly
opposed such appropriations, favoring the
removal of the prison. Members of the
East Washington Citizens Association
worked hard against any improvement or
extension of the prison, thinking a new
prison should be erected in the country.
Warden Harris fully agrees with them.
Attorney General BOnapate realizes
that the present structure is unfit to be
used as a prison. and has directed the
attention of Congress to the necessity for
action. In his last report he renewed his
| recommendation of past years. saying
about the Jail that it is old without mod
ern improvements, and of insufficient
capacity for the present needs, and some
thing should he done toward remedyng
the present defects in construction.
| 1t was the desire of the warden to effect
the change in the method of caring for
the prisoners before he surrendered the
position. but he felt that he would have to
remain too long to see his hope realized.
He is certain. however that Congress will