Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-12-03
CONVICT SYSTEM
SEVERELY SCORED
DR.. Flanders Says Reorganization
Is Simply Political Machine to
Make G. r. Hutchens Chairman
and Reflect Governor Brown.

The change in the general scheme of
operation of the convict system by the
employment of freight inspectors and two
supervisors, effective Thursday, has serv-
ed to again bring the penitentiary. system
in the limelight.
DR.. w! ]. FLANDERS, of Johnson county.
formerly member of the legislature. in
a statement declares that the commission
has disregarded both the letter and spirit
of the new convict law and that the
pl esent administration of the new system
is wasteful and extravagant.
He further states that the reorganiza-
ton of the force of inspectors and super
visors-the first official act of the new
chairman-is in effect an effort to per-
feet a political machine, which will be
supported at the expense of the people.
DIR. Flanders claims that this machine,
consisting of eight inspectors and two
supervisors, travelling over the state on
money furnished BY the state treasury.
will exert itself to accomplish the cleo
ton of G. r. Hutchens as chairman of
the prison commission and the reelection
of Governor Brown, who appointed
Hutchens to the board.
LOCAL METHODIST PREACHER.
DR.. Flanders who is a local Methodist
preacher, was formerly an inspector him
self. He rendered his resignation to Pris-
on Commissioner Williams last May, be-
cause as he says, he could not consci-
entiously comply with Captain Williams
request to suppress facts relative to Vio=
lations of the commissions rules in Chat
ham county. He says the resignation was
not accepted when rendered, but subse-
ouently he was dropped from the pay roll
without notice He claims to have been
unable to obtain any explanation from
Chairman Hutchens, although he has re-
quested it,
DR.. Flanders was in the Legislature that
passed the new convict law. Moreover,
he was a member of the penitentiary
committee, and. as he says, should be
familiar with the purposes and intent OF
the law.
1.-THE commission has not only increased
the inspectors force, but in addition, has
employed two supervisors, explained DR..
Flanders. This has been done by the
commission, despite the fact that the
change from the old lease system to the
road work has been accomplished, and
there is in fact, much less need for In
spectors now than before.
Changing from the old to the new sys-
tenn. when the work was heaviest there
were only three inspectors, but now the
commission for reasons best known TO
Chairman Hutchens and Commissioners
force. and nearly thribbled the expense.
ABOUT EXPENSES.
1.-The thre inspectors, who received
salary Of 500 per month each, and whose
EXPENSES were less than 500 per month
each cost the state less than $500. Under
the new scheme, the eight inspectors VIII
receive 800 per month each, ana thelr
expenses will be about the same man
ing ST. GOO for inspectors. 49,
ottDorxriSOrS will receive SlZ0
ner month each, and expenses. Their eX-
nanses will be not less than SlOO per
month This makes the total expense OF
Of least ~ Os0 per month-S24,6OO per year
for the inspection of road camps under
county supervision. This expense as
against $1,000 per year under the hrs'
plan. ,.,,,,o,.,,
I'm connection with this eXtraoralnaIy
oxnanse which to my mind is eXtrava-
can't and tasteful it is interesting to OBJ
serve that Chairman Hutchens, who was
annninted by Governor Brown. VIII nave
En- co before the people for election next
year. --
mr. Flanders declares that the new law
which i'm effect repealed the ola Jaw
makes no provision at all for inspectors
IT does provide, however. for superVlsors'
and prescribes that they shall do the IN
specting. -, -
"Section 20 of the new law" said he
"nrovides chat the prison commission Is
hereby authorized, IL they deem neces-
sary. to employ not more than four super
visors. who shall visit the various coun-
ties. inspect the convicts and their work.
and do such other duties as may be re-
auired of them by the commission. III
racticable civil engineers shall be Sc
Iected for these positions
"The supervisors appointed by the COM
mission are Hill Tuggle, of Dekalb coun-
tv. and John Awtry, of Cobb county.
''Neither Of these gentlemen, so FAR as
I know, are civil engineers.
DR. Flanders has spent a good part OF
Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday at
the capitol, trying to see Chairman
Hutchins and affect a settlement for his
services as supervisor.
1.-THE new convict law requires that one
member of the commission shall inspect
convict camps, but this duty has been
assigned to Commissioner Williams, and
could not. therefore, account for the
chalrman's prolonged absence" said the
doctor.
DR.. Flanders wished it understood that
he had no criticism for Gen. Clement A.
Evans whom he loves and respects.