The Detroit times., 1909-02-09

JACKSON, Mich, Feb. 9.-The ad-
ministration or the affairs OF Jackson
prison continued TO be the subject OF
discussion and probing today. Prose
cutor Reece was mistaken In his de-
termination 10 make q thorough In
vestigation Of the prisons affairs HS
is being assisted by Deputy Attorney
General McGiu and many things are
being brought to their attention.
The principal thing that occupied
the attention Of the prosecutors to-
day YVES the purchase OF supplies for
Jackson prison. Certain dealers and
merchants, whom Warden Armstrong
did not patronize, declare they could
not give away goods to the institu-
ton. The annual cost OF supplies pur-
chased for the prison amounts TO
$4,000.
These purchases are approved by
the prison board. So long as the
prices do not change materially tho
warden Is free to use his Judgment
In selecting the merchants from whom
to buy the articles. Asked II he ad-
vertised for bids before purchasing the
articles. the warden said he had de-
cided TO say nothing until told To do
so by his counsel Capt George K
Stone. clerk OF the prison, though.
said that Armstrong used his own
Judgment In making the purchases.
warden Armstrong buys In the
omen market" declared Stone. Ward
ems Chamberlain and Vincent bought
supplies on contracts. These were
made with firms on the basis OF bids.
Armstrong knows what he wants and
ON ri
best prices possible. believe Arm
strong has secured supplies at the low
est prices"
Although he has been suspend
ed from his official position
pending al investigation OF the
charges made against him. Allen
n. Armstrong. warden OF JACK
son prison, Is still the power In tho
affairs OF that institution. Criticism.
Is heard on all sides that he should
be allowed to eercise his authority
over the attaches OF the prison after
having been charged with accepting
q bride OF 500 and soliciting another
bribe OF $4,000.
Deputy Attorney General McGhl
and Prosecutor Reece investigated
conditions at the prison yesterday
that is, they endeavored to do SO. out
were blockaded In many ways through
the activity OF Warden Armstrong.
Prosecutor Reece declared that he had
evidence thatp rison officials have
been tipping off discoveries he has
made in the investigation OF the pris-
on. Some OF the officials have been
cautioned TO desist from sucn
methods.
Prosecutor Reece is bitter against
Gov. Warner for rushing TO the de-
tense OF Armstrong. The governor
should be the first official to assist In
running down a felony" said Mr..
Reece, and yet he rushes TO the de-
tense OF the warden, whose attorneys
have free access to talk to the pr1s-
on employees and convicts. while the
prosecuting officers OF the state
tire handicapped at every turn.
Obeys Armstrong.
"a convict told me that he would
obey the warden. Armstrong Is ad-
dressed as warden and Wenger. the
acting warden, is nothing but figure
head. IL Is high time that the board
OF control did something to protect
the interests OF the people OF the state
and not permit Armstrong to remain
at the prison. That place has been q
cesspool of graft and we purpose to
20 TO the bottom OF IT,"
Deputy Attorney General McGill and
Prosecutor Reece were looking
around In the prison for 81 hours yes
terday. Attorney Miner. for Arm
strong. said they were asking ques-
lions OF the guards and inmates. They
wanted to find" Miner said. what
was packed in some boxes and trunks
that left the prison. They found that
they contained Christmas presents go
ing 10 the warden's daughter In South
Bend"
Acting Warden Wenger met the
prosecutors and then Armstrong came
/ in. McGill says he told the warden
! Just where he stood. II told him..
he added that the Office was no
place In which he could come and or
der me around. | pointed out TO him
that since he was removed as warden
he had no business around there. But
! want TO tell you, he's still the power
In the prison. It's an outrage that he
should live at the states epense."