The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-02-02
W,ENGERISW WARDEN
Of PRISON At
JACKSON
ALLEN N. ARMSTRONG IS RELlEv-
ED FOR MONTH AT HIS OWN
SOLICITATION - COMPLETE IN
vEsTIoATioN Is ORDERED.

JACKSON, Mich, Feb. u. "
Wenger, formerly deputy game war
den, Is acting warden OF Jackson prison
today. He was appointed to take
charge OF the Office last night by the
board OF control. Allen n. Armstrong.
who was arrested on the charge or ac-
cepting q bride, asked 10 be relieved
Until an investigation OF the charges
can be made, and the board suspended
him until the March meeting. r.. "a.
Ryan, formerly assistant deputy, Is
acting deputy.
Warden Armstrong; letter had been
prepared after careful consideration OF
the case. He had promised to Issue
statement Immediately after the meet
ing last night, but when the board met
mis- letter, which was presented by his
attorney. Mr.. Cobb. was handed In. On
the second floor OF the prison the
board met. II consisted OF Members
Navin, Merrimon and Adams and Gov.
Warner. Atty.-Gen Bird was present,
too.
Shortly after o'clock last night the
small group. which now included
Prosecuting Attorney Reece, Stenog-
rapher Allen and Capt. Stone, book
keeper. came down stairs and entered
the warden's Office. Armstrong, his
face expressionless. sat in the door
way, holding his hat In his lap. Mr.
Navin read Armstrong; letter To the
board He moved that the communi-
cation be received and Gov Warner
supported II. There was no remarks
end the governor suggested that Arm
strongs request be granted Judge
Adams suggested there was no definite
time fixed for the suspension OF the
warden, and IL was decided TO make
the time until the March meeting.
Stands on His Merit
Here Is Armstrong; letter:
To the Hon. Fred Warner Gov
ernor; Geo. w. Merriman, Thos.
j. Navin, John w. Adams, con
stituting the board OF control of
the NJ. 8. p:
0entlemen-In view OF existing
conditions with which you are all
thoroughly familiar. deem 1t my
duty as public official and citizen
to respectfully request that ! be
relieved OF all duties and RESPONSE
bilities attaching To the Office OF
warden OF the Michigan state
prison. pending an investigation OF
the charges made against me and
trial by the court.
This action. | assure you. In.
wolves no slight sacrifice on my
part, but | prefer II rather than
cause you embarrassment or sub
ject you to possible criticism One
charged with an offense so serious
I'm its character is not in my judg-
ment, pending an Investigation OF
the facts, entitled to the standing
and prestige this Office gives TO the
incumbent. and do not desire II.
prefer 10 stand solely upon my
merit as a man. thereby relieving
others OF all responsibility.
| am entitled to speedy trial.
This right shall avail myself OF
That | will be able not only to
prove myself innocent OF the
charges made, but establish the
fact that am entitled 10 your con
fidence and the confidence OF the
public generally, | entertain no
doubt
Assuring you OF my highest re.
gard and esteem, | am.
Very respectfully yours.
A. n. ARMSTRONG.
Senator MacKay and Representative
Lodge were on the second floor of the
prison. They were sent for at the re.
quest OF Mr. Navin. A sweeping inves-
tigation OF the prison affairs for the
past six years was suggested by Mr..
Navin. and II was agreed that the
house and senate should be asked 10y
the governor to do SO. State Account
nnt Hamilton, who had worked all day
Monday examining the books OF the
prison, submitted his report, which