Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-02-22

and Hon. Charles F. Daggett of
Presque Isle. which was also filed witt,
the Governor and Council, Monday
says in part:
| 1.-The last Legislature wisely made an
appropriation of $4,000 or the erection
of fire-proof building at the Maine
State prison to be used as a harness
shop and carriage repository. We take
much pride in reporting that the build
ing, which is 45 feet wide and 1877 feet
long, and three stories in height, is
now completed and occupied. 1t is be-
You'd question the best for which it
was designed, in New England. Nc
MARTIAL excepting the best was used in
the construction of this building; and
yet by the exercise of good business
| ability on the part of the warden in
| buying material and utilizing the pris-
on help, the full expense of foundation
4 and building does not exceed the ap-
preparation. From the old building
which is replaced by the new a section
some 65 feet in length was moved to
one side and is found to be a very con-
venient store house. From that por-
ton of the old building RACED. a fine
"Other improvements include the ad
di:ion Of broad piazza to the war
denis house, greatly improving the
! property in outward appearance and
enhancing the comfort of the present
and future occupants.
THE roof of the north wing of the
prison has been thoroughly repaired, it
being found necessary to strengthen
| With new timbers and to re-slate.
While it is indeed true that much
J has been accomplished there is much
more in the way of improvements that
will be considered necessity in the
| near future.
'"The nest of boilers is now situated
| in the pit under the wood working
broom and paint shops. where three
score men or more are constantly en-
gagged are not, for more reasons than
one, where they should be, and bad re-
suits may follow. A boiler house
| should be constructed and the boilers
| installed in the prison ward at the same
! elevation as the work shops
"Other tre-prof buildings, namely, a
store house. a blacksmith shop and a
laundry should be erected; then the in
stitution would be in fair condition to
get along until such time as more cell
room is needed; and really that time is
already at hand, for the entire prison
| is fully occupied.
"A very important question is sug-
sested by these necessary require
mcnts and attendant expense is it
the part of wisdom for the State of
Maine to make this institution, in its
present location. all that the condi-
tions and exigencies of the present
and future may require? The prison
was established at Thomaston Sc
years ago, at the time when passage
and transportation by water was the
most feasible. The advent of the rail-
road, as we are all aware. has entire
ly changed those conditions: and the
settlement and the rapid increase in
population of the more northern and
eastern portion of our States, seems
to call loudly for a relocation of the
prison to some point on the main line
of the railroad and nearer the center
of population.
Taking into account the amount of
work that has been done the past sea-
son by the prison help in the way of
improvements mentioned. the showing
for labor in the several departments
is very gratifying; and reatfirms Ito
prevailing opinion, that the prison is
well managed.
The annual report of DIR. j. Edwin
Walker the prison phys :cian, says in
part:
THE general healths of convictS has
| been good and there have been nc
| deaths during the past year. Fresh
| ly raised vegetables in large quaint
| ties in their season and other good
| quality of foods have been Al? ole and
served in wholesome and alatablo
| manner Good warm clothing, well
| heated and ventilated corridors. have
added much to the hygcnic we'll be-
| ing of the inmates, Strict Clcanl
ness has been observed in every de-
! partment; in fact. every precaution
has been taken to prevent and guard
against disease.
IN the early part OF the year the
| insane convictS who were in the in
sane department of the prison were
removed to Augusta where building
has been property fitted and arranged
for the care Of the criminal insane
| During the year there have been foul
convictS adjudged insane and trans
| ferred to the asylum at Augusta"
\ petition which has been received
at the executive department and will
| be presented at the meeting OF the
Governor and Council next Thursday
asks that a pardon be granted to An
thOny A. Mcdonald of Dresden. who
| is serving a sentence of two years in
the State prison at Thomaston for the
crime of breaking. entering and lar