The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-02-11
PENAL FARM BILL
GIVEN A HEARING
Richmond Delegation APP
pears Before the Senate
Finance Committee.

According TO John L. Rupe, author
of the bill providing for the establish
ment of a state penal farm which was
introduced in the senate recently by
Senator Walter S. Commons. the pri-
mary purpose of the bill is to rid
Wayne county Jail of its chronic Jail
birds" Mr.. Rupe made the statement
before the senate committee on fin
ance which held hearing on the bill
at Indianapolis yesterday. Quite a
representative delegation from the
Richmond Commercial club, which
was instrumental in having the bill
drawn up, attended the hearing. Be
sides Mr. Rupc there were George f..
Seidel, Charles w. Jordan, Timothy
Nicholson and f. NJ. Haas.
Mr.. Rupe also declared that Wayne
county had no idea of having the
farm located within its boundaries
He said the land in this county is too
valuable. Mr.. Rupe spoke at length
in explanation of the bill and it's pur-
poses, saying in part as follows:
1T costs the state $250.O00 a year to
feed Jail prisoners. The establish
ment of penal farm would reduce
the cost at least one-half.
The bill provides that the appro-
priation is to be used to purchase
land. This will be the main cost to
the state as the prisoners will erect
the buildings, clear the grounds and
do the draining. When the buildings
are completed any county having pris-
oners sentenced for thirty days or
more may send them to the farm and
in this way the county will be reliev-
ed of burdensome expense and the
prisoner given employment in the
open air.
Nicholson Favors Bill.
Timothy Nicholson spoke in behalf
of the bill, declaring it was the most
| important measure introduced at this
session of the legislature. The point
was made by Charles w. Jordan that
the bill is an economical measure. He
said that besides being humane and
moral it would mean a saving to the
state, predicting that within three
|
the products not only would support
the institution, but would furnish sup
plies to other institutions of the state.
George Seidel and E. NJ. Haas also
pointed out the commendable features
of the bill deserving of favorable
report by the committee and subse-
quent passage by the legislature.
Of a
committee was compelled to leave
shortly after the hearing began, to
appear before the house committee on
roads. Senator Commons presided in
his place. Senator Netterville declar-
ed that the only objection to the bill
was the fact that the state had made
large expenditures during the last
situations and that the deficit for the
fiscal year would be near $35O,O00.
The question of raising the state
tax levy is important" said Senator
Nctterville. while we have a lower
state tax than many of the adjoining
states our general tax rate is very
high. If this bill is passed it will
bIluS uBOH tuS StdtS thC iSnpohSiuiA'
ity of support, and while | have no
criticism as to the humane and moral
benefits to be derived. the problem
of supporting the institution is to be
considered
! Will Consider Facts.
! A careful consideration of the facts
brought out was promised by Senator
Netterville and he said full report
of the meeting would be made before
any action was taken by the commit
tee. He seemed to manifest kindly
disposition towards the measure and
those who are behind the project are
hopeful of favorable report.
Amos w. Butler, secretary of the
state board of charities. urged the
passage of the bill as step towards
obtaining better conditions in the
jails.
Others who spoke were William II
| Dye. the Rev. Father F. II. Gavisk OF
Indianapolis, Edgar A. Perkins and
Clarence Gaumer. representing the
state federation of labor; Miss Emily
Rhoades of the wOman's prison, Prof
r. r. Fitzgibbons of Columbus and
Prof L. G. Weatherly of Indiana uni
versity.