The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-25
SECRECY BEHIND PRISON BARS.

legitimate information of happenings behind
The doors of the Jail in the faces Of the news
q papers
On Friday night last, a representative Of the
iro,nian, in order TO verify the report that
III c. Baattie had been removed to the Rich
nond Jail. and TO secure other information,
allied up the ssrgeants office and made respec-
mi inquiry to the fact. 1t was considered,
ia the editorial rooms. a mater of public in
crest and of more or less importance in the
preparation of an accurate story of the news,
ia connection with the tragedy. which was
nononpolizing the public attention. Futher
more. fail 10 understand any for
secrecy In so simple matter or any harm that
could come from an affirmative or negative
nswer to the fact. But all information was
refused: the given for the refusal being
-+-.at- instructions had been issued that nothing
as to be given out. Further inquiry as to
RE source of such instructions likewise failed
nf answer
On Sunday night a representative Of this
PAPER attempted 10 secure entrance to the
taenrico county jail. for the purpose Of inter,
viewing the accused. with the idea Of furnish
iag the public story of the jail life Of the
prisoner. his present physical condition. his
method OF passing the time and such other in
nocent features as contribute to public interest
he request was refused upon the ground that
distractions had been given that no ono was
fn see the prisoner. The sheriff was informed
rftl. Md
Ito objection TO such an interview, hut the "nt
aamitsanoe,' sign continued TO adorn the door
way of the prison.
Later in The evening on Sunday. In orde
10 investigate report of Beatties suicide. III
sirciniam again called UP the sherif's office o
the Henrico Jail The courteous and informn
reply was. What business is it Of anybody il
ne world If the fellow did commit suicide?
The statement that the case had attracted un
.srecedented interest and the public desired +
snow the facts as they transpired elicitei III
following: "Beattie is in the cell and 1 am Il
the office. and I don't know anything abou
the foolishness."
we recognize the fact. OF course that a
Interview might be given highly imprope
direction, and that the rights Of prisoners mus
guaranteed against such queries woul
weaken their cases. or tend TO incriminat
themselves. We understand mc~eover, that o
eason may arise when Soy reason me right {
entrance to prison cell may be denied unal
thorized parties OF mere sensation-mongers. Bt
In the present instance. and general rub
- hold that" 9fe pub1fe 3as right 70 III
news and that newspapers the media
communicating the news TO he public. hay
the right to ascertain facts-facts that cannC
possibly infame the public mind. influence III
public opinion or in any wise prejudice the cas-
Of the defendant The daily paper must hay
access to all sources Of information If it is
Il fulfill it's mission of supplying the public Wit
fair and full and accurate Public of
cals, who stand between the press and its mi
sion TO the public have either highly initiate
idea of their Importance inadequat
conception Of their relationship TO the publ
The prisons belong 10 the public and not
the officials whom the public pays TO manae
them Legitimate from the inside of pris
walls especially in such case this
81 matter OF great public interest, not or oftcii
secrecy. and the demand that such news b
given currency is OF right and should /
met by courteous and satisfactory reply. w
frankly express curiosity TO know froi
what source and by what authority, the in
structlons OF secrecy were issued and for wins
particular
In treatment Of this hay
y. sought % be fair and impartial We have give
without bias color the simple facts. "
have used no mere incident to attempt to In
poate anyone Further than this, we hay
cndeayored to follow consistently purpose
furnish the people a clean family newspape
Such details Of the testimony as have been SUE
&C., gestive and salacious we have endeayored
d keep from columns. publishing only sue
II facts as had essential bearing upon the Grim
and to the knowledge Of which the public ha
4 q right. Some Of this we published with regr'
and only because it inseparably in,erwove
with the history of the tragedy and was necei
sary to an accurate understanding of the sit
alton.
In editorial treatment have urged ii
public against premature conclusions and ha,
held that the accused possessed the right
III fair and impartial trial We have therefor
6 EARNED against such immature judgment a
Light work possible injustice and have advise