The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-02-14

Wedgefleld. The great increase of
convicts has necessitated the erection
OF another convict cage, which will be |.
completed in a few days. We now
have thirty convicts and often nave as
nany as forty-flve. The health of |
the convicts has been excellent and
the conduct also, these features being
very important in our opinion. The
amount spent has been used Sor the
purchase OF all tools, machinery, wag-
ons harness, mules, tents, food for
mules, drugs, food for convicts,
blankets, ETC.
Aims House.
The expenditure Of $31s3.eO upon
the Aims House includes the dieting
OF inmates for which we now pay 40c
per capita per diem, medical attention.
drugs, clothes, etc. Also insurance
upon the building and the necessary
expense of upkeep. The inmates ere
well taken care Of and kindly treat
ed. The health Of them being about
as we'll as could be expected Of per-
sons OF their ages and conditions pre-
vious to commitment. Since our last
report Mr.. B. D. Mitchell, the efficient
and conscientious manager has been
called from our midst and his wife
has succeeded him as manager.
Salaries.
| We have spent for salaries during
the past year s20,013.s6. Besides the
salaries for the regular county officers,
this amount includes salaries for the
overscer of the chain gang, guards.
overseer of the floating gang ard
scraper gang, County Attorney, Coun-
~ Board Of Education, County and
Township assessors, Equalization
Board, janitor Court House and four
Rural Policemen.
Rural Policemen.
The four Rural Policemen, recon-
mended by the Board, are doing ex-
cellent work in suppressing lawless-
neAs and q great deal Of revenue and
labor is brought in by this depart.
ment They are also rendering the
supervisor great assistance In main.
tanning the public highways by pre-.
venting parties from plowing into
the roads and otherwise doing in
jury to them.
T. The County Jail has been main.
tanned at an expense Of s2,52S.OA for
the year. This amount includes, be-
sides the 40c per capita per diem for
dieting repairs to buildings. fences,
plmbing, insrance. water, lights
roal, telephone service. disinfectants
blankets drugs medical attention,
etc. The health Of the prisoners has
been good.
/ This Board has faithfully endeavor-
cd to improve and enlarge the Coun-
ty Jail. but up to this time have been
unsuccessful in the attempt. Our
delegation. during the 1913 session of
the Legislature passed an act au.
thorizing us to borrow $4,000 for the
purpose of enlarging the present
building. After giving the matter
very careful attention the Board de-
cided that it would be more advisable
to sell the jail and lot and purchase
a new lot upon which to erect a new
jail. We therefore advertised the
property for sale but received no
bids. This action was taken as it was
impossible to convert the old building
into a modern sanitary prison with
the funds for this purpose. We have
requested the delegation for an ap-
preparation of $4,000, with which
we can build a new jail upon the
present site. Having been assured
that the sum asked for will be pro-
vided, we hope to soon have erected a
modern Jail Of sufficient capacity to
take care of Sumter Countys pris-
oners for years to come.
Public Buildings.
! We have spent upon Public Build
ings during the year 1918 sl.S63.7S.
This includes water. lights. fuel. dis
infectants. telephone service, In
surance, work in Court House
grounds, etc. Mr. l.. W. Jenkins still
renders careful supervision Of the
work on the Court House grounds
! without any charge for his services
Court Expenses.
We have spent for Court expenses
| during the past year S6,20730. This
amount covers the payment Of jurors.
witnesses and bailffs.
Contingent.
The amount OF $7,571.66 under the
head Contingent has been expended
n la nI1n