Daily Kennebec journal., 1914-02-14
The New Parole Law.

THE operation of the new parole
law has affected injuriously the re-
suits accomplished in several depart
ments," state Hon. Edward w. Wheel
er of Brunswick, Hon. Fred G. Kins-
man of Augusta and Hon. James S.
Wright of South Paris, the commit
tee on State prison and pardons on the
part of the Governor and Council
which was filed at the State House
Friday Under this law prisoners
who have become experienced and
skilful workmen are usually released
on parole and only the less expert
enced and least productive convicts
remain. While the passage of this
law has made it increasingly difficult
to operate the prison shops at profit,
it has had a beneficial effect in pro-
noting discipline"
The report further says:
'g'he committee on State prison and
pardons has exercised a careful super
vision over the prison and in order to
become familiar with the details of its
rnanagement the members of the COM
mittee have visited the institution at
irregular but frequent intervals during
the year.
THE prison buildings are antiquated
and ideal conditions can never be OBJ
tanned with the use of the present
plant. but so fsf as this limitation will
permit the affairs of the prison are be-
ing conducted in a manner which is
reasonably satisfactory. Both in the
government of the prisoners and the
management of the various shops and
departments, including the purchase
of supplies and the sale and disposi-
ton of manufacturing products,
Warden Ham has demonstrated fitness
for his position and the splendid ser
vice which he has rendered, in all
respects, has been q source OF much
satisfaction to the committee.
BY a resolve of the last legislature
the sum of 100000 was appropriated
for the payment of the outstanding
debts of the prison which had ac-
cumuiated during previous admins
trations The overdue accounts rep.
resented by this Indebtedness had
continually absorbed the current ~
come of the prison and had made II
impossible for previous wardens to
purchase supplies in quantities at the
best prices and with the usual dis
counts for cash payment allowed by
trade customs.
This indebtedness being largely ex-
tinguished by the appropriation above
referred to- the warden has been able
to use current income in the purchase
Of material for cash. effecting very
substantial reduction in the cost Oh
sunpiies for all departments. In this
way and through improvements in the
methods of manufacture and the care
and skill which has been displayed by
the warden in the sale of the manu-
factured products, the financial re-
turns for the year have shown SUB
stantial gain.
THE custom has been inaugurated
by Warden Ham of granting half
holiday on Saturday during the spring
and summer seasons to all prisoner
whose conduct during the week has
been satisfactory Baseball and 9TH
er sports and amusements have been
enjoyed and very noticeable i'm
provement has resulted in the health
and discipline of the men.
arrangements are under considera-
ton for the employment of additional
guards to permit greater freedom to
the prisoners on Sundays. Better
hospital accommodations are needed
which will permit the segregation or
prisoners and assure them better care
and treatment but this and other I'M
provements to the plant will require
legislative action"