Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-05-13

temptation. The CONTRACTORS nave no
interestNin the welfare OF their convict
laborers, aside from profit, and the
contractors have nfeth0d OF pIRnish-
ment to men who do not come up to
the stipulated task. It would be i'm
possible to avoid competition with hon
the competitor of prison labor. Mr..
German Said he was familiar with fac
tory conditions and that the task sys-
tenn surely did prevail at the state
prison for the manufacture OF shirts
prison for the manufactur cot shirts
and shoes If the state is to continue
the business. the profit should go to
the state and not to contractors. In
Fairfield county the labor OF 240 priS-
oners for $4,000 a wear. and the state
has to pay a deficiency 70 the county
of $4,000 for the keep of prisoners.
In Windhana county, with no factory,
IS, 900. In LjtchfSeld county theaprison-
es-s earned $4,000. In New Haven.
Hartford and Fairfield county, where
contract labor exists, the state paid
for the keep of the prisoners $50; 600,
and the earning was'eS1, 800. In Litch-
field and Windham counties, with
earnings of $4,000. cost the state only
$4,000 Mr.. German quoted returns
from penal institutions in other states.
He said prison contractors come to
Connecticut and take away millions of
dollars in profit. If this law goes into
force. the Wardens and directors can
easily meet the new conditions. X1e
moved that the report be accepted and
bill passed
MIR. French Opposes.
CMr. Peasley in the chair9-Mr.
French of Essex said there was no
doubt but the contract system in Con-
necticut was for the best interests OF
the state and the best that could pre-
vail under existing conditions and
h. iV-1T0 yca1 a
system, which is not possible in this
state. The machinery in the state
prison is not state-owTsed aid if the
bill passes it would mean new machin-
cry and a working capital which would
mean an outlay of at least $2S0yO00. He
referred to changes from the contract
system in other states and at a great
financial loss. Mr.. French as house
chairman said he had no recommends
ton to make, but that If charge were
made it would be detrimental to the
state and the inmates.
IL is a German Bill.
Mr.. Potter of Guilford, a member Of
the committee, opposed the bill, and
Mr.. German, also of the committee,
said that all except Mr.. French favored
the bill. Mr.. French said at the last
unfavorably on the 55 hour bill and the
prison contract bill. The present bill
originated with Mr.. German and that
the action of the committee in this
matter was not reflected in the Cor
man bill. Mr. Taylor of Danbury
spoke in favor of the adoption of the
bill that would abolish the prison labor
contract system.
The bill was put upon it's passage
and rejected by an almost unanimous
vote
Right to Condemn Land.
ctr a.
park commission the right of eminent
domain.
Injuries on State Highways.
An act passed in the house Wednes-
day afternoon which provided that any
person injured in person or property
through the neglect or default of the
state or any of its employees by means
of a defective road or bridge which it
is the duty of the state highway COM
missioner TO keep in repair. or by rea-
son of the want of any railing or
fence on the side of such bridge or
part of such road so raised above the
adjoining ground as to be unsafe for
travel, which railing or fence it is the
duty Of said highway commissioner to
erect and maintain, or, in case OF
death by such injury, his executor or
administrator, may bring civil action
to recover damages sustained thereby
against the highway commissioner in
the superior court, or, in any case
within it's Jurisdiction, the court of
common pleas in the county wherein
the injury was sustained. The act
does not relieve the contractors from
liability to the state.
Forest Fire Precaution.
An act concerning the prevention of
fire along the line of steam railroads
was taken from the calendar and pass
ed which provides that every railroad
company operating steam locomotives
shall equip and maintain an effective
spark arreSter and a suitable ash pan
on every locomotive burning coal or
wood while the same is in operation
and shall keep such devices in such
condition as will prevent the escape of
live Goals or sparks. The state forest
fire warden or any deputy fire warden
properly authorized by the state forest
fire warden may examine any such To-
connective and may require any employe
of any such<company to assist in such
examination. Any such company fail
ing to comply with the provisions of
this act shall forfeit to the state the
sum of $25 for each engine operated
without such spark arrester or ash pan.
The Debt Limit.
An act was passed providing that no
town, city, borough, school district, or
other municipal corporation. shall in
cur any Indebtedness through the issue
of bonds in excess of per centum of
the grand list unless otherwise pro-
vided by special act.
Gets Back Own Coin.
An act was passed authorizing the
comptroller to draw his order on the
trea surer for the sum of $2,31772 in
favor of the New York, New Haven
and Hartford Railroad company, to re-
imburse said New York, New Haven
and Hartford Railroad company for
taxes enormously paid to the state in
behalf Of the Connecticut. Railway and
Lighting company.
Home Rule Bill Passes.
The act providing for home rule in
cities, Eoroughs and towns to amend
their charters was fully explained by
House Chairman Vail of Winchester
and passed. Another act was passed
concerning home rule for cities and
other municipalities which gives power
to make new charters
MiddIetown and Chester Road.
The act incorporating the Middle
town and Chester Railway company,