The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-13
SAYS CONDITIONS FLAT TOP ARE NOW
 VIRTUALLY IDEAL J. w. Bennington, Clerk in Prison Store, Writes Let
 ter to Age-Herald
 on Subject

is clerk in the prison store at Flat Top prison. throws new light on the Elysian joys of prisoners who work in the mines. In a letter to The Age-Her- aid he says he believes "Flat Top prison is nearer heaven than any other place" He writes as follows:
 To the Editor of The Age-Herald
 Several days ago an article appeared in The Age-Herald from some one pre- sumably a convict. This article did an injunctive to this institution. Flat Top prison and it's officers, looking at 1t from my viewpoint, which is the best imagina- ble. I have the best opportunity to see and know the inside workings of the in sttutlon as to the prisoners and the off cers am not an officer. I worko in tho prison store as clerk. Could you spend a week with me the invitation is open to you or any other one else interested in tho welfare of the convicts of Alabama for there is nothing in the administra- ton hidden or under cover), and see the whole show, it would open the eyes of the misguided and credulous public. See ing is well nigh knowing. When you revert to all the rumors and reports that have gained a wholesale circulation among the the noble people of Alabama. you feel at once a disposition to investi- gate to ascertain where the truth is From my viewpoint, the legislature is to be complimented for its wisdom in hay ing such a system and the administration for executing 1t in such an admirable manner. Capt. J. H. Trtce, warden; W. L. Gresham deputy warden, and W. J. Kendric yard master, can't be excelled in the management of the prison affairs. Captain Trice exercises a general super vision. He is firm and conscientious. Captain Gresham Is a firm, conscientious officer, who is kind and considerate to the prisoners. Az he gets the control more and more in hand. he lessens the punishment every day for loading slate in the coal He loves his wards and finds his ohiefest delight when he is making some prisoner happier. Good fare, good cooking and cleanliness are his cardinal points in the administration of the rules and regulations in the prison life. With all these is coupled flrmness. Kendrick, the yard master. has the hardest work of all, perhaps. He is vigilant and ever after his task. He Is honest, capable and firm. Efficiency Is his penchant. He can be relied on.
 Church><services are held each Sunday except the third, which Is visiting day. The prisoners relatives and friends are allowed to come in to spend several hours in happy reunion. Good times happy faces and joyous hearts are in vouminous evidence on the visiting days.
 At church services every one is quiet and devotional to degree that is rarely approached in the free world. There is quietness and reverence and religious intenseness in the eager gaze of the thousand eyes that are fixed on the min- ister as he dlscourses the holy scrip lures. You then would say, "Amenr' with a stentorian emphasis when I tell you believe that Flat Top prison is nearer heaven than any other place Prayer is heard from the prison at Flat Top. There are some very bad men here but many good ones. That can be said in the free world. Come see 1t as l havs seen 1t. and then those horrible tales that are sweet morsels on some tongues will vanish as a ghost or the dew before the mornings sun.
 Warden Trice Deputy Warden Gre.- ham, Yard Master Kendrick worship with these wards of the state every Sunday These are beautiful services. Beautiful because they are so earnest. Then you should hear the singing of this congre- gaton.
 Hc ucputy chub tne Inen lTOm the mines at 6:30 p. m. every day. He dis- patches the order before time to Mine Foreman Scott. who calls the mon out on time. All officers and prisoners are witnesses to this.
 Gresham and Kendrick are ever pres ent and responsive to the orders of the Warden. Mine Foreman Scott is alert watching and studying every point. It is a business with these men-the best in- terest of the prisoners and state.
 The prisoners are paid for extra coal they dig load They have consider able money to spend for their pleasu Some save their money. Extra shifts at other work besides digging coal go into their pockets.
 The sanitary conditions are most ex- celent. Good sleeping apartments. whole some food and plenty of it. kind and humane treatment are the characteristics of the administration of affairs at Flat Top prison.
 The snow. the bitter frost. rain. wintry winds, hot sunshine and mud are a few things that do not come to these con- victs.
 This gives 1t as 1t is Come to see 1t.
 Governor Henderson Is correct on the convict question, for the best interest of the convict and the grand old state of Alabama. J. W. BENNINGTON.
 Flat Top. Ala. August Il. 1sl6.
 
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