New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-31
Whitman Holds Place
Open Till Charges
Are Settled.
FREE TO FIGHT,
SAYS WARDEN
Governor, Doubling Ac-
cusations, Sees Change
as Best Makeshift.

fFror, A stan correspondent of The Tri6unel
Albany. Dec. 31.-The deadlock ex-
j,ting between Thomas Mott Osborne,
warden Of Sing Sing Prison, on the one
hand and Governor Whitman and Su-
perintendent Of Prisons Riley on the
other was broken early this morning
when the Governor granted the request
Of Mr. Osborne that he be granted
leave Of absence until the indictments
against him are disposed Of.
At the same time Governor Whitman
announced that George w. Kirchwey,
ex-dean of Columbia Law School and
NJ. Osborne's associate in prison re-
fern work, whom he asked on Wednes-
dsy be designated to serve as warden.
would be named acting warden and
agent Of Sing Sing to-day.
Whitman Hopes for Osborne.
NY action in insisting that Mr.. Os-
borne leave Sing Sing at this time"
he Governor said. SIS in no sense an
expression of opinion on my part that
he is guilty Of the charges against him.
still hope and expect he will be ac-
Quilted"
IL acquitted will he have to be re-
sppointed?" the Governor was asked.
Yes, he will" replied the Governor.
~ acquitted will he be reappoint-
sdi"
Yes, J assume so.
Asked II he could be quoted as say
ing that, Mr.. Whitman hesitsted and
said; THAT is the presumption, al
ihOugh that Is not binding upon the
Superintendent Of Prisons"
Mr. Riley, when asked if he would
rshppoint M Osborne, refused to
answer the question.
The matter Of reappointment was
brushed aside by the warden and his
lsSysrs when the statement Of the
Governor that reappointment would be
necessary was repeated to them.
Warden Still Confident.
Absolutely confident that he will be
acquitted when mis- case comes 10 trial,
Nr. Osborne declared that he was glad
% be free
II was obviously necessary, as my
letter stated" he declared. that l have
line 20 prepare my defence, and with
he understanding that Dean Kirchwey
would be appointed 10 take up my
work during the leave Of absence that
he Governor has granted am glad 70
BE- free 70 prepare that defence. ] am
still warden Of Sing Sing"
Then. with Huntington W. Merchant.
Of his counsel. and his secretary. Mr..
Osborne hurried 70 get the o'clock
ran for Sing Sing Il is his present
plan 70 leave the prison to-day for his
nome m Auburn, as announced early IN
~ week, spend the New Years with
Als family, and then proceed 20 the
ecrk Of preparing his case.
Ar klrcnwey. who remained at the
executive mansion late, is expected 10
axe up bis quarters 10 the prison some
1ne this afternoon. the morning being
eeFoted % consultation with the Gov
snor and Superintendent Riley.
AFTER the announcement Of the set
uemsnt Of the matter there were vRri-
rs Efforts 20 decide with whom the
'stors lay. The opinion was generally
nStessed that the only person hurt
the contest was superintendent Of
Insons Riley, who for days had in
.aIed upon the resignation OF Ar. o.
,orne or his removal Mr Osborne. a.
intists, BE- BtIll warden Of Sing Sing
voIsrnor Whitman. on the other hand.
ifse from criticism that might fol-
~ II Ar. Osborne remained on duty as
arden Of Sing Sing.
y would have been an intolerable
..eehditon" said the Governor, "to have
.ns warden Of prison accused Of
fline 10 physical control Of the wit
Ast.es sgainst h.m"
~. OfbOrnc's final letter delivered
ne Governor and addressed 20 Gu
Fnni1ndent Riley reads:
~ you are doubtless aware. the de-
letrstions Of the Grand jury o. West
tststtr County have resulted In two in
.fiiasnts being found against me.
y y Obvious that an adequate prep
slaron u my defence will make n
.srtsIsry for me % be- away from the
nADn for consideraDlc length Of
sgf therefore ask that ! may be
1Hrfd ieave Of absfncc until the final
po'lton ~ there indictments, which
,sli N ail in fny power - hasten.
thffcfore ask that some satiffac-
- pfrson b. dssignated % perform
fDies o. agent and warden during
HfaFe Of abrence Yours truly.
THOMAS ~ Osborne"
Letter Shuttlecock