The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-09-30

appointed by the state and responsi ble only to the head of the convic department, is required to go into tn, coal mines with the men and re- main with them throughout the time they are at their task This system was put into effect during the ad- ministration of Gov. Emmet O'iSG---.. from 1911 to 1915. but was aban- doned later. However. during the administration of Governor Kilby the system was re-established. This was done in order that an employe of the state will have supervision of the men every hour of the day and night.
 Another interesting feature of the encouragement of the system called to the attention of the committee was that the heavy brick ovens con- structed many years ago were no longer in use. but had been replaced by modern ovens. An experienced baker was employed by the state con- vict department, who trained one or more persons in every convict camp in the art of baking Fresh bread is now furnished the men at all camps.
 During the past few months an or der has been effective requiring ev cry man to shave two times every week and have his hair cut at least two times month. Barbers are provided and the work is done free for the men.
 Periodical examinations of the teeth of all convicts are being made with the result that practically all have been taught the importance of keeping their teeth in proper condi- tion. When the work was started at this prison it was found that 64 convicts had never used tooth brush In their lives. A tooth brush is now a part of the equipment furnished all convicts by the state.
 Want Cards and Dice
 William F. Feagin, state warden general, recently issued an order ab- solutely prohibiting gambling in all state prisons. This was received as hard blow by many of the men, according to information obtained by the committee, but the wardens re- ported that thel order is being en- forced with the consequent improve ment in the moral condition of the camps.
 Mir Feagin accompanied the legis- 1ative committee on the tour 5of in spection. His presence furnished a novel experience at Flat Top. There delegation of prisoners called upon him and requested that he modify his order about gambling in order that they might use the cards and dice five days a week. MT. Feagir did not give any indication that he would change the order
 At Flat Top
 Conditions at Flat Top were found to be the same as at Banner. There no swinging cots were seen, each having been replaced by an army cot. It was also pointed out that clean bedding is furnished for each bed at frequent intervals and that every man is required to keep his bed and his personal clothing in good condition.
 In order that the beds may be kept sanitary slips have been manufac- tured at the state cotton mill which are placedf over all mattresses. These slips are replaced by clean ones while the others are being laundered, thus protecting the mat tress at all times.
 Every article on each bed is now manufactured by the state at the cotton mill at Speigner, Heretofore, the convict department has been forced to invest large amount an nually in bedding. according to in formation obtained by the commit tee.
 Another Novel Experience
 Another novel experience was had at Flat Top. The members of the committee talked with various in- mates in an effort to obtain infor- nation personally about conditions and about the treatment of the men. This caused them to notice the many youthful faces in the prison. All white men in the prison were called before the committee and their an swers to questions developed the fact that of about 80 white men not on the day shift which was at work 2l had been convicted of making or being engaged in the manufacture of liquor, 25 had been sentenced for grand larcency and seven had been convicted of forgery
 Of this total number, 2S were un- der 22 years old while only four were above 45 Thirty-nne of the men had mothers and fathers living, while 30 had neither mother nor father living. Seventeen said they had never been to school day in their lives, 47 said they attended ele- mentary school, ls said they were graduates of high schools and three stated that they had finished col lege Thirty-five of the total mum Der said they were not natives of Alabama but were temporarily so- journing in Alabama at the time they were arrested and convicted.
 At each convict camp Warden Gen. eral Feagin r6quested members of the committee to make their own examination in their own way in order that they might obtain any in- formation they desired about the system and the camps. During these inquiries many convicts were ques- toned but all said they were betns given sufficient food and were not worked too hard,
 The committee will leave Birming- ham Friday morning and during the day will visit the coal mines at Belle Ellen. Ribb county, and Old rich, Shelby county. The night will be spent at Montevallo and on Satur- day the cotton mill at Speigner. the old penitentiary at Wetumpka. the new concentration prison at Camp Kilby. near Montgomery, and the prison farm near Montgomery will be visited.
 Members of the committee compos- ing the party Thursday were Repre- sentative J. w. Green of Dallas chairman; Representative Thomas E. Orr of Marshall. Representative George Ross of Jefferson. Represen- tative J. C. Arnold of Jefferson and Senator John Craft of Mobile. Sem ator John A. Rogers of Sumter and Representative W. J. Dansby of Choctaw are scheduled to join the committee in Birmingham this morn ing