Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-07-17
PERCY D0DDS'
IS ADDED To
QUERY STAFF
What Looked Like a
Short Task Will Re-
quire 90 Days, Belief,
Interest in Investigation
Grows Among the
Taxpayers of State.
Special to The Tribune.

CpeC1dl 10 L lie
Helena, July 16.-One of the ques-
the state capitol and which very likely
is being asked in hundreds of parts Of
the state is:
Are there any new developments in
the prison investigation
Apparently much interest is being
taken in this probe, which Governor
Dixon insists is being made for the
economic welfare of the state. but
which his political opponents claim is
being made as matter of political
Or personal revenge and with the in
tent of getting Frank Conley's goat"
Regardless of the motive behind the
investigation, and the fact that it is
being conducted by partisan COM
mission, great many fair minded
citizens and taxpayers of the state feel
that it will at least establish the facts
as to whether Montana is getting the
worth of her money out of the prison
and if there are needs of reforms in
the management there or of other
state institutions.
Will Take Two Months
There is a feeling that even though
there may have been no misappropria-
tion of state funds, the management
of this and probably other of the
states institutions have been a little
reckless in the matter of state ex-
penditures and that an investigation
will result in clearing up the situa-
tion and letting in little light upon
the administration of these depart
ments.
When the governor first appointed
T. II. Macdonald, of Kalispell, as spe-
cials investigator of the prison affairs
it was intimated by Mr.. Macdonald
that his work would require but a
couple of weeks time. Now it appears
from developments that the work will
consume a much greater period and
that it may be nearer two months than
two weeks.
Mr.. Macdonald apparently has de-
cided to go deeper into the matter
than he anticipated when he promised
an early completion as the state ac-
countant. e. E. Stewart, who is assist
ing in the task. has been quoted as |
saying he would be occupied on this |
work for about 60 days.
Percy Dodds Helping.
1t is understood here that stenog
Macdonald and it is known that an
the recent legislature, Percy +. Dodds
of Whitefish, is also taking a hand in
the work.
Mr.. Dodds has been at Deer Lodge
for some time and it is explained that
he was asked to assist through his
Knowledge of bookkeeping. although it
isr denied that he working on a fat
salary as has been intimated. What
Mr.. Macdonald will receive for his
time l>as not been given out, but it is
said~t Iat he is receiving mere pit
tance, S. per day and his meals.
1t is expected that the report of
the Investigators will show gradual
l!p increasing cost to the state of the
state prison. That is certain, as it
requires only reference to the legis-
lative appropriations to prove that
fact.
Records Show Expense.
The records of the state board of
examiners, which passes on all claims
against the prison. as well as all other
of the state institutions, shows that
for the fiscal year commencing March
l, 1916 and ending February %, 1917,
there was appropriated for the state
prison $4,000 and the expenditures :
we're $175,372.29
pVI IHC AlSCdl year Oh IJll the eX- i,
penditures were $239.51S.91, with an '
appropriation of $205,OOO, and for the !
fiscal year Of 1918, the expenditures !
we're $203, 1890. with an appropria- q
ion of $205,OOO. This made neces-
,ary deficiency appropriation by the !
legislature Of 1919 of $4,000. r
In the two succeeding years the costs +
lgain mounted, the expense in 1919 il
icing $2S5,969.5S, against an appro-
,riation of S205,OOO. while the ex- {
,enses of 1920 totaled $500, ,S54, with =
IN appropriation of $205, 200.
Accounts for Deficiency,
The heavy deficit made necessary
y the passing of the recent legislature
t deficiency appropriation of $780,
1888.
According to these figures the in b
rease in the cost Of the state prison -.
or each Of the last two years was r
100000 over the costs -
or the fiscal year Of 1916. 81
Increasing costs of supplies and l., L,
alaries of guards is given by the for +,
Ter wardeh, Frank Conley, in his BIZ =,
nnial report for the two year period u, =,
CONTINUED ON Page Eleven.) lbs