Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-06-17
BOARD TO ADVISE
THAT FARM STAY
AT MILLEDGEVILEE
Continued from Page u

places and talking with the prison
ers. Ehe tubercular ward, concern
ing which there have been sensation
al charges Of uncleanliness, misman-
agement and failure to provide prop
er food for the prisoner-patients, is
located some little distance from the
main prison building, on an elevation
overlooking g. wide eXpanse Of roll
ing country! The commission eX-
pressed satisfaction with the loca-
ton, declaring it to be an ideal site
for tuberculosis camp. The build
ings are not suited to the purpose,
however, members Of the probe com.
mission asserted. pointing out that
the structures should be perfectly
screened and curtains provided for
the sleeping porches, SO that the
prisoner patients might be protect
ed in bad weather.
The screens now in use at the tu-
bercular ward are in bad repair.
While the commission found the
walls badly in need of replastering,
although a coat Of whitewash had
been applied. The filthy bedding de-
scribed by some of the witnesses
WIlO leSl1l1Gu dI Iu0 OulSSI I'll Tie
investigation when the sensational
charges were brought, were not in
evidence when the commission ap-
peared to inspect the place. w. l..
Proctor. warden of the tuebrcular
ward, Indignantly denied that filthy
conditions had been permitted to eX-
list, and many of the prisoners after
ward corroborated the warden when
the Investigators questioned the in
mates in the absence OF the prison
officials. The commissioners express
ed themselves as believing that the
diet furnished inmates of the tuber-
cuIar ward should be improved and
indicated their intention to recon-
mend that fuuGs be furnished for
this purpose. Several prisoners in
the last stages of tuberculosis ap-
pealed to the investigators to secure
their release.
Visit WOmen's Ward
The last place to be visited by the
investigation body was the women 8
ward, which is located about a mile
from the main prison building Ex-
pressions from the commission after
the inspection indicated that the
judges were favorably impressed
with conditions there. They talked
WIFI IIldIy OI Tie WIN
spoke we'll of r. N. Etheridge, the
warden of the female ward, but in
some instances complained Of the
quality Of the food and the lack Of
variety. There are several babies at
the female ward. having been born
shortly after their mothers were
committed to the institution. AS
soon as these infants are old enough
to be separated from their mothers
they are placed under the jurisdic-
ton Of the juvenile court and. If ad
visable, are allowed to remain with
their mothers, or, in some cases,
given into the custody of relatives.
If the mother has only a short time
to- serve, her baby is left with her
But sometimes, when the mother is
sentenced to long term, the child is
taken out and placed in the care of
other persons.
The first phase Of the investigation
having been completed, there re-
mains only the filing of certain docu-
mentary evidence with the probe
commission before the members be-
gin consideration of their recommen-
dations. After receiving a transcript
of the oral evidence on the state
prison farm situation, B. H. Dun
AWAY, superintendent VI the
farm, will furnish a statistical table
showing detailed data concerning the
operation of the farm, including ali
inventory of the farm equipment.
live stock, supplies, etc. Affidavits
from former prisoners have already
been filed with *he investigating
! body.
Defense of the administration of
he Sto fo TOTic fa1 hJy T116crn II
Davidson, chairman of the state
prison commission, and the introduc
ton of testimony tending to indi
cate that perhaps a prisoner who
died recently at the institution, and
whose death has been the subject of
) charges against the prison manage
ment, might have died from the eff
fects of poison administered by an
! other prisoner, constituted the out
standing features of Wednesday,
session of the special investigation
authorized and ordered by Governor
Hardwick.
Judge Davidson, in a persona!
statement to the investigating body
which will be supplemented by a
| written statement to be filed later
| by the prison commission defended
| the administration of the institution.
although admitting that certain i'm
provements and additions to thu
equipment are needed.
The chairman declared that when
| he took charge of the place many
years ago it was in bad shape gen
| orally, but that it has been brought
| up to a rather high state of develop
ment in recent years. He admitted
the poor quality of the prison farm.
| saying that If the entire~farm were
planted in cotton the proceeds would
not pay the guards salaries.
Limited appropriations from the
| legislature are responsible for the
| lack of modern equipment and other
facilities, declared Judge Davidson
He said a deficiency appropriation
| never has been asked.
Although deficits have occurred
frequently they were paid out OF the
| appropriation for the following year,
he said. He asserted the water sys
| tenn is inadequate, the tubercular
ward improperly equipped and vari-
Gus other phases of the institution
in bad shape, but commended thai
| with additional funds and needed
equipment Improvements could and
\ would be made.
| Il Halter mySelr thaI lne pllSoI'
| commission has made a huge sue
| cess of This institution in view of
the limited funds at our disposal and
I the poor grade of soil we have had
to cultivate" said Judge Davidson.
Legion Official Testifies
DR.. Binion, of Milledgeville, COM
mander of the local American
Legion post, appeared before the
commission and with reference to
| the case of Robert Lee benson, an
epileptic prisoner and ex-service
/ man. who. it is charged was mis-.