Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-03-15

Hdu pullulHSS III thuI ScAiNAtiOAA "
should not expect to collect rent for
them year after year and at the same
time let them fall down.
Consequently this committee re-
ported unanimously Ought to pass
on this resolve asking for $4,000. We
felt that that much money was really
necessary in order to put them in
suitable condition so they can be
rented.
Now regarding the other resolve
which calls for $4,000 to complete
the new cell block: l will say that
in 1921 the east wing was torn down.
which had los cells. Thirty new
cells have been built to replace those
10S. Consequently. you will see at
a glance that there is shortage of
room at the State prison. Today
we have there PA prisoners. There
is one more expected tomorrow, who
has been sentenced for life. with no
cell to accommodate him. The war
den tells us that he will have to put
two occupants in one cell. or else
keep one on the corridor after to-
morrow.
Now it seemed to your committee
that they were not asking anything
unreasonable when they asked that
those GO new cells be added. We
have built tier of thirty and the
idea is to build two tiers more. which
would call for GO cells. or Sb6.oUO. l
would like to say that these cells
are modern. up-to-date. and I am
sure would be satisfactory to any of
YOU if YOU could see them. The old
cells of course have been there a
hundred years. There has been no
improvement upon them except an
electric light placed in each cell
no modern accommodations whatever
The day we visited the prison there
were 204 prisoners there: a02 Of those
prisoners were at work, two were i'll.
We learned that those prisoners
work every day except Sunday, UNI
less they are I'll. and it is not for
them to say when they are i'll. They
are examined by a physician. Any one
reported i'll the physician examines.
If he is unfit for work he rests. other
wise he works.
Perhaps it may be interesting to
YOU to know also that the warden
last year returned to the contingent
fund from his appropriation $4,000
He tells us he can do it again this
year If business conditions are as
favorable as they were last year. We
were convinced unanimously that the
NdIuSH Is uOlHS SoOu WOEk At Inat
prison that he and the trustees arc
asking for nothing unreasonable. 1t
has been intmated or suggested that
there has been some lobbying down
around the State House for this new
appropriation this winter. In reply
to that. l want to say that if there
has been your committee is unaware
or 1t. The day we had our hearing
the warden was present and two OF
the trustees, commissioners. That is
the only time to my knowledge that
they have been in the State House
this winter.
Now we feel that good business
economy warrants the completion Of
these cells. The Governor admits,
does not hesitate to say that they
are needed. The only question is
whether we can afford the money at
this time. We are perfectly willing
to leave it to your consideration. but
we wanted you to know the facts
relative to the case. l rest at this
point because my fellow senator. a
member OF the committee. Mr.. Elliot.
has some suggestion to make at this
time.
Mr.. ELLIOT OF Knox: Mr.. Presi-
dent take it you arc taking up both
resolves at this time?
The PRESI DENT: The Chair will
rule that although they should be
voted on separately, discussion OF the
two resolves will be proper.
Mr.. ELLIOT: Mr.. President In re-
gard to the resolve for repairing the
outside buildings. that is simply a
matter of business. The State should
keep Up their state institutions. the
outside buildings as well as the insti-
tutions themselves. That is business
economy.
In regard to the new cell blocks /
have little more to say.
1t is with considerable degree OF
reluctance that | take a stand on this