Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-11-04

tney were In solitary confinement
the deputy said he did not believe
TINS was possible. He admitted that
the Key unlocking the outer door OF
the Solitary chamber also unlocked
the library door and 1t might have
been possible for a prisoner to have
made an impression of that kew and
nave duplicate made. The second
door' ne said, was unlocked by the
same Key that unlocked the COM
mlssary and he admitted that the
commlssary's convict clerk might
possibly have a duplicate KEY. He
dld not believe it possible, however,
that anyone could have obtained
duplicate keys to the cells them
selves.
On the point of the support re-
celved from the warden. Mr.. Colgan
SAID 1t would have helped some If
the warden had made some changes
IN the guard.
Inc deputy warden had no criti-
cism OF the qualifications of the men
CHOSEN to act as governors at the
institution. He said that during the
past year there has been some drugs
IN the prison but he had found no
evIoence OF intoxicating liquors hay-
ing peen brought in. Prisoners had
not i oeen punished for using narcot-
1cs lor the narcotics could not be
round upon them.
PRISONERS Working Outside Jnstitu.
ton
MI. Hlnckley questioned the wit
ness concerning the men who are
diiowed 10 go out of the prison walls
anu IL was brought out that this
piivilese Is extended to about six
men. one of the prisoners, Har-
IAns.on' who is serving a life sem
tehce Tor murder, works at the war;
uen mouse and is allowed to sleep
III the wood shed of the house, The
ueputy warden admitted that that
man mas mad all the opportunity to
run away il he desired.
another lifer drives a team about
Inomaston peddling wood, and GER
tam other prisoners work at the
prison farm. Two of the women
USED TO go to the chaplain's house
20 work and two others were en-
pioyeo at the warden's house.
Mr. Hlnckley made some comment
vi tne OIL of fare at the prison.
pointing out that it is better than
'he average workingman gets.
Parole Officer Testifies
Inc next witness called by the de-
1ense was f. Morris Fish of Halo
wen, who has served as State parole
oIncer since 1918. He declared thai
ne had not heard any direct testi-
inony of any officers or inmates bav-
ing seen men prisoners going into
the solitary confinement cells when
women were confined there. He
told now food could be handed to
tnose In solitary"
Mr. Fish declared his belief that
win proper enforcement of the nres-
en- cohvlct-governing system the pris
n can DC brought up to a wonderful
institution. especially for Cleanliness
There is less fighting under tbis s,ys.
tenn. ms sSs
witness knew nothing of the usa of
iiquor at the prison and has seen no
Signs OF gambling there since the re-
construction of the buildings. Condi-'
.iohs as to the use of narcotics are
much better than in former Gays.
II was his opinion that many of the
oider guards do not have a friendly
Ieellng toward the convict-goyernine
system, but the convicts are thorough
~ In favor of it. He declared that all
penal institutions must have TRUSTEES.
only two prisoners had escaped since
ne mas been connected with the insti-
tuition. Mr.. Fish declared that the
warden and deputy warden had given
him fine cooperation.
The hearing livened up when At
torney Hinckley began the cross-ex-
animation of Mr.. Fish and endeavor-
ed to bring out confederation of the
idea that there had been an increase
In crime since the beginning of sen
timentaf' prosin reforms had been
put into practice
Mr.. Fish replied to the effect that
he didn't know about Sentimental
reforms" but did know something