Year: 1879

AAs X f

 The inhuman treatment of prison CTS is a specles of barbarity which should not be tolerated by any civil ized people. Every prisoner, no matter what his offense against the law may have been, is entitled to wholesome food in sufficient quan- titles to preserve health, to sufficient wearing apparel and bed clothing to make prison life at least as free from suffering as it should be, and to snf- fcient rest to prevent untimely des. truction of the vital forces.

 Do the convicts in our state prison receive the proper treatment9 The ex- prison physician, pr. A. II. Scott, a gentlemen who stands in the front rank of his profession, has preferred charges against Mir. Ward, alleging that they do not. We have been unable to see, or learn, the exact character of the charges preferred, and although the matter has been before the legislalature for two weeks or more, we have seen nothing in the reported proceedings of that body indicating what the result will be.

 Speaking of this matter the Ark ansaw Traveller says:

 "Among the papers presented to the Senate, concerning the charges preferred by Dr. Scott. against Zeb Ward in regard to the inhuman treatment of the convicts under Ward at the penetentiary, are many points that should recieve the careful con sderation of the General Assembly. Ward, in answering the charges, produced petition signed by nu- merous convIcts, requesting Dr. Scott's removal from the position Of prison phpsician on the plea of in competency. The petition was of course the result of most merciless coercion. The convicts, comple telyat Wards mercy, would of course sign any document prepared by him. It is a well known fact Dr. Scott is one of the most thoroughly educated and most competent physicians in the State. and it is furthermore known that Ward is regardles of consequent ces, as to life or health of the unfor- tunate men in his charge" :"

 The Lewisburg State has also no ticed the matter, and says:

 That there is and has been a fool ish prejudices existing against Col. Zeb Ward is a well known fact, and it is no matter of surprise that Dr. Scott or .any other man could gain credence on any report they might originate, no matter how absurd. When we take into consideration that is it Wards greatest interest to keep his men able bodied in order to profit by their labor, it is not reason able to suppose he would neglect those on the sick list. It is not to hls interest. It is known in the experience of all overseers that men will fain to be sick for the sheer purpose of shirking work; in this ease the lash is a wholesome remedy. This is what gives rise to the fabul ous reports of brutal treatment. The Legislature is investigating Scott's charges and people should not be too qnick to condemn Col. Ward. Wait and see the result. It is simply a question of veracity.

 We do not pretend to know any thing about the merits of this case, but it is pretty clear to our mind that there should be a thorough in yestigation by the Legislature. That there was gross injustice done Dr. Scott, in laying him on the shelf in the manner it was done is perfect ly apparent to us. and a case that requires the employment of such un- fair and unheard of means to secure his rejection to re-appointment as prison physician, savers very much as though there was something "rot- ten in Denmark"

 We hope the legislature will not let this matter pass without full and searching investigation; and If there has been brutal and inhuman