Newspapers / The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, … / Oct. 6, 1925, edition 1 / Page 5
Part of The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
editorial comment on THE STATE’S PRISON maudlin sentiment responsible for deficit Much has been said pro and con about the prison deficit and the failure of the institution to make money, but the Times believes that it is the maudlin sentiment now rampant' in the state that is large ly responsible for the deficit, name ly the absolute, lack of control by the guards and prison officials over the eonvicts to compel them to work. Governor McLean in a review of the audit that has been made of the state prison says there are 408 idle prisoners on the farm and in the prisons, for whom no employ ment can be secured. It will cost at lea?t $J 0 00 per month to feed ^these prisonots. to say nothing of the cost of guarding and other in cidental expenses attached to their maintenance. 400 of these at' a cost of $120.00 per year would make the half million dollars deficit the (News a.nd Observer claims is the amount that the state prison has lost in two years, but also admits that the present crop which has been made and has noti been tak en out, and the amount due from those who have employed convicts, but have not yet paid, should be credited. The only proper way to ascer tain the condition of the state pris on is to make an audit after the crops are sold this year, and to credit the prison with the amount of money spent for betterments, and the amount realized from the sale of crops, and receipts or amounts due for convict labor, and a reasonable allowance for the convicts who have remained unem ployed, and charge it with the op erating expenses, interest on its debt, and see what the balance will Jbe. This is not the time of the tyear to make an audit, on account of the fact that the crops are still in the field or unsold. But we did not intend, at' the be ginning of this editorial to get in jn a discussion as to the amount Of losses or gains that the state prison is making. A glance at the governor’s statement discloses at once the reason for the loss, and any business would run behind if it had to feed 400 grown men who can eat more than 400 average men in any other occupation. The defi cit ise easily accounted for in the dead time that is killed on the farms and in the prisons when they are not employed The Governor says it is impos sible to hire these prisoners out. Quite naturally- Suppose a road contractor should employ a lot of th<fsc convicts to grade and exca-, vote, the only work they can pos sibly perform. Having figured on the cost from his experience at the charge for a regular day lab M-er, that he can discharge when me,pleases, if he will not work, and lias been working with him until he has become a part of his organ ization and is familiar with the work. When he begins to work the Convicts he finds they are not per man doing a day’s work. He goes to the guard and says to him, these men are not doing a days work, can’t you make them work .’ The guard will reply that the laws of the state will not allow the con victs to be whipped, and public sen timent is against it, and therefore we have no control over them. If they are whipped it must be done in the presence of a physician and of course you can’t keep a physi cian around the camp always to have them ready when it is nec essary to whip a convict and make him work. If he were present the expense would be charged up to the state or the contractor who is 1 paying the state for the time of the convicts. We were talking a few days ago a guard front the Caledonia farm. He said that he had been there for years, and stated that he had watched the evolution of things, and the differences ob taining now and years ago when fou could get a days work out of the convicts. He said the public de mknds that they have everything, and that the attention they receive from the public causes them to think that they are martyrs and that they have the sympathy of the people, of the state. Turn them odjt and they would steal or do in jury to their benefactors. Every time anything is said in the pa pers about making them work and disciplining them, they get hold of it; some way, and as a result many of them will not work, and they are a drag and an example to those who are inclined to work. As the governor says, some way Must be found to secure employ ment for those who are idle, and make them all do a a days work, Srktherwise the prison will con tinue to show a deficit, for no su perintendent can pull manna out of a clear sky to feed a lot of worth less, shiftless convicts who are sent there for punishment rather than tp he petted and coddled by the public who want their institutions to pay expenses, but when they fail they cannot realize they are , the ones responsible for the fail ure.—Wilson Times. I THE PENITENTIARY AUDIT 1 Two audits seem to have been | prepared of penitentiary affairs and neither may be regarded as ;“bad.” In fact, with the contrast ing lights before him, Governor McLean stands by the penitentiary management as “sound and busi . ness-like.” He has made a study of penitentiary management in many States and finds that' in only six i are the penitentiaries “self-sup porting.” Special conditions not prevailing in North Carolina ac count for the fact that the six penitentiaries in question are self supporting. The operating surplus of the penitentiary at Raleigh is fixed at over $38,000. Then u»e come into the perplexities of the mat ter. The audit producing this sur plus did not take into account the sum of over $192,000 that had been invested in preparation of the 1925 crops on the penitentiary farms. When that is taken into acount, we may place beside it the reve nues received from these crops. Again, the sum invested in “per manent” improvements, amounting to more than $94,000, was not talk en into acount. Putting the money invested in permanent improve ments, against the audit, there would be developed “an excess of expenditures over income” of more than $254,000. This is .not called a “deficit.” Within the year, the state convicts have earned over $33,000 in wages. This, although uncollected, is included in the statements of assets. This is the first audit of the McLean Administration that has been made on the basis of both cash cash and accrual system. The fact developed is that affairs at the penitentiary cannot be as bad as had bee.n expected, for an op erating surplus of over $38,000, looks good, even with the odds and ends of strings that dangle from it-—Charlotte Observer. INTEREST IN COLE TRIAL INCREASES (Continued from page one) terly inconsistent. Mr, Hoey held that self-defense presupposes rea son and that if insanity is made a plea it should be pleaded under its aeeptance by the law of the state. On Friday afternoon W. B. Cole went on the stand in his own de fense. A staff correspondent of the Charlotte Observer described the testimony as follows: “The witness spoke in a low, distinct drawl. He was quite a long while pleading up to his relations with Ormond, first giving a set- 1 ting concerning himself and his j family, matters that claimed keen attention from the audience. As if the story had been timed, to a minute, when he reached the Or mond phase he led in a tale of ever increasing interest that gripped the great audience and held it almost breathless as it went from peak to peak of interest and finally, just as adjournment time was 15 min utes away, it went into the dra matic climax. “He said he was dazed at the time of the shooting, though re- j membering clearly. His version of the affair is in some respects di rectly contradictory to the state's evidence. He said he thought' and still thinks that Bill Ormond was trying to blackmail him. He also said that after praying continuous ly for weeks and weeks the feeling finally came to him, while on his knees, that it was his duty to re lieve himself of the burden on him and his family and that he would be justified in doing whatever was necessary. “His references to Elizabeth, his daughter, and Ormond’s relations with her brought tears to his eyes many times. He was unable to proceed by reason of choking up at times. Among his last state ments on the stand was “I killed him to keep him from killing me and leaving my family to his mercy after I was gone.” Jonathan Daniels in the Nfews and Observer wrote in Sunday’s P"Pcr: , * . “Clyde Hoy’s cross-examination of Cole was one of the most' spec tacular features of the tria’. He forced Cole to change his attitude from that of a stricken man who ! told a simple story to his own at torneys, to a hard-headed man I fighting off the penetrating ques ! tions of the State. Hoey finally drove so close home into Cole’s story that the defendant clutched at the formula of his defense and answered every question fasked him by declaring that he killed to protect himself and his family. “Mr- Hoey made Cole admit that after the agreement secured by ■ Fred W. Bynum, Cole's attorney, from Ormond at Nashville, Or mon(J never spoke to him or touch ed him and that he never Wrote to either him or his daughter. He admitted that Ormond kept that part of the agreement'. “Hoey made Cole admit that he weint to his office every day when j he was in Rockingham during the I time when he testified that his physical and nervous condition was “near about prostate.” He also ad mitted that he did not get any body to take charge of his bus iness. “Hoey asked about the letter which Cole wrote calling Ormond a “cur” and threatening to fill him full of lead. “I meant to bluff him when I raid I'd fill him full of lead,” Cole stated. “When I called him a con temptible cur’, I meant it.” “Do you mean to tell the jury that you meant two-thirds of the letter and didn’t mean the other part'?” Hoey asked. “How was Bill i Ormond to know whether you were j bluffing or meant it?” “I don’t know,” Cole admitted. “Mr. Hoey asked Cole if he knew Mrs. Ormond, Cole stated : that he did not know her well be cause she was “almost an invalid.” Hoey asked Cole if Mr. Bynum did .not give him a letter from Rev. A. L. Ormond stating that.' Bill Or mond felt that when Cole called him a ‘cur’ it was equivalent to calling him a son-of-a-bitch and | was a reflection upon his invalid mother. “You told Bynum that you had no apologies to make?” Hoey ask ed. “I had no thought of slandering his mother,” said Cole, “I thought his taking it in that way was strained and an insult to me in itself.” “Couldn’t you have said you meant no reflection on her?” Hoey asked. “I didn’t feel like apologizing for anything like that,” Cole said, “if I do a man a wrong it’s up to me to apologize.” “But' you’re the judge?” asked Hoey. “I’m the judge of myself,” Cole answered. “I don’t remember ever insulting a man or woman in my life.” The state has in its possession about twenty-five litters written by Miss Cole to Ormond. Interest in further developments of the trial centers around the letters will bear out the testimony that her relations with her dead lover were only what they should be, or whether Bill Ormond wrote the truth. Counsel for the defense do not know the contents of Miss Cole’s letters, except as she has told them from memory. When the letters of Ormond were introduced last week the state warned the de fense that it did not; wish to at tack the virtue of iMss Cole. Or mond in his letter charged Miss Cole with telling her father one thing and him another. The let ters are expectede to tell whether Bill Ormond spoke the truth. Hall’s Catarrh Medicine both local and internal, and has bee* successful in the treatment of Catarr for over forty years. Sold by all druggist F.}. CHENEY &. CO., Toledo, Ohi Quick Relief All the suffering in the world won’t cure disease. Pain makes most diseases worse and sometimes brings on further disorders, ADR. MILES' nti-Poin Mis stop the pain and give nature a chance to work a cure. NOTICK The undersigned having quali fied as Administrator on the es tate on J. E. Ilocutt, deceased, will sell at public auction at the late residence of said deceased, on the 7th day of November, 1925 the personal property of said deceas ed, consisting of the following ar ticles: 1 pair mules, 1 two horse wag on, 1 mowing machine, 1 rake, 1 Oliver Riding Plow, 1 two horse plow, 1 milk cow, 1 calf, 1 set of double sect harrows, 3 weeding hoes, 1 stonewall cotton plow, 1 barrel of roofing paint. 1 cotton planter, 1 one horse plow. 1 farm jack, 1 shovel, two sets of tobaccco barn flues, 1 cross-cut saw, 1 grinding fork. 1 tin heater, 1 Esta organ, 1 washstand, 1 bureau, two bedsteads, 1 set of chairs, 1 stove, 1 safe, 2 tables, 1 gun, 1 30-gallon wash pot, 1 Singer sewing machine, and one complete set of harness for wagon, and other articles un necessary to mention. Terms cash. All persons indebted to the es tate of said deceased are hereby notified to make immediate pay ment. and all persons having claims against said estate will ex hibit them to me on or before the 7th day of November, 1926. This 5th day of October, 1925. X. N. HOCUTT, Adrnr. of J. E. Hocutt. WELLONS & WELLONS, Abt’ys. —Eat Pearce’s DR. J. C. MANN THE WELL KNOWN EYESIGHT SPECIALIST AND OPTICIAN Wishes to announce the opening of an exclusive optometrical of fices in the post office building, Smithfield. and will make his regular visits every second Fri day in each month. Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p. m. Make a note of the date and see him if your eyes are weak or if you have headache regularly. Ilis next visit will be FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 i DREADFUL PAINS Georgia Lady, Who Had Lost Too Much Weight, Was Advised to Take Cardui and Is Now Well. Columbus, Ga.—Mrs. George S. j Hunter, of this city, writes: "After I married, thirteen months j ago, I suffered with dreadful pains | in my sides during ... My side hurt so bad it nearly killed me. I had to go to bed and stay some- ; times two weeks at a time. I 1 could not work and I just dragged around the house. "I got very thin—I wen', from 125 pounds down to less than 100. My mother had long been a user of Cardui and she knew what a good medicine it was for this trouble, so she told me to get some and take it. 1 sent to the store after it and be fore I had taken the first bottia I began to improve. ‘‘My side hurt less and I began to Improve in health. ... The Cardui acted as a fine tonic and I do not feel like the same person. I am bo much better. I am well now. 1 have gained ten pounds and am still gaining. My sides do not trouble me at all. "I wish every suffering woman knew about Cardui." NC-160 SAVE -with DRUGSTORE LEMON COCOA BUTTER SKIN CREAM A “Super Cream ” It is rich in both, cocoa butter—a tissue builder, and in lemon juice. R real Skin food. Lemon Cocoa Rutter Cream restores vigor to the muscles, vitality to the tis sues and electricity to the skin. Use it freely. Your skin will refflect your careful treatment. HOOD BROS. T*e *Rcy*ja5X, JW On the Comer SMITHFIELD, N. C. It is time to think of your Fall Millinery needs. You will find at this store just what you have been waiting for. We are at your service. COATS AND DRESSES OF QUALITY %v ... In Smart Models . .. Fine Fabrics . . . Excellent Workmanship These qualities insure satisfaction MODERATELY PRICED AUSTiN’S “Everything for Everybody’ 8-DAY SALE-8 Started Last Saturday And continuing for 8 days only. County the best bargains they We will offer to the people of Johnnston have been offered in this territory. MEN’S SUITS / $45.00 Men’s Suits at-$32.95 $42.50 Men’s Suits at-$30.25 $37.50 Men’s Suits at.. $28.95 $32.50 Men’s Suits at-$25.25 $30.00 Men’s Suits at. $21.95 *% MEN’S HOSE _ $1.00 Men’s Hose at.-.68e .85 Men’s Hose--—54e .75 Men’s Hose- 49c .50 Men’s Hose.. 38c .35 Men’s Hose_ 24c LADIES HOSE $2.00 Ladies Hose at ..$1.69 $1.50 Ladies Hose-- $1.19 $1.00 Ladies Hose- 79c .75 Ladies Hose.. .49c .50 Ladies Hose_ 38c LADIES SHOES $5.00 Ladies Shoes_ $3.69 $7.50 Ladies Shoes at...$5.95 $7.00 Ladies Shoes.. $4.95 $6.00 Ladies Shoes. $4.29 All other articles reduced as the above mentioned. If you want to save mon ey attend this sale and buy your winter supply of Clothing, Shoes, Etc. Re member this Sale lasts 8 days, starting on Saturday, October 3d. R. S. Smith & Co., SMITHFIELD. N. C.
The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Oct. 6, 1925, edition 1
5
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75