A Shortage Behind the Prison Walls, and a Legislature Out of Time
A joint legislative committee grills the penitentiary directors at Walla Walla over the missing funds of a defaulting official, while senators privately admit the session will end before the truth comes out.
Walla Walla, March 2.—Special.—The legislative committee investigating penitentiary affairs was in session from 10 o'clock this morning until 10 o'clock tonight. Directors Nye, McInroe and Berry were put on the stand today. Ex-Director Johnson was closeted with the committee tonight. The workings of the committee are strictly private. It is learned from Senator Deckebach that they were merely looking over the system used by the directors in keeping knowledge of the business connected with the penitentiary.
Senator Frink is confined to his room on account of illness.
Deckebach said: "It is so late in the term of the legislature that I think it impossible to make the investigation satisfactory. There is business at Olympia that needs attention, and there is not time to ferret out this matter thoroughly and properly. I am satisfied Coblentz was short, and do not as yet think the directors are in any way to blame for his defalcations as a result of neglect of duty."
It is rumored upon good authority that this committee will shortly return to Olympia and that Gov. McGraw will appoint a commission after the legislature adjourns to investigate the work thoroughly; also that the present board will not be confirmed by the senate, and that Acting Warden Cameron will be relieved by ex-Sheriff Delanty of Jefferson county or Capt. Gilmore, of Seattle.
“I am satisfied Coblentz was short, and do not as yet think the directors are in any way to blame for his defalcations as a result of neglect of duty.”
A state institution, a missing sum and a legislature running out the clock on its own oversight — the 1895 penitentiary inquiry has a very familiar shape. Note how the committee's findings are kept 'strictly private' while the real decisions are rumored in the corridor. Washington's corrections system still wrestles with the same questions of accountability and who watches the watchers.
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