Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 September 1887 — GEORGIA CONVICT SYSTEM. [ARTICLE]

GEORGIA CONVICT SYSTEM.

Governor Gordon Begins a Vigorous War Against It. The Shocking Abuse* Disclosed—Convicta Whipped for Making Known the Cruel ties Practiced—The Lease System Must Go. At last the ax has fallen, and the inquitous convict lease system of Georgia will have to go. By an executive order, signed under great excitement, Gov. Gordon has called on the lessees of penitentiary camps Nos. 2 and 3to show cause why the leases should not be annulled. Several days ago the Governor received an anoymous letter signed “Convict,” who declared that the con- , victs were being w’hipped because they made known the existing abuses, and asked thatthe matter be investigated. From the postmark it was ascertained that the letter came from the camp under charge of C. C. Bingham, on the Georgia Midland road. Principal keeper Towers at once proceeded there, had the meh were called up in lines and stripped of clothing. The backs of four men were found to beeut and bruised in a terrible manner, as though knives had been used to open the flesh. Governor Gordon read the report witlrindignation, and at once signed an order dismissing Bingham from any service in which the State was interested, and ordering the Solicitor General to prosecute him for his crimes. Active steps are .being taken to protect the convicts from the rage of the lessees, arid it is said that principal keeper Towers took personal charge of camp No. 2. The supposed report of prison physician Westmoreland, which was made to Gov. McDaniel in 1883, and which the Governor would not allow to be made public, was Friday given to the press. It is a, shocking recital of filth and crime, and will help swell the demand for the abolition of the lease system. There is no doubt as to the Governor’s intention to declare the leases annulled, owing to the violation of their provisions by the lessees.

Program of G. A. R. Encampment. The following is the program for G. A. R. week, at the St. Loqis Encampment, beginning September 26. First day, Monday, reception of visiting comrades at depots and steamboat landings. Tuesday, grand parade and review; evening, format reception and welcome by Mayor Francis, grand illumination of streets by 100 gas jets and elecric lights. Wednesday, opening of encampment and national convention of the Woman’s Relief Corps, reunion />f States and regiments in Forest park; excursions on the river to Jefferson barracks and the National cemetery; evening, street illumination, musical entertainments and fireworks. Thursday, business jneeting of the encampment; excursion to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, and river excursions; evening, street illumination, parade of the Trade’s Display association and allegorical representation of the, business interests of St. Louis. Friday, meeting of the encampment, and river excursion; evening, street illumination, banquet to the officer, delegates and representative* to the grand encampment; grand camp-fire and pyrotechnic display. Saturday, railroad excursion to Nashville, Tenn., Mammoth Cave, Ky., and other points of interest, Wanted to Have a Hand. Omaha Railway Reporter. It was on a Wyoming railway. ’ “Conductor,” said a man, who, from his appearance, was without doubt a clergyman, “I have a complaint to make. There are a couple of men in the rear coach playing a godless game called poker. One, I am sure, is fleecing the other, who seems to have plenty* of money. Won’t you take some action in the matter?” “How long have they been playin’?” “About anhour.” “An hour?” Why the devil didn’t Thu aioner?' Here/Jim,” to the brakeman, “you take' Tickets while I drop back into that game. If there’s any money to be made out of suckers on this run just count me in.”