No sooner had he assumed the duties of his office, than he instituted a crusade against the accumulated filth of past administrations, with the result that every nook and corner of the establishment was thoroughly cleansed, the walls carefully whitewashed, the cells painted and all the sanitary conditions vastly improved. This in itself had a tendency to exercise a potent influence over those in confinement, seeming to inspire them with a desire to co-operate with the spirit of reform. In fact, upon the principle that "music hath charms to soothe the savage breast," I believe that any turbulent nature is more readily controlled in an atmosphere of refinement than under conditions that are liable to develop the baser instincts.
"Bob" Stevens exercises wonderful control over men, and this he accomplishes more through kindness than by any other process. There has never been any attempted jail-break during his term, and in my opinion there never will, because all the prisoners—among whom are some of the most desperate class of criminals—seem to feel that they would be violating a confidence by the commission of any act that would have a tendency to discredit the present Sheriff in public estimation. He rules with an iron hand through kindness, whereas, were he a brute, like too many who are given temporary control of human beings, there is no doubt he would be in constant hot water, as those in confinement are ever ready to go to any extreme in resenting ill-treatment.
Sheriff Stevens' entire force is composed of men eminently qualified to fill their respective places. At the time of his election, he was identified with a prominent local bank, and brought with him to the Sheriff's office those business principles that had governed his career for years. It all goes to show that when it comes to conducting a public office of any kind, it is always better to place business men instead of politicians in charge.
During the summer of 1907, Jailer Mitchell resigned, and was succeeded temporarily by R. F. Beatty, who continued to hold the position until October of that year, when Sheriff Stevens appointed H. P. ("Dad") Hunter to the place. The Sheriff made a wise selection in this instance, as "Dad" is undoubtedly one of the best men that ever turned a key on a poor unfortunate. A giant in stature, and a tower of strength physically, with disposition congenial enough to correspond with his size, he is one of the mo.st popular men I ever saw around an institution of this character. With it all, however, he maintains a strict enforcement of rules, and is certainly a valuable aid to the Sheriff in preserving discipline.
Frank Beatty also made a good Jailer during the brief period he held the position, but the close confinement proving irksome to one of his nature, at his own request he was transferred to field duty, where he has frequently distinguished himself in the clever capture of dangerous criminals.
Through the intercession of Francis J. Heney, President Roosevelt granted me a pardon on December 31, 1907, and it proved to be a very welcome New Year's gift, for, despite my pleasant surroundings, I was anxious to regain my liberty and take up the burdens of life on improved plans.
It is one of the ironies of fate that the official document containing the act of executive clemency reached me on January 6, 1908, and I walked forth a free man on my fifty-first birthday.
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