Judson Will Be The Warden

JUDSON WILL BE THE WARDEN

Of The Jackson State Prison After The State Legislature Adjourns Next Spring

EVEN IN FREEMAN IS NOT CONFIRMED

The Governor May Appoint Freeman To Fill Vacancy After Legislature Adjourns.

The nomination of A. F. Freeman, of Manchester, for member of the board of states prison control, by Gov. Pingree bas precipitated a pretty fight, but one long brewing, in the republican ranks in the state, which will take on large sized dimensions in the state senate, where the anti-Pingree end of the party will attempt to defeat confirmation. The reason for the fight is not found in Mr. Freeman's personality. No one doubt his mental fitness or his personal standing. But it is clearly understood by both sides that the confirmation of his appointment means that Deputy Railroad Commissioner and ex-Sheriff Judson will be warden of the Jackson prison. Now the ex-sheriff is decidedly out of favor with the anti-Pingreeites and every effort will be made to save Warden Chamberlain, who is decidedly in favor with the federal push. But Gov. Pingree is also a fighter and has evidently made up his mind that Judson shall be warden. So has Judson himself. They are both determined men and a keen local observer feels confident that he will win. To prove it he instances a conversation he had with A. F. Freeman, who was in the city last evening, returning from a conference at Detroit. Mr. Freeman claimed that the accusation made against him that he had tried to defeat Sharp and help Ward in this senatorial district is absolutely false and the votes cast will show it, as Whiting for governor ran ahead of Ward for senator in Manchester and Sharp had held his own. Quoth he, "It is all a put up job on me but it is not true and I can show it."

"When asked if Judson had not made a deal with Justice Grant to throw him Washtenaw if he (Grant) would cali off the "anties, " Mr. Freeman refused to answer, but quietly said "we are not sleeping."

"Do yon think for one minute," interrupted he, "that they can fool with this appointment? The governor as much as told them so when he mentioned my name and he said he would not put a man up to be shot at. Why it means just this If my nomination is not confirmed by the senate then the governor will appoint me after the session and I will serve for at least two years. It is the same case as with Brooks of Jackson. He was appointed, but not confirmed. The governor then appointed Holmes, of Chelsea, and he has now been confirmed."

In other words if Freeman is not confirmed, he will be on the board anyway for nearly two years, as the governor has the right to appoint to fill a vacancy. However, every effort will be made to down Freeman, unless it so turns out that the combination between Judson and Grant or Judson, Grant and Sutton has been formed. Then the fight is off.