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18 Inmates Also Deny Vice ChargeSANTA FE, June 16 (UP) —- The state prison board today threw all of its records open to the press and announced that It will “take up” Warden Joe Ton-' dre’s future at a regular board meeting on Wednesday.SANTA FE, June 16 (IP)— Eighteen convicts unanimously hit administration of the New Mexico penitentiary under Warden Joseph Tondre in an unprecedent press conference before the prison board today.The prisoners accused Tondre of ■ broken promises, unduly harsh punishments, favoritism, and taking the words of “rats and stoolpigeons.”_SANTA FE, June 16 (UP)—• Gov. Edwin L, Mechem told United Press today that he will “consult” with the State Prison Board concerning: the future of Prison Warden Joe Tondre.However, he declined flatly to comment on whether he thought Tondre should be retained.Asked if “you have confidence in Mr. Tondre’s ability as a warden,” .the. Governor answered “no comment.’*•' Several ■ said conditions were better under ■ former ‘Warden Howell Gag*'than they are now. At • the same ■ time, .the prisoners emphatically denied published, statements attributed to Tondre that ‘sex perversion in a dormitory known as “The Club’* was widespread at night.Deny Gambling PrevalentThey, also denied ' there Is much gambling or marijuana smoking, behind the walls.L. C, White, chairman of the prison board, explained the meeting was called after inmates said they were highly dissatisfied with press statements recently about what has been going on, at the prison. They asked a chance to offer public rebuttal. . .One prisoner who permitted use of his name is Vernon Young. California forger committed from Deming for five years. A leading spokesman for the convicts. he inquired who the New Mexican’s (a Santa Fe newspaper) representatives were, then called the newspaper's report that marijuana, perversion and gambling were common “a misstatement; it is not a fact.”Young estimated the prison contains three or four perverted persons. He said they are held in cell block No. 1 at night and ar* not allowed to-live with the men, although they -have yard privileges in the daytime.That is the cell block in which a guard was stabbed to death last week .Board to Discuss Tondre White announced the prison board will discuss Tondre’s position as warden at a meeting next Wednesday. Tor.dre was appointed by Republican Gov. Mechem.when he took office Jan. 1, 1951.Gage would, listen to you and hear your side of the story; but Mr. Tondre won’t,” one prisonercomplained. .Another said, “you cant sea Mr. Tondre at all.” . . * ,Some of the convict* declared that where there are Known cases(Continued on Page 11)
Newspaper Details
Albuquerque Tribune
Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
Mon, Jun 16, 1952
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Myrna A.
USA 20 Sep 2020
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