In charging unfairness, Wilkins must have known that he was on dangerous ground; for at least the forms of a hearing have been followed, and, as always in such cases, it was difficult to point out specific evidence. Beneath his smouldering words, however, there appeared to lie three very general complaints against the conduct of the hearing:

(a) That Mr. Gill's judges insist upon examining trivial matters of administration at length, and at the same time impede the defendant's efforts to explain in detail important new penological concepts, which, because they are new, are not convincing unless fully outlined and backed by records.

(b) That Mr. Gill is discouraged in attempts to compare Norfolk's record with that of any other institution.

(c) That often the questions presented to Mr. Gill resemble those of a prosecuting attorney, rather than those which one would expect of a judge.

A partial glimpse of the testimony may serve to indicate why Mr. Wilkins feels as he apparently does.

Hacksaw Blades

Under allegation 18, that a prisoner who had tried to escape was found later to have rubber gloves and hacksaw blades in his room, the testimony ran thus:

Gill (searching for papers): I think I can explain this, Mr. Commissioner, If--

Dillon: Never mind that, Mr. Gill. I'd like to ask you just one question. Did the man have those things in his room?

Gill: It was so reported to me.

Dillon: That's all I want to know. (Loud groan from the crowd. Dillon takes up the questioning. Eventually Ely intervenes, gives Gill a chance to explain.)

Black and White

Under allegation 21, that an inmate received a visit from a woman friend, and was later found a mile and a half beyond the walls, driving the woman's car, there was considerable discussion. Then the following took place:

Dillon: Excuse me a minute, Mr. Gill, but the inmate in question was a negro, wasn't he?

Gill: Why, yes. He was a negro.