Section 12. If the defendant or debtor while confined in jail on execution claims support as a poor person, the jailer shall furnish his support at the rate of one dollar and seventy-five cents a week, to be paid by the plaintiff or creditor, who in such case shall, if required by the jailer, either from time to time advance the money necessary for the support of the prisoner or give the jailer satisfactory security therefor. If the plaintiff or creditor neglects to do so for twenty-four hours after demand upon him, his attorney or the committing officer, the jailer shall discharge the prisoner.