72nd Annual Report 28 unnumbered plates., 1916

Prison Progress in 1916

SEVENTY-SEGOND ANNUAL REPORT

oF THE

Prison Association of New York
185 BAST ISTH STREET, NEW YORK

PART ONE
‘THE PRISON ASSOCIATION AND PRISON REFORM
IN 1916

PART TWO.
INSPECTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

(wos Burg Bug Jo aH 9q Of) asho}y BuureaI pus uoRg Fuyalso—y pasodosy

When the released prisoner
returns shall he meet

PREFACE.

HIS publication of the Prison Association of New York

I is an official report to the Legislature of the State of

New York, the seventy-second of the series of annual
reports begun in 1845,

Paragraph Six of Article Eleven of the Act incorporating the
Prison Association of New York provides that “the said execu-
Hive committee (of the Prison Association), by such committees
as they shall {rom time to time appoint, shall have power, and it
shall be their duty to visit, inspect and examine, all the prisons of
the and annually report to the Legislature their state and
condition, and all such other things in regard to them as may
enable the Legislature to perfect their government and discipline.”

The same paragraph furthermore gives to the Prison Associa
tion of New York adequate power to make such inspections, and
the State of New York provides for the printing of five hundred
copies of the annual report of the Prison Association, Addi-
tional copies are purchased by the Prison Association for dis-
tribution to its contributors and many others, not only in New
York State but elsewhere,

The principal activities of the Prison Association are out
on pages 166-204 of this Report, and a detailed statement of the
many departments of the Association can be found on pages
19-69 of the Annual Report of the Association for 1914. The
Bureaus of the Society are the following: Administrative,
Inspection and Research, Parole, Probation, Relief, Employ-
ment, Financial

A Mepievat Scavivas

In February, 1916, the inspector of the Prison Association of New York took
the above photograph of the survival of a medieval method of punishment at the
Onondaga County Penitentiary. The Prison Association entered a formal pro-
test with the Stato Commission of Prisons against such treatment. An investi-
gation was held. To-day th: chains are abolished, and a new administration has
been appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Onondaga County. (See pages
159-160 of this Annual Report.)

TO THE CONTRIBUTORS AND OTHER FRIENDS OF
THE PRISON ASSOCIATION.

from the Executive Committee of the Prison Associa
tion in very warmhearted and sincere appreciation of
the help you are giving to prison reform through this Society

THs volume, the Annual Report for 1916, comes to you

as an agency.

We know that any organized charitable effort must become
materially depesdent upon its machinery and its system for re
sults, and we know, too, that when such a Society as ours comes
to have several thousand contributors and a fairly large staff of
workers, there cannot be the constant in-touchness between the
supporters of the work and the daily workers that is possible

when only a few are cooperating.

But we want you, every one, to know that this Association
what its name memis, a gathering together of friends of # good
cause. Our workers are filled with sympathy and zeal. Ox
machinery serves only to make onr work prompt and useful.
And we who are near the center of the “work” are convinced
that out among our supporting friends there ar hundred
large-hearted and zealous associates in this work — which is in
a mighty field, and one needing all our energy and patience. So
we send to yor this word of appreciation and thankfiiness for
your cooperation,

UTIVE COMMITTEE

THE PURPOSES

THE PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
‘The protection of society against exime,
‘The reformation of the criminal.
Protection for those unjustly accused.
Probation, when suitable.

Improvement in prisons and prison discipline.

Employment, and when necessary, food, tools, shelter
and other assistance for released or discharged
prisoners.

. Necessary aid for prisoners’ families,

Supervision for those on probation and parole.

Needed legislation.

. Publicity in prison reform.

Research and advice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Preface
To the Contitators.

Pusposes of Association

(tiers and Execative Committee

caring Hoses and Criminoingiel Clinics
‘The Parole Systers of the State Prisons

State Prison Pood Retina,

Posibie Redistribution of Population of Ceriain State Covresional tn
Department of Carsction and Pale Casndstion of City of New York
Westchester Conney Penitetiary.

Rodgers Loyal Club

Onondaga Penitentiany Abuses

Prison Exhibit,

Pecblemindedneas id Dainaeeney

‘The Prison Azzoslation of New Yori

us Binployment Barca.

‘Those Who Are Left Beit

Our Probation Bares

(tar Buren of Inspection and Research

The Principle of Cooperation.

sr Financial Year

Proposed Legislation foe 1917.

‘Teeeseer’s Report,

Contaibutre

Conettution aed By-Laws

‘THE PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK.

orricers.
Eveewe Suir Ducatun M. Sawyer, C. C. AvcuNeLoss
OF Lows

‘VICE PRESIDENTS.

Dav H. Gasser, Ronarr W. Ds Forest
jeans A. Pautnn Jacon H. Scmev,

‘Tuomas M. Osuoxns, Guozcx W. Kincuwer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
cuss oF 1917 Lass oF 1928
J. Penimone Coorer, B. Ocpan Crson
Conxexivs B. Gorn, Epwin 0. Houten,
Atexanper M. HApbex, Rucuarn M. Hons,
Dean Sace, Joux W. Hutexmsow,
Grxo C. Srirawza, Frank D. Pavey,
Morxay Wrtians, veer J. Wenprie,

LASS OF 1919 CLASS OF 1920
Waiam H. Gratwicr, Tea Bannows,
Henry G. Gray, W. W. Barrunsuats,
Henny E. Grscony, E. Trowsrpce Haut,
Grorae G. Samtr0x, Joun Seay Wann,
James Wooo,

STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 1917.

LAW COMMITTEE No. 1.
Messrs, Wiu1aus, Geecony an Houter

LAW COMMITTEE No. 2
Messrs. Saos, Kincuwey, Gray anp Pavey

COMMITTEE ON PRISON DISCIPLINE.

Messrs. Kincuwey, Horn, Sawyer anp Cutso1ae

COMMITTEE ON DISCHARGED CONVICTS,

Messrs. Happex, Haut, Hourer axp Hurcuisox

COMMITTEE ON DETENTIONS.

Messrs. Cntsou, Susiton, Barzows axp Wenpetu

COMMITTEE ON FINANCES.
Messrs. Avenincioss, Sac, Hatt, Hurp ano Happen.

HOUSE COMMITTEE.
Messrs. SaWwvER AND AvcH

LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

Messrs. Grecory axp Winasaat

‘THE PRISON ASSOCIATION'S STAFF
117

ADMINISTRATION.

0. F. Lawis, General Secretary.
Miss F.'S. Avcsiampavon, Private Secretary.
R. §. Morisox, Cashier.

Miss Braraicr Stacker, Clerk.

Miss Basse Ratwex, Clerk.

Mrs. H. B, Laacte, Telephone Operator.
‘Miss Sorinz Carson, Clerk.

Mrs. Janus Coox, Clerk
Miss Vioua Rovatsr, Clerk.

INSPECTION AND RESEARCH.
wwaxn R. Cass, Assistant Secretary.

Mrs. M. Woourai, Stenographer.
PAROLE BUREAU.
Avousr E. Born, Parole Agent.
Patr, C. Grorons, Assistant.
RELIEE BUREAU

Mrs. H. B. Rovorrs, Relief Agent.
Mrs. W. H. Brown, Stenogragher.
PROBATION BUREAU.
D. EB. Kamar, General Agent and Probation Officer.
Miss Mixsrva Rosinruat, Stenographer.
EMPLOYMENT BUREAU.
Cuanuns K. Beatcuny, Secretary.
Miss Mary Grunoxs, Stenographer.

STATE OF NEW YORK

IN SENATE

Aram 11, 1917.

SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK

Flos
Lientenant-Governor of New York:

Sim—In accordance ‘with chapter 163 of the Laws of
1846, we have the hhonor to present the seventy-second
annual report of the Prison Association of New York, and
to request that you will lay the same before the Legislature,

Respectfully
THE PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK,
by Evcene Saarat, President
O.F, Lewrs, General Secretary

THE NEW STATE PRISONS.

HE year 1916 in this State was marked by the passage of
-wo highly important bills relating to the State prisons.
The first bill, known as the Sage bill, provided for the
establishment of a farm industrial prison on wide acreage at
her Wingdale or Beckman, ancl for the establishment of a
receiving and distributing prison at Sing Sing.
known as the Compensation and Commutation bill, was also
introduced and championed by Senator Sage, and provided for
2 complicated bot equitable system for the compensation and
commutation of State prisoners,
und the first bill was waged a particularly vigorous and
ultimately biter fight. Since 19065, the State has been committed
to the abolition of Sing Sing prison. Its thoronglily inadequate
cellblock and its tmsanitary location have been powerful argu-
ments for its abandonment. A Commission on New Prisons was
established in 1906, with the duty of securing a new site and
building a new prison thereon, A site at Bear Mountain, on the
west bank of the Hudson, not far from West Point, was chosen,
but this site was abandoned in 1910 in order that the territory
might be embraced in the great Harriman Park. A new site was
chosen by the Commission on New Prisons at Wingdale, near
Pawling, on the Harlem Division of the New York Central Rail-
road, atid construction was begun. Th 1922, work on this con
struction ceased as a result of the action of Gavernar Dix, follow
ing a report by a special committee appointed by him, that the
site chosen for the prison was low and swampy
‘The State, discouraged by the several efforts to establish a new
prison, was disinclined to proceed further, until in 1936 the com-
bined efforts of many organizations and individuals ted by the
Prison Association, and the increasing and practical interest of
Governor Whitman and Senator Sage, led to the passage of the
so-called Sage bill, providing for a farm industrial prison at
either Wingdale or at Beekman,
The site at Beekman embraces Sax acres, largely of arable and
fertile land, chosen in 1912 as the site for the proposed State

26 Tre Prison Assocration or New Yore

Industrial Farm Colony for Tramps and Vagrants. The town of
Beekman lies in the Fishkill Valley, a remote and especially
fertile region in Dutchess County, and beyond the New York
City watershed. The efforts to establish a farm colony for
tramps and vagrants had succeeded by 1912, and a very suitable
site for that purpose was purchased. In 1913 both Governor
Sulzer and the State Legislature were wholly antagonistic to the
further development of the colony, and appropriations for main-
tenance, salaries'and construction were refused. Indeed, in 1913
only strong efforts succeeded in persuading the Legislature to
forego its inclination to abandon entirely the movement to con-
tinue such a colony. No appropriations could be secured during
the Legislative sessions of 1914 and 1915, and at the beginning
of 1916 the site at Beekman lay idle, except for the temporary
‘occupancy of the site by a colony of inmates from the State Hos-
_ pital for the Insane at Poughkeepsie.

Strong opposition to the erection of a prison on the Wingdale
site was manifest. A part of the Wingdale site, embracing some
300 acres, is very fertile, but included in the site are also some
300 acres of hilly and relatively rough land, which would require
much working in order to bring it to anything like a fair state of
fertility. Tt was felt by those favoring the Beekman site that the
high percentage of arable and relatively level land was prefer-
able. On the other hand it was recognized that the transpo:
tion facilities at Beekman were inferior to those at Wingdale.
‘The site, originally purchased for a colony for tramps, was re-
mote and off the beaten line of travel. There developed, in ad-
dition, between 1913 and 1916 a greatly increased distrust by
citizens of New York City of the efficiency of sewage disposal
systems, which distrust became conspicuous in the case of the
sites at Mohansic and at Yorktown Heights on the New York
City watershed, where two State institutions were in process of
construction. New York City succeeded in 1915 in blocking fur-
ther construction at Mohansic and at Yorktown Heights. A
similar protest against the use of the Beekman site for a State
institution containing a large population, was raised by those
who foresaw a possible pollution of the auxiliary water supply of
the town of Fishkill, situated some ten to twelve miles below the
Beekman site. Fishkill creek passes directly through the Beck-
man site and would be the logical outlet for the sewage disposal
system.

Tae New Stare Prson! 27

In view of the undetermined question as to the better site for a
new State prison, the bill drafted by Senator Sage was passed,
empowering the Commission on New Prisons to choose one of
the sites. An opposition bill, introduced by Senator Towner, rep-
resenting Dutchess and Putnam counties, provided for the man
datory use of Wingdale and for the mandatory utilization of
plans originally accepted by the State, These plans included a

antic cellblock, to which specialists in moder prison archi-
ecture and prison reform took violent exception, After 2 pro-

tracted Legislative campaign, unequalled in intensity perhaps in |

the history of prison reform in this State, botin the Sage Bill and
fhe Towner BBll passed the Legislature, thereby putting. upon
Governor Whitman the burden of deciding the controversy.
‘The Governor made an enlightened choice and signed the Sage
bill,

This hill established a Commission on New Prisons, consisting
of five members, three of whom should be the State Architect, the
State Superintendent of Publie Works and the State Superin-
tendent of Prisons. Governor Whitman appointed as the two
additional members Mr. Charles Bulkley Hubbell, a lawyer of
New York City, and Mr. Elbert H. Gary, President of the
United States Steel Corporation. The Commission was regarded
as not only competent, but of a calibre which would insure a care-
ful and Honest consideration of all elements entering into the!
choice of site and of types of buildings.

Late in the fall of 1916 the Commission held several public
hearings, at which chief emphasis was laid by the Prison Asso-
Giation and other organizations and individuals upon the neces
sity of building a thoroughly modern farm industrial prison.
‘The Commission was also directed by the provisions of the Sage
bill co cause at Sing Sing the demolition of the cellbock and the
erection at Sing Sing of buildings suitable for a receiving and
distributing prison. “This provision of the Sage bill had been
finally accepted by the Prison Association as necessary, although
our eampaign had for years focussed about the sholition of Sing
Sing prison, New elements had, however, come into the problem.
It was found that the high land east of the New York Central
tracks at Ossining, and owned by the State, could with consider-
able grading be made available for prison buildings. It became
further clear that the chief objections to the Sing Sing site were
‘two, the first objection being that the location of the cellbloelc,

Ske CNAPT 5°94 -haus of 1916

28 THe Prison Assocration or New York

only a few feet above tide water, was unhealthy, while the second
objection was that a large prison was impractical both as to con-
struction and as to administration in so seriously corigested an
area as Sing Sing represented.

The Sage bill contained provisions which in large measure
obviated the objections tenable until the introduction of the bill.
In the first place, the Sage bill provided for a new and thoroughly
modern State prison, on wide acreage, in the country. Secondly,
the Sage bill provided for the complete demolition of the cell-
block. In the third place, Sing Sing was to become, under the
Sage bill, no longer a permanent prison, but a receiving and dis-
tributing prison at which inmates would undoubtedly remain but

‘a few months at the most, and then be transferred to other State
prisons. It was further indicated that undoubtedly the housing
of the inmates in the proposed receiving and distributing prison
would be on the high plateau, in modern buildings. ‘To these,
factors in favor of the Sage bill was added the very strong op-
position on the part of the Legislature and Governor to the total
abandonment of the Sing Sing site and buildings, which were re-
garded as an investment by the State of over $1,000,000.

Subsequent developments have shown the wisdom of accepting
the Sage bill and campaigning for its passage. ‘The hearings be-
fore the Commission occurred in the early winter of 1916, just at
the time when Mr. Lewis F. Pilcher, State Architect, presented
to the Commission and to the public the plans proposed for a re-
ceiving and distributing prison at Sing Sing. These plans, in
their general scope, represent unquestionably the greatest ad-
vance yet made in any prison of this country and possibly of the
world in the development of clinical and social study of prison
inmates. The fear of the Prison Association was shown to be
unfounded that the new prison at Sing Sing would include the
conventional ceilblock of bastille proportions and with interior
cells. With a keen appreciation of the theories of modern prison
construction and of the needs of a clinical institution, the State
Architect prepared plans providing for the erection on the high
plateau east of the railroad tracks of a receiving and distributing
prison with a capacity for 1,000 inmates.

It would be hard to overestimate the significance of this radical
departure from traditional prison construction ’and this innova
tion in the prison system of New York State. The Prison Asso-
ciation for many years has urged the abandonment of the bastille

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‘Tue New Stave Prisoxs 29

type of celiblock construction. In our report for 1915, we sub-
mitted a tentative plan for a farm industrial prison. ‘The basis,
of this plan was die abandomnent of the traditional gigantic cell-
block and the substitution therefore of a number of smaller
buildings for housing inmates. These buildings should contain
separate rooms, each with its own window opening to the outer
air, in contrast to the typical “inside cage” of the traditional
celiblock. Our contention has been that such buildings, with a
housing capacity of perhaps 130 to 200 inmates, would give ade-
quate opportunities for classification, for privacy and for a rela
tively normal form of daily life, None of these factors is af-
forded by the huge ceilblock.

In our prison plans of 1915 we also urged the distribution of
such buildings on fairly wide acreage, and embodied in the plans
also a group of so-called honor buildings entirely outside the
walls of the prison, these buildings each to house approximately
50 inmates and to be the goal of the inmates through promotion,

The intense gratification of the Prison Association therefore
is clear when the plans of the State Architect are examined, Not
only is the proposed receiving and distributing prison at Sing
Sing to be composed of a considerable number of moderate sized
buildings,
the plans:
also the main features urged by the Prison Association.

State Architect submitted four alternative lay-outs for ¢

by the Commission and by the public. E:

embraces a group of buildings similar in. purpose to the honor
group urged last year by the Prison Association. One of the
lay-outs embraces an “inside celiblock" structure for the hous-
ing of inmates, The second lay-out embraces a cellblock with
outside cells for the housing of inmates. A third lay-out em-
braces, not a large cellblock with either inside or outside celis,
but a group of smaller detached buildings with a combination of
cutside cells and dormitories

In the diseussion of these plans, vigorous support was given
by the Prison Association to the plan for detached or semi-de-
tached smaller buildings, and the Commission has adopted this
general plan,

Of the four alternative plans presented by the State Architect,
the Prison Association is unqualifiedly in favor of the adoption
of a plan for groups of small buildings for the following reasons

30 ‘Tue Prison Association or New York

1. The fundamental principle in the treatment of prisoners
should be proper classification. Such classification is impossible
in a huge cellblock. Relatively small buildings, containing not
over several hundred prisoners in each building, adapt themselves
far better to such treatment.

2, Individual treatment of the prisoner within the group is
essential. The smaller unit in housing prisoners lends itself to
such treatment far better than does a great cellblock.

3. Privileges in the matter of promotion from one grade to
another are highly advisable disciplinary and educational induce-
ments, Such opportunities are presented by the “ group plan”
for housing prisoners, but not by the huge cellblock.

4. The principles of the honor systery and of the self-govern-
ment system can be much better worked out with small groups
than with a single group, or even with several huge groups of
prisoners, which would be the inevitable result of the cellblock
construction.

5. The testimony of many of the leading and most reliable
penologists of the United States is opposed to the huge cellblock

type of construction, Among such opponents have been in re-
cent years

Dr. Charles R. Henderson (deceased), Representative of Inter-
national Prison Commission in the United States.

J. T. Gilmour, ex-Warden, Central Prison, Toronto, and of
Ontario Industrial Reformatory. Ex-President of the American
Prison Association,

Joseph P. Byers, Secretary of the American Prison Association,
ex-President of the American Prison Association, ex-prison warden,
and ex-reformatory superintendent.

W. H. Whittaker, Superintendent, Occoquan Workhouse (Dis-
trict of Columbia), ex-reformatory superintendent.

John Joy Edson, Commissioner, District of Columbia, chairman
in charge of building of new reformatory for the District.

Frank Moore, Superintendent New Jersey State Reformatory.

Thomas J. Tynan, Warden, Colorado State Penitentiary.

Frank L. Randall, ex-Commissioner in chargé of Massachusetts
Prisons. Formerly Superintendent Minnesota State Reformatory.

Hastings H. Hart, of the Russell Sage Foundation. Formerly
Secretary of the Minnesota State Board of Charities.

‘What Shall Be Done ?
‘And When?

‘WAY Sing Sing Mast Go!
WHY Hage Celblocks are Unmoders and Wrong!
‘WHY The Farm Industral Prisnislndspensable!

‘ABOLISE Lineman“
Sate Wide Campaign +

atonal Experts Conder
‘Bam ne

‘From the Prison Association's Press Bureau.

G MUST Go!

‘Te New Stave Prisons 3

Kathatine B. Davis, Parole Commissioner. Formerly Commis-
sioner of Correction, New York City. Ex-Superintendent of New
York State Reformatory for Women

Burdette G, Lewis, Commissioner of Correction, New Yorke Ciy.
Louis E. Lawes, Superintendent, New Hampton Farms
Reformatory), New York City Department of Correction,

olin Koren, International Prison Commissioner for the United
States.

William Healy, Director Juvenile Psychopathic Institute,
Chicago,

Mrs. Jessie D. Hodder, Superintendent, State Reformatory for
Women, South Framingham, Mass.

‘Many other names might be cited. The fact that among the
present administrators and executives of prisons there are still
those who favor the bastille-type of eeliblock is simply evidence
of the fact that a relatively new movement in prison architecture
has already made remarkable conquests within the group, not
that those with the reactionary attitude represent the leaders of
modem thought in prison architecture,

6. The “group plan,” as advocated already in 1915 by the
Prison Association, admits of practically indefinite extension.
The units in such a plan are readily reproduced. A central cell:
block cannot be readily added to. Furthermore, an addition to
2 great celiblack must preferably be made to the original block.
But modern prison construction tends increasingly to locate its
buildings om many parts of the acreage of the site. Honor
groups of buildings, and those devoted to special housing pur-
poses (venereal, tuberculosis, fecbleminded, disciplinary, etc.),
tend to be scattered, It is estential that the units be small

7. It is no less essential that to the maximum extent practice
able, buildings be constructed by prison labor. T
celibiocke cannot readily be built by inmate labor.
material and construction work must be limited to skilled
workers. On the other hand, as the State Architect has main
tained, the great bulk of the preparation of material, and of the
‘actual construction work, ean be done in the “group plan” by
inmate labor. This effects not only a considerable saving, but is
of high educational and reformative value to the inmates. Noth
ing better can be found in the way of a training than actual em-
ployment of inmates on labor that is productive, that trains for

32 ‘Tae Prison Association or New York

similar work on the outside, and that must be measured by its
actual worth as a finished product.

8. The cost of the group plan should be no greater than that
of the bastille plan, and very probably would be less per capita.
Estimates made by the Prison Association during 1916 as to the
relative cost of the “group plan” prison, as proposed by the

Prison Association, and of a “ cellblock prison” as now existing
at Great Meadow, showed the “ group plan” (embracing hous.
ing facilities for the same number of inmates, and also all the
other buildings necessary to a prison plant) to be materially less
expensive than the “ cellblock plan.”

9. Prisons, constructed now, are being built even more for the
future than for the present. The proposed buildings at Wingdale
will be in service for probably fifty years. The probable trend of
prison construction and of prison administration should be care-
fully determined. It is clear that increased classification of pris-
oners will be developed; that the indeterminate sentence will be
extended, and that individual treatment of prisoners will be the
rule. The bastille type of cellblock does not lend itself to such
development

to. The State of New York has the natural desire to lead the
entire world in modern construction and administration of
prisons. To build a huge cellblock would be regarded each year
increasingly as a fearful blunder. It is a natural hope, therefore,
that the two prisons to be constructed by the Commission on New
Prisons will bring visitors from all over the world to this State
to study and learn the very best that can be done anywhere. New
York has never, since the earliest days of prison reform, had a
greater opportunity.

The Commission on New Prisons has chosen Wingdale as the
site for the new farm industrial prison, basing its decision on the
better sewage facilities, the adequacy of the water supply and the
opportunities for securing certain materials for the construction
of the buildings, like sand, gravel, etc., from the site itself. The
Prison Association recognizes the cogency of the argument re-
garding sewage, The Association does not regard the water sup-
ply as any less available, however, at Beekman, and the Associa
tion does believe that Beekman furnishes better agricultural
facilities and in general a better site for the construction of build-

' PRISONERS’ DIET

Fresh vegetables are needed
to maintain health of prisoners

8 Sing prisoner
Cae
TowaToes ¢
‘we SUBSTITUTE Was PILLS
ce

comrane tHese MENUS

Prison Farm inmates can rate plenty
OF vegetables,

carit raise.
shosme¢ and them

Neamt afford’

A Panel (rom the Prison Exhibit

Tue New Stare Prisoxs 33

Nevertheless the Association believes that there can be
erected a thoroughly modern prison upon the Wingdale property
on higher land than was originally chosen for the prison.
Commission plans early in 1917 to ask for increased ap-
propriations for the construction of the two new prisons, The
Sage bill provided $750,000 for the renovation of the present site
ing Sing and $1,250,000 for the construction of a farm in-
jal prison at Wingdale or Beekman. The two prisons
should be constructed with the utmost economy compatible with,
the elements of decent housing and of safety.

THE LAST TWO YEARS AT SING SING

‘Sing Sing experiment in prison reform may be
date from the admission of Thomas Mott Osborne as a
voluntary inmate of Auburn prison for a week, September 29th-
October 3, 1915, followed a month later by the voluntary incarcey~
ation of Miss Madeleine Z. Doty and Miss Elizabeth Watson in
the State Prison for Women, for four days, As a result of these
experiences the New York Commission on Prison Reform, of
which both Mr, Osborne and Miss Doty were members, made
numerous suggestions for the correction of abuses, many of which
were promptly carried into effect by the Prison Department. The
most important of these were the abolition of the “ cooler,” oF
dark cells, in all the State prisons, and the serving of a Sunday
dinner and a daily supper to the inmates. .
A more significant result of these investigations was the insti-
tution in both the men’s prison at Auburn by Mr. Osborne, and in

a

Tie Last Two Years at Sine SING 33

the women’s prison by Miss Doty, uniler the authority of the
Warden, Charles F. Rattigan, and with the consent of the Super-
intendent of Prisons, of a considerable measure of self-govern-
ment. This was in both instances effected through an organiza
tion of the inmates into a“ Mutual Welfare League.”
story of the inception and development of this interesting
experiment in prison administration has been vividly told by Mr,
Osborne in his two books, “ Within Prison Walls” (D, Appleton
& Co, 1914) and “ Society and Prisons” (Yale University Press,
1916), and by Miss Doty in “Society's Misfits” (The Century
Company, 1916), and need not be here repeated. Miss Doty’s
narrative discloses a failure as well as a success, a failure due to
the antocratic temper and lack of tnderstanding of the authorities
of the women’s prison, What stands out clearly in both accounts
(and there is no lack of corroboration from independent sources)
is that the “new system,” as the inmates call it, came into being
and was carried forward in a tidal wave of exalted feeling in
which the finest qualities of self-sacrifice and devotion to the com-
mon good were freely displayed. Mr, Osborne's enthusiasm and
personality had been the inspiration of this movement and with
his departure from Auburn in the fall of 1924, and under the
influence of a less sympathetic administration, it lost much of its
early ardor, and the Mutual Welfare League, though still active
ind efficient as an organ of the prison administration, failed to
attain the success of the later experiment at Sing Sing.
When Mr. Osborne became Warden of Sing Sing Prison, it
was with the understanding that he would be given the opportun-
ry out more completely the plan of self-government which
he had so brillianily inaugurated at Auburn. When he took office
con December 1, 1914, he found in operation a loose system of
privilege and freedom which had been instituted a few mouths
before under the name of the “* Golden Rule Brotherhood,” by
his predecessor, Warden McCormick. had obviously been
inspired by the success of the Mutual Welfare League at Auburn,
from which it had borrowed most of the privileges such as out”
door recreation, the abolition of the “rule of silence” and relax-
ation of the severities of official discipline — which had been

bility b
b e result was that there was a considerable
degree of demoralization among the inmates of Sing Sing, a gen-

36 Tue Prison Assoctation or New York

eral relaxation of discipline and a disposition to regard the privi-
leges that had been granted as rights to be enjoyed without
responsibilit

‘This condition of affairs made Mr. Osborne's task a more diffi-
cult one than it had been at Auburn. To Sing Sing he came not
as a savior but as a reformer —a reformer of the Golden Rule
Brotherhood as well as of the official administration. Further~
more, he could not count on the semi-religious enthusiasm which
had carried the “ new system ” so triumphantly at Auburn. What
he had before him was a long and painful work of reconstruction,
of combining responsibility with privilege, and self-respect with
respect for authority. He proceeded cautiously but energetically
in this undertaking, and scored as large a measure ‘of success as
the short period of his service and the official and other interfer-
ences with his plans rendered possible. He served for thirteen
months, when he was relieved to await the judicial determination
Of the indictments for perjury and misconditct in office which had
been found against him by the grand jury of Westchester County.
After six and a half months (December 31, 1913—July 13, 1916,
during which period Dr. George W. Kirchwey filled the office of
Warden) Mr. Osborne was reinstated, but after three months
more of service, he resigned (October, 1915) under the convic-
tion that the Governor and Superintendent of Prisons were seek-
ing to embarrass his work and destroy his influence.

‘Mr. Osborne’s work at Sing Sing may be considered in two
distinct aspects:

First. The assumption of a general attitude of humane and
friendly consideration toward all the inmates, involving particularly
(a) the removal of all unnecessary restrictions causing friction,
resentment and loss of self-respect, and (b) the mitigation of pun.
ishments for breaches of discipline.

Second. The institution of a system of self-government, having
in view better discipline and the development in the inmates of self-

respect, initiative and a sense of personal and social responsibility.

No one who has not looked closely into the matter can realize
how many of the restrictions imposed on a convict population are
wholly arbitrary and without rational justification. While such
regulations as the inhuman “rule of silence” may owe their origin
to fear of the consequences of freedom of speech in a prison, it
is hard to find in other restrictions—such as that on correspond
ence with family and friends — any motive but that of adding

‘Tue Last Two Years ar Six Sine 37

gratuitously to the misery of prison life. Toward all these restri
tions of whatever class, Mr. Osborne maintained the consistent
aititude that the burden of proof rested spon those who would
justify them. The inmate was to have all the liberty consistent
‘vith good order and decent living within the prison walls, and was
so far as possible put on his honor not to abuse the privileges sa
granted. Conversation and correspondence were practically unre
Sirieted (though the latter continued to be censored) and visits
from family and friends were permitted at requent intervals
Owing to the menace of the cells to health and decency, inmates
were encouraged 10 spend the afternoon after working hours in
the prison yard and the evening in the chapel, where musical and
other entertainments were provided,

‘The abolition of dark cells by the Superintendent of Prisons has
been referred 10. Other pri

nder the description of “ punishment cell,” g Sing it
wwas a sufficient punishment to “ chalk in” an offender—i e. in his
own cell —and then only in case his offence was a grave viola-
tion of the peace of the commonwealth * up the river.”

The beneficial effects of this policy were at once apparent. The
behavior of the general body of inmates was greaily improved.
Serious violations of discipline, such as had been of almost daily
occurrence, became rare and were committed only by men of
diseased or defective minds. ‘The sense that they were getting a

square deal” changed the old resentfulness of the inmates

their former oppressors, the keepers, or “screws,” into
an attitude of friendliness or, at the worst, of good-natured toler-

The guards, finding no further use for their “ guns” and

.” either for purposes of offence or of defence, were glad
to lay them aside, The cowed, hang-dog look of the ordinary
prison population disappeared and gave way to an aspect of
self-respecting independence and hopefualness.

Thus far described there is nothing unique in Mr, Osborne's
work at Sing Sing except in the magnitude and completeness of
the demonstration. Sing Sing is not the only prison in which
sitmanity and a liberal spirit have been combined with good sense
n-administration. The * honor system,” honestly administered,
must generally produce like frvits of the spirit, What is distinc
ive in Mr. Oshorne’s aschievement is the Mutual Welfare League

Viewed from the outside, the League is an ingenious device for
atilizing the good will and talent of the inmates in the production

38 ‘Pus Prisos Assoctation oF New Yore

of better discipline, better work and a better disposition in the
prison, Viewed from the inside, as Mr. Osborne contemplates it,
it is a means and a process of moral regeneration, From the one
point of view, the moral benefits are illusory, problematical or
merely incidental; from the other, the material advantages of bet
ter administration are only the by-produets of the moral process.
Probably the truth fies in a combination of the two views. For a
prison there is no better administrative machinery than a wel
organized, cooperating Mutual Welfare League. For the inmates
there is no better training in the essential clements of character

fan to serve whole-heartedly in such a league, It takes a wise
heart as well as a wise head to bring and keep such an organiza~
tion in the service of law aud order. It is easier to make it impot-
ent or to degrade it into. tool. Tt calls for all that, and for some~
thing more — for a quality of inspiration in whieh the wisdom
of the heart and head are fused into one— to bring and to keep
the inmates in the service of the common good.

As an aid to good administration the Mutual Welfare League
at Sing Sing was a pronounced success. The zeal and author
of the sergeant-at-arms and his aids, of the elected delegates repre:
senting the several squads ox “ companies,” and particularly of the
Judiciary Board, or inmates’ court, stiffened the discipline by

s, an obligation due

to the entire inmate hody ‘committees of the
‘League, covering a wide range of administration, from education,
sanitation and Food-regulation to the decent burial of dead con
rades, were active and energetic, and not infrequently capable and
ficient, All these activities were supervised by an Executive
Board which held daily sessions and which kept in constant touch
with the official administration

It is obvions that by enlisting the hearty cooperation of the
body of inmates—not a difficult task, if undertaken in entire good
faith and with the tact that goes with understanding—a capable
warden cannot only accomplish a greater range and variety
of work than wonld otherwise he possible, but can deal effectively
with certain abuses which, because of their secret character, baffle
the ordinary official administration, ‘There is no reason to doubt
the sitbstantial accuracy of Mr. Osborue’s elainr that “ dope” and
drink were practically eliminated from Sing Sing during his first
term, and that unnatural vice was hunted down and exposed as
never befare in the history of the prison,

Tus Lasr Two Years ar Sinc Six 39

Still speaking from the point of view of a somd and efficient
administration, some defects in the operation of the new systent
rast be noted.  Self-gavernment, whether in oF out of prison, has
its viees as well as its virtses, and the chief of these is the tardiness
ith which the sense of individual responsibility is born in the
sverage citizen. Along with the new sense of solidarity of inter
est of the prison population in general, there appeared among the
‘more irresponsible members of the community, many of them of
defective mentality, a certain relaxation of discipline in the nar-
rower sense of thal term, a kind of slackness, a disposition to let
‘vellsenowgh alone, to do one’s bit without taking trouble or get=
ing into tronble. Bust this attitude, so contrary to the spivit of|
the League, so common under the old system, was exceptional and
lvacted more in appearance than in reality from the efficiency
tf the administration. - It shoudl be noted that in the period under
review, the life of Sing Sing was open and undisguised. ‘The old
system of prison administration, like autocrary everywhere, works
nthe dark, and has means of concealing abuses which are not
possible under a democratic systern
Another condition which invited eriticism during this period
seas the great inflax of vistors to the prison. It is of the utmost
‘portance that all penal instititions should be open to the secut=
iny and criticism of the publie. But the thing ean be overdone,
and Sing Sing suffered in this respect as the result of the news
paper notoriety that attended the transformation of the prison
Daring the summer and fafl of 1914 the prison became a sort of
show-place. Visitors, many of them curiosity-seelers, swarmed
all over the institution, in the shops as well asin he cellblocle and
the prison yard, sometimes to the number of several hundred in a
single day. While this practice had the undeniable advantage of,
Keeping te inmates in contact with the outside word as well as
of stimulating popular interest in the reform, it could aot fail to
affect unfavorably the interest of the inmates in their work as
well as the morale of some of the weaker brethren. When th
effects became apparent the practice was restricted by rules whieh
confined “sits to certain hours and to persons having @ real
interest in the prison oF its inmates,
“Another important effect of the “new system " was a certain
weakening of the discipline and efficiency af some of the keepers
ives less necessary than under the old regime, and
in many cases relaxed their vigilance or failed to assert their

40 Tue Prison Assoctation o¥ New York
‘Some of them, especially such as had made themselves
impepular through harshness or brutality under previous adminis
trations, stood in awe of the new power, the League, ar of influen-
tial members of the League, and feared to exereise their legitimate
authority. But this was a temporary phase and did not long sur
vive. The tact and firmness of the Warden, and the genuine
desire of all parties — Keepers and inmates alike — to worle the
new system to the best advantage soon brought about a genwine
cooperation hetween them.

Ta saying all this, it nuast not be forgotten that the time was one
of transition from an old to a new order, and that inmates and
guards alike needed experience to adjust themselves to the new
conditions. ‘The marvel is not that the new system should have
developed the defects above referred to, but that the defects were
so few and unimportant,

Regarded as a means of grace, as a process for inculeating a
sense of social responsibility, for converting the wastage of society
into useful citizens, the Mutnal Welfare Leagne is harder to
appraise. ‘That it did much and can do more to achieve these ends
cannot be denied. Probably 80 per cent. of the population of
Sirig Sing during the Osborne regime acquired « new sense of
self-respect and some sense of social obligation as a result of parti
cipating in the plan of self-goverament, and the smaller number,
perhaps 20 per cent. of the whole, who acted for longer or shorter
periods in positions of responsibility and who found themselves
in close and active cooperation with the warden and other officials
of the prison, had an invaluable training in initiative and civie
responsibility, Many of these men discovered in themselves tn-
dreamed of capacities for self-divection, leadership and sacial serv-
ice, and many others found in the new system opportunities for
useful activity which had previously been denied them,

(Of course there is ia prison, as well as elsewhere, an element
which does not believe in self-government, and another class
which will not assume any responsibility for the success or failure
of the democratic experiment. This, which may be described as
the aristocracy of the prison population, with some honorable

sceptions, held itself aloof from the League and its activities
Others there are, a larger number, perhaps 20 per cent. of the
whole, who becatise of serious mental defect, insanity or di

acy, have no part in any self-government seheme. It is
named, and not the general prison population, whieh con:

authority

Tue Lasr Two Years ar Sino Sixc a
the drag on the wheel and which ly re

6 which, is mainly responsible for the
lefeets in the operation of the machine to which attention was
called above, Notwithstanding these drawbacks it is safe to sa
that the new system gave the great majority of ¢ v

tha the new nmates a new

reentive to tead a better fe, and a new resott-
ood)” on their release fsom prison. How far
this was due to the League and how far to Mr. Osborne's power
ful personal influence, it would be vain to inquire, ‘Both fartons
operated in varying degrees on different men, but that the League
inder any proper inspiration wall produce these fruits of the spirit
cannot he doubted

pdt may Properly be said in conclusion that, while the Osborne
Program of humane and intelligent treatment combined with self
eoitent is not a complete system of prison reform, it may
well be regarded as an essential element of any system that has any
hance of commanding the futures MY s¥stem that Has any

In addition to the above analysis Kirch
A th alysis by Dr. Kirchwey we print the

following outline of the system inatiguyated by Mr. Osborne at

Sing Sing, taken érom the American Year Rook for 1913

(2) All maters of discipline and internal organization are in
the ands Of an inmate: body composed of some 50 delegate
lected by the prisoners on he bass of the shops of wok gan
‘The delegates thus chosen supervise marching over the
unds, the ess hal, athletic activities, recreation in genera
ving picture shows, lectures and plays. Committees of the dele.
(3) AN daciplinary infractions are dealt with by & Beael of tive
ings chosen by the executive commits of the boar of Geeganes
he_jdges meet daily after work hours "The dlesea ee
responsible for the good order of his shop of work gang’ Agee
from the decision of the inmate judges may be taken‘ to the weeds
Decisions of the judges are carried out Uy the adiiniteaion
(4) There are no keepers in the shops, only inutrat Netoions
er foremen to conduet the work. S
(3)Prisoners are allowed outdoor recreation day from 4 to §
f ms and om Saturday afteraoons, Stmdaye. and “holidays: TS
reduce the time spent by inmates in ther calls to the wietaume
lectures or entertainments are held in the chapel oracden

2 Tue Prison Association oF
(6) A commissary is conducted by the convict organization, and
prisoners are allowed to purchase a great variety of objects of per
sonal comfort.

(2) Games are played with ostside teats on the prison grounds,

(8) An employment bureau conducted by the league has been
organized for the purpose of placing prisonsers after release.

(9) Token currency has been introduced for the purpose of
organizing Ishor and maintenance on a normal monetary basis

The following account of Dr. Kirchwey's administration of
Sing Sing Prison is taken from an interview with him, printed
fn the New Yorke Evening Post, July 19, 1916:

George W. Kischwey, Warden of Sing Sing prison from Dee-
ember 31, 1915, to July 15, 1916, told today of conditions at the
prison when he took charge six months ago, of his aims and efforts
during his stay Sing Sing as he sees it

Dr. Kirehwey was entirely familiar with Sing Sing before
going there; he and his friend, Thomas Mott Osborne, had been
im close cooperation to bring about better prison administration
for years before Mr. Osborne became Warden, and later he sub-
stituted for him on several oceasfons at Sing Sing.

“Therefore, there were no surprises in store for me when I
became Warden,” said Dr. Kirehwey. “In Mr. Osborne's wore
T Jound litle to eriticise when 1 camie to Sing Sing, and nothin
with whieh I was not in complete sympathy. Hig personal intl:
ence over the inmates had been of the most inspiring sort and the
self-government organization, the Mutual Welfare League, which
had been developed under his guidance, had practically solved the
problem of discipline in the institution. The League had drawn
into the service of the administration a large amount of coopera
tion on the part of the inmates

“Regarding discipline in the prison, F have never found the
least difficulty in securing from the Executive Board. the Judiciary
Roard, of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Mataal Welfare Leaene,
the support 1 needed in the maintenance of good order. The
Exxecuitive Board has repeatedly recormmended to me that T have
aan offending member examined to determine lis mental condition
or that T obtain his transfer to another prison on the groand that
he hiad proved himself by is misconduct au undesirable member
of our prison community. I shold say that the success of a war-
den in maintaining discipline would depend entisely upon the

‘THe Lasr Two Years ar Sts

extent to which he brought the inmetes' organization, the Mutual
Welfare League, into cooperation with him, Of course, no wat
en can divest himseli of his responsibility for the maintenance
of good order in the prison, He must exercise uneeasing vigi-
fance ancl supervision over matters of that kind.

“Tf a Warden does exercise this supervision, he can always
rely on the inmate organization to back him up in wiping out
any abuse that he has discovered. Most of the abuses from
which prison administration and prison discipline have suffered
in the past, under the old and the new systems alike, have been
such as only the inmates when properly. inspired could handle.
There was never a time under the old system when inmates could
net obtain “dope or whiskey if they fiad the will and the money
‘0 procure it. There was never a time when unnatural viee did not
Rourish to some extent, Such abuses are practically beyond the
control of the Warden unless he tas the good-will and active
soopeiation of the inmate body in suppressing them. It was
Yhrough this support that My. Osborne succeeded in exposing:
these evils, and T have in my administration never found it to

‘These are the conditions which T foand at Sing Sing when [
went there as Warden. Obviously, I did not disturh them. On
the contrary, I did everything in my power to maintain them
and to eneonrage and develop the Mutual Welfare League which
hiad ereated those concitions. Of course, there was no occasion
for me to do over again what Mz. Osborne hiad done. My task
\was to continue his work of improving prison conditions and the
administration of the prison. And to do this not aecordin,
genius or in his way. but in my own “

When I assumed the responsibilities of the offce-of Warden
and began to make a closer study of conditions at Sing Sing
\was stick by the amount of ill-health and the fack of proper medi-
cal care of the inmates. The men seemed to he generally anaemic
and undernourished. Many of them were afflicted with disease of

ine kind or another. Many of them were stunted and deformed,

d a Targe number, it seemed to me, were mentally defective or
mentally diseased.

The hospital equipment was defective, and the prison phy’
cians, being underpaid, were compelled to devote most of their
time ‘to private practice, ‘Therefore, they could not begitt to
vandle the medical situation at the prison

“4 Tue Prison Assoctation or New Yore

“The first thing to which I turned my attention was the prob-
Jem of supplying an adequate and nourishing diet and of improv.
ing the unsanitary and unwholesome conditions ander which the
food was prepared and served to the inmates generally. Tn this
work Thad the services of a committee of inmates and of a food
expert, Dr. Emily C. Seaman, of Teachers College, Columbia
University. ‘The task was not san easy one, because it called for
something like a revolution in the prison dietary without inereas
ing the cost, Timited to 15.cents a day per man. As the result
of the painstaking work of Dr. Seaman and the food committee,
the quality of the dict was so improved that in a short time the
attendance in the mess-hall, which is voluntary, increased by 40
per cent,

“They are now serving a diet at Sing Sing which is, upon the
whole, satisfactory and comes as near to being a balanced diet

is at our disposal will permit. What is needed is not so.

creased allowance by the Legislature for the purchase
of food, as the addition to the prison of an extensive farm whicl
will furnish eggs, vegetables, milk, pork, and other supplies at
reduced cost. Every prison shoufd haye such a farm eonnected
with it. ‘The food refotm involved the reconstruction of the old,
badly ventilated, ill-smelling mess hall and the building of a new
Kitchen with modern appliances for the preparation of food, as
well as the training of the inmate cooks, waiters, etc., for their
duties,

“The large force of men — about 125 — employed in the pre
paration and serving of the food are carefully selected and rege
Iarly examined twice a month by the prison physician. ‘The men
are required to keep themselves as neat and clean as waiters i &
respectable outside restaurant. ‘The kitchen is a model of what an
institutional kitehen should be. Ta the dining hall, the long sla
slabs, miscalled tables, at which the mien have heen required to
feed for countless years, are being replaced by attractive tables
seating ten each, at which the processes of serving and eating
may go on ina civilized fashion,

"The uext thing that engaged my attention was the achieve
ment of a first-class medical service which would make possible
a thorongh examination of every inmate with a view to ascertaic
ing his mental and physical condition and the proper treatment
Of those who were found to be in need of medical or surgical care
This has proved to he a long task, owing to the inadlequiaey of the

Tre Last Two Years ar Sixo Sixt 43

compensation allowed by the State for medical service at the pri-
son, However, some important steps in that direction have
already been taken and the whole service which has been planned
will soon be put into effect,

This plan contemplates a medical director who shall be a
sanitarian as well as a pathologist and who shall devote all his
time to the prison; a prison physician, and an assistant prison
physician who also shall devote all their time to the work, one of
them to reside in the prison hospital; and a staff of visiting physi-
cians drawn from the hospitals and medical schools of New Yorke
city. For this medical staff we already have obtained the serv-
ees of Dr, Jolin Collin Vanghan, of the Presbyterian Hospital,
as visiting Surgeon, Dr. Conrad Behrens, a skilled ceulist, Dr
Terry Mf. Townsend, our genito-wrinary man, all of whom come
‘ip oace a week or more frequently in response to emergency calls.

“The new medical staff also includes Dr. William S. Bain-
bridge, surgeon and cancer expert, who comes up when needed,

it wh, like the others, performs this devoted service without
touey aud without price. Then we have in agldition a competent
nmate dentist, George Schan, who is the seeretary of the Mutual
Welfare League, and a visiting dentist, Dr. W. F. Garner, Oar
completed plan calls for am additional dentist, a nose and throat
man, the services of a neurologist, and such other specialists as
nay seem to be necessary. Proximity to New York is our good
fortune and the fine spirit of disinterested service animating the
medical profession, as well as their interest in the work at Sing
Sing, is enabling us to build up this unparalled medical service,

In conneetion with the foregoing, arrangements already have
hbcen made to institute a complete psychiatric serviee, under the
suspices of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, of which
Dr. Thomas W, Salmon is medical director. Dr. Bernard Glieck,
of the Goverment Hospital for the Insane, in Washington, hes
een selected as head of this py
generously provided for by a grant from the Rockefeller F
tion. Dr. Ghueck will have under his direction as lange a staff of
assistants as may be necessary to make a rapid and thorough men
tal survey of the prison population, as well as to bring to bear
‘upon the problems of individual conduet and general liealth the
resources of psychiatry and psychoanalysis,

“Te is obvious that such a medical service as this will have far-
reaching results. It will make it possible for us for the first time

46 Tue Pursox Assocsrien of New Yore

in prison history to classify the inmates aceorting to their men-
tal and physical condition and needs. Low-grade imbeciles and
prisoners allieted with mental disease shovld not be mingled indis-
criminately in a prison population, where they inevitably act as a
source of disorder, and often of infection, While the State has
rade no provision for taking care of the criminal imbecile, the
prison authorities ought #o know him and be prepared to deal with
him so far as possible according to his needs. ‘The same may be
said of men alfiieted with tuberculosis, syphilis, and other eon-
tagious diseases, We mmust know who those men are in order that
they may be segregated and properly treated. ‘The institution of
such a service at Sing Sing goes far ta solve the medical problem
in all the State prisons,

Tt is, of cotrse, too much to hope that such a service eonld be
duplicated at Auburn, at Comstock, and Dannemora._Dannemora
already. possesses excellent hospitals for the insane and tuber-
ccalous prisoners. Sing Sing may well become the hospital prison,
of the State, to take care of all cases, except the tuberenlous and
the insane, which eannot properly be cared for in other prisons
The institution of such a service is also the frst step toward the
realization of the plan reconimended in the report of the Commis~
sion on Prison Reform some two years ago, namely, that of mak

Sing Sing the receiving station and distributing center of the
‘New York penal system. Men sentenced to State prison from any

tof the State may then im the first instance be sent to Sing
Sing for such mental and physical examination as they require
before heing distributed among the other prisons,

“All this leads up to the capstone of my aim when at Sing Sing
which was this: One of the first things to draw my attention when
T became Warden was the fact that few of the inmates who were
paroled or discharged had any idea what they would do to earn
an honest living after they got ont, Practically all of them
declared their intention to * go straight," but hardly any of them
Iknew how they were going to do it. They had come to prison
without a vocation, wade, or calling, and they were going out in

Upon investigation, I discovered that from

o-thirdls to three-quarters of the men in Sing Sing had never

doné an honest day’s work in their lives. Thes olly with-

out training or habits of indust oportion of them:

iad spent the greafer part of their lives since childhood in reform-

atories and prisons but nowhere bad they Jearned anything that
would be of any tise to them after they were released,

‘Tue Lasr Two Years ar Sixa Sto. 47

“<The result was thet there was Fite honest work done inside
the prison. The general atitadé of the men in Sing Sing is that
they Want to get along a easily 25 possible with a mininiam of
actual work With a few exceptions, the men were always loo
ing fora transfer to a softer job. Toon discovered that the com
rarative worthlessness of prison labor, its inefficiency, is due to
the fact that the inmates of our prisons, having never learned how
towork, do not know how to work. Worle isa part of their pon
ishnvent and most of them woud le ide al the time if they could
Now if, as everybody nowadays concedes, the main object of pri
son administration shosld be to ft a man to Jead an honest and
ose fife after his discharge, itis obvious that the prison must
urain him to Jead such a life
“Otherwise, with the best intentions in the'world, finding him-
self incapable of earning an honest livelihood, the discharged
prisoner will almost inevitably turn back into evil ways. There-
Tore, Taddeseed niyself tothe problem of providing vocational
sid indisteal training for the inmates of Sing Sing. A promis-
ing start had already been made in this direction by an inmate,
David Maier, chairman of the edacational committee of the
Mutual Welfare League. ‘The practical courses instituted by him
in mechanieal drawing, telegraphy, stenography, and automobile
repairing had proved s0 poplar a to throv the regular educa-
tionat worle conducted by the State wholly into the shade, Men
crowded into these evening classes in a way to prove conclusively
the eagerness of muitudes of inmates to acquire proficiency in
some branich of useful Iearning whieh would enable them to make
good after their release
“Here was a foundation to build upon, We set to work to
inerease the number of these practical courses, and, finaly, a8
the magnitude of the tsk grew upon ts, with the assistance of the
National Seciety for the Promotion of Industrial Education, and
John H. Finley, State Commissioner of Education, ob-
tained the services of am accomplished-vocational expert, I~ A
Wilton, Mr. Wilson as worked out « comprehensive plan of
industrial and vocational training for the inmates of Siog Sing.
Upwards of « doven courses, including all kinds of machine work,
rental and wood svorking, printing, ete, will soon be in full per-
ation, The old powerhouse, whieh was abort to be pled down
hecause no longer needed, has heen converted into a vocational
schoot building. It is expected that before the summer i over

48 ‘Tux Parson Assoctation of New York

at least 600 men will be at work in the vocational schools and

evening cl In this we have had the constant cooperation

of the inmates; some of them skilled mechanics; some graduates
schools of technology.

You will see from this that I regard the problem of the pris-
oner as primarily an educational ene and mainly one of industrial
training. In order that this industrial training shall he effective
there must be not only vocational schools but industries into which
the men may be drafted and in whieh they may develap their pro
ficieney for the benefit of the State, Considering the character of
the prison popilation and the classes from which ie is drawn, 1
am convinced that comparatively few inmates could be induced to
follow an agricultural career and that not a very large percent
age of them are fitted for commercial or business fife. This being

1 prison should, in my opinion, be primarily an indu
establishment. I do not know of a better place than
for an industsial prison,

“Tam in complete sympathy with the view that there should be
prison farms and that as many men as possible should be employed
in farming occupations during a part of the year. My solution of
this problem would be to have a farm annexed to every prison
in addition to prison farms like those at Great Meadow and the

-oposed prison at Beekman or Winigdale,

After Great Meadow is filled aad the new prison built, we
shall, in my opinion, still need a prison at Sing Sing. ‘This may
well be not only a receiving station and hospital prison, as out~
lined by me above, but a prison in which all the industrial arts are
taught and practiced.”

‘The following account of the remarkable work accomplished
by the inmate edueational committee is given in the American
Year Bonk for 1916, page 400:

A most remarkable venture in prison schools has been the
development of classes and curricula at Sing Sing Prison by the
Mutual Welfare League. The prison population forsook to a
large extent the school conducted by the teacher appointed and

the State. Evening classes were stasted and excellently
conducted by a staff of. inmate teachers under leadership of an
jnmate director with advice from noted educators from the outside
English, Italian, French, Spanish, arithmeti, electvicity, mechanical
Acawing, automobile mechanies, are the chief courses. While

Tue Last Two Years ar Sie Stxo. 49

a ging the popes as been lot nce
ser ofthe League. The development of thls ctocstional trees,
is wel as the complete seorgeriton and moderation & ae
ical service and, the eautllshment of the gayesieny chee
sere made possible bythe zeal of Warden Kircher and by the
Teatrkable foyalky und co-operation whieh he wes able to all Forts
om the iomater of Sing Stone

THE PRISONERS’ COMPENSATION ACT.

IPH a wage of acent and a bali “a-day paid to State
W prisoners; with slip-shod, unorganized prison industries,

and with but the remotest genuine attempt to give trade
instruction or to train in habits of industry, we have gone about
as far as blundering can lead in keeping from the men ia our
Slate prisons the equipment, mental and moral, necessary for
honest self-support upon release. Though little may be lacking in
the inefficiency of the system, the wife and children of the men
thus neglected must pay the penalty of his failure to acquire a
raining and 2 trade.

“The Prisoners’ Compensation Act (Chapter 358, Laws of
1916), whicl went into effect May 1, 1916, was desigited to make
some fundamental changes and improvements in this situation
Whether of not the changes will in fact bring about improvements
will depend upon those who administer the lav

‘This law starts irom the assumption that 40 worl «ell, men
ist have a incew ' incentive must be in the forni
of an immediate apparent personal advantage. The law is f
based on the assumption that whad the man in prison wants abow
everything else is to get out. This law gives him the chance to
tells him that by industry and application,

work his way out
erially reduce his

by evidence of willingness to labor, he may»
sentence. A maximum of ten days is taken from a sentence for
every thirty days of work performed, after the work has been
done. If the work comes up to the best the individual ean do,
‘hough it be not not so good or so great as that of another who is
better trained or more apt, the maximum of ten days is to be
credited. Tf the work is inferior to what the individual is capable

credits are sealed down, In other words, it is piece work paid
in time off” instead of in dollars, but piece work where even
the worker's individual capacity is to be taken into account

this compensation may be earned by all prisoners,
definite sentences and those serving indeterminate sentences.
former class in this State, as elsewhere, was entitled by law to a
prescribed connmutation oF reduction of sentence for good behav
for, while the latter class for their good behavior received no
reduction of their minimum sentence, The first offender looks
s

THe Prisozns’ Compensation Act st

upon this minimam term as his sentence, just as the second
offender serving a definite term looks upon that term as his real
sentence, commited for good behavior in advance when be enters
prison, The new law does not change this system, faulty and
absurd as it is in some respects. But the new Jaw does to a very
considerable degree alter the old schedule of commutation. Tt
does this in order to avoid such an inipracticable reduction of
Uefinite sentences as would be effected if the new “ compensation”
were added to the old commutation, in order to make the * com
pensation ” equal for both classes of prisoners, and in order that
for both classes of prisorers a compensation ” may be provided
Tiberal enough to serve as a stimulus to work.
An illustration will make clearer the working of the new law.
A, sentenced as a second offender to a term of eight year
ved under the old law a conmnutation of two years and eight
months, and therefore had to serve only five years, four months
(being credited upon the beginning of his sentence with two
months each for the first and second years of sentence. four
months each for the third and fourth years ,and five months each
for the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth years of sentence —
although after the fifth year he will be released), Under the new
Jaw A teceives in commutation, and still at the beginning of his,
sentence, a credit of one month each for the first three -years of
sentence, two months each for the fourth, fifth and sisth years,
is each for the seventh and eighth years. His
commuted by one year and three months and
therefore becomes six years and nine months. He now has the
upportunity further t@ reduce his term through earning “ com-
pensation” at the rate of ten days for every thirty days of work
performed, and this compensation, unlike the commutation, is
tredited after the work has been performed.*

In the end, under the aew system, A serves, if everything goes
five years and three-quarters of a month instead of the
and fonr months tinder the old system, ‘The net result

jerefore favorable to the prisoner. He can, by the combination
bf the two methods, namely, of commutation and compensation,
get out earlier than by commutation on!

But he cannot, as

"At the end of each 3o days has served 30 days, "earned 10 days, ie
Tas servi Go shoniln
sR thee 34 da,
GSimpensttion ®t yece A] months, "Cominutad sentence 6 yeure 9 onthe

‘Tue Prison Associvrios or New York

heretofore, earn such a reduction by mevely the negative form of
good behavior; he must really work for it. He must actively
participate in his own liberation by really earning his time in

of passively having his time reduced through merely not giving
(couble to the authorit

B, as a frst offender, sentenced to serve not less than four years
nor more than eight years, may now earn compensation at the
same rpte as A. But, as B is not entitled to commutation, he
becomes eligible for parole after he has worked three years and
“earned ” one year

B gains a whole year by the new system, but he gains it only
by earning it, thar i, by working for‘it and meriting it. ‘There is
hus, a deiuble’ meentive for the man on indeterminate sentence
first, to be released before his maximum; second, to be released
even before his minimum.

Special measures were taken by the law to provide for those
already in prison on sentences in accordance with the old law. Tt
hhas been arranged that these also are allowed compensations iat
addition to the present conimutation. Regarding, however, the

‘generous commutation now given, the additional corpen
fox pr his transitional stage has had to be compara-
tively small; receive two and one-half days com
lays good work. There has been some
dissatisfaction over this feature of the hill, for “old-timers ” feel
it unjuse to be given only two and one-half days for the same
grade of work and efficiency for which new-comers are given ten
Gays. The objection, however, is only superficial, for new-comers
receive small commutation, whereas the old-timers have full and
generous commutation, At any rate, however, the objection is
‘only temporary.

This new law, which Governor Whitman sponsored, strikes at
the very foundation of bad and lazy worle in our prisons, If it is
used as it was intended that it should be, it may yet transform our
prison poptilation into men and women ‘willing to work and will-
ing to learn habits of industry. If, however, those adiinistering
the Inys come to regard it merely as a method for shortening sen
tences and as a scheme mmnéler whieh every one is entitled to the
maximum regardless of his or her industry, there will be little
more industeye chan heretofore,

LEGISLATION DURING 1916

HLE most important legislation of the year 1916 in regard

to prison betterment was undoubtedly the two Sage

bills, One of the bills reorganized the commutation sys-

‘or the State prisons, and provided for the gradual substitu-

tion therefor of a system of compensation. By this new method,

good-tine will henceforth be earned, not merely by failing to

ome guilty of serious disciplinary infractions, but by positive

efforts in the performance of labor assigned. ‘This bill became

Chapter 358 of the Laws of 1916. Further reference thereto will
bbe found in this report, pages 50-5

‘The other bill, creating a Commission on New Prisons and
making appropriations for de establishment of a new farm and
industrial prison, and for the re-buikling of Sing Sing along
modern lines, is explained in full on pages 25-33 of this report.
Te constitutes Chapter 594 of Laws-of 1916. This bill received
the active support of the Prison Association

Two additional laws concerned the State prisons. One, Chap-

362 of the Laws of 1016, permits the sale of electricity’
by Clinton Prisow to the village of Dannemora. This bill was
approved by the Prison Association, Chapter 533 of the Laws of
1916 exempts the Soldiers’ Home, located in Bath, from the
requirements of Section’ 182 of the Prison Law, regarding the
prirchase of materials from prisons. ‘The Dill ‘was passed on
Sentimental grounds, Tt was alleged to be disgraceful for
veterans to wear prison-made goods, The argument is frivolous,
bist sufficed to pass the bill. Tt is not serious in itself, but mav
serve as a precedent for further efforts to frustrate the require
ments of the Prison Law, which alone make possible the market
ing of prison-made goods ander the present system.

By Chapter 118 of the Laws of 1916 the fiscal year wa
charge tt nce the period from July tot to Jone 30 inclisive,
instead of the year beginning October 1 and ending September
30. As a result, appropriations were made on a different basis,
and statistical returns for 1926 will be for nine months only.

‘Some legislation affecting New York City was passed, all of it
satisfactory. By Chapter $26 the Commissioner of Correction

54 Tue Prison Assocation or New Yor

was given the power to designate any institution ia the Depart
ment as a part of the Penitentiary or Worchouse or Reformatory.
for the detention therein for a period of 30 days of inmates sen:
tenced to any such institutions; also, for the retention in city
prisons, of persons sentenced to the Workhouse for a period not
exceeding 10 days, This law gives legal sanction to the organiz-
ation of the clearing house, and makes possible the retention of

hort-term prisoners in the City prisons instead of requiring their
transfer to the Workhouse for a period less than r0 days, It was
approved by the Prison Association

‘The law relating to the Parole Commission was strengthened
in several details, especially by the prohibition through Section 3
of Chapter 287 of the commitment to the Penitentiary of any pei
son accused of failure to pay fine, or the commitment to any insti-
tutions of the Department of Correction on a sentence, including

Approved by the Prison Assaciation.
510 authorizes the City of New York to purchase a
site outside of the city limits for a farm colony for women sen-
enced to institutions in the Department of Correction. Approved
by the Prison Association. (This law was followed in 1917 by
an appropeiation by the city authorities of $333,000 for the pur-
poses thereoi.)

Chapter 284 (a bill introduced at the request of the Prison
Association of New York) adds a new section to the Prison Law
‘making mandatory the separation of adult and minor prisoners
in the county penitent,

Chapter 525 abolishes the fee system in the office of the sheriff
a New Vouk Cocny.” Tita as sone oved by fhe Dein Astoria

Chapter 83 gives the Board of Estimate and Apportionment of
New York City the power to fix the salary of the sheriff of Rich-
mond County, which is within the boundaries of Greater New
York. Approved by the Prison Association.

Chapters 236, 243, 240 and 242 make the necessary legal pro-
visions for enabling Westchester County Penitentiary to rece

risoners properly sentenced.

Chapter 492 transferred control of the House of Detention for
Witnesses in New York County from the Police Department to
the Department of Correction (this followed an official investiga-
tion calted forth by an inspection report of the Prison Associa.
tion). Approved by the Prison A:

Lecistarion During 1916 35

An important bill, containing a concurrent resolution of Senate
and Assembly, for a amendment to the State constitution, iak-
ing it possible for persons on charges of felony to waive indict-
ment and be prosectited by information, was passed. If the same
bill is again passed in 1917, the substance of the matter will be
submitted to the people at the general election following.

. Arrempren Lecistartox

A number of important bills, most of them good, but some bad,
were introduced during the session of 1976 bat failed of passage
The usual attempts to abolish capital punishment were made, but
without effect. A number of bills to interfere with the work of
the Parole Commission of the City of New York were introduced
but failed of passage. They were opposed by the Prison

‘A number of bills were introduced by the authorities of the
City of New York for the purpose of transferring to the jurisdie-
tion of the Department of Correction the Bronx County Jail and
the Richmond County Jail, both of which house criminal as well

‘vil prisoners; and the Kings and Queens County Jails for
civil prisoners. An independent attempt was made to make pos
sible the confinement of civil prisoners of Queens County in the
Kings County Jail; also, to invest all the powers of the transpor-
{ation of prisoners in any county within the City of New York,
in the Commissioner of Correction. All these measures were
attempted for the sake of economy, on the one hand, and for the
standardization and improvement of methods of treatment, on
the other hand, ‘They were actively supported by the Prison

Association, which had made recommendations for such change
of system for several years. None of the bills heeame law. The
City Government will probably re-introduce bills to the same
effect at the next or some subsequent legislature,

Abill to abolish the system of feeding prisoners, that still
obtains in certain county jails, by the payment to the sheriff of a
per capita sum, was prepared by the Prison Association and
Introduced at its request, Tt failed of passage, but is to be re-in-
troduced in the legislature of 1917.

Bills for the establishment of clearing houses for the mentally
efieient were introduced but failed of passage.

One bill attempted to create three commissioners in linacy as
attaches of the office of District Attorney of New Yorke Cosnty.
‘The bill was defeated.

56 Tue Parson Association oF New Yors

A bi permiting the use of tobaso in reformatoies ane the
regulation and management. of the authorities, although sup
feted by the representatives of instttions a¢ ell as by the
Prison Acsoiation, was deste,

ttempes were raade to reestablish the coroner's offs along
encod bes, ut fale wo very excelent bile nteoived bot
inne Senate and Assunbly forthe seorgenization avd regulation
ithe peton capital fund, made no progress
of Barle for State Prisons fled of pmsage. A nanber of bil
Stotifing the procedure of the Board of Parole in regard to
ef inmates to State prisons or making changes fo he eg
Bitty of auch prisoners were invodgced bat tee, except the
Sage ill eferred to shove, was passed

A pas atemped in one bil to provure a snore Reible system
of transfers of veile delinquents Between instations. Te was
erate bibs was defeated: t wil however, be e-ntoced
in the legislative of 1987 “

NS ices was bal for bills providing a pension system for
employees of State prisons and reformatories

RB co eranster the: management of he State farm for
women at Vala fom the Superintendent of Prisons to 2 boast
Brager was defeated

ROAD WORK BY PRISONERS.

in this State in the development of road work by prison
ers. The employment of State prisoners on town roads
thas continued at Auburn, Great Meadow and Clinton Prisons in
the same manner as reported by the Prison Association in 1914.
A small amount of similar work was done also by Sing Sing
Prisou, but the utilization of State prisoners on the actual con-
struction of new highways, comparable to that undertaken by the
prisoners at the Onondaga Penitentiary, and that begun during.
913 by Sing Sing prisoners at Palenville, has been at a standstill,
Tin the statement by this Association in 1914 of the extent and
results of prison labor on road work in this State, we referred to
he work at Palenville, but cowld not give definite data. The aban-
donment of that work has been attributed by many persons largely
10 the impossibility of using prison labor om such large jobs.
During the wardenship of Dr. Kirchwey at Sing Sing, an effort
was made to begin again the employment of State prisoners on
road work such as originally contemplated at Palenville. In con-
‘on with Warden Kirchivey"s attempt, and largely for his
faata were obtained whieh represented a clear statement of the
actual results of the experience at Palenville in 1914; the work
carried on by Mr. Bogasdus in Onondaga Connty was a
amined and the data were brought up to date
Tn support of the contention by this Association that the em-
ployment of State prisoners on large road construction jobs is
feasible and desirable, the material obtained was submitied to
Warden Kirchwey and was to be-sed by him in an appeal to the
Governor. tis very desirable that the facts relative to Palenville
and Onondage County be clearly presented, both in order to
rectify erroneous impressions concerning the work and also to
impress upon the public the fact that such employment of pris-
ners on a large scale is still a possibility, though snrealized,
‘The purpose of employing prison labor on highway construc
tion is fourfold: First, to provide healthful and hard labor to
prisoners who otherwise might be idling away their time in
prison; secondly, to make possible the construction of the max-
imum of highway
the reduction of the congestion of population at the priso
fourthly, to provide an economically profitable employment for
the State prisons

D RING the past two years, little headway has been made

o

58 ‘Tur Prisox Association or New York

Svare Hicnway Construction ar PatenvsturUnper Tas
Mawaceanr or raz Sate Hicuway Derarraen',

The following report was prepared in cooperation with Mr
David J. Shaw, the engineer in charge, and is based on the figure
both of Me. Shaw and Mr. Wait, Division Engineer. Mr. Wai
report is based entirely on figures and information supplied by
Mr. Shaw

The total cost of the work, including every item of expenditure,
is given at $37,544.49.

Different analyses of this cost led to varying conclusions as to
the value of the work and the loss sustained by the State through
the employment of prison labor. Ms. Wait places the financial
loss at $14,500, whereas Mr. Shaw considers the actual loss to
have been not more than $3,027., ‘The great difference between
these estimates is the result, of course, of a different analysis of
the cost. A very careful financial statement prepared with the
aid of Mr. Shaw, who has a intimate knowledge of the work p
formed, is given in full in the following pages, because it is
thought to be of permanent value both for the problem of road
work in general and as a clearing up of the coutradi
ments in respect to the Palenville job.

‘Some diserepancies in the estimates are based on such differ-
ences as: the estimate of convict labor eflicieney at 50 per cent. as
against more than 60 per cent. failure to make allowance for the
experimental period of the commissary department; the lack of
cooperation by prison officials in respect to sending the proper
type of men, and the charging of overhead expenses originally
calculated for a period of twenty months against thre
actual labor: similarly, 1g of all tools and machinery
against the three months, instead of making only depreciation
charges on the basis of twenty months; charging the total cost
of the eamp and eamp equipment against the short period, instead
of a proposed twenty months’ period; the difference in the esti
mate of value of actual labor performed, varying from $7,000

it to $9.933 by Mr. Shaw (accepted as $8,500 in the

ited herewith) ; failure to allow for similar losses for
the period of organization of any construction work of the same
kind, whether done by contract labor or otherwise, which losses
are generally made up by contractors in the subsequent periods
failure to make allowance for the fact that the most difficult part
of the road work was taken up at the beginning of the period of
construction; failure to make allowance for the saving to the

Roap Wok ny Prisonens 59

Prison Department resulting from the payment solely by the
Highway Department of the total expense of maintenance and
-ding of the prisoners while employed on the road,
ssing the efficiency of eonviet labor Mr. Shaw says
There were in all 79 convicts sént .o Palenville, Of these, 19)
svere returned at once as manifestly urfit for our work, leaving 60
with which we commenced the active season, There were in all 51
vilian laborers hired locally. Among the 60 convicts there were
.g who should not have been retained, but taking the 6o as they were,
aiid comparing them with the 51 local civilians, the convicts averaged
Detter as workmen. Omitting the 19 who failed, and considering
‘only the 41 who made good, the conviets averaged as well as an
frdinary good contractor's gang. The local civiligns averaged very
poorly as Tsborers
The causes of difficelty in efficiently working conviet Ibor dur-
ing the past season were found to be

1. The bringing of convicts to the jab before organization and
equipment were complete,

2. The sending to the job of men who were of improper
material, either mentally or physically, for the making of useful
workers, om this class of wor’

4 The retention on the job of sueh improper men.

4. The failure of the system adopted for feeding the convicts.

5. The keeping on the job of conviets after the possibility of
ficient work was at an end for the season,

Each of these was in itself the cause of a heavy inecease of the
cost in proportion to the work done.

Some of Mr. Wait's remarks show him, in part at feast, in
agreement with Mr. Shaw, In a letter dated April 5, rors, he
says in part as follows

“ What I would impress upon you in regard to this matter is that
if any work is undertaken by any State

fed,

mes under the control of the Prison’ Department. Our greatest

take on this job was in trying to assume the duties which right
fully belonged to the Prison Department. [ believe that there is a
good field for convict labor, but a heavy job like Route 5-C is, in
my opinion, not adapted to it. In my report I treated only the
economic side of the problem, with particular reference to the
amount of finds available for the completion of this one job, and 1
have not considered the advantages to the State from other sources.

60 Tue Prison Assoctation or New York

‘The recommendations for future work of the nature under
‘taken at Palenville in order to avoid previous mistakes and any
future losses, are given by Mr. Shaw as follows

1, The Highway Department should handle only the actual
construction end of the work, It should hire the laborer from the
Prison Department, at a set price per day or hour of actual work
on the road, in exactly the same manner as free labor is hired
for the same work, and at a set percentage of same price. The
Highway Department should have no responsibility for nor au-
thority over the convicts, at any time nor in any manner, except
to direct their work or discharge them, in all respects the same
iree labor. During the hours of work, the men should not be
thought of as convicts, but simply as employees of the Highway
Department, No payment should be made for a single hour not
actually worked, and a man discharged should be removed at
once and permanently, in all respects the same as free labor.

2. In all respects except directing at work, the men should be
controlled by the Prison Department. Outside of working hours,
or when discharged, they should be governed and maintained by
the Prison Department in whatever manner and at whatever ex:
pense it sees fit.

The reasons and advantages of this change are as follows

(a) The matter of handling conviets in such manner as to be
of benefit to them and to society in general is a sociological
problem, and should be in the hands of the Prison Department.
‘The Highway Department is not organized for such work, but
for construction only.

(b) The Prison Department chooses the men to send to the
job. They can choose such men as they please, and keep them in
camp as long and under such conditions as they please. The
Highway Department, which wishes to pay only for work done
on construction and at the same rate per unit of work done as for
free labor, would not be compelled to pay either for reform or
for physical or mental improvement or education,

(c) The camp can be run in a mofe business like manner. The
exact income at any time can be known and the expenditure
governed according!

(a) The most important matter of all, namely, the giving to
the men of an object for which to work, would be completely int
the hands of the Prison Department.

Roap Work By Prisowens 6x

Awatysis OF FINANCIAL SrarEMERT or Roap Constuctios BY
Prison Lavon at PALENVILLE, 1014

‘teh cost ere
edict engieering snd supplies ca
"dat fellow Tt de

$99 85
sapere ea tia Qe
copes ants one hy
sn prectrng la 109 00
oa and nye
Tea pe cont epic Pee Ma suagha 23
nf bn bane 68 36
Ein eautpmrent oo hao.) 389 82 6038 4
og ercent geprain aich
a age of Saphas. that i
‘he etion 8 So sla

all pew, et on is
Riad ‘coetructlon” eaten “i

eres - ee
er Cie perineal:
2

‘Pur Experience 1x Oxoxpaca Coun’
‘The itnportance of the highway construction with prison labor
jin Onondaga County rests upon the following considerations:
To all intents and purposes, the Highway Department acted
4s contractor, hiring the labor of prisongrs from» the county pen!

62 Tite PRISON Association oF New York

tentiary. It is this relation between the Highway and the Prisor
Department that is recommended for the State in its employment
fof State prisoners. The State Highway Department should act

contractor in respect t0 the labor to be supplied by the Prison

type of State highway construction on the principle of water
ound mac ‘Therefore, the technical considerations are di
rectly transferable from the experience in Onondaga County to

the proposal for State work,
‘The experience of Onondaga County in physical technique
operations

of the conduct of road camps and in the finane’
serves as a splendid lesson to the State for similar work,

A full statement of this work is contained in the annual report
of the Prison Association for 1914. The following table is av
analysis of the financial statements for that work for the years
1gt2, 1913 and 1914. arranged by Mr. Shaw so as to be
comparable

Ovoxnaca County Reap Work.

pert bhseses

Reap Worx uy Prisoners 63

Coumext oN Vaniovs Puaszs oP THe Oxowpaca Wore,
(Mostly hy Me. Shaw)

1. The method of returning prisoners to the institution over
night is feasible, if work: is done within a radius of not more than
tyventy miles. Properly equipped cars, similar to the sight seeing
tars used in New York City, may be easily used for transporting
them to and fro. The disadvantage of this method lies in the
lack of appeal to the workers, since their living conditions remain
the same, It might be restricted to the class of men whom safety
requires to be returned at night. The opportunity for the ride
morning and night, and the change of surroundings, would be
saiicient incentive. Men who may he trusted on honor ean be
used on road camps at a greater distance from the institution.

2 the hest way of hoasing prisoners

road camps. In view of the fact that the State's standard for
hovsing its prisoners must be far superior to that of the usual con-
tractors’ camp, the portable camp which may be moved as often
as necessary represents both an economical method and the pos-
shility of a high standard of institutional cleanliness. ‘This
nethod js strongly urged for future operations on State Highway
work, as the only solution for eamp constriction and equipment
that may be kept within reasonable financial limit

3. In payment hy the Highway Department to the Prison De
partment for labor of prisoners, the method employed in Onon

iga County of crediting snch Tabor at the rate of 714¢ per hour,

Cover expenses in addition to those normally incurred by the
prison for their maintenance at the institution, can be improved
‘spon by payment of approximately 15¢ per hour of prison Iabor
for actual road construction, as representing 75 per cent. eff-
cieney of prison labor, as compared with free labor. Such a rate
is conservative and is in agreement with the estimate of Div
Engineer, B. HL Wait, with reference to prison labor on
Palenville road.

2, Portable camps constitnt

CLEARING HOUSES AND CRIMINOLOGICAL CLINICS

N 1012 there was established at Bedford Hills, New York,
Laboratory of Social Hygiene, through the generosity of
of Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Laboratory was,

among other purposes, to make a thorough study of all women
newly committed to the New York State Reformatory to
Women at Bedford, in order that their treatment by the Reforma
tory shottld be based upon the most accurate and comprehensive
knowledge available. Credit for the suggestion of such a Labora
tory is due Miss Katharine B. Davis, then superintendent of the
Reformatory.

In 1916, the Legislature provided for the establishment a
Sing Sing prison of a receiving and distributing prison. On such
establishment of a “clearing house,” inmates committer
prisons of the State Department of Prisons are first to be receive’
at Sing Sing, and will be there subjected to a most thorougi
study, analogous to that of the Laboratory of Social Hygiene at
Bedford. Late in 1916, the Commission on New Prisons, tie
official body ereated to carry out the provisions of the lav
adopted pla ng prison at Sing
Sing that will surpass in scope and detail any previous effort in
this country, and probably in the entire world,

For a number of years, the Javenil
Chicago has, under the noteworthy
Healy, served as a laboratory for the Juver
county. The work of Dr. Healy and his assistants has not only
been of almost indispensable value to the court, but has also
enabled Dr. Healy to publish scientific contributions of national
value, More recently, a similar laboratory has been esta
in connection with the Chicago Municipal Court, under the di
tion of Dr. Hickson,

In New Vorle City, a clearing house was for several years eon
ducted by Dr. Max Schlaap for certain cases referred thereto
by the Children’s Court of Manhattan, and other agencies,

‘The principle of criminological clinics, and of clearing houses
for the adequate mental and physical diagnosis of persows

Curarive Houses ann Cermnovocicat Crantes

charged with or convicted of crime, and for their proper distribu:
tion to sttitable institutions, is to-day well established,

There are evidently two kinds of institutions at present referred
to as “clearing louses.” ‘The first type functions especially as
ca arm of the Court. It receives for examination persons already
convicted, but before sentence. The purpose of this clinic is to

jurnish to the Court a report of the physical and mental con-
Iition of the convicted person, sufficiently exhaustive to enable the
Court to pronounce a proper sentence,

This type of laboratory serves the Court much as does the
probation officer, One function of the probation officer is to
furnish to the Court an adequate report on the social factors in
the ease of the convicted defendant, Probation olficers are recog.
nized to-day as indispensable in a modern courtroom. Probation

fficers secure for the Court information regarding the social
history of the prisoner that the Court could otherwise not be in
possession of. Justice to the convicted prisoner requires that
sich information be secured before sentence.

Similarly, the Court shoutd, in justice Dott to the People of the
State of New York, and to the defendant, he in possession of the
‘mental and physical history of the defendant. Physical defects
not infrequenily explain the reason for the commission of

fienses. Mental deficiency and aberration is a fruitful cause of

unti-social acts. There are many grades of responsibility for
rime, and many stages of niental or physical deficiency. Offenses
against the law spring often from subtle and remote causes,
hidden in the mental life of the offender.

Criminological elinies should be therefore essential parts of the

Court's equipment. Such elinies are not “clearing howses," in
that they do not themselves distribule prisoners to specific instite.
tions, ‘That is the function of the Court, They are clinies,
reporting back to the Court their findings. The procedure, in
the ease of the criminological clinic, is substantially as follows:
The Court remands for specialized study in the criminological
clinie such persons corning before him as he feels should receive
mental and physical study. Such remanded prisoners will, upon
completion of the clinic's study, be returned to the Court for
sentence.
is now a generally advocated principle that criminological
hould be readily accessible to the Courts requiring such
Judges need prompt opportunity for consultation, as

66 Tne Prison Assoctarion oF New York

well as for the more comprehensive reports on complicated cases,
The close-at-hand clinic is an inducement to the Court to use it

‘The second type of laboratory might be called the clearing
house proper. An excellent example of such a laboratory, though
functioning until now for one institution alone, is the Laboratory
of Social Hygiene at Bedford Hills. During the last five years,
all inmates sentenced to the New York State Reformatory for
Women have been passed through the Laboratory for a compre

diagnosis. Although this Laboratory has so. far
“ cleared” only for Beslford Reformatory, the same process is n
only feasible but logical for institutions other than Bedford. Just
as the proposed clearing house at Sing Sing will thus serve io:
all the State prisons, so ean the Laboratory at Bedford act wt
mately as a receiving and distributing prison (as well as clearing
house) for the inmates newly committed to correctional institi
tions for women.

Such a “clearing house” can be of great service, also, in
receiving at any time such inmates of correctional institutions as
require extended study and diagnosis. A law providing for
transfers of inmates fromi one institution to another more suitable
institution should also follow the establishment of such a clearing
house,

Let us return now to a further consideration of the eriminologi
cal clinies, as distinguished from clearing houses. The necessity
that the criminological clinic and the court he in close proximity
to each other makes it obvious that eriminological clinies for the
courts of a great city like New York should be loca! institutions,
in the sense of being relatively adjacent to the said courts. It
does not follow, of course, that there need be a separate clinic

Court, “A central criminological clinic can serve a num-
ber of courts in the same city. Such clinics are, therefore, also

hensive

in a political se
ported by local funds, in distinetion 10
selves are not State institutions, but local or county
‘The criminological clinic is thevefore a scientific arin of the Court
functioning locally

‘The cities of this State need such criminological clinics. Let

se focal institutions, and should clearly be sup-
tate funds. Conrts ther
stitutions.

us consider New York City first. This city needs stich a elinie,
comprehensive enough to serve the criminal courts of the Greater
City. Such a clinie will inevitably be established. Indeed, steps

have already been successfully taken toward the establishment

Cuearme Houses axp CRiMiNoLocicat Cuintcs 67

of such clinics, but for prisoners already sentenced. We shall
discuss this below, and show the feasibility of expanding its
work to include service for the criminal courts as well as for the
Department of Correction
In the Greater City there need not be a clinic for each Court,
athough the amount of work devolving upon such clinics will
steadily increase, But without question no provision except the
most comprehensive will prove ultimately satisfactory or just.
Moreover, other important cities in the State will require their
local clinies. If the principle of mental and physical study of
remanded prisoners is sound, then it applies quite as strongly to
Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Plattsburg, Pough-
weepsie, and other localities as it does to New York City. Indeed,
in some of these cities such clinics are already being planned or
urged.
‘The clinic's chief value to the community will come through
frequent use made of it, Obviously, the use of the clinic
should not be restricted by law to certain classes of cases, based
upon arbitrary divisions as to age, previous convictions, or nature
of offenses, How unsatisfactory would seem to-day any limita
on of probation officers’ investigations to certain classes, defined
as to age, previous convictions, and the like! Te is a fandamental
principle that criminological clinics are for the purpose of dis-
‘covering conditions and relations that are far more subtle and
elusive than the crude legal definitions heretofore used for deter~
mining responsibility, sentence or duration of imprisonment.
‘Therefore, the criminological clinic should be readily accessible
fo the Court at all times. Every encouragement should be placed
in the way of the Court to utilize the clinie. All cases apparent!
needing diagnosis should be eligible for such treatment, Justice
lo to the prisoner vequtires that such should be the case. And
the Court will more readily acquire the habit of frequent con-
sultation when the means of such consultation are close at hand.
New York City has already in process of establishment on
Blackwell's Island two important laboratories of the “clearing
house” type — one for males and one for females. These clear
g houses will be an integral part of the Department of Cor-
rection, The clearing house for males will be ereated by the con-
version of the present industrial building of the Penitentiary into
‘This building has been declared by experts
‘The south wing of the present Work-

such an institution
table for renovation.

cy ‘Pu Prison Assocation oF New Yor

house will be similarly converted into a clearing house fu:

Tn planning such a development, the Department of Correc:
tion is following out its announced purpose of putting the enti
Department, so far as possible, upon a reformatory basis, by the
differentiation of the several institutions of the Department
(Penitentiary, Workhouse, Branch Workhouses, and Reforma.
tory) into institutions for the reception of specific classes of
offenclers, ‘The present differentiation of institutions by sentence
and by term of imprisonment will be abandoned, so far as pos-
sible, and male iamates will be received at the Penitentiary
where they will pass through the clearing house, and be there
assigned, ou the basis of the comprehensive studies of the clear
ing house, to specific institutions, according to their needs and 10
the needs of the institutions. For instance, special provision wil
be made for the tuberctlar, the venereally diseased, the feeble.
minded, and other definite classes. Moreover, the clearing house
will discover along what lines of industrial activity the inmates
should prove most efficient, and will enable thereby the assign:
ment of such inmates to institutions that require their indicated
ability. The clearing house for women, at the Workhouse, will
furnish similar facts for the proper distribution and treatment of

It is our conviction that these two clearing houses, planned a
resent only for those who shall have been sentenced to the De-
partment of Correction, can and ought to serve also as erimin
ological clinies for the criminal courts of the city, That the equip-
ment will in this ease have to be increased, and the two clearing
houses developed on a larger scale, is of course numifest. There
seems no serious objection to such enlargement. Moreaver, there
is clearly a limit to the expenditures that the city ought to be
called upon to make, if a reasonably feasible combination of
activities of similar nature can he developed at reduced expense.

Should such a double fumetion he assigned to the two proposed
clearing houses on Blackwell's Island, it wil then be readily. pos
sible for the Courts of the city also to remand to these new li
cal institutions sich persons for examination and report as the
Courts may select. Separate wings can be created, if found
necessary, for persons not yet sentenced, It may also be neces
sary {0 erect some separate buildings for the increased use to
which the clearing houses would be put

Comanmyc Houses axp Crrunotociear Cuinics 69

Nevertheless, a differentiation of treatment of sentenced or
nventenced inmates will probably mot seem necessary, since in
ny ease, the persons under examination will have already been
found guilty of crime. There is, therefore, no sharp or broad

Tine of demarcation between the two classes of persons, except
that in the case of the sentenced persons, they will be subsequently
distributed among the appropriate institutions of the Department
of Correction, whereas the other persons, who have been
remanded for observation and report, will be returned to the

respective courts for sentence

It is indispensable that criminological clinics be established for
the Courts of the city it is more economical to
centralize the elinies, ander the general supervision of the Depart-
ment of Correction, and with the advantages of a strong central
siaff, than to create two separate groups of clinics, at greatly
increased expense.

We have already said that the second type of clearing house —
as in the case of the Laboratory of Social Hygiene at Bedford
Hills — functions otherwise than does the criminological clinic.
‘The clearing house should serve not only for the extended study

| further diagnosis of recently received inmates — such diag-
nosis and study lasting perhaps in many instances for sever
mouths — but also to deterntine the proper institution to which to

ad ultimately the inmate under study. Such a clearing house is
obviously an institution rendering State service, as distinguished
from the local criminological clinic, which readers focal service.

\s an example of the service to be rendered by such 2 clearing
house, let us consider Sing Sing’s proposed institution of this
nature. On the completion of the receiving and distributing:
prison at Ossining, there will be sent to that clearing house all
persons committed to a State prison in this State. ‘These newly
committed inmates will receive the most comprehensive study —
mental, physical, industrial —yet given probably in any State
tamale prisoners, At the end of a period, differing in each case

individual factors, the prisoner will, on
of the clearing house's report, be assigned to one of
State prisons.

Tt should be noted here, that the clearing house study of the
individual iamate at Sing Sing will occur even in the cases of
inmates that may have already passed through a clinical examina
tion in connection with their trial in Court. It is to be anticipated

70 ‘Tue Prison Assoctatton or New York

that the examination of the local criminological clinic will hardly
be as thorough and exhaustive as that of the prison clearing
house. The criminological clinic will examine remanded prison.
crs, in order to report to the judge such factors as he should
possess in order to pronounce proper sentence — whether to co
rectional institution, to probation, suspended sentence, or othe
wise, The exhaustive study of the clearing house at Sing
Sing will be for the purpose of securing comprehensive know!
edge about the prisoner, whieh will enable the Prison Department
to so guide the prisoner's career in prison that he may emerge
from prison an houest, trained and selé-supporting citizen. The
clearing house will also have the important function and duty of
determining those classes of inmates who because of physical
‘mental defects must receive specialized treatment on that acconnt
Clearing houses, thus fctioning as the entrance prisons of
the State, open up vistas of possibilities, There seems no reason
why, if the proposed reception prison at Sing Sing is to serve as
a clearing house for the State prisons, it should not extend its
scope to serve likewise for the inmates committed to the New
York State Reformatory at Elmira, It is just as important that

the thousand or more inmates received yearly at that Reform:

be equally, scientifcally and thoroughly studied. This can
now be done at Elmira Reformatory, although careful attet:
's now given to diagnosing the inmates at that institution.
‘Similarly, the Laboratory of Social Hygiene at Bedford seems
exceptionally fitted to become the clearing house for the State
correctional institutions for women. This Laboratory, whieh for
the last four years has operated as a clearing house for the State
Reformatory for Women at Bedford, will on September 1, 1917;
have finished the five-year period, during which Mr. John D.
Rockefeller, Jr., has maintained the Laboratory. The State of
New York will on that date have the option of parchasing the
property. Should the State not decile to acquire the property, it
remains of course with Mr. Rockefeller to determine to what use
it shall be put in the future
‘The Prison Association hopes most earnestly that the Labors-
tory will come into the possession of the State, A clearing house
for women is as essential as that for men at Sing Sing. To be
sure, there is no Prison Department for womens’ institutions, as
there is for the State prisons of this S State institu:
Hons for women (Bedford, Albion and Hudson) are each under

Curarine Houses ano Crimixotoaicat Cuintcs 71

a separate board of managers, and each maintains a separate
existence. Two State institutions for women (the State Prison
jor Women at Aubura, and the State Farm for Women Misde-
meanants at Valatie) are administered by the Prison Department.
Moreover, there are several reformatories for women under
private management, like the Magdalen Home, the House of
Merey, and the Houses of the Good Shepherd.

Nevertl the fact that control of these several institutions
for women is ‘not centralized under one head, makes no less
necessary the thorough scientific study of such women on
entrance. We therefore are convinced that the State should
secure the Laboratory of Social Hygiene at Bedford for such
purposes, and that there should be sent to this Laboratory the
women newly committed to the prisons and reformatories of the
State. After adequate study, such women should be of course
transferred to the institutions to which they ave originally com-
mitted, with the accompanying reports of the Laboratory of
Social’ Hygiene, which wosld act thus as a laboratory for these
institutions,

The value of such a procedure would seem obvious. With the
exception of the New York State Reformatory for Women at
Bedford, no institution enjoys the great opportunities furnished
bya clearing house. The several institutions nevertheless deserve
and require this opportunity quite as much as does Bedford. ‘The
plan above suggested would furnish them such service. We
recognize that in the working out of the plan there would be some
difficulties of legal and administrative detail, but we are confident
that our suggestion is in line with the inevitable development of
the State's methods of treatment of its delinquent classes,

A fryther important function of the clearing house can, and
‘ight to be, developed. All inmates of the several institutions
should be returned to the clearing house prior te being considered
for parole, Their ability to “ make good”
onment depends to no small degree tipon their phy’
tal condition. ‘The findings of the clearing house as to the results
of the term of imprisonment, will be not only a valuable “ check-
ing-up” of the State's efforts at reformation and rehabilitation,
ut will also be of high importance to parole boards or commit-
tes in arriving at a proper decision regarding parole.

THE PAROLE SYSTEM OF THE STATE PRISON!

iment of prisoners. Its name is significant of its purpose
Prisoners of the New York State prisons are admitted to
parole, within the provisions of law, when in the opinion of
parole board there is reasonable probability that such prisone:s
‘vill ive an honest, industriovs and self-supporting life. Tn shor,
parole becomes a period of conditional liberation, oce
the expiration of the maximum sentence of the prisoner.
testing time for the prisoner. Tf he obeys the rules laid down by
the parole board and conducts himself industriously and other
wise properly, he i in due time discharged from parole.
"The theory of parole is based upon at least three suppositions

peer hhas become a fundamental partof the modern treat

1. That the prisoner ordinarily arrives at a period in his
imprisonment when further incarceration will be of less ser
vice to him and to the State as a reformative measure than
4 like period passed in liberty under parole supervision

2. That, in the determination of the proper time at which

to parole, an exhaustive and painstak
ing study will be made of the individual case, in order that
both the right of society to be protected, and the right of the
prisoner to rehabilitate himself, may be preserved

"3. That the supervision of prisoners while on parole shall
de conducted thoroughly, and with efficiency and sympathy.

It has, however, long been a striking and deplorable fact that
the State of New York has failed to provide adequately for the
conduct of parole, either in connection with the State prisons
With the State reformatories for male felons, We do not
present make further reference to the parole system of the above
Thentioned reformatories, reserving that for future consideration
We do, however, address ourselves frankly and, we hope cow
siructively, to an analysis of the methods of parole at present ei
ployed by the State Board of Parole. ;

‘The parole work for the prisons of the State Department of
Prisons is conducted by the State Board of Parole, which consists
of three members, Two are salaried, each receiving $3,600 *
Sear. They are appointed by the Governor, by and with consest

‘Tae Paro System of THE Stare Prisoxs 73

of the Senate, for a term of five years, Their travelling expenses
fare met from a special appropriation, ‘The third member of the
State Board of Parole is the State Superintendent of Prisons,
who receives no additional salary for his work with the State
Board of Parole, and is ex-officio a member of the Board. He
acts as chairman of the Board. It is obvious that the Superin-
tendent of Prisons, being the directing authority of the State
prison system, cannot give detailed attention to the intricate and
often exhaustive problems presented by individual cases coming
before the Board of Parole, ‘The deiail work of the Board must
therefore devoive largely upon the two salaried members, and

n such subordinate officers or clerks as the Board may employ.

he Board is assisted by three parole officers, located respec-
tively at Auburn, Clinton and Sing Sing prisons, Great Meadow
has no parole officer, although over half of all the prisoners on
patole from the State prisons on November 22, 1916, had been
paroled from Great Meadow Prison (when our survey was made
to obtain information as the basis for this study). It will be
seen later that most of the parole work of the State prisons is con-

| ducted by private charitable bodies

The parole officers receive $1,200, $1,200 and $1,500 respee-
There are no other salaried persons, on the staff of the
Board, although one clerk in the office of the Superintendent of
Prisons devotes most of her time to the Board's clerical needs.
The total maintenance appropriation for 1916 for the work of
the Board was $4,625. , This included the travelling expenses of
the members of the Board and of the parole officers. ‘The total
appropriation for the Board's work, including salaries, was $15,-

‘We have already stated that the modern conception of parole
includes most comprehensive studies under the direction of or by
the Board itself, or both, to determine the eligibility and feasi-

bility of parole in each individual case. Tt is a most serious
thing if, im departing from the traditional definite sentence in
indeterminate sentence, that sentence becomes
synonymous with a general shortening of terms of imprise:-

favor of an

F snent, unless stich shortening of terms of imprisonment be wholly

on the basis of adequate and scientific study of each case that is
sesented to the Board. It ig therefore of the first importance to
ascertain to what extent complete or, at least, adequate informa

74 ‘Tus Parsow Assoctation oF New York

tion is obtained by the Board of Parole prior to the presentation
of prisoners for parole, and to what extent prisoners are paroled
‘on first presentation, or even upon second presentation, without a
sufficiently comprehensive knowledge of the individual case

“The work performed by the Board of Parole and by the parole
officers of the Board is as follows:

"The Board meets at each of the four prisons once every month,
‘The total amount of time consumed by the Board in transports
tion, and at the hearings at the four prisons, is uswally about one
week per month. ‘These hearings last from three to five hours
During the remainder of the month, the members of the Board
are not required by law to give any of their time to the parole
work, although they undoubtedly give occasional attention to
matters arising.

‘By contrast we cite the provisions relating to the procedure of
the Parole Commission of the City of New York, established
in 1915. This Commission consists of three salaried members,
and of the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner
of Correction ex-officio. ‘The salaried members are obliged
by law to devote their whole time to the work, and they have al-
ready found that they require the assistance of a large staff, if
anything like adequate information is to be secured for their pur-
poses. They personally interview daily many inmates of the in-
stitutions of the Department of Correction, and hold frequent
meetings for purposes of conference. ‘Their daily work take
them to the institutions which they have, as a body, alloted to the
individual members to cover, Interviews with prisoners occupy
‘a large part of the time of the several members of the Commis

‘The total commitments to the institutions of the Department
of Correction coming within the jurisdiction of the Parole Com:
mission of the City of New York was, from January 1, 1916 to
November 29, 1916, as follows

Penitentiary.
Workhouse
Reformatory

In addition there were in the Reformatory, coming within
the jurisdiction of the Commission on January 1, 1916, 450 men,
making a total of 3,335.

Tue Parove System or THE Stare Prisons 75

‘The population of the State prisons coming within the juris
diction of the Parole Board for State Prisons on June 30, 1916,
Sing Sing -- ae cee 930
Acburn « a SES : 783
Clinton --. - : : Di 668
Great Meadow .- : 924
Valatie... — eeeeneens 2

Total ‘ . sveiecnusri ASHE,

These statistics make it evident that if the members of the
Parole Commission for New York City find it necessary to de
tote their whole time to the parole system, @ similar procedure i=
necestary in the case of the Board of Parole for the State Prisons.

In order to accomplish this purpose, however, it will be neces-
sary to increase the duties and compensation of the salaried mem:
ters of the State Board of Parole toa full-time basis, While the
sslaried members of the State Parole Board receive $3,600
yearly, the salaried members of the City Parole Commission re-
tcive respectively $7,500, $6,000, $6,000. It is a fair criticism of
the existing salaries of the State Board of Parofe that such
salevies will not permit a parole commissioner of the ability and
standing demanded for the position to give his whole time to the
work of the Board, unless he be fortunate enough to possess in-
dependent means aid free time. ‘The Prison Association, there-
fore, dacs not so mich emphasize the inadequate procedure of the

ate Parole Board in the matter of attendance at the prisons, as
the inadequacies of the present Inve, which, we shall recommend,
should be changed to provide adeqiate salaries and the full-time
service of the members of the Board of Parole

‘At each session of the Board at the several prisons, the Board

soner at a time, those eligible for parole, who

made application therefor. The procedure, therefore, is
‘gronting of parole to such individuals a8 the Board has,

due investigation, selected for the pumpose, but the appear
bofore the Board of all prisoners who have served their
imum sentences, to request parole. It is therefore practically

am automatic process, taking ‘place at the expiration of the
minimum sentence of the prisoner, and regarded by him as @

76 ‘Tar Parson Association of New York

Fight, unless his conduct in prison hes bee such as to justify de
tay in granting parole

‘Questions ar acked of the prisoner by the Chairman! and other
members of the Parole Board, as to the prisoner's plans, ad is
tnfention to Iéad an honest life. Numerous questions, s0 often
repeated in the case of succeeding: prisoners as to become more
beverages, church attendance, and the ike, are asked, The man
ner in which the prisoner replies to such queetfons, his demesnor
wile being interrogated, and his personal appearance, have not
a little to do in affecting the judgment of the members of the
Board.

We are not aware that any member of the Parole Board makes
it a practice to interview prisoners prior to the meetings of the
Board af the several prisons, s0.as to become personally ae
quainted with them and fully cognizant of all then
teach case, In addition to judging from the prisoner's petsonal
appearance and by his answers fo questions, the Board als) cot
fulte the warden's record cards as to the demeanor of the prisoner
dluring his petiod of sentence, and also reports from the chaplain
the physician, the principal keeper and the schoolteacher

So far as we have been able to ascertain, nether the State
Parole Board nor the parole offcer makes a thorough examina.
tion of éadidites Yor pare, nor do the records obtained By them
Constitute the chief souree"Of the inforination before the Board
of Parole.

‘The procedure of the Board of Parole i arriving at a decision
as to the advisability of paroling an inmate is appronimately as
follows

The waren reports as to the prisone’s previons convictions
and as to his general demeanor within the prison. ‘The principal
keeper presents a statement. The teacher makes a bret report
‘The chaplain reports upon the prisoner's character.” ‘These re:
ports are in the great majority of instances favorable. The phy
Ficlan reports in general merely as to the condition of the inmate's

An exception to the relatively uniform nature. of the
physician’s reports is furnished by Dr. F. L. Heacox of Auburn
Prison, who gives a detailed scenic and iluminating analyse

ve to the man’s family. In cases where the mental condition

‘Tue PaRoLe System or-THe Stare Puusons

of the applicant is seriously defective, eustodial care
mended by the physician.
‘a material improvement has occurred also in

edical report presented to the Board of Parole at Sing Sing
prison. The purely medical statement made by the resident phy-
sician is more complete than previously and is supplemented by
the highly valuable findings of the staff of the Psychiatrie Clinic,
which subjects all newly-received inmates, and those appearing
before the Parole Board, to a careful general examination, with
emphasis on the mental and nervous conditions,

Dr. Bernard Glueck, chief of the Psychiatric Clinic at Sing
Sing, has made a suggestion of far-reaching importance to the
parole work of the State prisons. He urges that, prior to the
parole of any inmate from State prison, he be returned to the re-
ceiving and distributing prison at Sing Sing for a second thor-
‘ough clinical study. Such a study will determine not only
what effect physically, mentally, socially, and industrially the
period of imprisonment has had upon the individual, but also
whether the inmate isin consequence fitted f0 go out into con

Tf the State finds it necessary to erect a compre-
hensive receiving and distributing prison for inmates on their en-
trance to prison, it is obviously just as important that every es-
sential fact should be collected and utilized prior-to the reen-
trance of the inmate into outside life. In other words, the recei

‘buting prison, with its psychiatric work and its

should function also as a receiving station of the

inmates from the prisons, and as a distributing station of such in-

ates into the outside world, through coordination of its own

work with that of special employment bureaus for the merging

of released inmates into proper industrial or other occupations.

This procedure would probably centralize the office work of the
Board of Parole at Sing Sing.

The Board of Parole should therefore be obligated by law to
utilize the findings of such a scientific study of the inmate about
to he released, and in any reorganization of the Board of Parole
one of the members of the Board should probably be a physician
with training in psychology and psychiatry.

It has already been indicated that the amount of time given

\dividual members of the Board
to the consideration of individual cases is generally quite insuffi-
cient to make possible a thorough study of each case, We have

8 ‘Tux Parson Assoetation of New York

found that the average time given by the Board of Parole to cach
inmate on his public appearance before the Board is from 6 to 8
minutes, It will be further noticed that the Board sits but one
day, oF a portion of one dy, at each prison each month.

During the fiscal year ending September 30th, 1913, 1,369 ap-
plications for parole were made by inmates. Of these, 1,008, or
three ont of every four, were granted. Of these applications,
about one out of four was a re-application for parole, the parole
having been refused at the time of the first application, Compar
ing the total record of the Board with that of the above-cited
fiscal year, we find a distinet-increase in recent’years in the read!
ness of the Board to grant parole. Of the fofal number of heat:
ings of prisoners’ application, 13,377 in number, 7,785, or only
58.19 per cent, resulted in paroles, a8 against: 73.63 per cent. for
1915
The total mumber of inmates on pardte on November 22, 1916,
was 1030, An examination of the individual cards of these
paroled inmates showed the following facts. ’ Of these on parole
at that time, there had been paroled as follows:

{on rst | within LP
‘Totst fone, | Total | on Rat

fakes

Toeluding 26 fpmales

tis difficult to eseape the conclusion that one of two conditions
‘must exist at the time of the paroling of inmates by the Board of
Parole. Either ninety of every hundred inmates presenting
themselves for parole are so thoroughly fitted by their industrial
and other experience in prison as to go out into the world and be
honest, self-supporting citizens (because at least nine out of ten
applications are granted within one month from the first appear
ance of the candidate for parole), or else the Board of Parole has
become a body whose chief function consists of the formality of

Tue Paroue System oF THE Stare Prisoxs

releasing prisoners at the expiration of their minimum sentences,
unless rather extraordinary conditions exist to the contrary. Tt
js difficult to escape from this latter conclusion, in view of the
Iimited time given to the individual cases by members of the
Board of Parole, and in view of the relatively limited records pre-
sented to the Board for their information.

We would reiterate that more than 91 of the 1,028 persons
con parole at the time of this survey, November 22, 1916, had
een released either immediately upon the expiration of their
ininimum sentences, or within one month of the expiration of the
same, In short, it may fairly be said that at the present time,

minim sentence to State prison represents practically the
leugth of imprisonment 10 be undergone by the inmate. It is
hardly possible, on the other hand, that ox per cent, of the men
in prisons are sufliciently similar in character, training or other
physical or.mnental conditions as to justify the almost automatic
release of nine out of every ten applicants practically at the expir-
ation of the shortest term during which they may be held in
prison, 3

We believe, on the other hand, that the testimony of parole
records would be materially different, were an intensive study
made of all inmates from the time of their commitment to prison.
If individual treatment, proper classification of prisoners, and the
development of self-government, self-control and of a suitable
training for industrial and social life after prison are now gener-

recognized as necessary parts of an adequate prison training,

we not require, with equal emphasis a similarly individual

treatment of the prisoner at the time of considering his eligibility

{or parole? Wherein lies the great value of training within the

prison, if such training is to be broken into in the cases of nine

Prisoners out of every ten by the automatic regularity of parole
on the expiration of the minimum sentence?

‘The definite sentence has been discarded just because of the
conviction that a fixed period of discharge is a ridiculous an
omaly. Is it possible that our prisons are functioning in their
ndustrial and social training so excellently that nine out of every
ten prisoners go forth, at the expiration of their mininnum, ade-
‘quately equipped for a free and independent life in the outside
world?

But if this be not the fact, then why parole at the expiration
of the minimum with such regularity? Why not hold the pris-

8 Tue Prison Association of New Youre

coner longer, until his efficiency is assured? ‘The well-trained
‘man is the best asset to society. The poorly trained man, with
possible criminal tendencies, and without skilled knowledge with
which to fill or hold a job, is a ready potential criminal and re-
Cidivist. Where is the value to the State in a too early release of
the prisoner, either financially or socially?

"To these questions two answers might perhaps be given. The
first answer would be that the prisons are not now equipped to
give adequate industrial training, and that as at present operated
the man on parole, facing a long working day in competition with
his fellows, would develop greater stamina than during a longer
term in prison.

If this first answer is tenable —and many industrial conditions
in prison warrant in some degree such an assumption — then itis
an indictment of the industrial system of the State prisons that
Should not be tolerated with indifference. To turn prisoners out
ff prison to hard work because the State itself is not furnishing
hard work and proper training would be a commentary suggest-
jng a thoroughgoing investigation of the prison labor problem
in our prisons.

‘The second answer that might be given to the question wity
nine out of every ten men shottld be placed on parole practically
dat the expiration of their minimuun sentences, might be that, while

ot yet adequately trained perhaps, the Parole Board might just
fas well “take a chance” on them, assuming that the deterrent
‘effect of prison had reached its maximum, and that they would
get down to business” now on the outside.

‘But the records of paroled men from State prisons show @ wot-
fully large percentage of physical and mental deficiency as well
as an astounding lack of industrial training. Paroled inmates art
forced in general to begin pretty nearly at the bottom of the in-
dustrial ladder, not in skilled or semi-skilled occupations, but in
what are called “catch-as-catch-can " jobs. Fortunate the young
gman from prison who ean climb the slippery rungs of the shaky
ladder to a higher and safer level.

‘Discussing now the functions of the parole officer, it should
said that the generally accepted definition of “ parole officer
does not apply to the parole officers of the State Board of Parole
Itis his duty to supervise the prisoner while om parole, visit him
‘counsel with him, befriend him, keep in close touch with him, am
take, in general, a close and sympathetic interest in his cares’
awhile on parole. The parole officer, if he care rise to his remark

‘Tire Parone Svsrea of THE Stare Prisons Br

able opportunities for constructive help, has an exceptional oppor-
tunity to aid the prisoner at the most crucial time in his career —
when he first emerges from the prison, Within the prison, the
prisoner has been largely tnder direction and guidance. Much of
iis thinking islone for him by others. His enthusiasm may be
aroused to “ make good” after gaining his parole, but the vital
test comes with the gaining of parole when the prisoner is thrown
largely on his own resources with relative suddenness, and he has
to face exceptional temptations. The parole officer can become
the bridge, by aid of which the prisoner can cross the chasm
that too often yawns between prison and @ steady job and
self support

Obviously, parole officers, who seek to make their work effi-
cient, cannot dissipate their energies or give close attention to a
large number of prisoners on parole. It is often said that no
gate fcr, even in fay localized group of prsouers on
parole, should have in charge at any time more than seventy-five
released inmates aes " =

Yet we find that the parole officers of the State Board of
Parole, three in umber, had, on November 22, 1916, theoreti
cally, 1,029 prisoners under supervision. Evidently this is an
itxpossible test. And the parole officers of the Board do not, in
fact, function as supervisory officers, Their work is confined 1
the investigation of offers of employment: to prisoners about to
be released, and to general clerical work within the prisons which
is more or less related to the work of the State Parole Board
Occasionally they go to the different counties to apprehend and
secure the return of prisoners declared delinquent on parole

What the State does not do at all— ia one of the most highly
important branches of remedial and constructive work for
prisoners — private charitable societies and charitably inclined
individuals attempt to do, as best they ean

An essential of successful parole system is the frequent
presence of the parole officer, where the paroled inmate can have
both his counsel and his supervision, Even the best “absent
treatment” of a parole officer, coupled with the supervision of
an employer designated as deputy parole officer, is not sufficiém,
ven though there may be occasional instances of successful
results, ‘The State rust face the fact that it is just as much obli-
fated, for the protection of society and for the benefit of the
‘leased inmate, to maintain an adequate corps of parole officers
4s it is to maintain a modern correctional institution for such

$2 THe Parson Association or New Yore

inmates prior to parole. To expend a per capita per prisoner
amounting perhaps to $175 to $200 per year, while in the instite
tion, where the prisoner ean hardly go far wrong, and then to
expend a paltry couple of dollars per capita (if as much) for the
paroled inmate at a time when the released prisoneg must fight the
Fight of his life not to go wrong again, is a condition that will
some time be seen to be as intolerable as have come to appear the
ing Sing prison,

As stated above, the State has recourse now to the important
assistance of private agencies to do its parole work. These
Agencies operate without cost to the State. They receive their
funds wholly from private sources, ‘Their representatives are
frequently present at the meetings of the Board of Parole. ‘The
representative of the Prison Association, for instance, atten:
‘each mecting of the Board of Parole at Sing Sing and at Great

isons, and less frequently at Clinton and at Auburn
prisons. ‘The Association's representative even acts frequently
as the official parole officer for Great Meadow prisori

‘The following table shows the distribution on parole of

jes from the State prisons on November 22, 1916, and also
the agencies to which such inmates had been paroled

Acancms SuPERVISING Punsons oN Panoue Prost Stare Prisons
‘ow Novenwen 22, 1016.

| siog | au: | Grea
| Sink | bam | stow

‘Probation fice:
Scivation Army

Baise of Aves]
oun

Tota

State parole offices

Parole records wee “November 22, 1916, at Albany. Only those o
dtail Seeds tnding on that date were incluged: ta the Be Spe
ale £0 oe" paroles from the Pron Farm et Valatia are not included. The?
Ei*Conaidered Eeparately eae.

Tux Parone System or THE Snare Prisons 83

The supervisory work is exercised, therefore, aid the necessary
sid to parole officers is given, almost exclusively by private
agencies and individuals, as shown in the above table. On No-

‘ember 22, 1916, it appears that 67.73 per cent. of all persons on

ole were paroled to private agencies, To probation officers
and to police 8.16 per cent. were paroled, and per cent,
‘were paroled to private individuals (in which group are included
the wardens of the several prisons, who received altogether 27
released inmates on parole, only about 10 per cent. of the 25 per
cent, paroled to private individuals.) Only two inmates were
paroled to the State parole officers, both inmates being assigned
to the parole officer at Auburn prison, although one inmate has
been paroled from Clinton prison to him.

The private charitable organizations are also seriously
hampered by inswficient staffs. The Prison Association, for
instance, has for some 200 paroled inmates only one parole officer,
an employment secretary and an office clerk. It seems manifest
that a material increase in the number of parole officers of the

le should be provided. ‘The private organizations should con
tinue to function as they do now, receiving for relief and employ:
‘ment purposes inmates from the Board of Parole, but there
hould be the direct and responsible supervision of State parole
officers in adequate numbers.

We make, therefore, the following:

RECOMMENDATIONS

‘The work of the Board of Parole should be reorganized
along the following lin
(a) There should continue to be three salaried members
of the Board of Parole, In addition, the Super
intendent of Prisons should continue to be an
tunsalaried member of the Board.
(b) The members should receive salaries sufficient to
warrant the State's requiring of dhem what is gen
y understood as theit entire time, Such sal-
aries should no!
the chairman
two members annually. ‘The members of the Board
should spend most of their time at the prisons
prior to the regular meetings of the Board, for

‘Tue Prison Association of New York

the purpose of acquiring close personal touch with
the prisoners who are shortly to become eligible
for parole,

(c) The previous history, family and personal relations
of the prisoners should be carefully investigated, as
well as the offers of jobs, etc.

(a) The Board of Parole should have complete control
of the parole work, including the supervision an
assignment of parole officers. Such parole officers
should be responsible to the Board alone,

‘The work Of the parole officers should be in general reor-
sd along the following lines

(a) The number of parole officers should be increased to
not less than ten,

(b) Parole officers should not be assigned to the indi-
vidual prisons, but should, by order of the Board,
be assigned certain territories, such territories
be designated in accordance with the number of
prisoners paroled to the said territories,

(c) The duties of the parole officers should be:

The personal supervision and counsel of inmates
paroled to them,

The investigation of applicants for parole, and the
presentation of the results of such ins
to the Board at its hearings or prior

The aid of prisoners on prrole, through such means
as may be made available,

‘The maintenance of personal contact with paroled
prisones

‘The return when necessary of parole violators to the
respective prisons,

3. Sullicient appropriations to carry out the above recom
‘mendations, All reasonable needs could be covered for the year
1917 by approximately $35,000 per anna,

4. The functions of private agencies now acting as parole
officers should be changed. They should continue as helpiv!
agencies for relief, employment and other necessities, offering
their services voluntarily as hefore, but the control and super:
vision of the paroled men while on parole should be maintain

Tue Paroue System or THE Stare Pusons 85

by the State, as is at present the case in the matter of the paroled
inmates of Elmira and Napanoch Reformatories

, If Sing Sing prison is to become the receiving and dis-
tributing prison for men admitted to the State prisons, and if
those eligible for parole are to be returned thereto for further
examination, the Board of Parole should establish headquarters,
bt Sing Sing and work in close cooperation with its own parole
officers, the psychiatric clinic and any other available institutional

{and outside aid,

A STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

1 is evident that before many years the correctional institu
tions in this State must be seorganized as to administration,
control, and population. ‘The development of prisons has

continued now for more than a century. In 1796 the first State

prison was established in New York City. ‘In 1816, Aubum

Json was begun. Sing Sing prison developed during the thinl
cade of the nineteenth century, and Clinton prison was esta
lished in 1844. All of these prisons were under the adminis
trative control of a board of inspectors for State prisons, who
‘were thas the board of control of the prisons.

With the establishment of the House of Refuge for Juvenile
Delinquents in New York City in 1824 arose the first State-wide
institution for delinquents under other than State administration
by the prison inspectors. A second reformatory institution (the
figst veformatory for adults in the United States) was opened at
Elmira in 1876." As in the case of the House of Refuge, the
Elmira Reformatory was placed under the administrative control
of a separate board of managers,

And, as later the women's reformatories of Albion and Bel!
ford were founded, they also were placed under their own sep-
arate boards of managers, The board of prison
no authority over these institutions. The House of Refuge fo
Women at Hudson became in time the State Training Schoo! Sor
Girls, also with its own board of managers. Meanwhile, th
office of " prison inspector ” was abolished, and in their places wa
exeated a State Superintendent of Prisons, whose authority was
supreme over the State prisons for men, the State prison for
women, and the two State Hospitals for the Criminal Trsane
at Matieawan and Dannemora

But this division of anthority between the Superintendent of

Prisons and the several boards of managers of reformatories wa
only the beginning of an individualized administration. In each
of more than sixty counties of the State there developed during
the nineteenth century a county jail. Each county jail has com-

tinued to be under county management, except in Greater New
York, where there is municipal administration of all the cit
institutions

A Stare Deragratenr of Connection a

But this has not been all, The non-sectarian nature of sucht
institutions as above mentioned has led certain denominations to
cstablish private reformatories. These reformatories, while
receiving principally inmates of the religious persuasion of the
institutions, have received other inmates as well. Examples of
such private institutions are the Catholic Protectory, Jewish Pro-
tectory, Magdalen Home, the House of Merey and the Flouses
of the Good Shepherd. These institutions are under the admin-
istration of separate boards of managers, or under the more gen-
eral administration of a denominational organization, or
church itsel

The City of New York itself administers a correctional sys:
tem, with a population at any time approximately as great as
that eontained in all the State prisons. The more conspicuous
institutions of the Department of Correction are the City Prison
(Manhattan), the Workhouse, the Penitentiary and the New
York City Reformatory. ‘There are also a number of district
prisons, several branch workhouses, the City Prison in Brooklyn
and one in Queens, All these institutions are under the admi
istration of a single Commissioner appointed by the Mayor.

The terms of office of the many managers, superintendents,
wardens, Superintendent of Prisons, Commissioner of Corsec-
tion in New York City, ete., are of various lengths. The State
Superintendent of Prisons, for instance, serves a term of six
term. Members of boards of managers serve for seven years.
Superintendents of reformatory institutions serve during
elicieney and good behavior. The terms of the wardens of State
prisons have a strong tendency to be nearly coterminous with

of the Superintendent of Prisons, with considerable likeli-
hood of their change with the entrance of a different political
party into power, Tn ather respects there is a variety’ of control
Wardens of the State prisons are not under eivil service, while
the superintendents of reformatories are. Boards of managers
are not salaried, while the superintendents of the same institu:
tions are salaried officials

Out of this extremely varied system, or lack of system, of
administration, there has necessarily developed a great variety of
methods of administration. Moreover, the penal code and the
code of eriminal procedure have very naturally been develaped *0
Ieet the fact that there are certain’ institutions to which certain

88 Tue Prisox Assoctarton or New Yous

classes of offenders should be committed. Felons are committed
to State prisons, reformatories, or penitentiaries. Misdemeanants
may stot be committed to State prisons or to reformatories for
adult males. Certain classes of women may be committed to
svomen’s reformatories, and certain other classes to the women’s
prison at Auburn, The State Farm for Women, established at
Valatie, receives women miscemeanants who have been convicted
five times in the preceding two years, In rgri, a State Indus-
trial Farm Colony for Tramps and Vagrants was established
and in 1912 a law was passed providing for a State Reformatory
for Misdemeanants, The last two institutions have not been
erected, To these institutions wold have been sent special
classes of offenders.

But the supervisory control, as contrasted with the adminis.
trative control of the above institutions, has also gradually been
vested in several bodies. ‘The Prison Association was established
in 1844, partly for the purpose of making olficial inspections of
all prisons of the State, and power was vested in this body to
enter at any time any prison and to make inspections and investi
gations, The State Board of Charities, established in 1867, was
given supervisory control of all the charitable and reformatory
institutions of the State, except certain institutions in which adult
male prisoners are confined. ‘The State Commission of Prisons,
‘established in 1895, was given power to inspect and to make cer
tain rales and regulations, particularly along industrial fines, for
all the correctional institutions of the State in which sane adult
persons are confined. ‘The Fiscal Supervisor of State Charities,
an office created in 1902, has become in large measure the official
manager of the State charitable institutions, which include the re-
formatories for males and females, but not the State prisons

‘We have thus shown how exceedingly complex is the system
of government of the State's correctional institutions. As the
population of these institutions increases, and as modern methods
of treatment develop, including the indeterminate sentence, parole
and a more highly classified treatment of offenders, the fact be-
comes ever clearer that the problems of individual treatment in
the institutions not only become more complicated, but they be-
come in each institution more similar to problems existing likewise
in other institutions. There are found, for instance, in each insti
tution the tuberculous, the venereally diseased, the feebleminded,
so-called incorrigibles, the psychotics, the so-called first offenders

‘A Stars DrrarrMent oF Correction 8%

ee
the ilon and the tisdemeznant js often one not of fate i the
Comission ofa crime, bat inthe incidental results ofthe crime.
he ilustration ofthe stolen purse, which i a contents ar oraz
50 eds the thet 6 State fits, whecens If under Spe aeedh
the sate tit to a county lal 4 Gonsay pentnmiony, ya
typical example of the technical of the law rather thas of the
iferetee of intent on the part of the thie

The ireased ie of probucol malaga ein
its cove Hates dite f fret ofendemant dans a ice
tenoating circtstanes are shown. ‘The residue ow seat fo
pisos, reformatory or county inition ends to Jake wore
tnd more the chalacer of a castodial group that is © er a
jroup in which mental or physical defece soba to contcon too
restr or less degree the commission of cre, ‘The tegineat
Consequently that has in the past been considered apphcabie oe
thebatis ofthe reloriable nature of normal persons, Rest grade
ally give way toa spedalized treatment often onthe baer ob
hotmal mental or piysial characteristics This ls notte cay that
in our prisons and feformatories there fs no cossilerable croee
M entra portal pease teraaee nek ene hoe
mea, however, that with creasing Heqeney the reoble ny
imental or physical disorder force themselves upon ihe scinioe
imaire unten

‘Abd sce in sexe year the presen oft fexhlinted had
been more and tore emphatieed @ conciligns tecion
there bas developed the agiatin for peychologal cnies noe
‘nog cine and elenring howes I conection vith eth
courte and prisons. Such institutions must meta doven
We have elsewhere (Pages 64-71) shown the importarce of sare
Slesring houses, andthe clear diferntiaton Rete cones
logical clinics as arme of the local courts anon the ceher ford
the clearing houses, which wil function as rected
ining sons for the coreiona nsttatios of the State

3 fst sep, therefore, in a reorganisation of the conettona
system ofthe State shoul he the eaablshiment of each eee
logical eines and clenring houses.-'The fdings of these ees
Hows will necessarily fad to the developmesteof hanierione oy
tecive the special groups, In the past Intitations have heey
hile for the reception of Tegallydirentiatd evios seekeatare
the felons, the midecanants, the venice ote Witea

90 Tue Prisox Association or New York

these categories have been committed all persons who seemed 10

fit therein, The clearing house shows the fallacy and the stu

ity of such forms of commitment. ‘The institutions, aiter vainly

straggling to meet the increasingly complex problems of mnodem
lividual treatment, recognized that there should be a redistri-

bution of population,

‘The clearing houses, therefore, will cause a reapportionment of
correctional institutions according to function. These reappor:
tionments catmot today be worked out in detail, but the necessity
can readily be seen. The Prison Department, for instance, today
administers four prisons, in each of which are largely the same
types of inmates, The clearing house at Sing Sing, which will
receive ultimately newly committed inmate to the State
prisons, will force the Prison Department to reapportion its in-
stitutions aceording to the needs of special groups. Nor will it
he reasonable to expect that the two State reformatories for
males, of the two State reformatories for women, will long con-
tinue to receive all groups.

In short, the second step, a8 above indicated, will of necessity
be a redistribution of the institutions, through revision of thei
functions, It is to be expected, for instance, that a portion of one
institution, probably Clinton prison, will be designated as the
tuberculous hospital for the State's correctional institutions.
is quite possible that one institution will be designated as the
custodial institution for the feebleminded, who require segré
tion, Some other institution, perhaps the new prison to be built
at Wingdale, will become the chief industrial prison of the cor-
rectional system, Great Meadow is the logical farm prison ot
the correctional group. Elmira Reformatory might become the
reformatory for the most helpable group of inmates that now are

ind either in prisons, reformatories or county institutions, and

‘This development leads inevitably to a consideration of
centralized department of correction. At this moment it is clearly
no time to suggest details, Nevertheless, the broad general
features of a possible State department of correction can be
sketched, Such a department would inchide the administrative
control of the State prisons, the State reformatories for men. the
State reformatories for women, the State 1 oo} for
Girls at Hudson, the State Industrial and Agricultural School for
Boys at Industry, the State Farm for Women at Valatie, and the

A State DEPARTMENT oF Correction on

State Industrial Farm Colony for Tramps and Vagrants at Beck
yan, Within such a department of correetion should also come
2 half dozen State district workdouses, which are yet to be es-
tablished,

These latter institutions are already partly i sight, in the form
of the present county penitentiaries.

‘of instance, the Erie County Penitentiary is about to be trans-
ferred from Buffalo to Arden, in the country. A thousand acres
of land have been purchased, and this will be practically a farm
colony for misdemeanants. ‘Although it is an Erie County in-
stitution, it may follow the custom of the New York County
Penitentiary and receive inmates from other counties, thereby
serving the district contiguosss to Erie Cosnty. ‘The Onondaga
County Penitentiary at Jamesville is located in the country on
airly extensive acreage, and functions now as a farm industrial
colony. The Monroe County Penitentiary at Rochester is located
outside of Rochester and carries on farming. The Albany
County Penitentiary is about to be located on some site outside

he city of Albany. The Westchester County Penitentiary i
thoroughly modern institution, almost completed, and so con-
structed with small buildings and splendid equipment as to be-
come a model county workhouse. The New York County Pes
tentiary is changing its purpose and becoming the receiving. in
stitution for the Department of Correction of New Yorle City,
while the old Workhouse on Blackwell's Island is being: trans”
ferved to Riker’s Island at the entrance to Long Island Sound,
where on some four hundred acres of made land a ronicipal farm
will within a few years he developed under intensive cultivation,

Tn short, physical conditions are favorable to the amalgama-
tion within a few years of most of the correctional institutions of
the State in a great modem State department of correction.
From this plan should be eliminated, at least for the present, most
if not all of the institutions of the Department of Correction of,
New York City, all of the county jails, (in so far as the popula
tion awaiting trial in the jail is concerned), and the private re-
formatories under denominational management

This is a general sketch on broad lines. The Prison Associa-
toon raises the question for consideration and discussion. ‘The
present system of highly individualized management is proving
tmsatisfactory. On the other hand, there are obvious and serious
problems in the planning of a State Department of Correction.

‘Tue Prisox Association or New York

Boards of control, especially of the compass and power of a State
Department of Correction in this State, would be in danger of be
coming a distinetly political body. Other States have developed
such conditions,

(On the other hand, the Prison Association believes that it will
be possible to work out plans for a State Department of Correc
tion, which will embrace the following factors

1, A board of commissioners, composing the State Department
of Correction,

2, An executive staff for the administration of the Department.

3. A board of volunteer managers for each institution, said
board to possess considerable authority in the conduct of the in-
dividual institutions.

4. A superintendent or warden of each institution, under civil
service, and a staff also under civil service.

‘The limits as to power and control of the several bodies must
be subjects for most thorough study. Nevertheless, we believe
that a system could be effective in which the high value of volun
teer service by boards of managers could be preserved, while the
valuable service of a centralized body could be secured, to shape
the institutions of the State in accordance with the general needs
of the entire State and the special needs of the large groups of
clearly differentiated inmates.

STATE PRISON FOOD RATIONS

the two assistant secretaries of the Prison Association
have been inspecting the State prisons, complaints and

criticisms in regard to the food have been constantly heard, both
from prisoners and officials, in respect to the quality, quant
variety, preparation and service, Such judgment as it was pos-
sible to pass, by the routine tasting of food at inspections and by
observations in the kitchen, refrigerators and messhalls has been
insufficient for reliable jadgmer

It became possible in connection with our general study under-
taken in the fall of 1916 for the redistribution of the prison popu-
Iation, for their better classification and for the reorganization
of the industrial system, to give some attention to the matter of
food as well. It is not even now possible to make a complete
sudy ofthe whole matter. Sufent data have ben collected,
however, to point out the mai and needs and to en~
able this Association to make definite recommendations for im:
provement,

‘The principal defects may be presented under the following
heading

Ds the period of more than three years that

L._ Insufficiency in the amount of food allotted,
TI. Wrong relative amounts of different classes of food, mak-
ing it difficult to serve balanced rations,
IIT. Unsatisfactory method of distribution of food among the
prisoners,
TV. Inadequate system of food allotment and estimates at the
central office

In examining into the amount of food granted to prisoners
in the State prisons, we have concentrated attention on the three
articles of food causing most of the complaint and which, in a
sense, are most important, namely: Meats, coffee and tea. The
general findings in respect to those three articles of food would
apply in 2 general way to all other articles. Because of the ex-
‘tremely unscientific method of drawing up bills of fare and allot-
ting quantities of food, it was thought inadvisable to spend the

98

4 ‘Tae Prisos Assoctation ov New York

necessary amount of time and energy to obtain all data in regard
to other articles of food.

Meat is allotted to the different prisons at the rate of 8 ounces
pounds of meat per month

eee ins This additional

inal tothe average daly census for the moath,
smgnnt has been given since the beginning of the practice of
Serving # Say. Fish and elas ar allowed 6
Hey ith the allowance for the Department of Correction
iis Cig of New Yorks whichis a5 follows

ine ounces per capita per dem beef and mtn.
Oa aa one seventh cures per capita per diem of corned bee
(ee aeee at often mt one-severth ounces of MER et
Go oe tis
he actual amounts issued during the four months of June
Joe AS sn September, 1916, fo Sing Sing, Clinton, Great
Maou and Auburn Prisons have been a follow

Amount or Meat Issvzn pak Mori, Jung, 1916,
SePTEMRER, 1916, INCLUSIVE.

AVERAGE

Goest
Auburn Ctiaton Meadow
Meat fred, aio op aces
"Gromes por capita per diem oF

pr apt pr die,
AE amon po capita er
given in the form of chowder, irregularly. They
ing during only three months of the four

tinder consideration. They were not given at ali_at Great
Meadow and only in small quantities at Clinton. At Sing Sing,
where an average of 17,500 clams were given per month daring
Three months out of the Tour, the average per capita per diem is
fess than one clam, Tt is fai, therefore, to disregard the item of
clams for the present purpose

“Thus the amount alloted per day per man does not in any of
the prisons come even within an once of the standard adopted
by the eity of New York for the Department of Correction.

Clams
were given at Sing

Stave Prison Foop Razions 95

‘The amounts above considered do not, however, actually reach
the prisoners. A certain amount is lost in bones. “A considerable
amount is distributed in extra rations and an unascertainable
amount is lost by pilfering. We have taken great pains to ap-
proximate the actual amount that does reach the average prison
inmate, In calculating this amount, we have deducted from the

al amount of meat supplied, 11 per cent. of the beef and mutton
as foss in bones. We have made no reduetions for loss in bones
for the other meat stuts.

Th the matter of extra rations the situation is as follows: In
every prison except Great Meadow a certain amount of meat is
sent in bulk to the hospital, ‘This meat is, of conrse, lost to the
‘general population. A certain amount of meat is sent out to road
camps and farms. In Sing Sing, meat in bulk is sent to be
specially prepared for prisoners awaiting execution. For most
of the above, these special amounts constitute all they receive. In
addition, however, there is in every prison an “extra ration list”
sometimes designated as the “steak list." A word in expla
tion of this group is necessary. Men doing especially hard work,
such a5 the firemen in the boiler room, require more food than
the remainder of the population, It has therefore become an 2c:
cepted policy to give to such men extra meat rations, in addition
totheir allotment as part of the general population. Tn the course
of time, others of the especially hard-working group have been
included in the list for extra rations, The list of those receiving
extra rations varies from prison to prison, some being included at
one prison who are not included in another. ‘The prerequisite of
hard work as a qualification to be considered for the extra ration
st, has been greatly Jost sight of, and inmates are allowed to be

"placed on the list by the principal keeper or warden in one prison

by the principal keeper in another, the warden in a third, and
by individual Keepers and a kitchen keeper in the fourth. In the
hitter, the ©. K. of the kitchen keeper is merely a matter of
form

We have gained the convietion that no reaso

admission of men to the extra ration Jist now exists in any
bat cases of firemen, who actually perform hard labor in shovel-
ting large quantities of eoal, and a few other exceptional cases.
We are, at this point, not concerned with the effect on the general
mpulation of the institution of having such lnosely managed ex-

rable basis for

96 Tax Prisow Assoctation of New York
tra ration lists, We are, however, concerned with the serious
drain which the extra ration list constitutes on the amount of
meat available for the general population. The following show:
the number of men on extra ration lists at the different prisons at
the time of the present study (November, 1916)
Great
Auburn Clinton Melo

Store hottie

Warden's ip
Miscellaneous inividvais
irernn, bakeshop

7 Soi Ce a te gen

okies tase Sa

“The extra ration consists daily of one pound of clean-cut ses
at Auburn, Clinton and Sing Sing, and ofa half pound at Gres
Sleadow, "At the latter institution the extra ration i ai to tke
the place of one ofthe three meas, presumably ehe evening mea
that i the lightest ofthe thre meals

Tis hardly necessary to say that no explicable reason can
justity such a diffrence between the numbers on extra ration
Jess & appears between the 26 on the Great Meadow list and the
tro of the Sing Sing list

Tn edition to the extra rations, «further deduetion from the
meat available for the general population is made for variow
other groupe show in the following table:

Seare Prison Foon Rations 97

Groves Fon WHOM Depucrions ane Mave Pro THE GeNeRat
‘Mear Svppuen.
verge for the four menths, sno, Jly, August and September, 1916,

Grose
*Aubum Clintoa Meadow Sing Sing

8
*
Hoptal e
ones elie

Tota a

* Data for Aubuma are for the month of Soptember, 1916, only. No data
sere obtained Tor Jane, July and August, but they wete said to be practically

Of the above groups, patients in the hospitals and the. men
awaiting execution receive only the meat assigned to’ them
(specific quantities will be given in a table below.) Others re~
ceive their regular rations in addition to the extra rations, so that
in making the deduction in the supply available for the general
poptilation, the combined amount of their extra rations and their
egular rations must be subtracted from the total available. We
shall come back later to the actual amounts lost to the general
popttation because of the above groups.

The per capita per diem of meat actually issued to the prisons
for their populations has been shown above; similarly, the total
of meat’ and fish allowance has been shown.» A:certain amount
of the meat is however lost in the bones, fat'and gristle. It is
stated that the fat and gristle is utilized in hash and soup, so
that the actual Toss may be confined to loss in bones. We have
deducted from all beef and mutton 11 per cent, as loss in bones.

his percentage was based on actual record of loss in bones at
Auburn Prison. No such record is kept elsewhere, so that we ap-
plied the 11 per cent. to the meat quantities at the other institu-
tions. Dietitians place the loss in bones as high as 14 per cent.,
0 that our estimate is conservative. Moreover, no deductions
were made for loss in bones from pork, chicken, ham, corned beef
and other miscellaneous meats. This makes the estimate of 11
per cent, still more conservative. No reduction was made for
sausages and frankfurters, because these are delivered ready-

«le to the prison.

The following table shows the amount of meat delivered, the
loss in bones, the loss by special rations and other groups, the
remaining amount for general population and the per capita
remaining for the average prisoner

8 ‘THe Paisow Association or New York

Gwen
Auburn Clinton Meadow Sing Sing
‘Total emonnt, Ibe 28254 200886 14.999 6 28.815
Test i Bones tbe Viooh.as “asbop.7e "ast oe 13338
Urenbie ment (be aright ullgse. 70 w2loar 2 23,3
‘Lest to special groupe as fllo
sions, To

Extra 396.5
Baud camps, ibe

ids dafesel®

Foie fealbi aids

Goro) 63S HE'S a20k
rystag.03 14,279. 4t 12,570.7 18,395 27
Tiss age Rie st

rt8 11.609
rast “6.08
re po data
Neapita pet diem, eoeat
‘and Ea, ox 7438

f ion. To begin
a proper portion in a scentieally balanced ati i
with, te ‘amount granted is f00 stall, and the oss theouth
Tpectal rations and other deductions i to9 great. The following
{Ehte Mowe the uafaieness of the distribution of ment betweet

the specially favored groups and the general population
Great

Meniow Sing Sing

29 365

Auburn Clinton
Per cent inmates of total pops: 2
Tacion in special gzoupe ne lo
Parent of total meats paca)
Beck Set “tions, fo. egular

3a 86
hak gale net wa ae

igen as

Seceving beth vegalar and epoca uy os

atch the specs ge 28.04 5 a6
Tn other words, in Auburn Prison 13.2 per cent. of the pops
supplied. In. Clinton

tion receives 24.22 per cent. of the me :

Prison 17.9 of the population gets 28.4 of the meat supplied
Great Meadow 2.9 per cent. of the population gets 5.95 of
total meat supplied; and in Sing Sing 13.65 per cent. of the pop
lation receives 27.16 per cent. of the total meat supplied. It is

Stare Prison Foon Rations 99

thi unequal distribution of the meat that causes such a serious
shortage in the meat available for the general population, The
sioation is equally serious or more serious in respect to coffee,
and only slightly less serious with respect to tea. In respect to
coffee, the differences between the individual institutions, found
to obtain in regard to meat, are even more pronounced. Also, the
shortage of rations, as compared with the proper normal ration,
is even more serious than in respect to meat. The following
table shows the amount of coffce issued to each prison, the
amount deducted by assignment to the various extra rations and
special groups, the amount remaining for the general population,
the amount available for daily use and for use for each coffee
veal, and also the standard amount of coffee required for the
preparation of coffee for the size of the population in question,
The standards have been obtained by Mz, Golden, the dietitian of
the Department of Correction of New York City, and are based
‘on several years of study by him at Kings Park State Hospital.
Similar figures are given also for tea, and to some extent for
chicory:

AvERAGE AxtotwsNT aNp ConsuMprion or Corre, ‘Tza AND
Cuncony yor THe Mowras oF Juxu 10 Sxpremben, 19:6,
Inciusive.

Gest
Auburn Clinton Meadow
Total amount cofie eset tos... 6 25 838.7
ital for ares special gros,
wry
Mrs 410-7
877
os

cos ies aig Ye nat pp

azn of elles pr coos
serge emott t elles param, :
i 15-4
Sarde nots af coffe required

pelstin Ibe

36.6
1955

Naber of ica meal
iss lamotut of iar toa

tage emit i pata

: ets Sra fr Tal oiyappariiy ere erty ther day
Tar month,

gure 1s ib asumed at the average for

100 Tue Prisox Association oF New York

It appears from the above table that the average amount o
coffee used for each preparation of a coffee meal is 5.1, 2.02, 232
and 7.7 Ibs. in the four prisons; as against the standard amounts
required of 52.6, 51. 36.6 and 59.17 respectively. Little wonder
that the prisoners refer to the coffee as “bootleg!” Not only is
the amount of coffee insufficient, but the quality of the brew re
ferred to as “ coffee” is made even poorer by the disproportion:
ate amount of chicory used. For the 5.1, 2.02, 23.2 and 7.7 Tbs
Of coffee respectively, 3.7, 3-47, 8.07 and 2.73 Ibs, of chicory are
lused. The standard ratio of coffee to chicory is 16 units of coffee
tot unit of chicory. The above ratios are nearer 7 to 4 i reverse
onder for Clinton; § to 3.5 for Auburn; 3 chicory to T coffee for
Sing Sing and 3 chicory to 1 coffee in Great Meadow Prison.

Tn regard to coffee and tea, as well as in regard to meat, there
is also an unjust distribution, especially in extra rations, The
Preceding table shows the total amount of coffee and tea issued,
thd the amounts assigned for the various special groups. In
comparison with the populations, we find that in the ca
‘Auburn, 8.6 per cent, of the population is allowed
Of the coffee, 14.2 per cent, of the population at Clinton Prison
Seceived 47 per cent. of the coffee. At Great Meadow
‘Cent of the population are given 11.5 per cent. of the coffee and
in Sing Sing 6.5 per cent. of the population uses almost 32 per
‘cent, of the coffee. While these figures are not as accurate as the
figures for meat, they err more on the: conservative side th
otherwise, inasmuch as no account was taken of the amount of
Coffee consumed by members of special groups from the coffee
prepared for the general population. In the matter of tea, the
Biuation is somewhat better. While in Auburn the ratio is still
serious and 86 per cent, of the population receives over 51 pet
ent. of tea in the special rations, and, while Clinton Prison gives
76 per cent. of its daily tea in special rations to 44 per cent. of i
Jopulation, we find that Great Meadow gives no extra rations at
ail in tea, and that at Sing Sing the extra rations in tea amount
to only about 7 per cent, for about the same per cent. of the popt
lation. ‘This, it must be remembered however, is “special ” af
Towance in addition to what in most eases they receive from the
general supply.

Tt is clear’ from the above tables that the quantities of mest
coffee and tea supplied to the prison are insufficient, and in some
cases, absurdly and shamefully below 2 reasonable standard. I
has just been shown that, to make matters worse in the prepar

Starz Prison Foop Ration ror

of coffee, a very undesirable and almost phevomenal propor-
of coffee and chicory is used. ‘ bas

It is hatdly worth while fo criticize the food problem as a
wine from the standpoine of balenced rations, For example
the ratio of beef and mution on the one hand to pork and
Sensage on the other hand varies in the different prisons from
thoot 7 fo 1 to. 9 t0 2; whereas, the normal standard Tati ig
Sos fs to. his ad sat of te ger ack of
falzeed atone in the feeding of inaitation lenges Ths
Knowledge is found neither at the individual prisons nor at the
alotting authority at Albany. At Auburn Prisoa only have we
{ound a faint attempt at representing the food values of the ma-
tetst served to the prisoners in terms of calories. Even there,
Towever, it was based on prestimed rations, and not on actually
cighed and measured rations reaching the individual prisoners
Weappend a table, obtained from Dr. Hleacox at Auburn Prison,
representing the caloric values of the rations for a period from
‘September 6th to 3oth inclusive -

Duslop's standerd dietary
Rrwatir standard dietary
‘che
Piember 6, 1936
Scpsanber 7! 1016
or.

September 30s 1

days! average

102 Ta Paison Assoctation or New Yor

Responsibility for the state of affairs in the dietary of the State
prisons rests upon both the institutions and the central distribut
ing authority in the Albany office. The institutions, on the one
hhand, have tacitly accepted the Tack of standards, have made wo
study of the dictary needs themselves, and have raised objections
from time to time only in regard t0 special items upon which
they disagrced with the Albany authorities. Only recently has
there been, at Sing Sing, any scientific attempt at the construction
of a reasonable dielary through the aid of Dr. Seaman who was
invited by Dr. Kirchwey to study the food problem at Sing Sing
and make recommendations for its improvement. Moreover, the
institutions have allowed the evils of extea rations, careless prep
aration, unsavory serving and uncontrolled waste; they have net,
so far as we can learn, done their utmost to abolish pilfering
Responsibility rests more heavily, however, upon the general
system of providing food for the prisoners which is 2t present at
follows
Lump sims are appropriated for the purchase of provisions for
individual prisons. Up to 1916, lump sums had been granted for
the department as a whole, and not for the individual prisoss
separately. Each prison makes a monthly estimate of food re
‘quirements for the ensuing months, and forwards the estimates
tothe Albany office. ‘The drawing up of the estimates is done by
the “rule of thumb” method. Approximate quantities are re
‘quested, whieh fluctuate somewhat with the size of the popula
tion, but which are determined by tradition only, and not by com
exete knowledge of the amount required on a standard ration
basis. All of these estimates are reviewed by the estimate clerk
in the Albany office. They are approved after necessary changes
and deductions have been made, necessary, according to the opi
jon of the estimate clerk. His basis for approval or change 's
principally the agreement of amounts asked for with amounts of
the same material granted in previous months or years
‘An interview with the estimate clerle disclosed that no other
standards than these are used by him and that, moreover, he wst
unacquainted with the actual situations in the various prisons
“to the preparation of the food, thé disposition of special rations
the isstte of food to road eampa from the general allowance (le
spite the fact that road camps were to be fed from special appro
priation), and a number of other immediate matters in referent

Stare Pntsox Foon Rasions 108
tothe food which am official in his
onited with im order to deat
It is useless to go into detailed if
Stes detaited eriicism ofthe present system,
sit is antiquated and inefficient. The only possible basis of ex,
inating food and of granting it is by the ee of sandard eaoay
sxby the exes of ers tperison ove ine ae
oducts tothe prisons and witha the prisons and bp ones

Wsion over the manner of preparation and the disposition of

Position ought to be fully ac-
intelligently with the monthly

Te is necessary :
to improve conditions as to the feedi
oners in State prisons, ee et
oner in State prisons, described inthe above page, both forthe
immediate future and as a permanent matter, The plan seh
mite herewith will itis believed, affect the desired immediate
as Well aS Permanent improvement. For the sake of clarit.
enumerate thern as follows: ets Sea ee
A supervising dietitian should be employed for the State
isons, at 2 salary not less than $3,000 per ti
tbe chosen from the

annuum, such dietitian
tive class, and having general

4. The dear te rt

5. The employees concerned In he
Of food at the prisons,

vai

The purchase of food by methods in needa nt te
lew and approved by the Contrlen in sche wey oe

storage and preparation

od estimates to the different

advantage of special
"ge of special bargains presenting themselves

from time to time, and ia 1!
from time to time, and ia the different parts of the

ais absltion ofthe present method of preparing fod ei
ofbee of the Superintendent of Prisons, ae
3, The uniform einployment, at ench prison,
tata salary not less than $200 te ore
Play sanging fom S600 to $oo0 par sree
4

of at least one paid
stant cook, at a

10g Tae Pruson Association or New York

4. The preparation of the annual Budget for food, along segre-
gated lines, for at least the following special categories

General population, to constitute about 85 per cent. of the
total census estimated,

Tubercular, to constitute 8 to 10 per cent, of the total
censtis estimated.

Hospital patients, to constitute 2 per cent. of the total
census estimated,

Special ration group, doing extra hard work, to constitute
5 per cent. of total census estimated,

€. Condemned men, averaging 20 men.

5. The introduction in each prison of the system of requis:
tioning for daily use all foods necessary in accordance with
system of basie rations,

6. The adoption, for the present, of the dietary herein included,
to be changed from time to time by the dietitian in charge.

7. All farms conducted by any institution of the State prisox
department shall be considered State prison farms, and the crops
to be raised shall be in accordance with requirements of the
departmental dietitian.

8 All kitchens, messhalls and store rooms for food should be
transformed so as to be brought up to the standard established 2t
Sing Sing under Warden Kirchwey through tho voluntary
viee of the dietitian Dr. Emily Seaman,

9. The system herewith submitted should be transmitted to
the finance committees of the legislature, so that appropriations
might be made accordingly and so that it might he clearly seen
that the improved system is rather a money-saver than an addi-
tional expense,

ro, The present system of extra rations, as described elsewhere
im this report, should be abolished and, instead, a special table
should be set for those requiring either more or special kind of
food, No prisoner should he given food in the raw state and be
allowed to prepare it himself.

The following dietary and cost values: were prepared at the
request of the Prison Association by Mr. William Golden, Ger
eral Inspector and Dietitian of the Department of Correcti
New York City, and Dr. Emily C. Seaman, instructor in phy
siology and chemistry in Teachers’ College, Columbia University

Stare Prison Foop Rations

The per capita per diem cost of sustenance at prices in
uy, 1917, for the different groups is as follows

General population ......

Toberevlar oe DN = §
Hespitai

Condemned men

Extra rations

Paovostp Stars Parson Dietary or Two WEEKS 70 BE USED
‘48 Mover.

Wednesday
Breakfast: Frait, oatmeal with milk and sugar, bread, coffee with
mille and sagen.
Dinner: Mutton, caper sauce, coffee with mille and sugar, rice,
Carrots _
Sapper: Vermiceli soup, graham bread, tea with sugar

Thursday
Breakfast: Cereal, milk, bread, coffee, with milk and sugar,
Dinner: Boiled dinner, boiled beans, bread and coffee sith mille
Supper: Baked rice with cheese and tomatoes, bread, tea and
‘ Friday

Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, bread, coffee with mille and sugar.
Dinner: Clam chowder with crackers, macaroni and. cheese,

__ bread, coffee with milk and sugar.

Tea with sugar, stewed prunes, ginger bread.

Saturdoy

Cereal, tk, bread, cofice with mitk and sagan

Curry ‘of beet with tice bread, coe wilh mile and

ug8r;epinach,
Pea soup, grata bread, tea with mi
Sunday

Rceakfast: Frat, cereal, milk, graham bread, eofee with mile and
Dinner: Roast ribs of bef, baked potatoes, pens, graham bread,
- tapioca with apricots, coffee with mile and angi,
Supper: Gingerbread, bread, ea with milk, ful

106
Breakfast:
Dinner:
Supper:

Breakfast
Dinner:

Supper
Breakfast
Dinner:
Supper
Breakfast
Dinner:
Supper
Breakfast
Dinner:

Supper

Breakfast:

Dinner
Supper:
Breakfast:
Dinner:

Supper

Tu Prison Assocration or New York

Monday

Rice with syrup, bread, coffee with

Sausage, mashed potatoes, parsnips, bread, stewed
raisins, coffee with mille and sugar.
Barley soup, bread, tea with sugar.

and sugar

Tuesday
Baked hash, bread, coffee with mille and sugar.
Individual porfe and beans, pickles, bread, coffee with

salle and sugar.
‘Stewed prunes, raisin. bread, tea with sugar
Wednesday
Catmeal with mille and sugar, fruit, bread, coffee with
‘mille and sugar.
Roast beef, comstarch pudding, rice, carrots, raisie
‘sauce, bread, coffee with mille and sugar
‘Vermicelli soup, graham bread, tea with sagar.
Thursdey
Cereal with mile and sugar

ney sear potatoes, parsnip, bread, cols with mille

‘bread, coffee with milk

and stgat
Bean soup, bread, tea with sugar.
Friday
Putfed wheat with mille and sugar, bread, coffee, with
mille and sugar : ;
sread, coffee with milk and sugar, salmon, scalloped
Tice and tomatoes, =
Bread pudding with raisins, bread, tea with suga
Saturday
nit, coreal, bread, coffee with mille and suger.
Baked meat pie with potatoes and carrots, bread, coflee
with mille and sugar.
Pea soup, graham bread, tea with sugar.
Sunday ;
Rice with syrup, graham bread, coffee with mille and
sugar. “
Roast beef, baked potatoes, peas, graham bread, gel
fine, coffee with mill and sugar. ;
Comatarch pudding, gingerbread, tea with sugar.

Breakfast
Dinner

Sapper

Breakfast:
Dinner

Supper

Breakfast:

Supper:

Breakfast
Dinner:
Supper:
realefast
Dinner

Supper:

alefast
Dinner:

Supper:
reakfast
Dinner:

Supper:

Srarz Parson Fooo Ramtons

Mondoy

Cereal, fruit, bread, coffee with mille and sugar.

Beefscew, mashed turnips, samp, bread,, coffee with
mille and sugar

Fried potatoes, bread, tea with milk, stewed raisins,

esday

Corneal mush, fruit, bread, coffee with mille and sugar.

Individual pork and beans, pickles, bread, coffee with
mille and sugar.

Fried bread and syrup, bread, tea with sugar
Wednesday
Hash, bread, coffee with mill: and sugar
Salmon with rice and sauce, graham bread, coffce with
mille and sugar, stewed fruit
‘Vermicelli soup, graham bread, tea with sugar

Thursdey

Com griddle cakes,
‘and sugar

Boiled dinner, boiled beans, coffee with mille and sugar,
bread.

Macaroni croquettes

caham bread, coffee with mille

tomato sauce,
Fridoy
Fruit, puffed wheat with milk and sugar, bread, coffee
with mille and sugar
Stuffed haddock baked, rice and tomatoes, raisins,
coffee with milk and sugar.
Bread pudding, bread, tea with sugar, prunes.
Saturday
Fruit, cereal, bread, coffee with mille and sugar
Carry of beef with rice, bread, coffee with mille and
sugar, parsnips.
Pea soup, graham bread, tea with sugar.
Sunday
Rice with syrup, grabam bread, coffee with milk: an
sugar.
Roast beef, baked potatoes, graham bread, stewed fruit,
coffee with milk and sugar, spinach,
Hot cottage pudding with sauce, bread, gingerbread,
tea with sugar,

208 Tue Person Assocration or New Your

Monday

Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, bread, coffee with mile and sugar

Dinner: Sausage, mashed turnips, samp, bread, stewed saisins,
coffee with mitl and sugar

Supper: Fried potatoes, bread, tea and sugar

Tuesday

Brenlfast: Comed pancakes and syrup, bread, coffee with mille
and sugar.

Dinner: Individual pork and beans, piles, brend, coffee
mille and sugae.

Supper: Stewed prunes, cinngmon bread, tea with sugar

‘Uxrr Costs of Mavgzrats [xcuupen 1 Forecorxe Uns of Fase

Syrup, gal s
Salt pork, pound.

Beans, pound

Pickles, gal

Prunes, pound

pound
‘Tea, pound

Coffee, pound

Rice, pound

Beef (forequarter), pound.-
Potatoes, pound

Peas, pound

Gelatine, poond

Cornsearek, pound

Gingerbread, pound

Turnips, pound

Raisins, pound -.

‘Wheat, puffed, pound

Salmon, canned, No. ¢ Tia, dor.
Tomataes, canned, No, 10 Tin, dor
Carrots, pound i

Mutton, pond

Vermicelli, pound

Crackers, pound

Macaroni, pound

Snare Prison Foo Rani

Cheese, pound
Parsuips, pound

Split peas, pound.
Evaporated peaches, pound
Evaporated apples

Cats, rolled

Camis, each

Pur Carina Cost oF Forsconse Tutusrrarive

Wednesday
Oatmeal, 1 02.

Mill, 36 pine

Beef, 9 02.

Coffee, 2/3 0%

Frat, piece

Comstarch, 12 02.

Vermicelli, 2 02

Thursday
Cereal, 4 02,

Mill, % 07

Kidneys, 9 07

Potatoes, 10 oF

Parsnips, 10 07

Reans, 2 7

Bread, 24 02

Sugar, 2 02,

Tes, 11 07

Friday

Bread, 24 02

109

235
o7
O77
0824
085

0374

Bi oF Fane

163,

b Passos Associstiow or New Yous

Raisins, 2 02 § 01016
Coffee, 2/3 02 100530
Ten, tt oe. ons
Sugar, 2 08 a oo7at

$ «13030
Seturday

Sunday
Rice, 1 of
Symp, 1 on
Milk, ¥4 pint.
ugar, 2 02
Bread, 24 02.
Reast beef, 9 02
Potatoes, 10 a7.

Gelatine, 2 02
Cornstarch, 34 0
Gingerbread, 8 of
Tea, -11 of
Coffee, 2/3 02
§ 10470
Monday
Cereal, r 02
Mil, 94 pint.

Potatoes, 10 07.

Pickles, 2 0

Mil, 34 pint.
Coffee, 2/3 02
Sugar, 2 02
Mutton, 9 07.
Rice, ¥ 07
Vermieelli, 1 of
Bread, 24 02
Tea, «11 02,

Cereal, 1 02

5 02.
Sugar, 2 02

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Stare Pisox Foon Ravions

00234
01743
03375
(00530,
‘oo74t
05008

hiz Tur Parsow Assoctation of New Youk

3 02s
‘0219

Potatoes, 10 7
Rice, 1 02
Cheese, 74 07

Fridey

Gingerbread, 74 pound
Potatoes (for chowder), 8 0.
Tea, 11 02. :
Crackers, 2.02

Macaroni, 2 07

Saturday

Cereat, 1 02
Bread, 24 02.
Milk, % pint

Parsnips, 10 02
Salt pork, 1 o2---=

Sunday
Rice, 1 07

Syrup, 1 02.

Bread, 24 07

Coffee, 2/3 07.

Milk, 4 pint.

21017

Srare Prison Foop Rations

§ -co74t
‘6285
025

Evaporated apples, 2 02 ‘01075

Spinach, 8 02. 2

Tea, 11 0”

Cottage pudding, 8 02

Monday

Coffee, 2/3 07.
Tea, -1n o2.
Turnips, 10 of
Raisins, 4 07
Samp, 3 02
Potatoss, 10 02.

Tuesday
Baked hash (potatoes), 8 or

Pickles, 2 07.
Coffee, 2/3 07
Mill, 1 pint
Sugar, 2 02.

$

$

ur

22535

‘Second wok

3

17784
138g
21047
15817
21807

m4

Pint eck (cont)

Tar Prison Association oF New You

Second wes on’)

19673

() sramtae

Breakfast
Dinner
Supper

Breakfast
Dinner

Supper

Breakfast:
Dinner:
Supper:

Breakfast
Dinner:

Supper

Breakfast
Dinner:

Suppe

(9) $1.33503,

$e

§ 1818p General Average

Men ror Tepencucas Patiexts
Monday
Cereal, mitk, poached egg on toast, bread, butter,
‘caffe ;
Barley soup, roast beef, gravy, potatoes, vegetable,
‘bread, butter, tapioca pudding
Stewed prunes, bread, iter, tea
Tuezdoy
Cereal, milk, serambled exys, toast
‘Mutton stew, vegetable, Dread,
pudding
Boiled rice, mill, bread, batter, tea, plain cake.

batter, cornstarch

Wednesday
Cereal, milk, bread, butter, coffee.
‘Cream of pea soup, chopped meat, lemon jelly.
Hominy pudding, bread, butter, tea.

Thursdo
Cereal, mille, boiled eggs, toast

Mution broth, boiled mutton, mashed potatoes, green

es
Stewed apples, bread, butter, tea
Friday
Cereal; milk, poached exe on toast
Broiled steal or fish, mashed potatoes, vegetable, sago

pudding.
Boiled rice, mille, Dread, butter, tea

Brealefast
Dinner

Supper:
Breakfast

Dinner
Supper:

Stare Prison Foo Ransoxs

Saturday
Cereal, mill, bread, coffee
Mutton chops, reamed potatoes, vegetable
pudding.
olasses cake, milk, bread, butter, tea
Sunday
Cereal, mil, scrambled eggs, toast
Split pea soup, roast beef, gravy, vegetable, ice cream.
Stewed peaches, plain cake

Four eggs and orie quart of mille daly in addition to mille for
cereals, t0 be given as egg nog, in morning, afternoon, and at

retiving.

Bread and butter to be served with each meal
Coflee for breakfast and dinner

‘Tea for supper

Thirty-three cents per day

Breakfast
Dinner

Supper:

Breakfast
Dinner

Supper

Breakfast
Dinner

Supper

Brealefast
Dinner

Supper:

Mene ror Coxpesexen

Cereal, mill, fruit, chops, potatoes, bread, butter,
gravy, mashed potatoes,

Cold meat, French fried potatoes, Dread, butter, tea.
Tuesday
Cereal, milk, fruit, bread, butter, coffee
Mutton stew, containing vegetables 3
table, bread, fruit, sago pudding.
Broiled steal, Freach fried potatoes, cake
Wednesday
Cereal, milk, scrambled eggs, toast.
Split pea soup, comed beef, potatoes, vegetable, apple
pie
Cold meat, creamed potatoes, stewed prunes,
Thursday
Cereal, mills, Fruit, mutton chops, toast, coffee
Roast’ beef, vegetable, potatoes, cottage pudding
(sauce)
Cold meat, potato salad

Tue Paisox Association of New Your

Friday
Breakfast: Cereal, mill, Fried eggs, fried potatoes, toast
Dinner: Haked’ fresh fish, tomato sauce, vegetable, bread,

‘Supper dsalmon, cold meat, doughnuts,
Seturday
Breakfast: Cereal, mill, frit, bread, butter, ta,
Dinner: Green pea soup, foast mutton, gravy, potatoes, vege
table, fruit pd
Creamed beef, boiled potatoes
Sunday
Cereal, mil, hain and exes, toast
Roast beef, potatoes, vegetable, bread, ice cream.
Cold meat, baked potato, plain cake,
Bread, butter and sugar to be served with each meal, coffee for
breakfast and dianer. Tea for supper
Forty conts per day

A POSSIBLE REDISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULA-
TION OF CERTAIN STATE CORRECTIONAL
INSTITUTIONS

Auburn, Clinton and Great Meadow. There are two
State reformataries for males: Elmira and Napanoch,
‘These institations receive felons. While there is restriction by
age (16 to 30) and by offense (no previous conviction for felony)
in the case of the two reformatories, there is no such restriesion
as {0 age of previous eonvietion ‘it the ease of inmates sentenced
to the Siate prisons,
‘There ig, among the State prisons, no systematic elassiication
of inmates. There are first timers, and others, at each of the

TT are at present four State prisons: Sing Sing,

Those seriously ill with tibercilosis are sent to the

nton Prisos, butt in gerieral there is not even

aan approximate classification of inmates aecording to their special
according to the special functioning of the individual

Nevertheless, the classification of innuates of the State prisons,
according to their physical, mental and industeial capacities, is
fnereasingly recognized.as necessary. The proposed establish-
ment of a receiving and distributing station at Sing Sing prison
emphasis the State's recognition of such necessity, And more
‘over, proper provision for defective delinquents, who require per
quent or semi-permanent custodial care, has been urged for
many years. The treatment of the mentally defective delinquent

Constant and very troublesome problem in all correctional in-
stitutions

Tmportant reasons for the proper classification of inmates of
the State prisons and reformatories are, among others, the follow
ing:

1. Classification is important, for the sake of making possible
an adequate treatment of each particular group of inmates, But
suich treatment is impossible when the members of different
‘groups are indiscriminately house.

2. The administration of any given institution is seriously af
fected by the undifferentiated natsive of the groups with which the

118 Tae Prison Assoctation or New Yori

institution is forced t deal. Tt is generally maintained that
proper classification of inmates, and their consequent segregation
in definite groups or institutions, would be most important aid
in creating what Dr. G. G. Fernald of the Massachisetts State
Reformatory calls “better intramural adjustment and teaching.”

3. The convietion is widespread that custodial care is the only
feasible solution for the group known as the defective or feebl
minded delinquent, ‘Their presence in correctional institutions
and in the community crestes complicated problems. From the
above convietion has developed a widespread movement for secur
ing such custodial eare. Tn campaigns for this end, studies are
necessary in order (o demonstrate the problem in correctional
institutions, arising through the presence of the defective defin-
quent, by showing their uttmber and their particular nature

For this purpose, their segregation from the general corvee-
tional popalation and their consequent cancentration in a special
institution is regarded as necessary, as the next step toward the
ultimate attainment of special institutions for this class, The add
vantages of such segregation are indicated by Dr. Ferald as fol
lows:

Such classification will furnish
judgment in the study of imminent administrative problems by
boards of contol, by legislators and institution builders
‘There are certain classes of mental deviates and deficients
limited responsibility who should not be sentenced with Fully
sponsible offenders; but who should be conimitted to a speci
adapted institution, as are the insasie and the feeblemincle

‘The lines of elassification which we, in the present study of the
correctional population, have adopted are bases! on the generai
rineiple of ereating relatively homogeneoss groups, within
schich individual treatment would be facilitated, and which would
differ in general treatment from the other groups as might be
necessary. The following groups or classes are distinguished

1 broader basis of

Feebleminded,
Paychiotics,
Pervert
Tuberealar,
Cardiacs.

‘The above constitute the principal divisions that should be first
of all considered, before possible subsequent divisions are made,

Possinur REDISTRIMUTION OF THE POPULATION 119

1. Feebleminded. ‘The feebleminded in institutions for delin
nents have been estimated from as low as 20 per cent. to as high
5 60 per cent. Ds. Hastings H. Hart quotes the following:
Mass. State Industrial School for Giels
New York State Reformatory Ehmira (sate) -

New Jersey State Reformatory, Rabway (male)
New York State Reformatory for Women, Bedford
Massachusetts Industrial School for Girls, Lancaster
Maryland Industsial School ior Girls, Baltimore.
New Jersey State Howe for Gis, Trenton

Illinois State School for Boys, St. Charles

Dr. G. G. Fernald’ latest figures (for sor) show, ont of a
otal of 1407 inmates at the Massachusetts State Reformatory,
235, oF 21.2 per cent, mentally deficient, Of these, only 80, oF
omewhat over 7 per cent. are of the necessavily segregable type
Dr. Frank L. Heacos, phy he Aubarn State Prison,
finds, ia a thorough sty of 290 conseciitive cases at that prison,
13 per cent. segregable feebleminded only, Let us take an aver
‘of the percentages of such cases as.given by Drs, Fernald and

Heacox, of 10 per cent
The Femainder of the fecbleminded should be left in the gen-
prison population, Our segregable feebleminded are de-
scribed by Dz, Fernald as

incapable of honest self-support without surveillance, They sine
into indigence, vagrancy, or dishonesty if loft to their own devices
Their responsibility is sttennated, and they carinot be expected to
measure up to the ordinaty standards of morality or producliveness

*%. ‘The presence of this group in any institulion is 2 distinct
stardation of the normal and subsormal groups * * *”

Peychoties, No definite data sufficiently reliable are avail
the State prisons of New York. The psychotics differ
‘om the feebleminded, in that their mentality is normal, but that
fare subject to mental aberrations and hysteria that make
hem an exceptionally difficult institutional problem, and ware
sble in contact with normal individuals,
At the time of the present staddy (November, 1916) there were
sated to be at Auburn Prison some 20 to. 2g inmates designated
= psychotic or psychopathic. Jn the other prisons no figures were

120TH Prison Associattox oF New York

available, Dr. Fernald’s figures show approximately two per
cent. We feel justified in accepting Dr. Fernald’s Sgures for op
plication to the State prison population under examination
3. Perserts. Sex perversion in penal institutions consists
most eatively of homosexualism, with incidental perversions of
other nature. Perversion in penal institutions is practiced by to
kinds of inmates: ‘Those that were perverts before iimprsoi
rent, and those that became so wholly or in part after incareer
tion and throngh contact vwth confirmed perverts, Tn segregt.
ing this group, we assume that by weeding ont such confirme
perverts and making contact impossible between tiem and the un
Contaminated, onntrol of this institutional problem would be
gely obtained.
ares for the State prisons were available. Ose
Based on the peceentages of convictions for
tions are indicative of a minim rathe
than massimam. They constitute 2.56 per cent. of the convic
tions in State-prisons. We adopt the saime figures in the follon
ing study. Althorgh they are somewhat higher than Dr
Fernati!s (about 1 per cent.), they ave justified by the differen
nature and higher average age of the inmates considered
44 Tubercular. Reliable figures were obtained for Clinton
Prison and Aubura Prison only; but inasmuch xs Clint
Prison already receives most of the tubercular prisoners, 2 et
centage based on Clinton would be altogether too. high
amounted, in fact, in Auburn for che beginiting of the fiscal yes
1916, t0 482 per cent, recognized cases, and in Clinton Privon
October 38, 1916 twas sbout 28 per cent. Estimates a differ
times have heen from & €0 12 per eent. A special examination 3
Sing Sing of 2n4 prisoners by pliysicins of the State Board 0
Health, as part of a general sanitary survey wndertaken by the
Board, showed postive results in 29, or almost 10 per ent of
the cases, Tnimates sere chosen for this examination at random.
so that se feel justified in adopting 10 per eent. as the percens
Of the tubereular for the State prisous in general
5. Canfiacs. At Clinton Prison, the number of cardiacs on the
date of the present study, October 31, 1916, was given as 276,
21 per cent. This again is 290 high, hecanse it has been cus
tomnary to transfer earsias to Clinton in the same way that tuber
cilar patients are transferred (a practice seriously disapprove
of, inthe ease of eariacs, hy the resident physician, Dr. Ranson.

Possime RepistRmerion oF THE PoruLavios 121

at Clinton Prison). About 50 per cent. of the above were consid-
ered also tubercular. A specidl examination by the State Health
officers at Sing Sing, as part of the survey referred to above, dis
closed out of 208 eases 16 cardizes, oF 5.44 per eent-; an allow-
nce for duplication with the tubercisiar will reduce the 5.44 to 3
per cent, We assume the latter as the percentage of eardiacs for
the general population,

In view of the reasons set forth above we are making’ a ntm-
her of alternative proposals

1 For rae Revisrusurion or Tue Mate Porvnation
Winlay tie Stare Parsox Durarwenn, Feasin
Wirxour Foerier Lacisnation, Mrgety sy Exxcurive
Ouoer or 1112 State SUPERINTENDENT OP PrIsoNs.

For this redistribution, the actual count made during the pre
ent survey was used first, and the average poptlation for 1915
was given for purposes of comparison, becastse the present census
‘s unuisuatly Tow, while the 1915 censtis represents the highwatee

Hl, A Secon Avresxative Plax Wounn IxeLupe nv rate Re-
DISTRINUTION, IN ADDITION T0 THE State Prisox Deranr
wens, Atso’ tHe New York Stare Reeoamarory at
Exams ano 115 Branca, the Easreis New York Re-
ORMATORY At NAPANoctL

For this plan also, both 1916 and 1915 figures were used, for
the same reason, To bring about the execution of this second
plan, some legislative changes would be necessary, namely, that
the institution at Napanoch he ssed for the segregation of the de
fective delinquents, and that the New York State Reformatory
transfer all its defective delinguents, its tuberesiiar and its per

verts to te specially designated institutions,

HL. Tue Touro Prax Wourn Teepe i tie Reprsreneu-
‘nox xor oxty Tate Stare Prison DEPARTMENT AND THE
New Yore Stare Ruroaatony, sur atso ai Miso
MEANANTS BETWEEN 18 AND 30 Ytans or Ack Seavie ne
rug Four County Pextresvianmes, Nawety, ALBANY,
Monnoe, Bair axp ONONDAGA.

It would be necessary, for the execution of this plan, to obtain
legislation in addition to that outlined above, authorizing the

suze Tu Passon Association or New Yors,

ommitment of such n
Reformatory

‘No detailed plans have been proposed ior the women prisons
‘of the State, that is, those in Auburn, Valatie and the reforma
tories at Retiford, Albion and Hudson, Partial plans are alread
begun for the disposition of Auburn and Valatie, but the inclusion
of the reformatories in a comprehensive plan similar to that sul:
mitted for the male population has heen postponed cntil the ma
terial necessary for such plan has been obtained by: the cooper
tion of the State Board of Charities. This cooperation has been
promised, but as yet tere has not been sufficient time to submi
the necessary material

‘At present a tentative plan is under consideration to establish
1 departinent or division for mentally defective women at Valatie,
in addition to its present functions; to build housing accomod:
tions for some two hndred of them at a distant part of the farm
and to ask for legislation allowing the transfer to such department
fof feebleminded women from all penal and seformatory instts
tions, public and private, State, county and city

jemeanants between 18 and 3040 Elica

PLAN L

Possince RepistRmuTion oF INMATES oF THE STATE Paisoxs
ONLY, Nor INCHLUDING THE PoruLATION o* REFORMATORIES
ox MALe Misoearaxanrs ts Orieg Insrirozioxs. For
Tuus Distuavrion tue FoLLowine Facutties ror Fou
ING IN THE Four Stare Paigons pox Maves az Avat

. Auburn mo

Total cell capacity an

Solitary cells

Ponishment cells

Dormitory capacity

Hospital

Divided as follow:

North hall

“Cross-arm sestion

South hall

Extra cells above the fifth tier, south hal.

Dormitory is located an che top of the north hall,

Possums Reotsraimurt0N 8 THE POPULATION

Clinton
Total cell capacity
Solitary cells
ospital
Divided as follows
East hall
est hall
Sox al
‘Fhe new hospital pavilion when completed, will take the
Jace of Bre present tabercelosis quarters, and will accom
Inodate 350 patients instead of the present facilities which
accommodate only 146.
‘reat Meadoce
Total cel eapacity
North hall
Sout all

Sing Sing

Total cell eapacity

hich will accomodate approximately.

Condemned cells and hospital.

A. Distribution on the Basis of 1986 Count
‘The gores considered ener this Beating eat those whose
reco ceeds were examined onthe wns to the various insite
tons onthe following dats
Sura, Oster 27,196, records counted 1218 cout 1263
ren Micadow, November 2, 1916, record eunted 87, censes 84D
See ie Novemmer tp 191 recars count. 13 consis 1496

Total sidagonsavevececenes ABO. 486

‘Note—Discrepancies betweere number counted! and aetuad cen

were dae to-clescal difficulties,

‘Tine Parson Associanion of New Yore

ation of the percentages presented in the introduction,
the total of 4804 inmates counted is apportioned 10 the variont
groups as follows:

Feebleminded

Tubercuar

Perverts

Payetiotios

Cardiacs

‘The following disposition of the above might be mate

Great'Meadowr, south hall
Clinton, nev building:
Cingon, 2nd and ged tiers,
east hall, south.
Clinton, 2nd and 3rd tices
west hall, norti
Glimtou, 1st and half of
-and ter, west hal, south
Sing Sing, 2nd and half
of 3rd tier, west

a. Feebleminded 40
bo Tebereu 480

Perverts 95
Psychotic

© Cardiacs

‘This leaves 2532 inmates to be distributed among four prisons
with remaining iacilities, as follows
600 cells in north hall, Great Meadow
336 cells in east hall, Clinton.
318 cells in west hall, Clinton,
152 cells in south ball, Cl
1,050 cells in Sing Sing
24r cells at Auburn,

‘Total 3.607 in addition to hospitals and dormitories,

The 480 feebleminded are assigned to Great Meadow chiefly
because of the unlimited amount of outdoor work requiring
mskiled labor, which is partieularly favorable for this type of
inmate. Also, they can be housed and handled seperately becruse
of the two distincily separate cell halls of the prison

Possin.e Remstrmurion or Tue Porvrarion — 125

esident staff of physicians is particularly qualiGed, after long:
et eek (TBE Ata gavilion searing
oodste tcl fo

“The perverts are assigned to Clinton because they u:

require 2 rigid form of discipline and close supervision.

Tkely that a more rigid form of discipline wil) provall at this
Puhots ae snipe to lniow scutes prove
disturbing element inthe popetaton and require close tnedia
Whe cand a Z use of the favor:
Mic cardiacs are assigned to Sing Sing becau

ie atitude at Ossining. The lower ters are assigned to them

sto rede o mio the expe of ir py

media care which is most easly obtainable at Sing Sing, due
to prosimity to New York City
B. On the basis of average population forthe fiscal yar ending
pewter 30, 19F5 an gion tn the anual seport ofthe State

Prion Conmissod. “The mambers in the grope on this basis

are a Fllo

Fecbleminded
‘Tobercular
Pewvert
Paychotics
Cardiaes

To he distributed as follows

s. Fechlominded $20 Great Meadow, south h
B Taberewtar 120 Clinton Prison new build
lintoa’ Prison, and and
3 tier eat hall, south
Glinton Prison, 2nd. and

Pere ge ter, west hall, north

Parson Associanion or New Yon

ou Prigen, 1st tier

‘and half of and ter,

west fll, south. &
Cardiacs .. 2. Sing Sing, and tier, acd

half of 30d tier, west

Paychtics

This leaves 3826 inmates t0 be distributed among the four
prisons with remaining facilities, as follows.

600 ces im north hill, Great Meadow

4336 cells in east tall, Clinton,

4318 cells in west hall, Clinton.

152 cells in south hall, Clinton.

1,900 calls in Sing Sivg.

ragr cells at Auburn,

134647 cells in addition to hospitals and dormitories,

‘On this basis there will he a shortage of cells to the extent of
129 cells, so that it would he necessary either to double-ap or t0
we the domuitory at Sing Sing or the balls at ether prisons,
slaoild be in operation,

on, oi the basis either of the r9¢3 or of

the 1916 figures, eau be accomplished at any time throsgh exect
tive orders of the State Superintendent of Prisons. No legisla-
tion is necessary for the purpose. ‘The medical fore now avail
‘ent to make a fairly reliable

examination of inmates admitted at the various prisons, to ascer
tain the group to which the prisoner belongs, ‘The above distribu:
tion seems feasible in every respect. If Sing Sing is designated
asa recciving station, the system for such examination and dispo-
sition can be best perfected. Out of the total number of annual
new commitments to the State Prisons, fully 70:per cent. are first
admitted at Sing Sing, so that the possible duplication of trans
portation expense could be considered in 30 per cent. of the cases
nly, assiming that normal transfers naw taking place from Sing
Simg to the other prisons and between the other prisons would
Femain about the same (although the chances are that the latter
rwonld be considerably rediiced liy the use of Sing Sing Prison as
a distributing station). The designation of Sing Sing Prison as

Possine RuistRiaonios or THE PoruLasion 127

the receiving and distributing prison is practically within the
ower of the State Superintendent of Prisons now. Tr may be
Ivisable to seek legislation for this purpose. Such legislation is
herewith recommended and will be considered again below.

PLAN IL.

Posie Repistamurion oF tie PoruLanion oF tie Stare
Prisons FoR MALE INMareS AND oF THE State REFORMA-
Torts FoR Mabss, Unitizine THe Szare Prisons axo
Exatma axp Naranocn, RSFoRMATORIES,

‘This plan seems the one considered most advisable at the pres-
cnt time, and requires hoth administrative and legislative aetion,
‘There would be added to the facilities above described as now
cbiaining in the State Prison Department, also the following:

Elmira, total cefl capncity
Napanoch, total cell capacity.

1440 and hospital
496 and hospital

Both Elmira and Napanoch lend themselves to physical possi-
lties of segregation, by minor physical and structutal changes
For this plan legislation is required as follows:

a, Making the plant and site at Napanoch available for
the care of feebleminded of both State Prisons and
Reformatories

b. Accomplishing the transfer of all feebleminded, tuber-
cular and pervert inmates from the Reformatory.

‘The diminution in housing capacity of the Reformatories, by
the changed use of Napanock, would be counter balanced by the
moval from the Reformatory of the feebleminded, tubercular
and perverts,

A. Distribution on the Basis of 1016 Figures
(For the State Prisons figures have been quoted above.
Elmira and Napanoch the following figures are used :)
Genes At Kenia, on Saas of Hin, eget 9.
1916 :
‘At Napanoch, inspection July 20, 1916.

Total .
State prisons, 1936 cout.

Grand Total

128 Tue Prisox Association or New York
The apportionment of the combined population in the various
‘groups is as follows:
Fecbleminded = 307
Tubercular
Peevort
Psychotic

Cardiac
‘Total

Only the feebleminded, tubercalar and perver
posed of,

re jointly dis.
The other groups are to be taken eare of by the Stare
Prisons and the Reformatories respectively.
Feableminded Napanoch, entire
Clinton, south hall, west.
Clinton, new building.
lintor, east hall, south, 3

Taberctae

Clinton, 3

rs, west hal,

State Prison
Peychotie
‘Reformatory

Clinton, south hall, east.

Elmira
State Prison Sing Sing, and and ed
Cardiac

Reformatory es
Total

There remain, therefore, 4.380 inmates to be distributed. of
hom 3.532 are from the State Prisons and 857 from the
Reformatory. Facilities for them would be available as follows
1184 cells in Great Meadors
‘252 celle im east hall, Clinton,
212 cells in west hall, Clintoa.

Possioie REDISTRIBUTION OF THE PorvLsTion 129

1,240 cells in Aubin,
revo cells in. Sing Si

Total 3,88) in addition to hospitals, dormit
Also 1,130 cells in Elmira

tirand Total 5.019

‘his suxphis cell capacity is temporarily reduced! by the fact

nat the new tuberculosis pavilion at Clinton is not yet available,

rx may not be until the summer of 1917. This means a rede

apacity by less than 200

rottns within the Reformatory, for whieh purpose

Imira institution is to be used, we have made no recom

rendations as to the specific parts of the institution fo be used

joe the various groups. This is a detail which can be taken care
hy the administrative authorities at Elinira

B, On the basis of the average population for the fiscal year
vling September 30, 1975 a8 given by the State Prison Com:
mmission, for the State Prisons and Reformatories, the apportion:
nent to the varions groups on this hasis is as follows:
&. Pecbleminded

uberealar

Pervert

Psychotic

A nly the feebleminded, tubercalar and perverts are pro

ied for jointly. The others are to be left to the State prisons
wid to the Reformatory respectively, as per the following pro-
posed distribution
Napanoch, entire
Clinton, south hall, entire
Clinton, new building.
Clinton, additional "new
building of the same na
ture proposed

& Fecbleminded

>. Tuberewlar

Tue Pxisox Assoctation oF New Yors

Perv Clioton, three ters
west fall, sort.
Paychotic
State Prison Clinton, ast tier and halt
of and tier, ye
south
Paychotic
Refornatory .
Cardises

Elmiea

Sing Sing, and tier and
Tnalf of 3rd tier sees,
Cardiaes
Reformatory Etmisa

1898
‘There remain on this plan 5,137 prisoners to be disposed of, of
‘wham 3826 are from the State prisons and 1,311 from the
reformatories, Available facilities have the following capacities
1185 cells in Great Meadow.
185 cells in west ball, Clincon,
04 cells in east ball, Clinton,
sagt cells at Auburn,
1,050 cells at Sing Sing.

oral 4

Grand Total

‘This grand total is 386 above the requirements, but the plan
assumes two tuberculosis pavilions at Clinton, of which only one
will be availible at the time this would go into effect, vir, the

beginning 0 (The plan upon which this proposal
is hased could be made eifective by proper legislation the begin-
ning of the next fiscal year, July 1, 1917.) But on the other
thar, road work and constriction camps, especially for the bnild
ings at Sing Sing and possibly preparatory eenstrisetion work for
the new prison will take off the surplus and will make adjust-
ments possible,

Posies RepistaiauTIon oy THE PesuLamion 131

PEAN HI
Timp ano Fivar Prax Wovtn Provine Tearporarice
vor A Mors Reasoxamie TreaTuext or Marz Misoe-
wraNants ov Revonwatory Ack Ovrse or New York
Cury, avo Conmrve 7HE Watore Marten or Turse Dis-
Postion Wirn THE PeaNs Worken our Anovi FOR THE
STATE Prisons and REFORMATORIES
‘This plan provides for male misdemeanants of reformatory age
held in county penitentiaries only, and does not consider th
oanty jails. It is asstzmed in general that persons sentenced to
fo days or more are in most cases transferred from the county
fo the county penitentiaries. Albany, Onondaga, Monroe
ind Erie Connty penitentiaries are dealt with. ‘The New Yorke
County: Penitentiary being part of the Department of Correction,
ew York City, may be omitted because New York City has
Reormatory for its male misclemeanants
The average daily male population jn the four county peniten=
aries referred to for the fiscal year 1915 was 1,868. Daring
ivesame fiseal year the percentage of admissions between 18 and
wars of age was about 45 per cent. Applying approximately
ine same percentage to the average population of the four peni-
fesiaries for 1915, about half of 1,868, or abont 900 may be
ssimed as the nomber of male misdemeanants of veformatory:
ie to be disposed of,
Tis proposed herewith that such male misdemeanants be henee-
lcrih directly sentenced to Elmira. The legislation necessary in
omeetion with this plan would therefore provide:

‘That male misdemeanants between the ages of 18 and
30 be henceforth sentenced not to county penitentiaries bat
to the New York State Reformatory om indeterminate
sentences with a suggested maximum of three years

11 is assumed in the following plan that the proper legislation
for che combination of the State Reformatory problem wth that
J: the State Prison problem as herein dealt with, is also to be
Provice

Patimates for 1916 are not made, as no records are as yet at
fard as to the populatior of all penal institutions for the fiscal
fear ending June 30, 1016.

132 THE Prison Associariow or New York

(On the basis of daily average populations for 1945
Average State Prison population. .
‘Average Reformnatory popitlaion....+000+
Estimated average of misdemeananes in county. peniten-
fries, 4915 (between 18 and 3o years)

[Apportioned to the various groups as follows
Feebleminded

Psychotic
Cardize

Total

To be distributed as follows (total feebleminded, taberculs:
rt to be combined, others to be taken care of by the
ons and reformatories respectively: Elmira Reforms
are for misdemeanants) : meee
a. Fechleminded 78) Napanoch, Ftire
Temporary structure at
Napanod
Giintoa, new building
Giinton, additonal build-
ing 10. be constructed
partly temporary
Clinton, 3 tiers of ‘west
hal, north

‘Tubereular

Paychotic
State Prison

{Clinton Prison, south ball,

Peychotic
Ref. misdemeanants
Cardiacs
‘State Prisons

Elmira

Sing Sing, 2nd tier an
half of ged tes, west
Cardiaes

"Ref, misdemeanants Etmisa

Posstore REDISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION 133

Five thousand seven hundred and ninety-six prisoners remain
for distribution, of whom 3,826 are from State prisons and 1,970
rom the reformatories, including the new type of reformatory
inmates, viz, miscemeanants previously sent to the county
penitentiaries, For these there will be available
1184 cells at Great Meadow.
‘RBs cells at Clinton.

1.241 cells at Auburn

11050 cells at Sing Sing.
Total 4,360

1318 cells in the reformatories, making a grand

5.604

The apparent surplus of State prison capacity to the extent of
cells is reduced by the necessity of putting up another tuber-
‘Slosis pavilion and additional temporary buildings for the tuber-
cular to care for 439 inmates in addition to the 350 provided for
i the present pavilion
A possible excess reformatory population of .652 is very
rolikely inasmuch as it assuimes both a rettin to the number oF
commitments in 1915 and the immediate attainment of a maxi-
mum at Eknira of both felons and misdemeanants. By transfer
0 the Prison Department in accordance with plans included in
the general program submitted, this number will be considerably
ediiced, most of them being housed on construction work or farm
work to be developed in the prison department.
It goes without saying that a pian which provides for an addi-
ional type of commitments, must tax the housing capacity that
has shown itself unequal even to the normal requirements in the
It ig therefore not discouraging to find the excess popula-
tion here showa, In fact, the granting of an entirely new State
prison is based on the assumption that the housing capacity is
Insufficient,

TO CARRY OUT ALL OF THE ABOVE PLANS, LEGIS-
LATION WOULD BE REQUIRED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A law designating Sing Sing Prison as the receiving and
distributing prison for the whole Prison Department.
2. A law designating Napanoch as the institution for feeble-
inded delinquents from State prisons and the State reformatory,

134 Tue Parson Assoctarton of New Youn

under control of the Board of Managers of New York State
Reformatory.

3. A law making it possible to retain such feebleminded delin.
quents after the expiration of their term on the same basis on
which the insane are now retained at Matteawat and Dannemora,
This law would have to Follow No, 2, and should be passed simul
taneously with appropriations for the establishment of sufficient
facilities to take care of the permanent group,

system of transfers between

fally in respec

to the institution for feebleminded and to the care of the tuber
cular and the perverts

‘5. A law making permissive the sentence of male misdemean-
ants between 28 and 39 years to the New York State Reforma
tory instead of to the county penitentiaries,

6, A law providing for the joint treatment of all fecbleminded
delinquents, rubercuins nd perveres, whether originally admitved
at the State prisons ar reformataries

7. Appropriations for tzansportation of inmates from institu
tion to institution, in accordance with the plans above outlined,

8, Appropriations to be made for the construction at Clinton of
‘an additional tuberculosis hospital pavilion similar to the one
nearing completion at present.

Women Prisoners: The total number of prisoners in the State
Prison department housed at the State Prison at Auburn and at
the State Farm for Women at Valatie at the time of the present
study, was 192, This number isa fair average. An examinat
into the records of the women at Auburn Prison was made an
data collected regarding their mental and physical status, from
Dr. Frank L. Heacox, physician at Auburn State Prison
number of women does not justify an elaborace
bution. Such a system is deemed necessary, but can be under
taken only as part of a larger system, including at least the State
reformatories at Beriford and Albion and possibly, also, the New
Yorks Training School at Hd ‘the woinen prisoners in
counties and in New York City. The elabor
system, requires the active cooperation of the State Board of
Charities, Therefore, a statement of any detailed plans is post
poned untif the matter may be fully taken up with the Board

Short of a solation of the probiem of the w
the State as a whole, we do think it advisable under all circum:

Possini: REDISTRIBUTION OF THE PoruLATION 135

ssmees: First, to remove the Auburn Prison for Women from
its present quarters, Secondly, to provide additonal lldings at
Prison Farm at Valatie, and male sith modifications that
wl inure steeeping of he inmates. Tiny, o abate
« establish the possiblity of transfers when necewary betices
\lste and Auburn, and between the two andthe reformat
Fourthly, the postble establishment of 2 division

cebleminded at Vaitie.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION AND PAROLE COM-
MISSION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

HE work of the Department of Correction during the past
year has entitled the City of New York to a place among
the foremost of those communities that have conceived

of the problem of correction in the light of the latest achievements
of criminology and of penal administration. Had the improve-
ments of the year been merely steps towards greater efficiency in
the administration as such, the department might still be entitled
to credit for that. However, the real progress of the year con-
sists in having made the beginnings of the application of truly
modern principles of correction (along with the accepted princi-
ples of efficient administration) to the complicated problem of
both caring for a large number of inmates and of concentrating
the activities of the institutions upon the problems of the rehabili-
tation of the prisoner.

There have been some sethacks and a few matters in whieh
adverse criticism is necessary. They are, however, slight com-
pared with the important items of progress.

With the beginning of the year 1916, the Parole Commission
for the City of New York, established by the Legislature and put
into effect by the Mayor of the City of New York, began its
activities. From that time on, it has been impossible to think of
the Department of Correction, so far as its dealing with the pr
oners is concerned, without taking account throughout of the
importance of the Commission. Practically all the inmates of the
Penitentiary arid of the Reformatory, and also a considerable
number at the Workhouse, are subject to the jurisdiction of the
Parole Commission. Up to November 29, 1916, these numbered
3,333, Of whom there were:

Men Wonet

Reformatory inmates ...... seve 832

Penitentiary inmates .. cesses 1,763 38

Workhouse inmates ...... re me)

It is not, however, the actual number subject to the jurisdiction
of the Parole Commission that is alone important; nor the fact
alone that through the work of the Commission and its staff of

136

sSuping Aruoduy, ‘sung uodaey won.

Depaxtacent oF CORRECTION AXD PanoLe COMMISSION 137

rarole officers, it is possible to make an individual study of all
persons received in the department and to deal with them, so far
as possible, in accordance with the results of such investigations.
‘The natural advantages of an indeterminate sentence include the
pessbility of the development of rational and progressive stand
ards of treatment and of efficient systems in the industrial
activities of the institutions, and in the academic and trade educa-
tion afforded inmates. It is therefore, very difficult to dissociate
the general improvements in the Department of Correction from
the Parole Commission and the indeterminate sentence, and that
cher great step, the establishment of a clearing’ house.

The clearing house serves for the Department of Correction
«nly, but for that Department, with its elaborate system of institu-
tions and the great complexity of types of inmates and institi-
tional activities, it represents possibilities as yet hardly within the
imagination of penologist

Tn view of the existence of the Parole Commission and of the
indeterminate sentence, of which itis the administrator and of the
Neginings of a clearing house, such improvements oF plans for
improvements as the systematic treatment of drug addicts, the
development of a municipal farm, of a farm for women, of an
industria! penitentiary on Hart's Island, and of an, educational
reformatory for the young at npton, assume a new
importance and a new meaning.

The intimate relation of these various matters will be dis-

ed more fully below. ‘The problem of drug addiction has
anpressed itself not only on the public mind as a serious public
menace, but also upon penologists as 2 serious institutional
problem. In the Department of Correction this problem has
come to be felt distinctly only within the last few years, A drug
vvard and specialized teeatment for addicts were introduced in the
ospital of the Workhouse during’ ro15 on the women’s side, and
«temporary small drug ward on the men's side, While attempts
vere being made to obtain a larger drug ward for the men, plans
were at the same time drawn up for the erection of separate
spital for drug addicts on Rikes's Island. The cost of this
hospital was to be provided by private subscription. Tt has
provided, however. to0 costly to be covered by the original private
gvarantee, so that the City appropriated a supplementary stim of
$12,000. Work on the construction has not yet been started but
1s promised for the spring of 1917.

138 Tue Prison Association or New York

The development of a municipal farm on Riker’s Island is
based upon the assumption that eventually the Island will cover
some 500 acres, most of it cultivable. Already, a good part of the
filled-in ground has been graded, the soil sifted and cleaned up of
glass, tinware and other rubbish; some of it has actually been
under cultivation during the summer of 1916. The housing
facilities have been increased so that almost 1,000 men may now
be accommodated, and a plan for the ultimate distribution of
buildings has been prepared. While there is still some disagree-
ment as to the possibilities of raising all kinds of vegetables, the
indications are more clearly than ever that the expectations for
an ultimate farm are justified.

A law authorizing the Department of Correction to purchase
a tract outside the city limits, for the establishment of a prison
faim for women, was passed by the Legislature of 1916, and
towards the end of the calendar year of 1916 an appropriation
was granted by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment for
the purchase of such a farm, and the construction thereupon of
suitable buildings. It is a great step towards the proper tre:
ment of women offenders, to have been able to procure such a
farm, It is to be seriously regretted, however, that the project
of a Detention House and Examining Station for women in con.
nection with the courts, has had to be abandoned in order to make
the money appropriated therefor available for the purchase and
construction of such a prison farm. The Prison Association has
not been in sympathy with the City authorities in turning that
money over for other purposes; and while it rejoices in obtaining
a farm for the women where they may be housed and treated
more reasonably and decently than at the present Workhouse, it
nevertheless deplores that step. However, so far as the progress
of the Department of Correction is concerned, such a farm cer-
tainly is an advantage and will materially contribute to the unifi
cation of the departmental treatment of its ward:

Hart's Island has come considerably nearer the intended goal
of becoming the industrial prison of the Department of Correc
tion, During the year, several of the industrial shops, particu-
larly the shoe shop, tailoring and one of the brush shops, were
moved from the Penitentiary on Blackwell’s Island to Hatt’s
Island. In the latter place, practically all of building No. 5 has
been turned over for the use of the industrial department. —

Derararent oF Connection AND Parote Commission 139

For the development and completion of New Hampton Farms
(the Gity Reformatory for misdemeanants), very generous
appropriations were made towards the end of the calendar yeas
of 1916. There were granted $800,000 on corporate stock, and
the development of that institution is daily progressing.

For the partial and temporary improvement of the conditions
which necessitated the campaiga for the House of Detention on
goth street, an appropriation of $30,000 was made for the recon
Struction of the Jefferson Market District Prison. The amount
is to be raised by corporate stack and the construction is to be
undertaken during the year 1917.

\ similar appropriation of $32,000 for the remodeling of the
dustrial Building of the Penitentiary on Blackwell's Island, will
‘make possible the organization at that in
logical and psychiatr
instrumentalities for the clearing house to be established there.

After this brief recital of the principal changes and improve-
ments begun during the year, the importance and the relation to
all of them of the work of the Parole Commission, and of the
establishment of a clearing house, will become clear. The exam-
ination and clinical work as an adjunct to the court, for the pur-
pose.of facilitating the work of the court in the disposition of
offenders remains, of course, as yet untouched. ‘The House of
Detention for women which was to solve that problem at least in
part, has been indefinitely postponed ; bat once the man or woman
has been sentenced to any institution of the Department of Cor-
rection (other than a City Prison and for a very limited time),
the correctional organization of the Department begins to work
It i true that not all sentences are as yet for an indeterminate
Period. ‘Those prisoners transferred from counties outside of
New York City, and a majority of those sentenced to the Work-
house, are still Sent for a definite period generally not exceeding
sis months. But these are gradually becoming less numerous and
less important. All those committed to the Penitentiary or the
‘Reformatory are sent directly to the Penitentiary on Blackwell's

nd, there to undergo the preliminary examination which.
supply material hoth for the Parole Commission and for the i
tutional authorities. ‘The general system (worked out princi-
pally by the Commissioner of Accounts with the cooperation of
the ‘Prison Association in the latter part of the year 1913) pro-

140 Tue Prison Association or New York

vides for an examination at the time of such admission, of all
inmates by at least the following :

1. The physician.

2. The school teacher.

3. The industrial department.

4. The Parole Commissioner

5. A parole officer or other representative of the
Parole Commission.

The results of these examinations are combined and one copy
made available for the Warden of the institution and another for
the Parole Commis Had it not been for the organization of
a parole body and the necessity of obtaining such informatior
for them, this material, greatly needed by the institutional author-
ities, would probably not have been obtained for many years
This is the first instance, therefore, of the far-reaching effects
upon institutional treatment of the organization of the parole
work.

After this point, the parole authorities and the institutional
authorities proceed independently. The parole authorities make
their general decision as to the further period of time that the
inmate should remain in the institution, while the institutional
authorities may proceed, especially with the aid of information
obtained by the special examinations, to make the best disposition
of the inmate in the institutions. The ideal system intended is
that assignment of the inmate shall be made principally on the
basis of the findings of these examinations. For. the present this
is not done: first, because the psychological and psychiatric clinic
has not yet been organized ; secondly, because the clearing house.
as such, has not yet been fully organized; that is to say, the
principles of distribution within the department have not been
fully worked out, What such a clearing house should be and

s ‘lize information at its disposal for the best interests
of the Department as well as of the inmates, has been tentatively
outlined in a memorandum to the Department by the Prison
Association.

Probably the year r917 will see the crystallization of these ger"
eral plans and intentions into the beginnings of a definite working
system.

‘The establishment of the Parole Commission for the City of
New York is a step of such importance in the progressive develop

Cottage Construction, New Hampton Farms.

Devarrsent OF CORRECTION AND PAROLE COMMISSION 145

ment of the treatment of the offender sent to an institution, that
it will be well for the whole country to follow closely the develop-
ments in the work of that Commission. It is hoped that that
‘work will not be interrupted, Attempts have been made last year
and again this year, to hamper the work of the Commission or
‘even to abolish it entirely. Tt is hardly likely, however, that such
a backward step will ever be taken. For general information, we
are reproducing herewith some of the rules formulated thus far
yy the Parole Commission, and some of the methods tentatively
adopted for carrying out their duties:

Rule 14. On the first Wednesday of each month the Commission
will consider the fixing of the minimum time for parole consideration
and action on paroles for the Penitentiary. One week previous to
this meeting, the Warden of the Penitentiary shall send pre-parole
eports to the Secretary of the Commission:

(On the second Wednesday of each month the paroles of Reform
atory cases will be acted upon, Pre-parole reports shall be forwarded
by the Superintendent of the Reformatory to the Secretary of the
Commission not later than one week in advance.

(On the third Wednesday of each month the goad cime to be earned
by the Workhouse prisoners and the granting of paroles of Work-
house prisoners will be considered: One week previous to this

neting the Warden of the Workhouse shall send the pre-parale
reports to the Secretary of the Commission,

(On the fourth Wednesday of each month the Conmmissiom will act
upon the number of marks to be assigned to inmates of the Reform-
alory, on the earning of which they may be considered for parole.

‘The Superintendents and Wardens shal be instructed to attend
the meetings of the Commission at which the inmates of their respec
‘ive institutions are to be granted their parole, and die Superin-
tendent of Women shall attend the meetings at whicl paroles of
‘women serving time in the Workhouse are considered,

Rule 15. Applications for parole will not be considered from
any outside source. ‘The initiative must come from within the Parole
Commission or the Department of Corrections in all cases,

The following rules have been adopted to govern the proceedings
of the Parole Commission in determining the eligibility for parole
of the inmates committed to the various institutions of the Depart-

142 Tue Prison Association or New York

ment of Correction, They may be modified from time to time, as
the experience of the Commission indicates a more efficient and
more equitable method. They have been formulated on a basis of

perience and study of the most satisfactory methods now in use
in other institutions throughout the country.

Tenzarie Ruves or Procepure ror Estas.isuine THE Esc
srity FoR Parove or Inmaves Comirrep to THE City
REFoRMATORY, PENITENTIARY AND WORKHOUSE

1
Ciry Rerormatory

1. As soon as practicable after the admission of each imnate com-
mitted to the City Reformatory, the member of the Parole Commis-
sion assigned to this institution shall review all the papers in the
case, including court reports, investigations of probation’ or parole
officers, original interview blank, medical report, etc., and, where
desirable, shall interview the inmate and the Superintendent of the
Reformatory at the institution.

Asa result of this study he shall recommend at the regular meeting
of the Parole Commission following, the minimum number of credit

marks which shall be necessary in order that the parole of the
individual may be considered by the Commission,

3. The case of each individual who has earned the number of merit
marks required for consideration shall come up at a stated meeting
of the Parole Commision next preceding the date on which such
marks shall have been earned. It shall be within the province of th
Commission to demand: First, in addition to the earning of thi
number of merit marks, the resident physician's certificate stating the
condition of health of the inmate; and, second, assurance that work
and a suitable home can be provided the inmate upon his release.
In every case, regardless of special provisions as outlined above,
the Commission reserves the right to act in the manner which in its
judgment best safeguards the interests of society and the individual
offender.

4. The above rules shall not be interrupted so as to prevent the
Commission from giving consideration to any special case which
may be brought to its attention by the Superintendent of the institu-
tion or by a member of the Commission, upon the presentation of
new facts in the cas:

Superintendent's Residence, New Hampton Farms.

Department o¥ Cornectios AND PAROLE COMMISSION 143

ia
Ar tHe Penrrentrany
The member of the Commission assigned 0 the Penitentiary
tall review all the papers in the case of each inmate as soon as
acticable after admission, and shall, where desirable, interview
the inmate and warden of the institution at the institution, and on
the basis of this study shall, a the mext meeting of the Commission,
ecommend to the Commission the minimum period at which his,
case may come p for consideration for parole,
2. If the Comm

‘Those whose minimum is six months or lese shall form group 1.
13e Whose mininnum is between six months and one
form group 2.

Those whose minimum is between one year and one year and a
half shall form group 3,

Those whose ininimum is between one year and a half and two
years shall form group 4

‘Those whose minimum is between two years and two years and
half shall form group 5,

Those whose minimum is between two years and a half aud three
years shall form group 6.

‘The warden shall inform the prisoner of the group to which he
belongs but not of the exact or approximate time within this group.
This does not, however, do more than provide a time for considera
tion. At the expiration of the minimum term decided upon'by the
Commission, the warden shall present the prisoner's name to the
Commission together with a report as to his physfcal health, his
industrial efficiency and his conduct within the institution, for the
purpose of determining whether parole may be granted at the

expiration of this minimum period, or whether the physical or

Delavior elements in the ease warrant a longer detention.

3. Rule 2 shall not prevent a special consideration of a case either
‘upon the recommendation of the warden or a member of the Com-
tission or spon the appeal of the inmate himself to the member
of the Commission designated to 2 particular institution, In the
Jatter ease, however, before presenting the application of the inmate
to the full board, the Commissioner shall have an interview with

144 Tue Prison Assocration or New York

the warden and shall be convinced that the merits of the case make
it desirable to have it taken up in full board, but no prisoner shall be
placed on parole under such circumstances without the affirmative
vote of three members of the Commission.

m1
Ar THE Worxnouse

1. As soon as possible after the records of the cases are assembled,
the Commissioner assigned to the Workhouse shalt review the
evidence in the case and shall interview the inmate, if desirable,
and the warden or superintendent of women, and shall determine
the maximum time which may be earned by the individual by good
conduct,and this recorrmendation shall be made at the next meeting
of the Commission of Parole, who shall act upon it a
its findings to the warden of the institution.

2. The Commission, in all Workhouse cases, shall receive a cer-
tificate from the resident physician to the effect that the prisoner
has, first, no disease which could be cured by longer confinement;
or, second, that he has an incurable disease which longer confine-
ment could not hope to improve; third, evidence that a home, and,
if possible, work is immediately to be had for the prisoner upon
release,

3. The above rules do not prevent a special case being brought
before the attention of the Commission as provided for in section
three of the Penitentiary rules.

One of the most interesting and promising parts of the system
introduced by the Parole Commission is the combination of marke
ing system with the individualized judgment system, and the
organization of the industrial activities of inmates of the depart-
ment in such a manner as to make them an-accessory to such a
system. There are, at present, two general methods in vogue in
institutions having inmates on indeterminate sentences. The
inmates are either released after the completion of a routine
requirement of gaining marks or credits, or else they are paroled

harged when, in the judgment of the proper authorities,
they are deemed to be fit for life outside. The former has been
severely and constantly criticised as being too automatic and not
making it possible to use the best judgment of authorities, especi-
ally if available information as to the mental, medical and
industrial status of the inmate is available. The objection to the
second method has been that it offers no incentive to the inmate

‘On the Steamboat “ Correction," en route from Hart's Island to New
‘Hampton Farms.

On the Steamboat “ Correction,” en route from Hart's Island to New
Hampton Farms.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION AND ParoLe Commission 145

for working his way out and, therefore, no stimulus for exercis-
ing his efforts in obtaining such educational, industrial and habit
training, as the institution may afford.

By grouping newly admitted inmates on the basis of such judg-
ment by authorities as is now employed by the Parole Commis-
sion general divisions are established, largely on the basis of
individualized judgment; within each such group, a uniform
number of marks or credits can be earned by the individual, but
he may earn it in shorter or longer time, depending upon the qual
ity of his work, his efforts and his behavior, It is important that
his work be fairly decisive, not only so that he may obtain the
best training through it, but also in order that the institution may
derive the henefits of his intensive application. With the intro
duction of the daily credit report system, this possibility is made
setual. The keeper or instriictor in charge of the inmate may
grant a number of credits within a definite range between a
minimum and maximum. ‘The eredits thas earned by the inmate
constitute the material with which he may “bay himself " ont of
the institution, as it were, and into eligibility for parole. When
this system has been organized and developed, it shotld be one
cf the greatest reformatory measures available,

A prerequisite, of course, is that there should be plenty of
work to do, eareful supervision while it is done, and just treat
ment by those who do the supervising. All of this cannot be
expected in a day, and if fair progress is reported by the end of
1917, one should feel well pleased.

Such immediate matters as the individual interview with some
member of the Parole Commission immediately after admission
to the institution: subsequent interview by a parole officer; field
investigation by the parole officer; the accumulation of material
regarding the prisoner during his term in the institution : the pre~

ie examination, both field and personal; the preparation of a
pre-parole report : ail these and other matters are of great interest,
hut space forbids going more fully into their description. ‘The
first annual report of the Parole Commission will probably give
such details and make them available to the country at large

‘The system as a whole follows the lines laid down by the Com-
nissioner of Accounts in 191g. That system was based on the
experience of institutions applying the best parole methods within
his and othter States, ‘The Prison Association actively cooper-
sted both in the gathering of data and in the organization of the

146 Tue Prison Assocation or New York

system itself, Tt was estimated then that under the law as passed
in 1915, if no further additions were made to the types of inmates
to be committed on indeterminate sentences, there would be
approximately 3,800 men and 675 women on parole at any one
time when the organization had fully gotten under way. This
number was arrived at after very careful calculations of all th

statistical matter available. For that number, it was estimated it
would be necessary to have a staff consisting of the following:

3 commissioners
T secretary

13 clerks and stenographers, and

40 parole officers

57
at an annual expenditure of $82,920. ‘The staff requested at the
beginning of the year 1916, when the Parole law went into effec

was disappointingly small, By the end of 1916, however, the real
proportions of the work had shown themselves sufficiently to
enable the Parole Commission to ask for full appropriations.

These were granted for the year 1917, and provided for the
following

3 commissioners

X secretary

17 clerks and stenographers
1 telephone operator

T chief parole officer

35. parole officers

58

a total staff of 58 as compared with 57 estimated by the Commis-
sioner of Accounts and the Prison Association, with an expendi
ture of $85,902 granted for the year as against $82,980 esti-
mated.

In regard to other needs for the Department also, the City has
been very generous. In addition to the $32,000 granted for the
remodeling of the Industrial building at the Penitentiary for the
purpose of establishing a psychological clinic approximately
$800,000 were appropriated for construction work at New Hamp-
ton Farms; $70,000 for the reconstruction of the south wing of|
the Workhouse into a clearing house for women; $30,000 for

Railroad Spur, Built by Tama w Hampton Farm

"En Route to New Hampton Farms.

Department oF Correction ax Parone Commission

remodeling the Jefferson Market prison for women; $12,
supplement the private subscription for a hospital for drug
addiets on Riker’s Island; $11,000 for construction work in the
City Prison, Queens; and $333,000 for the purchase of a farm for
women and constriction of buildings thereon, The last named
sum may hardly be considered a new appropriation, however. It
is the money that had been intended originally for the erection of
2 Detention House for women on West goth Street

Better salaries were allowed for practically all the employees
of the Department. . The office of Superintendent of Industries
was permanently established; a number of head-Keeperships with
advanced salaries were allowed; the salaries of physicians were
raised, though not to the extent desirable; a number of paid
interneships at the rate of $600 were established, three for the
Workhouse and three for the Penitentiary; a resident physician
in charge of the Workhouse hospital at $1500 was allowed; the
salary of the Superintendent at New Hampton Farms raised to a
respectable st tant superintendent for the
same institution provided at $1800. A chief physician, to be
psychologist and psychiatrist, for the clearing house at the Peni-
tentiary was allowed at the rate of $2,160 a year, and the neces-
sary employees for construction work at New Hampton were sup-
plied

An innovation of the year has been the establishment of a com-
missary at the Penitentiary. A Board of Trustees consisting of
some employees of the Department and some outside persons
with the general secretary of the Prison Association as chair-
man, has the general supervision. A system of purchase and dis-
tribution has been organized and inst
of Accounts. During the first year, approximately $1
expended by Penitentiary inmates on the Commissary,

efly of purchases of mild Iuxuries, tobacco and ‘fruit
Coupnleacy trate se (b be eianad uring tha seating Sekt
Hart's Island and to the City Prison, Manhattan, and later, to
some of the other institutions. In a certain form, it exists now at
New Hampton Farms,

‘The library work for the Department has progressed to some
extent, but not so well as had been expected. ‘The request by the
Prison Association that appropriations for institutional libraries
be included in the budgetary request for 1917 by both the New
York Public Library and the Department of Correction, has not

148 Tue Prison Assocration or New Yorw

been acted upon. While greater cooperation by the New York
Public Library has been secured, principally by the interest of
voluntary activities of soma members of the New York Public
Library, the desirable system by which the Department of Cor-
rection and the Public Library would assume joint responsibility
for the supply, organization, care and conduct of a full-fledged
library system in all the institutions did not materialize. The
Queens Borough Public Library continued to do excellent work
in the City Prison, Queens. It may be that by the end of rot.
branches of the Traveling Library of the New York Put
Library may be established on the Island institutions, similar, on
the whole, to the one established by the Queens Borough Public
Library.

In the personnel of the Department there has been, unfortun-
ately, less success than in other matters. A number of shifts hai
to be made in the executive positions at Hart's Island, Riker’s
Island, the Penitentiary and the City Prison, Queens, One
Warden was dismissed, and the cooperation of the wardens for
the welfare of the Department is, as a whole, far from attained
as yet.

Details as to the condition of the various institutions of the
Department, improvements during the year and recommendations
for further improvements, will be found in the inspection reports
in Part IT of this report.

Administration Building Under Construction, New Hampton Farms.

Westchester County Penitentiary. (Under Construction.)

= of the continued overerowded condition of the

Westchester County jail, and partly because of the large

sums of money expended annually by Westchester
County for prisoners committed from that county to the New
York County Penitentiary, the County received permission from
the Legislature in 1914 to erect a county penitentiary. For the
grouping of the principal county buildings serving the dependent
and delinquent classes, a farm site of over 400 acres was pur
chased by the County at Eastview, located between White Plains
and Tarrytown, and three groups of institutions have been
planned for this site, one group being the Penitentiary buildings.

“The Westchester’ County Penitentiary has been. built by a
building commission of three men, appointed. by the Legislature
in 19r4, the members being Robert S. Brewster, George E. Mertz
and Arthur W. Lawrence. The architect of the Penitentia
Allired Hopkins of 101 Park Avenue, New York:

The Westchester County Penitentiary has been designed with
several distinct ideas in mind, It was necessary to produce a
building as reasonable in cost as possible, and which would never-
theless conform to the view of the supervisory State Commission
of Prisons. Secondly, there should be available for each pris-

“outside cell,” thus securing the abandonment of the

onal inside celblock, Thirdly, the institution should pro-
vide far greater opportunities than have been usual for the classi-
fication and segregation of inmates, and the Penitentiary should
also be as far removed as possible in its appearance from the
usual prison type of structure.

This penitentiary, therefore, marks the first radical departure
in the State of New York from the century-old traditional
methods of prison construction. The fight which has for years
heen waged by the Prison Association in connection with the
campaign for the abandonment of Sing Sing, for the breaking
down of the “ bastlle type” of interior celblock, has borne fruit
even earlier than at Sing Sing in the completion of the West-
chester County Penitentiary.

For at this Penitentiary there are four cell buildings. of three
foors each. The buildings are faced north and south, so that

150 Tue Prison Assoctarion or New York
each room will have the sunshine for half of the day, either in the
morning or in the afternoon. It was thoroughly understood that
this arrangement did not make for the easiest and simplest super-
vision of the inmates by the officers. Modern prison architecture
is justified, because the institution is built along such lines that
the chief object achieved shall be the opportunities for the reform
ation and rehabilitation of the inmates, and not mainly the ease
of the officers.

Moreover, in Westchester, the special conditions have made
any extreme requirements of supervision unnecessary. The
inmates are to be at the institution for relatively short periods.
‘No prisoner will be sentenced to the Penitentiary for longer than
thirteen. months, and these will be probably about ten per cent.
of the total population, However, the principle actuating the
building commission and the architect was that the design of the
building should make the institution most serviceable in the
reclamation of men, even if it requires more supervision. It is
practically an established fact, today, that a prison, even a State
prison, has become in principle an institution that should be cor-
rective and reformative, rather than punitive and retributive.

Therefore, the basis of construction has been the four cell-
houses, each housing about 8 men. These buildings are con-
nected by a long corridor at the north, and the two center cell-
houses are connected also at the south by the administration
building. In this latter structure are the offices of the institution,
the reception rooms, rooms for prisoners and those who visit
them, hospital accommodations, and the guards’ and officers’
sleeping rooms. Directly opposite, on the north side of the con-
necting corridor, is the messhall and the kitchen, above which is
a fine auditorium. To the left of the messhall, and adjoining the
connecting corridor, is the school, and to the right are the accom-
modations for receiving and bathing the inmates.

As will be seen, especially by reference to the accompanying
photographs, the layout naturally resolves itself into three interior
courts, between the four cellhouses. These courts will be embel-

shed with planting and landscape work, kept in order by the men
themselves, This is a radical departure from the customary dis-
mal barrenness of prison interior yards. Many a prison main-
tains extensive lawns and flower gardens outside the prison,
where any value of esthetic influence or enjoyment is only for the
passer-by or for the officers. Far more logically, sch esthetic or
cultural value should accrue in the first instance to the inmates

‘Avepuoyuag Aun09,

‘Tue Westeuester County Penrrentiany 151

themselves, and the commission is to be congratulated upon its
innovation in establishing several of Nature's beauty spots within
the institution itself

Two large yards for physical exercises, military work and
recreation are provided. ‘The duty of the prison is as much to
make a healthy man-as it is a man able to work when he leaves
the prison. Health is a prime factor in rehabilitation. The new
Penitentiary offers abundant chance for outdoor exercise

Modern penology demands almost as a first factor in prison
construction adequate possibilities of classification and segrega-
tion. Until very recently, the chief controlling force in creating
prison buildings was the effort absolutely to prevent the prisoner's
escape. Any consideration of the best method of confinement of
the inmate himself was wholly subordinate to the belief that an
inmate must not escape. Prison design was left therefore largely
to the commercial companies that built jails, and naturally, their
chief aim was to satisfy what they saw to be the dominant
requirement, This developed the inhumane and grotesque system
of caging men in steel cells, ranging several tiers high in the cen-
ter of abnormally solid buildings, and sometimes with three r0
of steel bars between the prisoner and the outside world.

When it was found, not so many years ago, that a large pro-
portion of the inmates, even of prisons, could be trusted under
reasonable supervision, or even without such supervision, to work
in the fields all day long, and could be relied upon to return to
their cells, the pointed question arose among many interested in
the betterment of prison conditions as to the necessity of so many
tons of steel, to prevent the prisoners from running away. There
followed then the study of the outside cell. One of the first
to make a serious contribution to the modern movement was
the former Secretary of the Prison Association of New York, Dr.
Samuel June Barrows, who in 1908 made a strong campaign for
the adoption of the outside cell in the construction of the State
prison that was to be built at Bear Mountain.

‘The Westchester County Penitentiary has dared to break with
tradition, and will give to each inmate a separate, outside cell,
with a window open to the outer air. Each cell window is barred
by toolproof steel. It is impossible to cut these bars, except with
special tools, and with heat that it would be highly improbable the
inmate could ever obtain. By putting the bars on the inside of
the windows, it is possible to paint them a light color, which

Tue Prison Assocrarion or New York

greatly increases the amount of light in the cell, besides taking
away the forbidding black bar across the prisoner's outlook.

These bars at the cell windows are practically the only ones in
the institution, There are lattice grilles of glass and steel at the
end of the cellhouse corridors, in order to close off the cellhouse
and to maintain quiet within. In all the recreation rooms, school
rooms, messhall, auditorium, etc., the bars have been eliminated
at the windows, and wire mesh has been substituted.

The cost of the usual county prison, exclusive of the lot, aver
ages a thousand dollars an inmate, and in several instances within
this State, county jails have cost much more than that. The
traditional county jail consists of a huge cellblock of interior
cells, with a kitchen and laundry in the cellar, the prisoners’ meals
being served in their celis. No accomodations in the way of
messhalls, administration buildings, schools or exercise spaces are
‘customary in such jails.

In Westchester County, the cost of the Penitentiary has been
a little over one thosand dollars per inmate, but this has included
four cellhouses, instead of the usual single huge cellblock, a long
connecting corridor for the exercise and recreation of inmates. an
administration building, inchiding commodious quarters for the
officers and guards, and offices for the administration ; a school
building; a bath and reception building; a large messhall with a
separate dining hall for the officers; a large kitchen, and an audi
torium that will hold the entire inmate population, with from
fifty to one hundred additional sittings.

This is without using the cellar for anything except coal stor-
age. The architect has held that rooms in the basement are
particularly undesirable for prison use, but in the usual county
jail this is where the kitchen, laundries, etc., are almost invariably
placed.

Tt would seem from the above that the Westchester County
Penitentiary has been built at a reasonable cost, when both the
accommodations of the institution and the high cost of material
are taken into consideration,

Such an institution, representing an important financial invest-
ment, is being constructed far more for the future than for the
present, Criticism, if made on the ground that the equipment
and plans are too elaborate for the customary “ short-term”
offender, who is in large measure a repeater and of the more unre-
formable class, is readily met by the unquestioned fact that within
a few years the treatment of misdemeanants will have undergone

Ground Plan, Westchester County Penitentiary.

= WestcHnsrer COUNTY PENITENTIARY —— 153

radical changes. Short and definite sentences will be abandoned,
and the indeterminate sentence will succeed them, as is alzeady
the case in large measure in the Department of Correction in New
York City. ‘Terms with a maximum of several years will be the
rule instead of the exception, and institutions will hold their
inmates until there is a fair chance that upon their exit from the
prison they can become honest and self-supporting citizens of the
tional, steel-caged bastille, with little or no facilities
cation and grouping of prisoners, will in the days to
bbe found suitable for the new methods of treatment of
inmates. The Westchester County Penitentiary is being built
somewhat ahead of its time. When, however, its time comes, the
forethought and sagacity of its creators will be clear and
recognized

THE RODGERS LOYAL CLUB

objects and work of the Rodgers Loyal Club which has its

rooms in the building of the Prison Association. This club
is unique in this State, in that it is composed of former inmates of
Elmira and Napanoch reformatories, who have banded together
for mutual assistance. A portion of the second floor of the Asso-
ciation’s building has been transformed into a club room, where
every night except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays members of
the club gather. The reporting time of those inmates on parole is,
thus combined with the opportunity given to the club members to
use the well selected library, the pianola, or the pool table, all of
which are presents from friends of the Club. The rooms are
attractive, and particularly during the winter season are used by
many of the young fellows. ‘The attendance at the monthly meet-
ings has ranged from 100 to 200.

Judges of the county courts of New York and Queens Counties
have been welcomed at the meetiigs, which always terminate
with a musical program, provided by friends of the Club, and
often by the members themselves.

The relations of the Club members to the parole officers of the
Reformatories are unique. The parole officers are the official rep-
resentatives of the Reformatories. It is their duty to see that the
paroled inmates conduct themselves while on parole so that they
will be honest, self-supporting, industrious, and well-behaved.
Until the Club was established, the relationship of parole officers
to inmates was naturally mainly official.

‘The organization of the Club has brought about a remarkable
change. The relations with the former inmates of the Reforma-
tories have become much more intimate, confidential and helpful
More than 3,000 visits have been made during the year ending
November, 1916, by the parole officers, who themselves are mem-
bers of the Chub, in the interests of the membership of the Club.

The conditions under which many of the paroled men live are
well known, and often the home addresses of the members are
changed by the advice and approval of the office. As never be-
fore, there crop out now the evidences of the brave struggle of

“154

T= past year has brought a greatly increased interest in the

‘Tue Rovcers Loyat Cun 155

the lad on parole to make the required monthly reports in spite
of the little encouragement from his family or fellow workers;
the clear-eyed mecting of the problems of the increased cost of
living; the cheery acceptance of the things that can't be helped

the alert manner and firm step, the erect carriage and becoming
modesty in stating his ability to take care of himself

‘The daily life and experiences of the parole officer bring to him
carious and simexpected tangles in the web of reat life of an interest
denied to fiction writers. And to the members of the Rodgers
Loyal Club is due in considerable measure also the success of the
Parole Bureau of the Reformatories in solving many of the most
perplexing problems. For chub members have pledged themselves
not only to find, each of them, one job a year for a less successiul
brother, and to contribute a small sum each month for a relief
fund, Dut a committee of the club members also have taken upon
‘themselves the responsibility of ferreting out the delinquents on
parole, who do not wish or perhaps dare to come to the Parole
Office,

Probably the most important event in the club's short history
hhas been the establishmexit of the Loyal Press, which is a printing
plant in a borough of the greater city, run by and for the boys
from Elmira. While at the Reformatory they commence to learn
a trade, that they may earn a living when released. The work is
not completed at the Reformatory, the time given to study being
limited by the boy’s term, military duties and other institute work.
When a boy afterwards seeks employment in such a trade, he
finds himself handicapped by Jack of knowledge and experience.
‘The most he can get, by actual data, is from $4 to $5 a week,
which is in no case a living wage, especially as the boys in the
majority of cases have some sort of domestic responsibilities

To cope with this situation, and to give to them a feeling of

self-respect, the Loyal Press was organized. It has employed
about twenty boys, all of whom were inmate printers at Elmira,
The lowest salary paid is $10 a week. ‘The Press continues the
intsruction received at Elmira, with 2 practical apprenticeship
that will enable boys to enter their line of work as experienced
printers, Already six have been graduated and are working at a
living wage in ordinary printing plants

‘The following table shows the number of young men sent to
vacant positions found through the combined efforts of the parole
officers and the Cl

136 Tue Prison Assoctation or New York

who have secured positions. This branch of the club work i

under the particular direction of Mr, Budd, of the parole staff.
No,ot men porting React
Sanan ‘wieaa™

November, 1915 ..000000000eeveeee 39

December, 1915 —— 3r

January, 1916

February, 1916 .

March, 1916

April, 1916 ..

May, 1916 ..

June, 1916

July, 1916 .....

August, 1916 «

September, 1916, (

October, 1916

Nine other positions were secured for inmates in the Reforma-
tory, to which jobs they were subsequently paroled.

The Library has been kept in excellent order, is well patronized,
and is in charge of Mr. Benedict.

The three following brief letters express the general sentiment
of the club members:

Janiary 17, 1917.
“Mr. H. B. Rodgers,
Dear Sir:

I received your letter and you don't know how elated I am im the
support you are and have been giving me and I thank you with al
my heart and soul, I cannot put my thanks in better phrases, but
my future actions will be guided by your advice and confidence
you placed in me, T thank you again, I remain

Respectfully yours,
A.

March 9, 1917.

™ My dear Mr. Rodgers,
It is with deep regret to inform you that I left ———_——.
temporary to await your investigation to ascertain whether Mr.
—————., the gentleman that employ me, had authorized the

‘Tue Rovozas Lovar. Crun

ranager, Mr. to discharge me or not, Last Satur’
Mar. 34, Mr. = — asked me to leave the place but declared
ng reasons for his actions. I chen asked him the following questions

sv T honest Answer Yes
Am I faithful? Answer Yes.
mY punctual? Answer Yes.
‘Am I earry out my everyday's duty withost fail? Aniwer Yes.

Then he conchided by saying that he does not like to see me
working with him. The only cause I can imagine is because T had
recommended some change to Mr. —, witch may effect

is dignity towards management, but that is good for econemizing
st of production for the welfare of the company.
you with haste find out from Mr, whether my
service haa been discontinued with his sanction, or he will transfer
‘ne to some place immediately

If he cannot at present do anything for me, kindly get me a job
at once as I am now at a loss of what to do. I hope that you will no
doubt exercise your help and protection in safeguarding my work

which I had formulated during my thirteen months’ stay in
Reformatory and which I had pursued ever since I left the
institution and shall endeavor to do so forever. Not even a single
nminer report had been issued against me during the said thirteen
months. My chief product of reform is “work habit” as T have
stid before and same had been proved by my three ionths’ service
‘with ————.. T pray that you will carry out my desire to
secure me a position of any kind with no delay

Neither the pen nor the pencil can furnish a competent idea of
nity sincere regards for you, I remain

‘Yours very faithfully,
Low

Morch 15, 1917.
Mr. H. B, Rodgers,
Dear Sie:
We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the tenth instant in
ference to —— —
We have investigated this boy’s discharge and find that it was
through no intentional act of his; that he tried hard to please his

158 THe Patsox Assocrarion or New York

chief, was quick and fairly accurate in the clerical work but this
position required the handling of materials and some of the con
tainers were heavy and he was not adapted to this line of work

We believe he could take care of clerical work satisfactorily but
unfortunately we had no such position open at the time.

‘We hope there will be no difficulty in placing him elsewhere and
you may refer to us if desired,

‘Yours truly,

THE ONONDAGA PENITENTIARY ABUSES

N 1916, revelations made by the Prison Association of cruel
and mnusual punishments at the Onondaga County Peniten-
tiary resulted in radical changes. This campaign for better-

ment of this institution by dhe Prison Association illustrates the
force of public opinion demanding the abolition of long-standing
and well-entrenched abuses,

In February 1916, the inspector of the Prison Association dis-
covered at the Onondaga County Penitentiary the following seri-
‘ous conditions

1, Piteh-dack and stifling dungeons were being used for pun-
ishment purposes.

2. Striped uniforms were still being worn by prisoners, although
abandoned long ago in the State prisons.

3. Chains, weighing about 20 pounds, were rivetted to the leg
of certain prisoners under punishment, to be worn at all times,
and sometimes for months.

4. Inmates were forced to stand on a crack, for Hours at times,
as a punishment.

5. The law prohibiting the mingling of minors. dnd adults was
not being carefully observed.

6. Great objection was made by the prisoners to the quality of
food served.

Photographs of the prisoners in chains were taken by an
inspector of the Association, and when published in the Syracuse
newspapers became striking evidence of the medieval practices
that citizens of Onondaga Connty did not know were existing at
their door. The Prison Association called formally the attention
of the Prison Commission to the conditions existing in Onondaga
County. An investigation by this Commission brought confirm-
ation of the charges of the Association,

‘The attitude of the Board of Supervisors of the County was
measurably satisfactory. Radical changes were insisted upon in
the management of the Penitentiary, although the chief recom
mendation of the Prison Commission, the removal of the Super-

"See Frontispiece,
159

160 Tue Prison Association oF New Yori
intendent, was not followed out. However, the resignation of
that official occurred at the beginning of 1917.

‘The following are the principal results of the year

x. The practice of rivetting long chains on the legs of pris-
ners has been abolished.

2. Plain gray uniforms are gradually being substituted for the
striped uniforms.

3. The dungeon room has been renovated and repai
removing all the previous undesirable features,

4 Prisoners are now permitted to talk in the messhall

5. A set of rules and regulations for the government of pris:
oners has been posted in each cell.

6. The superintendent has resigned.

7. The former punishment, which compelled prisoners to stand
on a crack in the floor, has been abolished.

The year’s activity in Onondaga County is an excellent illustra
tion of the power of the Prison Association to accomplish
reforms.

THE PRISON. EXHIBIT

ITH the Joint Committee on Prison Reform, established
by the Women’s Department of the National Civic Fed-
tation (New York and New Jersey branches) in the
spring of 1914, the Prison Association has afliliated very closely,
tivo members of the Association being on the Execative Commit.
tee of the Joint Committee on Prison Reform. In the summer of
194, preparations were begun by the Joint Committee for a Pri
son Exhibit, a hitherto untried feature in. public education along’
prison reform lines. The outhreak of the Earopean war and the
consequent probable reduction in financial sport caused the post:
ponement of the plans for a prison exhibit until-the summer of
1915, when preparations were again begun, During the fall the
prison exhibit was organized, the work requiring months of most
careful preparation. Under the general management of
Francis MeNiel Bacon, Jr., Chairman, and Mr, Alexander Cle-
land, Secretary of the Joint Committee, the cooperation in par-
ticular of the Russell Sage Foundation and of the Prison Asso-
ciation was utilized.
The Prison Exhibit was finally opened in New York on
January 10, 1916, and! consisted of fourteen divisi
a well coordinated general survey of New York prison conditior
Special emphasis was laid upon the necessity for the abolition of
Sing Sing and the establishment of a farm industrial prison on
wide acreage, Sections of the exhibit were devoted to prison
industries, prison administrat
women delinquents, tramps and young offenders, feeble-minded
delinquents, short sentences, definite and indefinite sentences, the
released prisoner, parole, probation and the correctional needs.
nd plans of the New York City Department of Correction.
‘nder the auspices of the Joint Committee on Prison Reform,
consisting of representatives and members of prison reform
organizations, public and private, in New York City and State,
the exhibit was financed; it consisted of a very large number of
important panels, each iflustrating in a graphic and striking way
the conditions in the correctional institutions of this State,
The Prison Exhibit also presented many original models,
charts, electrical devices and the like. During the summer and
161

162 Tue Prison Association or New York

fall, about 7,000 feet of very striking motion-pictures were taken
of the daily life in Sing Sing and Great Meadow prisons, and of
the repetition of the experiences of Mr. Thomas Mott Osborne in
Auburn prison in the fall of 1913 as a voluntary prisoner. The
motion-picture films furnished an exceptional opportunity to see
for the first time absolutely truthful motion-pictures of the prison
systems of this State, taken with the hearty cooperation of the
authorities of the Prison Department and the several State
prisons. The pictures were produced for educational purposes
only.

‘The Prison Exhibit was first shown in New York City in the
Russell Sage Foundation Building, from January 10 to 26,
1916. In connection with the Exhibit the Assembly Hall of the
United Charities Building was secured for a showing of motion
pictures of Auburn, Sing Sing, and Great Meadow Prisons.
Lectures were given each time the pictures were shown. During
the course of the Exhibit twenty-four meetings were held, which
were well attended.

‘The Exhibit was taken from New York to Buffalo and shown
in the Elmwood Music Hall to large audiences. The use of the
hall was given by the Mayor, and a strong local committee was
interested in promoting public sentiment in the cause of prison
reform. Rochester was next visited, and the city authorities
there gave the use of Convention Hall for the Exhibit and the
meetings that were held in connection therewith,

In Syracuse because of the difficulty in securing a suitable hall,
the Exhibit was not so well attended, although much public-
ity was had and public interest was manifested.

‘The Exhibit was then taken to Albany where it was shown in
the State Education Building with great success. Brought back
to New York City, the Exhibit was opened again in a vacant
store at 20 West 23rd Street for ten weeks. It was estimated
that 125,000 people saw it at this place. At the meetings held in
conjunction with the Exhibit throughout the State many prom-
inent speakers took part.

Dr. J. T. Gilmour, one of the best-known wardens of this conti-
nent, makes the following statement regarding the Exhibit:

“ While attending the American Prison Association at Buffalo last
month T spent a greater part of an afternoon in. carefully going
through your prison exhibit in the music hall, T had heard con-

siderable of the exhibit and had a curiosity to inspect it, having

von We Gan BvALL THE?
aa

Ponels from the Prison Exhibit.

Panels from the Prison Exhibit.

163

in view fts educative value, Let me say frankly, and withost affecta-
tion, that the exhibit far exceeds my: highest expectations, The
exhibit cannot fail to awaken a keen interest in prison matters, and
to stimulate all that is best in one to improve existing conditions,

The arrangement is excellent, for as soon as you start in you
ne a kenly interested student, anxious to dig down and see how

things really are,
“While the exhibit must have cost you much Iabor and money
it cannot fail to be of invaluable assistance as an educative influence

i prison reform.”

FEEBLEMINDEDNESS AND DELINQUENCY

been repeatedly emphasized in the Pri
reports. There is most grievous need of proper segrega-

tion, in a separate institution, of the most serious cases of the

delinquent Feebleminded, who are now dist

‘many correctional institutions in this State.

‘The New York Committee on Feeblemindedness, established
late in 1916, estimates that there are approximately 33,000 feeble
minded persons — one in every 300 of the popitlation — in the
State of New York. Of these 33,000 there are, in institutions
not intended for them, some 4.300, of which mumber it is est
nated that 1,500 are in State prisons and jails, 500 in reforma-
tories for women and girls, and 1,000 in beys’ reformatories.

While all of the 4,500 inmates are menaces to society, and
prone to criminality, the feebleminded women of child-bearing

T clation between fecblemindedness and delinquency has

age are of special menace, because the feebleminded woman is not
only far less responsible morally than the normal woman, but she

is especially prone to sexisal practices. The estimate of the Com

mittee on Feeblemindedness is that there are of such women
approximately 700 in prisons, jails and reformatories,

‘The State is losing ground in caring for its fecbleminded.
‘There are estimated to be about 23,000 feebleminded not in insti=
tutions, The State would be the gainer by providing proper
custodial care elsewhere for the 4,500 feebleminded now cared
for in prisons, reformatories and almshonses, because the per
capita weekly expense of caring for the feebleminded upon the
‘custodial asylum plan is Tess than the weekly per capita in boys
reformatories, girls’ reformatories, and similar institutions for

Ithas been often estimated that at least a quarter of the inmates
of correctional institutions are more or less inentally defective
Elsewhere in this report (Page 119) we estimate that the popula-
tion of the prisons requiring custodial care because of feeble:
mindedness is about 10 per cent

Elsewhere, (Page 204 ) we have stated. in a review of proposed
legislation for 1917, that the site of the State Farm for Women
Misclemeanants at Valatie suggests itself as a site also for a

16

FrepceatinDeoness axD DeLinguency 165

colony for defective delinquents. The New York Committee on
Feeblemindedness advocates the erection, at the State Custodial
Asylum for Feebleminded Women at Newark, of at Ieast one cot-
lage for the care of disorderly and delinquent cases, apart from
the other inmates, and planned for this special purpose.

There is great need in the State for the erection of a special
institution for the male dlefective delinquent. The suggestion of
designating Napanoch for such purpose has not gotten beyond
the stage of general discussion.

‘THE PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK.

HE Prison Asotin of New Yor a carta suey,
absolutely dependent upon voluntary contributions. Te was
founded in Teg, and received a charter from the State

in 1846. Irn bad an roken record since 1844, and at preset

funy: than ever before. The ofcers of the society are president,

Ceqhesident, recording secretary, general ecretary, ‘reasuret

nd am exerutive committee, which conatittles the governing

tard of the Association. The general secetary is the salaried

tKecitive ofthe Association, Tue objects of the Assocation a,

decording tothe charter:

{The amelioration of the coudition of prisoners, whether
detained for ta, or nally convicted, or a8 witnesses

The improvement of przon discipline and the government

3 The support and. encouragement of reformed convicls
after theic discharge, by affording them the means of obtaining
Mifoneat livelinoed, and austaning them in thelr efforts st

In recent years the objests of the Assocation have been stat
briefy as follows

{. The protection of socety agunat crime.

2. The reformation of the criminal

Protection for those unjustly accused,

5 Probation for fist offenders ;

fmprovement in prisons and prison dacptine

& Employment and: when necessry, food, tool, shelter and
other provision for discharged prisoners

7, Necessary aid for prisoners’ fatiien,

& Supervision for those on probation and parle

9, Needed legislation

‘The legal power of the Association is considerable. The
executive committee, by stich committees as shall from time to
time be appointed, has the power and the duty to inspect and
‘esamine all the prisons in the State, and annually report to the

166

‘Tus Prison Assocrarion ov New York 167

ure their state and condition, and all such other things

regard to them as may enable the Legislature to perfect their
government and discipline suthority for such inspection is
found in Paragraph 6 of Article 11 of the constitution of the
Association. Orclers for the parpase of inspection and investiga-
tion are issued by one of the judges of the Supreme Court, or by
other competent authority.

The record of the Prison Association has heen one of honor
and of value to the State. The Association was founded at a
time when the rights of the prisoner and the duties of the State
were very insufficiently guarded or understood. The society grew
cut of a wave of protest against abuses of prisoners and the low
state of prison administration in this State. The activity of the
society has been characterized not so mutch by a conspicuous dec-
laration of activities as by persistent and quiet cooperation when
possible with prison authorities and by consistent propaganda for
the betterment of prisoners and the treatment of crime,

Conspicuous among the many results in which the Association
shared were the campaign for the establishment of Blmira Re
oratory; the study of the Jukes family by Mr. Dugdale, one of
tne managers of the Association; the development of probation in
Now York State; the development through many years of the
parole system in New York City fr the State reformatories and
State Prisons; the establishment of the National Prison Associa-
tion (now the American Prison Association) through the activity
ofDr. B. C. Wines, corresponding secretary of the Association in
1870; the organization of the Intemational Prison C by
Dr. Wines after he had laid down his office a8 corresponding sec-
retary of the Prison Association the election of Dr. Barrows,
corresponding sceretary of the Association from 1900 to 1999,
ss president of the Eighth International Prison Congress; the
campaign against the fee system in the case of county sheriffs;
the merease of the endowment fund of the Association since 1910
from $9,000 to nearly $100,000, and the inerease in recent years
nct only of the membership of the Association, but of the income
of the Association and the accompanying development of the
fields of activity of the Association. In recent years the Associa

hhas made a considerable part of its activity the cooperation in

evelopment of new institutions, such as a new Farm Industrial

Prison to take the place of Sing Sing, the State Industrial Farm.

Colony, the State Reformatory for Misdemeanaats, the farm
6

168 Tue Prison Association or New Yorx

colony of the Board of Inebriety of New York City and the
proposed State Custodial Asylum for Feeble-Minded Male
Delinquents,

‘The most conspicuous militant activity of the Association has
been, recently, the campaigs under the slogan: * Sing Sing Must
Go.”

‘The Prison Association is recognized throughout the country
as an important association in its field, and is daily called upon to
furnish information to citizens of other states and countries as
to the betterment of prison conditions, legislation and other social
problems connected with delinquency.

OUR EMPLOYMENT BUREAU FOR RELEASED PRIS-
ONERS

I’ the summer of 1915, the Prison Association decided to
strengthen materially its work for released prisoners. ‘This
society has always sought to aid men on their release from

prison. Nevertheless, in the reorganization that has been

cceurring in the society’s many activities, a more intensive effort
to secure employment for released prisoners has seemed of special
importance.

Therefore, the Association engaged, on October 1, 1915, Mr.
Charles K. Blatchly as Special Employment Secretary. Mr.
Biatchly was, for seven years prior to coming to the Prison Asso-
ciation, at the head of the Joint Application Bureau of the
Charity Organization Society 2nd of the Association for Improv-

ng the Condition of the Poor. His intimate acquaintance with
the problems of homlessness and dependency warranted the

Association in choosing him for this position.

OF 658 applicants for employment at the offices of the Asso-
tiation during the year ending September 30, 1916, 407 were
placed directly by the Bureay, and 102 other men secured work
themselves or through the efforts of friends, while the Prison
Association was assisting them with lodging, meals, transporta-
tion, clothing or in other ways, so that a total of 509 men were
known to be working, out of the 658 applicants. "Anyone who
fas sought to find employment for even one released prisonen
knows what it means for over 500 men to get work directly or
indirectly through this societ:

In order to be able to supply jobs to released prisoners, several
thousand letters were sent to business men of New York City,

ing their help in giving employment. A remarkably large
number of favorable responses were received, In addition to
employers, secured in this manner, many other promises of
employment were secured by personal visits of the Empioyment

Secretary, and by telephone calls to those who advertised in the

daily press, Many other placements were secured through the

work opportunities offered in the daily bulletin of the United

States Department of Labor, which gave the names and addresses

of prospective employers. | Other opportunities were secured

X69

170 Tue Prison Assocration or New York

through the cooperation of men already placed. Frequently they
called at our offices to tell of chances for work with their own
firms, or at other places of which they had learned

A’ number of placements were secured through agencies that
are members of the Federation of Non-Commercial Employment
Agencies. Many places for colored men were obtained through
the National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes,
Cordial cooperation existed between the branches of the New
York City Employment Bureau at 10 West 11th street and at
157 East 67th street, as well as with the State Employment
Bureau at 262 Fulton street, Brooklyn.

Out of the year’s intensive experience with men recently from
prisons, several higtily important facts have been learned. If the
men applying for work were handicapped only by their record, it
would be a fairly easy matter to secure work for them. But in
addition to their prison record, and consequent inability to get
references, there were comparatively few who brought with them
any adequate trade or other definite work training. Many of the
applicants were also still further handicapped by dissipation and
irregular habits of life, all of which unfitted them for stead
work,

Such habits rendered very irksome to them the steady and
relatively monotonous work required by modern efficiency
methods in factories. One man said, for instance, that he pre-
ferred to be a slave, or to go back to prison, rather than to stand
all day and do one thing without variation, as he was required
to do in a certain factory that pays large wages. Yet the prisons
turn out most of their inmates incapable of enduring such a defin-
ite and monotonous discipline. Whatever one may think of the
industrial system that requires of workmen such undeyiating
attention to a specific and often minute task, the fact is neverthe-
less indisputable that in many instances just such occupations
must be continued, and that applicants for work must be com-
petent to do their work satisfactorily to the employer.

Punctuality and regularity are cardinal virtues in many fac-
tories. It is hard for the human product of the prison, where
intermittent, casual or irregular work has been the rule, to mould
himself into the routine of the factory day and procedure. It is
also difficult for one who on the outside has been for years
accustomed to regular habits of living and work, to appreciate
how extremely difficult it is for such released prisoners to work

(Our Eprovatenr BUREAU FoR RELEASED PRISONERS 171

reguarly for from eight to twelve hours a day, six days in the

‘It would be pleasant and gratifying to the Prison Association
if it could always secure for released prisoners jobs that would
be easy a8 to hours, varied as to occupation, and liberal as to
wages. But the cold hard facts aze that the man just oat of

2 is not only as a rule unlitted for any job requiring skill,
and consequently paying good" wages, but the man just out of
prison must, because of his lack of references, take practically
what he can get, ‘Therefore, he is with peculiar frequency forced
into jobs that require long hours, offer lowly or disagreeable
work, and pay relatively small wages. Men applying to the
Prison Association are frankly advised to begin at the bottom of
the ladder, if the applicants eqnnot at first climb upon any of the
higher rungs. We regard it as most important that the man just
from prison should, 50 soon as possible, be able to say that he is
working somewhere and at something definite. ‘The first refer-
ence after prison is of prime importance.

‘Although the Employment Secretary is not a psychiatrist, his
experience during many years in dealing: with men of the released
prisoner type leads him to believe that between 4o and 50 per
cent, of the applicants at the Special Employment Bureatt of the
Prison Association daring the last year have heen mentally
defective or abnormal to such a degree as to render it difficult
for them to earn a livelihood regularly. This does not mean that
this large percentage were feebleminded, but it does mean that
many of them were of the low mental grade of the so-cal

moron.” Many applicants had keen and active minds, but their
characters were $0 erratic and unstable that they found it very
{dificult to work congenially with others, In consequence, they
were frequently losing their jobs

But many of the men suffered not only from mental but from
physical handicaps. A large mumber of applicants seemed to be
Ieiow normal size physically, and were therefore wnfitted for jobs
equiring much strength. Others had lost an eye, arm, leg, their
hearing or had such illnesses as to prevent their taking’ some
kinds of work. Tf these men are expected to get jobs and to sup-
Port themselves after leaving prison, some one mist intercede for
them in getting a jab, and must provide lodging and meals and
other necessities while they are looking for a job themselves.
‘The Employment Bureau has made it a point to see that the

172 Tue Prison Assocrarion or New York

applicant has been supplicd with whatever assistance was neces
ary to help him to become self-supporting, providing that the
spptiant was willag to co0pe

TAS we have already sui, aftal of $09 men were know tobe
working, in spite of these great dificltes. A great varity of
Positions were accured, ‘The younger applicants were placed in
Eonsiderable nombre in various factories inthe city, where they
found chances to learn trades, and where they secured seady
positing. "A mumber of men past Sity year of age were plced
In intitutons, where they obtained a siall'wage in addition to
maintenance, "Seventy-three of the yourger men were placed in
positions paying from 86 to $9 a week to sact; 134 in postion
Daying $9 to $t2 a week; 82 in posiions paying from $1 to Sig
2 week: 97 in postions paying from $15 to $20'a week

The misjorty of the otter placements were made at wages of
trom $15 to $40 a tonth, room and board. "A few men placed
by the Bureau returned to report, a few wesks later, that they
were caring trom $25 to go a tree, in tae ammcation fae
tories, ‘The high wages thus camed made it diffeult to
them later, at a wage thet would satisfy them, Of the 149 en

who applied and were not placed, 23 refused the work offered.

Jobo were seonred for 46 others, which they declined to ae.
fy-one others called at the Bureau only once, and not finding
ak once a Job to suit them, did not return a gecond time. "Some
ster appileants were too old, sick or intoxfeated to be proper
apc for work when ty calor thy fete ge
information necesary for placement, Of the O58 applicants
Gane wih some car or eter fe Peon Astciton o ote
ployment Secretary, while the remainder applied personaly
without introduction. eb i
‘A protninent feature of the work of the Bureau for the yeat
tas been a very practical form of cooperation with the Pi
Commission of the Department of Correction of New York Ci
for whom 170 placements in all were made, ‘The Parole. Com
mission began tis work on January 1, 1916. Tts function is ©
place atthe proper time on parole, and to otherwise assist duiog
the parole period, those inmates ofthe Department of Correction
wo have indeterminate sentences, The equipment of the Pavele
Comission in parole ofcers has een scanty and the great mass
of work necessary tothe succesful operation ofthe parole work
fas necessitated the cooperation of private charitable societi

Our Enproyment BURRAU For RELEASED PRISONERS 173

‘This Prison Association offered at the outset of the Parole Com
mission's work to assist in every practical way, and the Commis
tion has depended upon the Association far more than upon any
ptler agency in the matter of employment and relief of applicants

Many of the men referred by the Commission to the Associa~
tion were young fellows from the New York City Reformatory.
It bas not been found especially difficult to place these young

‘The daily intimate. experiences of Mr. Blatchly, the employ-
ment secretary, with those men who need his lielp, are most inter~
‘eling, and often very encouraging. The work seems well worth
while when, a year after a poor undersized Russian Jew, who
had passed six years in prison, had been sent to a job at $10 a
week, it was learned from the man’s employer that he was still
‘working for the same firm, and that je was as good a man as the
frm had had in thirty-five years. Furthermore, the ex-prisoner
was being trusted implicitly. ‘This same released prisoner, on
coming out of Sing Sing, had insisted at first that he could not
possibly take a position under $15 a weelc

A lad of 21, just down from the New York City Reformatory
in Orange County, where he had served ten months for larceny,
tame to Mr, Blatchly in the fall of 1916. He was typical of many
Of the applicants for help. He was born in Austria and had been
in New York ten years. He was oly five feet three inches in
height and weighed but 120 pounds. He was a first offender.
The employment secretary got in touch with the man who made
the charge of larceny against him, and the former employer was
persuaded to help secure a position for the lad. In a short time
the young fellow was working in one of the department stores of
the city.

Not all the young fellows make good in this way. Another
lad from the City Reformatory came to us, who had never done
any work except as a messenger. On the day of his application
to the Bureat, a job was gotten for him in a restaurant. ‘Three
days later the boy had already left his work. He then secured a
job near his home, and gave that up also, We secured another job
for him, this time in a large factory. In a month he kad thrown
up that job, also, but claimed to have still another job, a statement
that proved to be false. We referred the boy to several other
employers, and the lad did not return. He was finally sent by an
agricultural bureau to the country to work. Two weeks later we

174 Ta Prison Assocration or New York
earned that he had departed from that place, taking a number of
articles of small value. That is the last we have heard of this
lad. We did not fail 1o try our best to help him, but he failed in
helping himself when the chances came his way.

Not only State prisoners, but those from the New York City
Workhouse come to.our employment bureau. A man of 38, with
one leg off above the knee, was brought to the Association by a
parole officer of the Parole Commission of the city. He had
just served a sentence for vagrancy and begging, and admitted
having “been away” on several previous occasions. But the
man seemed very earnest, wanting to get work and care for him-
self. ‘The Employment Secretary found a job for him, where he
could assemble small pieces of machinery while sitting at a bench,

‘The “ex-vagrant ” held this position, giving satisfactory serv-
ice until the annual inventory, when he was laid off. | Then,
through a cooperating agency, we secured a second job for the
man, who was now fired with enthusiasm for the new kind of life
he was leading. Meanwhile, we were providing lodging and
meals for him. After the inventory, the first employer wanted the
man back; the former workhouse inmate went back to his first
job, and is there at present writing. Before he came to the
Prison Association he was an expense and a burden to the com-
munity, and useless to himself, Such work by an employment
bureau is worth while in human dividends.

Looking to the future, it is clear that the systematic effort
which the Prison Association has made during the last year to
secure work for released prisoners returning to their homes in
New York City should be extended to the whole State. ‘The
Association already has plans for the organization of groups of
employers and others in upstate cities and towns, who will cooper-
ate in giving work to ex-prisoners returning to their homes.

fatistical summary of the work of the

The following is a
eptember 30,

Employment Bureaus from October 4, 1955 to §
1916.
Number of ex-prisoners ealling for work,
Total work secured.
Additional men reported working
Transportation furnished to work

Total known to be working

Our Emproyment Bureau ror ReLEasep PRISONERS 175

Didnt retara for placement.
bat once,

Refused work offered

Work secured ; not taken. '

Refused references or information. .

Pending

“oo old, sick, oF intoxicated.

« re-applications placed

Total
Times Convicted

First time

Second time

Third time

Fourth or more times.

‘Not known of not convicted.

Total
Ages

From x6 to 30 years

From 3 to 40 years:

From 41 $0 50 years

From §1 to Go years
6r and over

Total .

Sources of Applications

Referred from all soure
Personal calls

Total .

Wages Received
85.00 to $9.00 per week.

00 to $12.00 per week. -
$12.00 to $15.00 per week.

176 Tie Prisox Assocration or New York

§$15,00 to $20.00 per week
'$25.00 to $40.00 per month, room and board.
$20.00 to 25.00 per month, room and board
'$15,00 to $20.00 per month, room and board
{$10.00 to $15.00 per month, som and board
‘$45.00 a month and room

Commission only

Not stated

Total placements

OUR PAROLE BUREAU

represent it} the volume of work done by the Parole Bureai dur-

On parole to us from State prisons.

Calls for men on parole.

Visits made by agents to places of work, homes, etc

Prisoners (discharged, not paroled) helped...

Meals given aos

Lodgings given .

Garments, shoes, etc, given : Pa |

Employment found (exclusive of Special Employment
Bureau) oe

178 Tas Prison Association or New Yor

The work includes the general supervision of paroled men,
which means visiting them at their homes and at their places of
work when feasible. Whenever needed, friendly advice is given,
and in a number of instances the Parole Bureau has been success
ful in effecting friendly relations between the released men and
their families. The Parole Bureau works in closest cooperation
with our special Employment Bureau, All applicants for relief
coming to the Prison Association are interviewed and are aided
as the merits of the case may require. No worthy released pris-
oner has been denied relief when it was possible to verify that he
has been an inmate of a prison. In conjunction with this work a
large number of people have been interviewed who are desirot
of obtaining information concerning relatives confined in the dif
ferent State and county institutions.

‘The most important point of the parole work is the guiding of
the men released from prison. Supervision in this connection
means far more than merely an official duty. It is a friendly con:
trolling of the future steps of the released man, beginning at the
prison gate. The released inmate finds upon entering the world
new conditions ; he needs advice; he is possibly on bad terms with
his family or relatives owing to his downfall, and the parol
officer succeeds many a time in re-uniting families. Positions
for the paroled man are secured through close cooperation with
our employment bureatt, and in case of need relief is given. Dis
charged prisoners requiring help are also aided, and never is any-
one denied some form of help if he can show that he was once an
“inmate of a prison. In fact, the parole officer’s duties are ma:
fold, and cannot be limited to the mere supervising of men on pa-
role; he is the friend of the prisoner while still confined, he keeps
him, while still in prison, in contact with the outside world, pre-
paring, guiding and directing his steps at the time of his appear-
ance before the Board of Parole, and his release. In short, the
parole officer is the friendly mediator between the law-breaker
and society.

Statistics fail to give the human element in such daily work as
that of our parole agents. We quote from several letters from
men we have had on parole:

“T can’t find words to express my thanks for the kindness you
have shown me while under your supervision- If others would
pay more attention to your instructions and advice, there would be
a larger majority walking free today. I owe my success entirely

jwoy aw0g sHPe 3,Us90q AYA

Ove Paroue Bureau 179

ta you and my wife, because a good many times when wark was
slack, I become very despondent. May God bless and help you in
this good work.

Trust that you are well I am getting along nicely. How is all
the boys behaving hope you are not ha
of thom. T want you to keep me on Parole always. y
heart good to report to you because I am leading 2 good clean life
and am not ashame or afraid I don’t feel as if I have ever been
ta prison have almost forgotten the place but can never forget the
People, Supt. Riley, Warden Homer, and Major Chatfield as well
yourself, all good men just as soon as I am able I am going to give
them at Comstock a litte surprise, Write and let me know how you

This is the stock seasoa here, so I may not stay. If I leave
you shall be the first to know it— for you know the Mutual Welfare
League taught us all to‘ play fair with the man who plays fair with
you even if he does represent the law’ well I certainly must say
that T have ar all times found you willing to play fair. A thing not
altogether usual in these days of scrupulous law enforcement.
“You have been a father to me, and T promise you that from time
to time I will let you know how I am getting along———Please
forgive me I did not write you sooner. You know that I cannot
write and have to wait some good man, good will, and Italian

people are few that knows English.”

THOSE WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND

E doubt whether avy part of our work moves the heart
strings as does the relief work of Mrs, Rodgers and her
assistant with the wives and children of prisoners. The

keynote of the service is struck in the following letter
October 27, 1926.
rY, City

“Mrs. Rodgers

Lam very thankful for your kindness to my Wife and family
while I was away but thank God Tam home with them and am
going to do all T can to make them happy and try to get my Wife
help again for her, well Mrs. Rodgers my wife received that money

der you send her today, and I assure you we did need it very
bad. Mrs. Rodgers T have gone back to my old job and with God
help 1 will do better to keep it thanking you very much for all
‘you have done for my Wife and family while I was away.

I remain

The deplorable fact is that in bnmdreds of cases, in the course

of a year, the removal of the bread-winner of a family, through
his prison sentence, suddenly and mercilessly thrusts the family
into poverty. Often the pitiful graup, composed of mother and
several small children, is in bewildered despair, For only too
often it is not a family that would under the wsual conditions
become poverty-stricken. When the breadwinner was not yet
taken away he was supporting his family. Now, suddenly, all is
changed, and the wife comes with her babies to the Prison Asso-
ciation for help.

With these stricken people our policy is just a8 Tiberal as ot
funds, and our common sense, will allow. We emphatically do
not believe that the relief of sueh a family should be used as a dis
ciplinary measure. While in many instances the wife must go to
work, it is not necessary that she shall learn the lesson that her
present plight has come through her own, or her husbands idle-
ness, for it has not, Therefore, we have for many years felt that
the ‘prisoner's family, leit hebind, should be so maintained,

80

Tuose Wao ane Lert Benmp C5 18t

through their own efforts and ours, that they may maintain so
far as possible the standard of living they were following when
the man was sent away.

But we can at present aid only a portion of the families that
come tous, Funds are not sufficient. Here is peculiarly a chance
for those who want to help families, and have the desire that
their entire contribution shall be expended for relief.

We feel optimistic about the results we obtain with “our
families.” Mrs. Rodgers is very sympathetic, and her years of
intensely human experiences with her families have equipped her
excellently for this ministering service. We can do no better
than to cite a few of the successes that have come to our rep-
resentative in her work.

‘The Parole Board of the State of New York referred che family
of C.D. to us. The man of the family is serving a term of two
and one-half years in Sing Sing. The wife had one baby, and was
‘expecting the advent of another. During this period we gave the
proper care to the wife, and the rent of $10 a month is being paid
bythe Prison Association, Another charitable association cooperates
in supplying food and clothing to the little family. Up to date,
$7600 has been expended by the Prison Association for the family

Another family needed our help, The man was also serving two
years in Sing Sing. The wife and one child lived with the woman's
flderly parents, in three rooms where they pay half rent of $8.00
A month, in return for their services as janitors, ‘The woman was
shortly to be confined. ‘The woman’s brother earns, at the age of
seventeen, $6.00 a week, this being the only income for a family
of five, Hospital care was secured for the woman during confine-
ment, and light work for the father. Up to date, the Prison Asso-
ation has invested $170 in this family

The Parole Commission of the City of New York reported to us
that 2 certain family was in dire need because the man was in the
Penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. There was a wife, and four
litle children, who were living in four rooms, the family receiving
rent free in retuia for janitor service. Throtigh doing washing for
fenants the woman could earn about $3.00 a week. We have been

investing " $4.00 a week in this family, and up to date $170 have
been expended.

Another family came to us with seven children, ranging in age
from 3 to 15 years. They had rent of $13 a month to pay. The

182 Tur Prison Assocration or New York

husband was in the Penitentiary for nine months. Previous to his
arrest for counterfeiting, he had been employed by one concern for
nine years.

The wife found work as a dressmaker at about $8.00 a week.
The four eldest children attended school and the three youngest
were placed in a day nursery while the mother went to work.

When the oldest child reached the age of 16, the mother found
work for her where she herself was working, at $3.00 4 week,
making the family income $11.00 a week. The Prison Association
paid $10.00 a month toward the rent, and another charitable society
paid the other five dollars. When necessary, the Association also
aided with food and clothing. We were able to “close the case”
in July, 1916, after the man come out of prison, and after we had
“invested” $120.00 in the family. ‘The man found work at $16.00
a week,

During the year ending September 30, 1916, there were 308}
families of prisoners under the care of the Relief Bureau. The!
Relief Agent made 1570 visits to these families, and in their
interests, and over $4000 was given in material relief,

At Thanksgiving and at Christmas the customary “ holiday,

baskets” were given, the expenses of the gifts being met by pri-
vate and separate contributions.

‘As a considerable assistance to the Relief Bureau, there is a
monthly meeting of an auxiliary relief committee, under the chair-
manship of Mr. Alexander M. Hadden. Many of the members
of the committee contribute in different ways towards the Relief
Bureau, The membership is as follows:

‘Mempers or THE Retire Comamrrree oF THE Prison Assocation
Mrs. Charles C. Auchincloss Mrs. E. O. Holter

Mrs. Jose Aymar Miss Juliet K. Hood
Miss Mary E. Bangs Mrs. R. M. Hurd

Mrs. Abraham Bijur Mrs. Charles Kaufman
Miss Helen Garrettson Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman
‘Mrs. Alexander M. Hadden Mr, O. F. Lewis

Mrs. Harold F. Hadden Miss Alice Lindley

Mr. John A. Hadden Miss Helen A. Loring
Mrs. John A. Hadden Mrs. B. H. Mautner
Mrs. E. Trowbridge Hall ‘Miss Mary Norrie

Mrs. Brady Harris ‘Miss Frances Ogden
Mrs. James C. Higgins Mrs. F. D. Pavey

One of the Families under Care of the Prison Association.

Tuose Wao axe Lerr Bemixp

Mrs. R. S. Pierrepont
Mrs. Frank Presbrey
Mr. HB. Rodgers
Mrs. H. B, Rodgers
Mrs, Howland Russell
Mrs, Dean Sage

Mrs. P. J. Sands

Mrs. G. S. Scott
Miss Alice Smith

Mrs. Edwards Spencer
Mrs. H. E, Townley
Mrs. SK. Walker
Miss C. P. White

OUR PROBATION BUREAU

OR nearlya quarter of a century Mr. D. E, Kimball 15 the
representative of this Association, has acted 28“ friend in
ead" ip the Court of General Sessions tnd in the Tomls

of this city, After probation yas established for adult offenders,
Mr, Kimball was appoinied by the Association probation office
InGeneral Seions, The Assocation has in acttalityToaned Mr.
Kinfalfs services inthe Court of General Sessions, During the
feat year ending September 30, 1916, 379 persons Were on pro
Dation to him, and 603 investigations ware made by Mr. Kimball

is by no means simply an investigator
she has got

ten the most essential facts
wise and patient, painstaking, stern
diplomatic and courageous, The judge upon the bench must
depend to a considerable extent upon the probation officer for his
information prior to the sentercing of a prisoner. Upon the
breadth and depth of vision of a probation officer depends to &
considerable extent the degree of increase or decrease of crime
among those committed to him for supervision

Tae CHavrrEur Wxo Manz Goon

This young man was thirty-two years old, married, with an
He was a handsome six-footer, and

in addition to being a chauffeur was a competent automobile mec.

absolutely clean record
anic; he could take any car apart and put it together again, and
Decause of his exceptional ability and pleasant ways he had litle
difficulty in obtaining employment with the best families in the
city. Charged with stealing a six thousand dotlar automobile,
he was convicted. Because of his excellent references Judge
Rosalsky suspended sentence and placed him on probation in the
custody of this Association.

We have letters and names of European persons of rank who
gave him an excellent reputation for ability and honesty. On his
fFelease, he firmly insisted that he was absolutely guiltless and was
the victim of circumstances, He said he could have cleared hit-

184

(Que Paonation BUREAU 5 185
self at the trial had the name of a woman been brought into the
transaction

Ina short time he obtained work in his line of business with a
very wealthy man and made daily trips between his employer's
country residence and this city. Some enemy told the employer
that the young man was a former ‘‘jail-bird,” but the employer
vas loth to believe such to be the truth, and said he was the finest
nnn he had ever had in his employ. "He immediately, at great
espense, secured the services of a private detective who spent
weeks in running the case down, and called on our agent for such
information as he had; as a result of such investigation, the de-
tective agency found that the young man's story was true. He was
not guilty of any crime whatsoever, and was 2 victim of what
\vas practically a conspiracy. His employer instead of discharg-
jag him, raised his pay but that did not hold him, as he was sen-

enred another place, After a short time the second

employer thought so much of him that he sold him a very
limousine car at a very low price and the young man is now in
Insiness on his own: account and earns from seventy-five to 2
hundred dollars a week.

sitive and

Saving 4 Uszeur Maw
A young clerk in a wholesale house that manufactures men’s
clothing had great business ability. He had held very good posi-
tions and had never been accused of dishonesty or iricompetence,
He had been for eight years in the service of the company that
the charge of forgery against him, the manipulation of bis
accounts in such a way as to show a shortage of over $700. He
had heen a good fellow among his lodge companions, and the
money was squandered on the great white way.

When found in the Tombs the young man was exceedingly
penitent. He said that he had the ability to make good and would
pay back every cent, if he had the chance, With some reluctance,
Todge Wadhams suspended sentence and pat him, on probation
on our custody with the admonition that if he failed tomake resti-
tution in installments he would certainly send him to State
Prison. ‘The clerk went to work; fortunately for him, labor con-
litions were such that he had litte difficulty in getting a fresh
start, because of his knowledge of “ big business,” and his excel-
lent appearance.

At the time of writing this report, he had completed restitu-
tion, and every dollar that he took from his employer was

186 Tur Parson Association or New York

restored. Instead of being a hopeless convict just out of State
Prison, he is today a self-respecting man who has leaned a severe
lesson,

‘Tue Puutaan Pore

A young colored man thirty years of age, married, was the s
support of a wife, two children and an aged mother. He was
found in the City Prison charged with larceny; he had been
Pullman porter for sorme years and up to the time of his down.
fall had had an absolutely clean record. He was educated, inte
figent and industrious, and investigation showed that he earned
tha good opinion of all who had had any dealings with him
before he surrendered to momentary temptation, and kept some
property which he had found in the Pullman ear of which he was
the porter,

Our agent consulted with the Pullman Company, who said
they were very sorry for him, as he was one of theit best men.
We found that a few months before he committed the crime ke
tumed into the office of the Company jewelry valued at some
thousand dollars, and $303.00 in cash,’ which he had found in
another car than his own. The secretary of the company said
that he might easily have kept this money and jewelry and that
the blame would have fallen on the porter of the car in which
the valuables had been found, and for that reason the company
was inclined to recommend him to the Court's mercy. He regret
ted however, that it would be contrary to the discipline of the
office to re-employ a man whose services had been dispensed wit
tunder such circumstances.

Before his employment with the Pullman Company he was an
elevator attendant in a fine apartment house, and the tenants of
‘that house voluntarily came to court to testify that he was ¢
superior man, had no bad habits, and spent all his spare time in
studying history. The judge mercifully allowed him to go in
our custody, and other employment was secured for him.
short time after that, at the request of the complaining witness i.
the case, and on our agent’s urging such action, the Pulls
Company re-instated him in their employ and he is now earning
‘good living.

During the year the question has continued to be raised a
to the best method of conducting probation in the Court of
General Sessions. ‘The Prison Association has adhered to is
policy, annotinced in previous reports, that appointments of pro

(Or Pronarion BUREAU 187

tation officers in the Court of General Sessions should follow,
in the matter of appointment, the trend throughout the State of
New York, which is the appointment of probation officers from
cil service Tists and the maintenance of such officers at city
expense, These officers, moreover, should be directly and wholly
responsible to the court. Examinations held for the position of
jrobation officer, particularly the most recent examinations held
ly the Municipal Civil Service Commission in New York City,
have proved that efficient probation officers may be secured by
such methods. We have recognized the devotion of probation

tioers provided by private charitable organizations, and have
regretted being obliged to differ from other organizations fur-
tishing probation officers in General Sessions. It has been with
us solely a matler of principle and not a lack of appreciation of
the services rendered by the several societies,

SUMMARY, 1902 TO 1916, INCLU

Cases investigated from 1902 to x06
Released on probation

Amount of restitution passed through our hands
Average age of probationer, ss

8,001
2,339
$14,828 38
26

Number of cases on probation October 1, z915

Number of eases received on probation during the year.
‘Total.

Number of eases passed from probationary oversight.

Number of cases remaining on probation, October 1,
1016 :

Tur Prison Assocration or New York

snvestgnted
1,051
580
575
534
446

OUR BUREAU OF INSPECTION AND RESEARCH

(June 1923 to December 1916, inclusive.)

N 1913, the Prison Association established a Bureau of Inspec
tion’ and Research. A special fund for the three years
employment of two assistant secretaries was guaranteed

through the generous support of Messrs. F. S. Harkness, Cleve-
nd H. Dodge, Jacob H. Schiff, Dean Sage, F, M. Warburg,
Samuel Untermyer, Richard M. Hurd, and Frank A. Vanderlip.

‘Two assistant secretaries, Mr. Philip Klein and Mr. E.R. Cass,
were appointed in 1913. Mr, Klein was a graduate of the two
years’ course of the New York School of Philanthropy, and
made a special study during the second year, of reformatories in
New York and New Jersey. Mr. Cass was for several years
actively engaged in important work with boys as assistant super~

¢ of the Newsboys’ Lodging Hlonse on Cl

New York City. He was also fer nine months a member of the
staff of the Five Points House of Industry, and for two seasons
directed boys camps for the Children's Aid Society. One of the
assistant secretaries, Mr, Klein, gave the major portion of his
time to the intensive study of the correctional institutions within
the City of New York, Mr. Cass gave similarly the major por-
tion of his time to the inspection and study of the correctional
institutions outside the Greater City. The Bureau has operated
imder the general direction and supervision of the General Secre-
tary, Mr, Lewis.

The three years have produced a quantity of increasingly
valuable work in the Bureau. During the first year, in addition,
to the many regular inspections of institutions, the following
special studies and activities occurred.

1. A study of the Tombs Prison, resulting in a report of over 109
pages, submitted to the Department of Correction.

2. A study of the industries of the Department of Correction,
Continued during 1914.

4. Special study of the treatment of insane in city prisons.

4 Analysis of budgetary requests of Department of Correction.

5. Cooperation with School of Philanthropy in planning a course
on criminal statiaties

189

190 Tre Prison Assocration or New York

During the following two years the Bureau produced a num-
ber of comprehensive studies, among them the following:

1. Methods of employing State and county prisoners on highway
work.

2. Development of a comprehensive medical service in the De-
partment of Correction, New York City.

3- Cooperation in study of Layout of City Reformatory Build-
ings, New Hampton Farms,

4: Cooperation in study of Layout of Buildings, Westchester
County Penitentiary.

5. Layout of Buildings, Hart's Island Penitentiary.

6. Cooperation in plan of construction, Erie County Jail.

7. Plans for a State Industrial Farm Prison.

8 Cooperation in organization and management of Prison
Exhibit, winter of 1915-16.

9. Work of introduction of librasies-in all county jails of the
State in cooperation with and supported by the New York Jail
Library Committee; organization and installation of libraries in
City Prison Queens, Penitentiary and Workhouse, and preliminary
step for the extension of same through the institutions of the De
partment of Correction, in cooperation with New York Public
Library and Queens Borough, Public Library.

10. Cooperation with Commissioner of Accounts, New York City,
in organization of methods of parole administration.

11. Legislative work as follows:

a. Investigation and action upon bills introduced into the
Legislature, affecting the field of work of the Prison
Association, under direction of sub-committees of the
Executive Committee of the Association.

b, Introduction of bills, and campaigning for their enactment
in Albany.

12, Lectures, addresses, etc.

13. Inspection and investigation leading to the eventual transfer
of jurisdiction over the House of Detention, New York County,
from Police Department to Department of Correction,

14. Cooperation with Police Department in inspecting some
thirty police stations, with general recommendations as to the co
ditions and use of station houses and houses for detention purposes.

Our Bureau or INsPEcrion AND RESEARCH 191

15. Gathering of material and preparation thereof for drafting
of legislation in respect to the following
a. The redistribution of the prison population in State
prisons and reformatories.
Reorganization of parole work for State prisons.
Introduction of a different system of providing for and
preparation of food for inmates of the State pri
Amendment of laws relating to the treatment of ji
criminals,
16. In all inspection and investigation work, the following-up of
recommendations in every practicable manner.
17. As information bureau for requests of all nature from all
parts of the State and from other States.
18, Cooperation in planning for the establishment of a clearing
house on Blackwell's Istand.
19. Cooperation in the formulation of plans in treatment for the
{ecbleminded delinquent.

‘The above special studies have been made, in addition to the
routine daily work of the Bureau of Inspection and Research.

The activity of the Bureau in visiting and inspection of the cor-
rectional institutions within the State is evidenced by the follow-
ing table:

MBER OF INSPECTIONS MaDE ay Bureac BETWEEN JUNE
. 1013 AND SEPTEMBER 1916

County Jails 2

County: Penitentiaries

Lops... esheasansns

Tnstitutions State Prison Department. .

575

In addition to the above, between 60 anid 100 visite, not definitely

recorded as inspections, were made for the purpose of special
studies, inspection of special points or matters, interviews, etc

Noticeable improvements have been made in the equipment,

tleanliness and administration of jails and penitentiaries in the

192 ‘Tae Prison Association of New York

following counties, in many instances directly because of the
inspections and recommendations of the Prison Association,

Monroe Jail— Additional equipment, such as shower baths, new
toilets, mattresses, aluminum eating utensils. Also painting and
thorough cleaning.

Monroe Penitentiary. Additional equipment, stich as sheets and
pillow-cases, bucket-house for daily airing of buckets instead of
keeping them in cells. Daily exercise of idle men, Sunday exercise
period. Regular morning and afternoon talking periods. Abolition
of striped uniforms, ball and chain. Establishment of receiving
quarters; separation of minors in cellhall and shop buildings.

Onondaga Penitentiary.— Abolition of chains for runaways; dis
continuance of striped uniforms. Renovation of punishment cells
Increase of salaries for helpers.

Jister Jail—Better supervision; assignment of prisoners;
cleanlines

Columbia. — New jail.

Seneca.— New jail.

Erie— New jail

rie Penitentiary. Abolition of punishment cells in cellblock of
south hall, Increase of staff of keepers. Better arrangement for
serving food warm to prisoners of west hall.

Chautauqua— Renovation of part of the jail.

Ontario. Renovation of part of the jail,

Cattaraugus.— Renovation and added equipment.

Schenectady:— New jail, increased staff.

Sullivan.— Added equipment.

Schuyler— Plan to renovate and enlarge present jail.

Cortland.— Planning to construct new jail and provide county
jail farm,

‘Wayne. Planning to renovate and enlarge present jail.

Oswego Abandoned its old jail at Pulaski

‘Tompkins.— Renovation in the jail, and a, jail yard provided and
used.

Warren.— Improved equipment.

Clinton.— Plans have been made and approved for renovation of
the present jail. Further plan to buy farm for sentenced prisoners.

Albany.— Thorough house-cleaning, and added equipment.

Albany Penitentiary— Improvement of punishment cells; sub-
stitution of oil paint for whitewash for cells; discontinuance of
striped uniforms,

(Our Buruau oF Ixsewcrion axp Reseancnt

Oneida.— Jails at Utica and Rome to be improved
Delaware— Thorough house-cleaning.

‘The changes in the above counties have been along the follow-
ing lines

1, New jails,

2. Better accommodations for females and minors.

3. New toilet equipment

4 Messhalls

5. Reception quarters equipped with shower baths and Sumigat-
ing apparatus.

6, Prisoners supplied with overalls, shirts and socks while in the
jail, thus saving their own clothing.

7. Agateware, crockery and tin eating utensils have been replaced
by aluminam ware

8, Sheets and pillow-cases added to bedding.

9, Frequent washing of blankets,

10, Increased number of meals and better variety of food.

11, Abandonment of undesirable jails

12, Discontinuance of fee aystem or part survivals of it

13. A closer and stricter supervision of female prisoners.

1. Abandonment of dungeon cells, ball and chain, chains,

15. The imparting, of much useful knowledge to sheriffs and
jailers s0 as to promote their efficiency.

16, The installation of visiting screens

17, Improved methods of discipline.

18, Discontinuance of unlawful contracts as in the case of Jeffer-
son and Oswego Counties.

19, Additional grand jury sessions, particularly in Franklin, Rich-
mond and Tompkins Counties,

20, Abolition of striped uniforms, Monroe, Albany, Onondaga
Counties

21. Outdoor exercising,

22. Painting.

In the following: counties, employment has been established for
prisoners, or the old form of employment improved

Oswego County.— Ninety-acre farm now under direct supervision
of the sheriff, bringing about better results for the county, and
increase in the employment of prisoners.

194 ‘Tue Prison Assocration or New York

St. Lawrence County— Five to 25 prisoners employed on a 4o,
acre farm. Reduction of weekly per capita maintenance of 38 cents
for the year of 1915.

Suffollc County— Prisoners now employed on the highways and
in preparing County Tuberculosis Hospital site.

Broome, Chenango, Tioga, Livingston, Genesee Counties —
Prisoners now employed on the County Poorhouse Farms

Tioga, Livingston, Tompkins, Orange Counties Board of Sup-
ervisors have authorized the employment of prisoners on the
highways.

Franklin County.— Purchased a 3o-acre farm and also employs
its prisoners on the highways.

Madison County.— Authorities, satisfied with the results obtained
on the few acres adjacent to the jail, have permitted the sheriff to
rent additional acreage so as to increase the farm work.

Erie County.— Penitentiary farm being developed. Usual popt-
Jation about 140 inmates under the supervision of six keepers dur-
ing the day and during the night one watchman, Sixty-four escapes
in two years. All but 11 apprehended. One hundred prisoners
employed at present on the highways, each man receiving 10 cents
per day for his labor.

Nassau County.— Farm acreage increased.

Niagara County.— Employs its prisoners on the city stone crush-
ing plant and also on the highways. The county receives 25 cents
a day per prisoner from the city for the labor of the prisoners on
the city stone crusher. Plan to send sentenced prisoners to old
county poorhouse farm

Monroe County.—Has about 500 acres of farm land. During
the spring and summer employs from 90 to 100 men in the open.

‘Warren County.— When the jail population permits, employs its
prisoners improving highways, cleaning the streets in the village of
Lake George and also improving public park land in the village.

Ulster County— Some of the prisoners employed in grading on
the land adjacent to the jail.

Cortland County.— Supervisors’ Committee in favor of a new
jail and also the employment of prisoners on a farm.

Ontario County.— Has made contract with the town of Canan:
daigua for the disposition of broken stone.

Jefferson County — Satisfactorily employs its prisoners at farm-
ing on part of a tuberculosis farm, and for the winter of 1916 will
employ the labor of the prisoners on preparing material for roads

KR

>]

Yano Wake

eavejyiwOue tor TRICAL, FLoGe PLAN OF ERrDDELED
Senhe Bem Counry” Tate

Crees Korte ws Sons
Aeouvre crs,
Burro, Haw\eow

(Own Bureau or Inspection anp Reseanc 195

‘on the tubereulosis site. Much work has been done by the prisoners
bis site in improving and vlearing the land, removing old ferices,
onstructing mew ones, etc

Oneida County About 231 aeres of additional land adjacent to
the County Home property purchased and prisoners sent to the

i be employed on this land.

Essex County. Board of Supervisors have purchased a 257-acre
farm, the largest jail farm in the State. About 87 acres can be used
for farming; the remainder is available for timber and quarry.
The farm is about two miles from the jail. Prisoners go fo and
from the jail each day.

THE PRINCIPLE OF COOPERATION

OT infrequently the question is asked why the Prison Asso-
ciation is not “more conspicuous.” Developments in
prison betterment occur, along lines advocated by the

Association, and yet good friends of the Association ask at times
why the Society does not under such circumstances appear as 2
prominent factor in the innovation or change.

‘The answer is easily made. The policy of this Association is
to work quietly, but persistently, for reform in the full and broad
sense of the term, An analysis of all recent reform movements in
this State will show the Prison Association taking a prony
inent, and often a leading part. On the other hand, thi Set
learned many years ago that reforms must be, in the fast analyst

efor “The Prise Association te = private chasttable So
whose function is to make stiggestions, and to be at all
center of accurate information.

Consequently, through the seventy years of the life of the
Prison Association, the Society has learned the high value both
to the State and the community of the quiet, often tmproclaimed
cooperation of the Association with those authorities in whose
hands lies the power to make changes. ‘The other method, that
of self-advertising in public places, does not appeal to the Prison
Association. We conceive our duty to be, not primarily to
impress upon the public the high importance of our own tasks,
and incidentally of ourselves, but to get results. We are confi-
dent that such statements as we issue in our annual reports will
convince our members of the reasonableness of our position.

We do not, however, forego proper opportunities to state our
functions and our work. By addresses and lectures, by attend-
ance at conferences and other gatherings, by participation on
committees, and especially by serving increasingly as a central
bureau of information, not only for this but for other States, the
Prison Association becomes better known each year as a same,
and unassuming, society for prison reform.

At the annual meeting of the Prison Association in January,
1916, the membership of the Executive Committee was divided
196

‘Tux Princrrne or Cooperation 197

into four elasses according to years. So far as possible, an equal
umber of members were designated for each of the classes, it
being thus planned that not’more than one-fourth of the members
of the Executive Committee should be elected in any one year.
The new division into classes will be found on page 19 of this
report

During the year the Association has received with regret the
resignation of Dr. Felix Adler as a Vice President of the Asso-
cation. Dr, Adler found it impossible to attend the meetings of
the Executive Committee, and withdrew from the position of vice
president, although retaining his substantial interest in the Asso-
cation's work, Dr, George W. Kirchwey has been elected to fll
the vacancy.

‘The resignation of Mr. John Seely Ward as Treasurer of the
Prison Association came after many years’ devoted service in that
office. Mr. Ward retains his membership in the Executive Com.
‘mittee, but is relieved of the Treasurership, which was but one of
his many similar activities in charitable organizations of this city.
His position has been filled by Mr. C. C. Auchincloss, already a
member of the Executive Committ

An innovation of especial usefulness was instituted by'the Gen:
eral Secretary of the Prison Association in June, 1916,-hen he
called, at the invitation of Elmira Reformatory, a two days’
informal conference of correctional workers. The nesd of such *
4 gathering of excentives of institutions, or their representatives,
las been felt for some time. The State and City Conferences of

harities and Correction bring together large groups of persons.
(On the other land, the intimate discussion by specialists is lack-

ng in such conferences, ‘The Conference at Elmira proved even

a suprising success, It was attended by approximately thicty
of the chief representatives of correctional institutions in. the
State, The two days" program embraced the following: subjects
for discussion: Relation of Officers to Inmates; Methods of
Punishment; Classification ; Mental Deficiency; Parole Problems;
Best Methods of Employing Inmates.

Novel features of the Conference were the absence of minutes
or any stenographic report, the absence of reporters and the
absence of set papers

‘The round-table conference was found of such value that the
New York Conference of Correctional Workers was organized,
and at the invitation of Commissioner B. G, Lewis of the Depart:

108 Tue Prison, Assocration or New York

ment of Correction of New York City, the second Semi-annual
Conference will be held in New York in January 1917.

During the year the General Secretary has served on several
occasions. as expert oral examiner for the State Civil Service
Commission and the New York City Civil Service Commission.
The increased use of oral examinations as an important factor
in securing eligible lists for important positions has been note-
worthy during the year. The Prison Association believes that
even greater importance should be laid upon the oral examination,
which should be preceded by a so-called experience paper setting
forth the record of the applicant, and the written paper in which
the applicant is given ample opportunity to state his knowledge of
principles and methods. It has been found with striking” fre-
quency that candidates passing fairly acceptable written papers
have proved so lacking in personality as to render them mani-
festly unsatisfactory in responsible positions in correctional work,

‘The Prison Association serves to an extent the entire country.
‘There is no central organization which is equipped to supply ade-
quately and with sanity the great demand for information regard-
ing prison reform and the treatment of the offender. Requests

come from ail parts of the United States and frequently from
abroad to the Prison Association for such information. ‘The need
of a strong national organization, upon the Board of which shalt
be expert representatives in the many lines of prison reform and
the treatment of the delinquent, is clear. The Prison Associa-
tion of New York is meanwhile serving as its time and equipment
allows.

During the fall and winter of 1916 and 1917 very satisfactory
cooperation has developed with the State Federations of Women's
Clubs and the National Federation of Women's Clubs, focussing
particularly on a campaign for the abolition of county jails. The
policy of the Association to cooperate in movements within the
broad field of delinquency and the rehabilitation of the offender
has led the General Secretary to continue his close relationship
with such organizations as the National Board of Review of
Motion Pictures, the New York State Committee on Feeble-
mindedness, the New York Committee on Drug Evil, and the
Bowery Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association.

‘On the Board of Review of Motion Pictures the Prison Asso-
ciation is represented on the general committee by the General

VOLUME VI, No. 1

“THE

JANUARY, 1916

|DELINQUENT

‘A Monthly Periodical, Published by the

PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK

ai 138 East Fifteenth Street, New York

THIS COPY TEN CENTS

‘ONE DOLLAR A YEAR

‘THE PRISON EXHIBIT
By O. F LEWIS

‘That “Something New Under the
Sun” in prison reform is just as neces-
sary for propaganda purposes as in any
ather field of social service, was the idea
OE the Joint Committee on Prison Re
form, which during the winter of 191:
1916’ brought out in New York State
‘ydoubtedly the most novel means yet
devised for driving home the facts and
slaring deficiencies of parts of the prison
gystem of that State. The Prison
Exhibit, opened in New York City on
January 10th, struck a new note, not
only in prison reform but in Exhibits,
and The Detinguent in this issue out”
lines a movement that already has de-
eloped requests for its presence not
only in cities of the Empire State, bat
alo from Philadelphia, Detroit, “Chi-
cago, and even from Paris, Fi

‘The basic idea of the Prison Exhibit
i simplicity itself. If the people im
general won't go to the prisons to see
conditions for themselves, bring the
prisons to the people! The latter has
heen done only’ by. deseriptions, phot
graphs, Iantern slides, or occasional Ii
ing examples of the products of the
prisons. But the Joint Committee on
Prison Reform went further, and two

Published Monthly by

additional methods of publicity, more
powerful than any others yet under-
{aken, wore tried: "The Exhibit, and the

Exhibits have made good in recent
years along several social lines. Tuber
‘eulosis and child labor have shown vivid-
ly conditions in cotton mills, and condi-
tions in human longs, ‘There has also
evolved a certain standard of organizing
exhibits, and of making the panels, Elec:
trical devices have been ‘wed in ex
hibits after having proved their worth,
as advertisers, in front windows of many
a store. yen the height and width of
panels, their distance from the floor in
order to catch best the eye, have been
thonght out, likewise the proper number
of words on a panel,'the Frequency of
pictures, and the devices of the written
word to “hit the reader in the face.” In
short, exhibit-making has become a pro:
fession, and therefore, when the Joint
Committee on Prison Reform decided 19

hibit, it prompth

hibits of the Russell Sage Foundation, im

New York
What is
Prison Reform?

City
the Joint Committee on
A’ committee of repre-

the Prison Association.

‘Tue Pauxcirte of Cooreration 199

Secretary and by Mr. E. Trowbridge Hall, a member of the Exe-
cutive Committee of the Prison Association. Tt has been foutid
hist a considerable proportion of motion pictures reviewed by the
General Committee of the National Board as a court of appeal of
the Board relate to problems of crime or misconduct. The experi
ence of the Prison Association has been useful in causing the
limitation or recasting of many episodes in such pictures and in
the condemnation at times of a picture that would be of serious
influence in the community, When it is realized that approxi-
mately from 6,000,000 to 7,000,000 persons in this country see
motion pictures every day and that the industry is reputed to be
the fifth largest in the United States, the importance is apparent
of reducing infitences on the motion picture screen that tend to
‘The problem of feeblemindedness in its relation to crime is so
obvions that the Prison Association naturally allies itself with
movernents looking to the custodial care of the feebleminded
delinquents whose presence in the community is dangerous.

In May 1916, at the invitation of Commissioner Burdette G.
Lewis, the General Secretary of the Prison Association became
Chairtnan of a special committee organized to administer the com-
tmissaries in the Department of Correction. The purpose of the
Committee has been to maintain opportunities in tie several insti-
tutions oF the Department whereby prisoners may purchase at
very reasonable rates certain articles of food or other useful
things. The Commissary Committee plan to take over the Com:
missary at the City Prison, Mantattan, but has postponed action
until the beginning of 1917. The Commissary at the Peniten-

‘ary has produced a small monthly profit, which, according to
the rales established by the Commissary Committee, must_be
used solely for the benefit of inmates of the Department of Cor-

jon. During 1917 it is expected that the Commissary will be
«ded to all the institutions of the Department.

7

OUR FINANCIAL YEAR

HE members of the Prison Association ean be congrate

I ated upon the substantial financial standing of the Society.

Since 1910, when our “ten year period of reorganization

and development” was announced, the Society's funds have shown

a gratifying and consistent increase, paralleling the increased
activities of the Association,

Hoth in anaal income and in endowment fund, the Association
has made-very substantial progress, At the beginning of 1910
‘our endowment furad totalled $9,108. At the end of the Bsc
year of 1916, our endowment fund was $06,886, ‘The total assets

nuary 1, 1910, were $42,635. On
cls were $123,996.

In our yearly income also, the Association has made a gratify

crease, Whereas our income for the year 1909 was $17.
(922, the Association's income for the fiscaf year ending Septem:
her 30, 1916, was $36,176.

The chief elements in the increase of productive endowment
and of annval income have been the following: the Smith Ely
which was matched dollar for
ollar by contributions from members of other friends of the
Association; the Dudley Jartline legacy in 1915, of $10

John Innes Kane Memorial 100, given by his widow
jn 1914; the guranteed contribations of $15,000 for the Bureat
of Inspection and Research, given by a number of members of
the Prison Association for the years 1913-1916, and the contri
butions of the late Mrs. Dean Sage, and her son ‘Mr. Dean
for the establishment of a speci
prisoners,

Nevertheless, the annual income of the Prison Association
should be materially increased. The contributions for member
ship and for current expenditures have not increased in recent
years in proportion to the income for special activities. ‘The
Association can now undertake strong and systematic activities
as it has never been able to before, The field for such a powerful,
sane and constructive society as the Prison Association opens

+ before the Asociation, to a degree never before possible. Public

Our Fivanctar Year 20%

interest is found on every side, Large movements, affecting the
welfare of all prisoners rather than the welfare of the individual
inmate or released prisoners, can be undertaken successfully,-if
only they can be financed

‘Our parole work, oar relief of prisoners’ families, our employ:
ment bureau, and our probation activities were never on a souncler
basis. It is fair to say that the individnal prisoner, in trouble, has
never been able to turn to this society with more reasonable
expectation of prompt assistance and constructive help than 2t
present, ‘The Association deserves the sincere support of its
members and friends,

PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR 1917

attention to the necessary legislative work than for soie

years past. More facts are available than heretofore
Some of tite needs have become more urgent and pressing and the
approach to an organic conception of the State's problem of <or
ection, has made the formulation of a fairly definite program
necessary.

An attempt will again be made, of course, to pass the bill abot
ishing the fee system of feeding prisoners in County jails, where
such system still obtains,

The development of public opinion in favor of a receiving and
distributing prison at Sing Sing opens up the opportunity for
systematic legislation for the establishment, eventually, of
State Departinent of Correction. The first step in this direction
is a law making Sing Sing Prison the receiving and distributing
station for all the State prisons, in the sense that all commitments
to State prison of male offenders shall be received in the fist
place, at Sing Sing, The division of the State, therefore, into
three parts, each containing a number of judicial districts and
each sentencing its State prisoners to a different prison, must be
terminated. A bill has been drawn up by the Prison Association.
with the aid of the Legislative Drafting Bureas of Columbia Un
versity (which has very kindly drafted this and other bills
planned by the Association), for the purpose of constituting Sing
Sing such a receiving and distributin
commitment of all persons so s
instance. Whether a bill of this nat
depends upon the action of the Commission on New Prisons
appointed by Governor Whitman, which has had in charge the
whole matter of the disposition of Sing Sing and the establish:
ment of a new State prison. Tr is felt that the necessary legisla
tion to provide for a system within the State prisoxs by which
Sing Sing will act in all respects as a clearing house, is primarily
the concern of that Commission.

The Prison Association holds however, that Sing Sing should
eventually be the clearing house for all the State institutions for
male prisoners. A bill has, therefore, been drafted to require

Abe Prison Association can this coming year devote more

Prorosen Lecistation FoR 1917 203

such use of the Sing Sing clearing house for persons sentenced
to the Elmira Reformatory as well. This bill will probably be
introduced as soon as the construction work at Sing Sing has
progressed sufficiently to render the situation ripe for this next

Possibly the most important bill planned for introduction in
the legislature of, 1917 by the Prison Association is one providing
for the commitment of male misdemeanants between the ages of
18 and 30, to the State Reformatory at Elmira, At present, mis-
demeanants of that age, owtside of New York City are sent,
under definite sentence, to county jails or penitentiaries. Tt is
common knowledge that these are the worst places for such per-
sons to be sent to. Logically, there is no reason why the Elmira
Reformatory should not receive misdemeanants as well as felons.
The Reformatory authorities support the Prison Association in
its effort to extend thus the usefulness of the Reformatory. In
the same bill, the requirement is also abolished that persons com>
mitted to Elmira Reformatory shall be first offenders. It has
become evident during recent years that, in fact, aver 70 per cent.
of inmates of Elmira Reformatory are not first offenders. The
growth of the probation system has caused a very considerable
decrease in the number of first offenders sent to afiy- institution,
If the proposed! bill passes, Elmira Reformatory will henceforth
receive both felons anid miscemeanants and repeated law-breakers
25 well as first offenders hetween the ages of sixteen and thirty
(misdemeanants eighteen to thirty) for an indefinite period with
a maximam in case of felons of the maximum provided by Jaw,
and in the case of misdemeanants, of three years. Powers are to
he given to the Reformatory to return persons committed to it,
if they are unfit for reformatory training, or if the reformatory
is over-erowded,

‘The proposal for a redistribution of the population in Stat
prisons and reformatories (discussed on pages 117-135 of
Yeport) carries with it several plans for legislation, one of which
is the designation of the Napanoch Reformatory as an institution
temporarily assigned for the transfer thereto of feebleminded
delinquents from the State prisons and reformatories. In the
near future, such an institution must be established for the per-

Tt was deemed
advisable as a first step towards the attainment of that goal to
segregate in one place such feebleminded delinquents as are now
to be found in the State prisons and reformatories. It was sug-

manent custody of feebleminded delinquents.

204 Tue Prison Assoctation or New York

gested as supplementary to this plan by Dr. Thomas W. Salmon,
that after the expiration of the terms of the feebleminded delin-
quents so transferred, legal procedure should be undertaken for
the permanent contmitment of the feebleminded in the same way
as such permanent commitment is obtained for those found to be
insane while in prison. There are no laws on the statute books at
present making possible such commitment. It was suggested also
almon, that legislation would be sought for statutory
provisions for the commitments of feebleminded in that way. A
bill was drafted for the temporary designation of the Napanoch
Reformatory as an institution for feebleminded delinquents above
ierred to ature of the provision is due to the
hope of obtaining a i established and
conducted along hospital li
Alter due consultation, it has been found best not to introduce
such a bill during 1917.

The solution of the problem of the feebleminded delinquents
among the women inmates of the State institutions has assumed,
temporarily, the form of a bill for the establishment of a division
of the feebleminded at Valatie. The details of the plan are, at
the writing of this report, uncertain and the introduction of the
bill not yet decided upon.

An important bill, based entirely upon the study of the parole
situation for the State prisons (described on pages 72-85 of this
report) may be introduced, providing for the extension of the
Parole Board’s activities, with members at higher salaries devot-
ing their whole time to the work, appointing parole officers of
adequate numbers, and reorganizing their work on a plan
intended to bring the parole work of the State prisons to a par, at
Teast, with such work done at other institutions and places

It was proposed to introduce a bill abolishing certain forms of
punishment in our penal institutions of the State; such punish-
ment being the chain, ball and chain, dark cell, dungeon, and

hanging by the wrists. For special focal and personal reasons the
introduction of such bill was abandoned, especially in view of the
fact that the publicity given to the use of such forms of punish-
ment during the last few years has materially reduced indulgence
in them, if not entirely abolished them.

{
‘TREASURER’S REPORT

SCHEDULE A
Statoment of Assets and Liabilities at Date of Septomber 30, z9x6

Asses
Cash:
United States Trust Co.
jon Trust Co
wv York Life Ins. & Trust Co.
Mechanics & Metals National Bank,
General Fund
Mechanios & Metals National Bank,
Special Fund,
Sundry debtors (cash items)
Petty cash
Bank of the Metropol

Sundry ereditors (cash items)

Total cash $5,050 49
Investments (at cost

Endowment Fund $70,936

Dudley Jard’ne Fund. 10,182 3

John Innes Kane Memorial Fund. 4,987

Mary H. Brash ‘Trust Bund 3,000

Julia Billings Fund . 2,500

Samuel M. Jackson Library Fund 2,300

George L. Hall Fund... 1,000

‘Total investments 94,886 09

Real sate (a cost:
Frouse and lot, 135 Bast sth street

Due irons Reformetores:
New York State, El
Napanoch.

206 THe Parsox

Interest Accrued:
Tnvestmeats.
Bank balances

Prepaid’ Expense:
Insurance premiums

Total assets.

Expenses, due or accrued
Special don

Capita:
idowment, Pund
Dudley Jardine Fund
John Innes Kane Memorial Fund
Mary H. Brush Trust Fund.
Julia Billings Fund,

Samuel M. Jackson Library Fupd.

Reserve Fund.
Samuel M. Jackson Library Income
Pund

Capital account

Total Kabilities

SCHEDULE B
Receipts and Kxpenditures for the Year End
Recurrs

Balance, September 30, 1015:

Mechanies & Metals National Bank.

New York Life Ins. & Trust C

United States Trust Co.

Union Trust Co

Bank of the Metropolis.

Assoctarion or New Your

$8,367 39
58.83

$223,096

$1199 35

310 49

— 81,439 84
$72,784 05
10,208 43,

ding September 30, 1936

$3274 Bo
1,965.50
3,430 81
2,367 39

308 70

‘Treasuarr’s Reror

$262 05
x02 8

Sundry debtors (cash items)
Petty cash

Donations
General
Assistant Seoretaries’ Fund.
Speciat relief
Endowment Fund.
General relief
Employment sectetary,
Dudley Jardine Fund (Sal settlement).

$17,835

Endowment Investment Fund:
Payment of Rothwell mortgage.
Payments on account of Modry mort

gage.

$42,000 09
Dudley Jardine Investment Fund:

Sale of stock (book value)
Profit on above.

$373 00
161 30

Samel 2,
Payments on account of Riva mortgage.

Jackson Library Tnsestment

Interest:
Tnvestments.
Banlk balances:

$4,064 69
387 87

Reformatores:
‘New York State, Elmira.
Napanoch.

S000 0
1309 00

Reserve Fund:
‘Transferred to Treasurer's Fund.

‘Total receipts

Exreypirones
Special donations
Exchange on cheques

399524 84

43,000 09

$89,465 66

2,694 33

208 THE Parson Assoctarion of New York

Treasurer's Fund:
‘Transferred from Reserve Fund

Dudley Jardine Fund:
Disbursed to Peter Chouinard.

General Secretary — Bureau of Adminis

Postage

Printing and stationery

Annual reports

‘Transportation, hotels and ear fares

‘Telegrams and telephone

Sundries.

Office supplies

Furniture and fixtures,

Newspapers and periodicals

Library,

Prison Sunday

Photos and films (mainly half-tenes for
appeals)

Conferences, memberships, end of
Express and cartage.

Assistant Secretaries — Investigation and
‘Research:

Salaries.

‘Transportation, hotels and carfares.

Sundries

Parole Bureau:
Salaries. a
‘Transportation, hotels and carfares.

Probation Bureau:
Salaries
‘Transportation, hotels and cariases
Relief a

‘Treasurer's Reroxr

Relief Bureau:
Rent, board and lodgigs
Food
Selaries
mnsportation, hotels and carfares.
Moving and storage.
Clothing.
Sundries.

$1,000 oo

Bureau of Employment

Employment and Industries Committee —
Paul Kennaday,' Secretary:
Contributed toward expenses of above
Bibi ‘committee
Trvestments:
Tavested during
Endowment Pan
George L. Hall Fund.
Dudley Jardine Fund.
Mary H. Brush Trust Fund

$44,201

Balance, September 30, 1916
United States Trust Co.
Union Trast Co
New Yorke Life Ins. & Trust Co 965
‘Mechanics & Metals National Bank —

General Fund 506
‘Mechanics & Metals National Bank —
Special Fund. 35s

$2,107

11008 3

2,058 34

210 Tu Prison Association or New York
Sundry debtors (cash items)

Petty cash

Bank of the Metropolis

Sundry creditors (cash i

$5,050 49

$8,405 66

SCHEDULE ©
vsestmants of Date of Seplembsr 30, 1916
Sutorest
Bxdooment Pan ite %
Bonds!
TON. PRR. (aoquised Feb,
29, 1918). 3

terest
dee

Valuation

(re, May.)
(@ng., Nov.)

36,687

5B. & 0. RR, (ecquived
Feb. 29, 1916). 5 June & Dec
3 4 May & Nov.

5,088
Ry : 943,
SN ¥.C RR (ocquiced

ab Aoe & Oct. 4,756
4 Apr. & Oct
San & July
4 Jan. & July

airs
TM. @S8P.@S.S.M Ry. “oar
Bonds and mortgsss:
‘Modey
Received on acs: pina
Aug 12,1916. $500 00
Sept. 9.3940... $00 00

SE May & Nov. 11,000

(aeghired Mas.9, 1916) 4b Sept. & Mar, 15,000 09
(Gequized “Apr. 25,

4b Ape. & Oct

Ten. & July

‘Ape. & Det

7)

7,988

Dudley Jardine Fond:
Bonde:
2 Peoria Water Wor,

4 May & Nov.
1 Oregon Short ive

5 Feb. & Avg

13168 44
robe 33

rs

a5

Tater
scented

9

‘Treastnen’'s RePoxr
atecest_ Interet!
Bonde: ratete de

1 St, Paul City Ry 5 Tan. & July

PRR
on Short Line
Be 3 June & Dee

4h Ape. & Oct

Fok Innes Kane Memoria! Puna

Bond:
TUPRE 4
Bond and mortgage

& Jaly
s Jan. & July

Mary H. Brash Trust Fund
‘Bonds and mmortgnge
— 4} Jone & Dec,
Gi Age. & Oct
S Jan. & July

Talia Billings Pun
Bond and morte:
= 5 May & Nov.

Samuel M. Jackson Library Fund:
Bond und mortgage
ab Ape. & Oct.
‘Received on ace. principal
‘Apr. 3, 1916. .-. 100 00
‘Sept 30,1916... 160 00
George Ls Hall Pads
Bond and mortgage
ab Ape & Oct,

aluation

$1,013 33

‘00 00
30 00

24500 00

$94,886 00

(Seb)

$1,367 39

2 Prison Assoctariox of New York

SCHEDULE D

Condition of the Various Funds at September 30, r9x6
Statement of the Endownnent Fiend:

Balance at credit of fund, September 30, 101s

Received from donors
Interest seceived from United States

870,038 24

‘Transferred to Treasurer's Fund

Balance, September 30, 1936:
(On deposit in United States Trust Co. $2,868 75
Invested, per schedule C. 70,916 29
872,784 95
Statement of the Dudley Jardine Fund:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, 1915 $20,123 07
Received from donor (final settlernent) 406
Profit on sale of stock over appraised value at time of
-zequisition. 161 30

$10,288 43
Disbursed to Peter Choa navd 80 00

September 30, 1026.
On deposit in United States Trust
C

Invested, per schedule C.

tatement of tke Jokn Innes Kane Memorial Fund:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, rors
Interest received from United States Trust Co

‘Treasurer's Revort

‘Statement of the Mary H. Brush Trust Fund:
Balance at eredit of fad, September 30, rors
In ceived from Union Trust C

‘Transferred to Treasurer's Fund.

Balance, September 30, 1916:
Invested, per schedule C.

Statement of the Jubia Billings Fund:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, 1915

Balance, September 50, 1916:
Invested, per schedule C

Statement of the Samuel M. Jackson Library Fund:
Balance at eredit of fund, September 50, 1915

Balance, September 30, 1916:
‘On deposit in United States ‘Trust
Co.
Invested, per schedule C

‘Statement of the Assistant Secretary's Fund:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, raxs!
Received from donors
‘Transferred from the Russell Sage Foundation
Taterest received from Union Trust Co

Expenditures,

Balance, September 30, 1916

85,072
4,865

‘On deposit in Union Trust Co: St,005 52

. In Petty Cash Fund. 100 IT

‘Transfersed to ‘Treasurer's Pund rae
Balance, September 30, 19"

Statement of the George L. Hell Fund:
(On deposit in United States Trust

Talance at eredit of fund, September 30, 1915 $1,000 00
Invested, per schedule C Balance, September 50, 19:6

Tavested, per schedule C. $1,000 00

21g THe Parson Association of New York

Statement of the Reserve Fused:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, 1915
Interest received from New York Life Ins. & Trust

Co

‘Transferred to Treasurer's Fund,

Balance, September 30, r918
‘On deposit in New York Life Ins. & Trust Co, $065 50

Statement of the Samuel M. Jackson Library Income
Fund:

Balance at credit of fund, September 30, 1915. $218 a4

Interest received from investment... 12 50

Balance, September 30, 1916:
(On deposit in Mechanics & Metals Bank, General
Fund

Statement of the Russell Sage Foundation:
Balance at credit of fund, September 30, rors

‘Transferred to Assistant Scoretaries’ Fund

T certify that I have examined the books, accounts, and vouchers
cof the Prison Association of New Yorks for the year ending September
30, 1936, and that the above statements are correct

HENRY ©. SCI

{Note by Auditor: “I have pleasure in commending the exoep
tiooal accuracy of your booldeeeping "I

arbey, Mrs, Memy T
Browstén, Raber &

Brown, Af, Beyard
Ambre

CONTRIBUTORS.

LIFE PATRONS.
By Contsbution of $300 oF More at

(edes Alice and Tren

Tian b
Wooten, Mes. Anna

Contrinuttons, =r¢,

Slimane Caote Yan Inge, Ms Bt
fakes, Aason Phelps

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS. Since ee, * Bhcips
Wan,

Salar de -
—_ West iat 8, "Ghar ch, Kerr & Co,
By Contos of $100 ab One Tine Wine tig

Hee, Jae A So,

Honiton

ei
i iene e
sees hie

LIFE MEMBERS.

By Contribation of $0 at One Time

Ww
Tangdon, Woodbury G, Dickman, Mrs. George.

Haren, Ms Saul AH. (in Memory 00
int, pe

Gs jon
hea Gen

mW
slain, Waam M,
‘Chas

Sinai MOR
SL Che ot Piet Brighton.

Sim 8 Wc
hg Pay
co Eoin Edmund, Je

Sayoud Joka D, 1 te Gade teary.

Sn Saat

cen, Wire D, Cora, W. ny
Hare, fon Smithy Bogen ing, BB oa, Rawat
6 Sebey or is Augusta M. eee Mee Edward HL

218 Tu Prison Associazion of New Yore
= fess Roburtoa, RH.
Joost: Mari Rockelale, Joho Dy Jr
‘Cassia
Rothchild Brothers & Co.

ios JG. Bolg
ie Mi Bl
oe

hagy D.
¥en, iy
Wallsvorth, Herbert

Rosle, Cog
oer; Mis Sabet W. thas, Andre

CONTRIBUTORS’ LIST.

Contributions preceted by name only are for the General Pund,
for general purposes, Other contributions are designated as follows:
GR, General Relief (used only for relief); S. R., Special Relief,
Gonations for specially designated instances of need; A. S., Assistant
Secretaries’ Fund (for salaries and incidental expenses); 1. B.,
ployment Bureau.

A
Abbe, Mis Harriet C.

‘American ‘Thermo: Wate

& eseess

Co.
ants Hote

8

Sanuae

Sioa, ie Joa
Aegutiong. Mis Helen

arnold’ Mai 8, W

s
5
5
3
3
8

Buanen

s

‘Aianser,
aig Mis hes
itagene 1

Gotrge
Mire Lisdwall

&:
SSSRIESY Mes Chavos
¢

ge segsesssesesseee 2283

38

achiaions, G Riel!
Achielore, Mes Baga?

5
ahinaioes, Nis, Blase
ig

jarcon
Richness, Ms Hah

actin 6
Aschincoss Jolin W:
rach, Jogo S00: 8B
Asten, Stee

ly Miss 81d
eS

220 Tur Prison Assoctatiox or New York Conteisrioxs, ere

Ayorigg, Miss Kato $10.00 Battle, Grange Gordon Brower, William T.

Yai Nathan oe

easeeegse
888

Bats, Si: Satan
Bice Herr
Bier Me Mors
Baty le james 8
nesdor

toa lone’ Condensed Nt

Fy

i

alicor” Waltman & Beller! Wiliam
Baling Wels W

Banting, Mr Robert Ballad, bigs Sede B

B.

Borla fies {0

8 esggsssssse

9888888888888 Eee

Berson, ‘Thane b
But Waiter.

88

Balla, Ne Biward Le
Ballard, Steplien Ruboet

agsegessesee

Siaiie 8

W. 44S.
‘its Anne B
Sits lary 1

888

25888

EB.

Basseess

wad 8a vndaad ata

Barnes, Honry 8 ise
Bares, Men Richard § Bilings. Mi ‘Blasbelh "e
Baram,, Nes Willara Bilinge, Mrs. Frederik dg, Nise A
Billings Rickard Benekcto Alendes
Searien it

8288888888

Burfatien, Charis ©

88

pci joie Boel ‘eset Duh
tral Mie Sane es he

ie Besk ge reek
ibiais, George Tastes

Brpokiany irs Heiey

2

&

iss

Blak, Min Biith Dod
ba tai iia Hieary Howse

vievens ei s Bier, Pair

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.

AN ACT to incorporate The Prison Association of New York.
Passed May 9, 1846, by a two-thirds vote, (As subsequently
amended.)

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and
Assembly, do enact as follow
Alll such persons as ate now and hereafter shall become
members to the said association pursuant to the constitution thereof,
shall and are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of
he Prison Association of New York, and by that name have the

the Revised Statutes, are declared to belong to every
corporation, and shall be capable of purchasing, holding and con
veying any estate, real or personal, for the use of said corporation,
provided that such real esate shall never exceed the yearly value of
ten thousand dollars, nor be applied to any other purpose than those
for which the corporation is formed.

§ 2 The estate and concerns of said corporation shall be managed
and conducted by its executive committee, in conformity to the
constitution of the said corporation; and the following articles
that now form the constitution of the association shall continue to
be the fundamental laws and constitution thereof, subject to aftera-

\e mode therein prescribed.

‘The objects of the association shall be:

1. The amelioration of the condition of prisoners, whether
detained for trial, or finally convicted, or as witnesses,

2, The improvement of prison discipline and the government of
prisons, whether for cities, counties or states.

3. The support and encouragement of reformed convicts after
their discharge, by affording them the means of obtaining an honest
livelibood, and sustaining them in their efforts at reform,

The officers of the society shall be a president, vice-presidents, a
recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, and a treasurer, and
239

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240 THE Paison Assoctatton oF New York

there shall be the following standing committees, viz.: a finance
committee, a committee on detentions, a committee om prison dis-
cipline, a committee on discharged convicts and an exeentive com
mitiee. ‘The number of the executive committee shall consist of
not more than thirty-five, of whom not moze than ten shall be
officers of the society, and not more than twenty-five shall be persons
other than officers

‘The officers mamed in the preceding article shall be ex-olficio
members of the executive committee, who shall choose one of their
‘number to be chairman thereof.

‘The executive committee shall meet once in each month, and keep
regular minutes of their proceedings. They shall have a general
superintendence and direction of the affairs of the society, and shall
annually report to the society all their proceedings, and such other
matters as shall he likely to advanee the ends of the association

‘The society shall mest annually in the city of New York, at sucn
time and place as the executive committee shall appoint, and at
such other times as the president, or in his absence, one of the vice
presidents, shall designate,

Any person contributing annually to the funds of the astociation
not less than five dollars shall, owing to such contribution, be 2
member thereof. A contribution of five hundred dollars shall
constitute a life patron; a contribution of one hundred dollars shall
constitute an honorary member of the association for life, and a
contribution of fifty dollars shall constitute a member of the associa

a for life, Honorary and corresponding members may, rom
time t6 time, be appointed by the executive committee.

‘A female department shall be formed, consisting of such females
as shall be selected by the executive committee, who shall have
charge of the interest and welfare of prisoners of their sex, under
such regulations as the executive committee shall adopt.

Consrirutton axp By-Laws 24t

( antrcte excer.

‘The officers of ‘tHe association shall be chosen annually at the
anal meeting, af which time such persons may be elected honorary
members as shall have rendered essential service to the cause of
prison discipline,

Any society having the same objects in view may become auxiliary
to this association by contributing to its funds and cooperating.
with is

The exceutive committee shall have power to add to any of the
standing committees such persons as, in their opinion, may be
likely to promote the objects of the society, and shall have power
te fill any vacancy which may occur in any of the offices of the
association, intermediate the annual meetings.

‘hie constitution may be amended by a vote of the majority of
the society at any meeting thereof, provided notice of the amend
scat has been given at the next preceding meeting,

‘The officers elected for the current year, under the constitution
shall continue to be the officers thereof until others shall be duly
chosen in their places,

And it is hereby further enacted that no manager of said society
shall receive compensation for his services

§ 3. The said executive committce shall have power to establish
a workhouse in the county of New York, and in their discretion, to
receive and take into the said workhouse all such persons as shall
be taken up and committed as vagrants or disorderly persons in
said city as the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, o the Court
of Special Sessions, or the Court of Oyer and Terminer, in said
county, or any police magistrate, or the commissioner of the alms-
house may deem proper objects, and the said executive committee
shall have the same powers to keep, detain, employ and govern the
said persons as are now by law conferred on the keepers of the

lewell or penitentiary in said city,

§ 4. The said executive committee may, from time to time,
make by-laws, ordinances and regulations, relative to the manage-

ment and disposition of the estate and concerns of said association

and the management, government, instruction, discipline and
employment, of the persons so as aforesaid committed to the said

242 Tum Prison Association op New York

workhouse, not contrary to law, as they may deem proper, and may
appoint such officers, agents, and servants as they may deem neces
sary to transact the business of the said association, and may desig.
nate their duties, And the said executive committee shall make
fan annual report to the Legislature and to the corporation of the
city of New Yorks, of the number of persons received by them into
the said workhouse, the disposition which shall be made of them
by instructing or employing them therein, the receipts and expendi

tures of said executive commitiee, and generally all such facts aud
particulars as may exhibit the operations of the said association,

§ 5. The said executive committee shall have power, during
the minority of any of the persons so committeed to the said wor
hhouse, to hind out the said persons 50 being minors, as aforesaid,
8 apprentices or servants, with their consent during their minority,
to such persons and at such places, to learn such proper trades and
employments as in their judgment will be most conducive to their
reformation and amendment and future benefit and advantage of
such persons,

§ 6. The said executive committee by such committees as they
shall from time to time appoint, shall have power, and it shall be
their duty to visit, inspect, and examine, all the prisons in the State,
and annually report to the Legislature their state and condition,
and all such other things in regard to them as may enable the Legis
lature to perfect their government and diseipline, And to enable
them to execute the powers and perform the duties hereby granted
and imposed, they shall possess all the powers and authority that
by the twenty-fourth section, of title first, chapter third, part fourth
of the Revised Statutes are invested in inspectors of coutity prisons
and the duties of the keepers of each prison that they may examine
shall be the same in relation to them, as in the section aforesaid,
are imposed on the keepers of such prisons in relation to the in
spectors thereof ; provided, that no such examination or inspection of
aiiy prison shall be made until an order for that purpose to be
granted by the chancellor of this State, or one of the judges of the
Supreme Court or by a vice-chancellor or circuit judge, or by the
first judge of the county in which the prison to he examined shall be
situate shall first have been had and obtained, which order shall
specify the name of the prison to be examined, the names of the
persons, members of the said association, by whom the examination
is to be made, and the time within which the same must be
concluded.

BY-LAWS.

1. There shall be a stated meeting of the executive committee
on the third Thursday of each month, and special meetings shall
be held on the requisition of the chairman or any three members
of the executive committee, ‘The call for a special meeting shall,
jn all cases, state the business to be transacted at said meeting.
‘The annual meeting shall be held on the third Thursday of January
jn each year at half-past three in the afternoon at the office of the
The number of members composing the executive committee

clusive of the officers of the association, is hereby fixed at twenty

ar, and divided into four groups or classes as follows: At the
election held at the annual meeting of the year 1916, there shall be
lected, to serve from that date, six members for the term of one
year, six for the term of two years, six for the term of three years,
amd six for the term of four years. At each annual meeting there-
iter six members shall be clected for the term of four years in
nace of those witose terms of office then expire. Any vacancies in
the membership of the committee by death, resignation or other-
wise, may be filled either by the association at any annual meeting,
or, in interims between the annual meetings, by the executive
TL At every meeting of the exceutive committee five members
shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
TIL. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as follows:
x, Election of chairman and sceretary.
2, The reading of the minutes of the last meeting.
cee on nominations
3. Report of committee
2. Election of officers.
§. Report of corresponding secretary on the work of the
year.
6. Annual report of the treasurer.

LV, The order of business at every other stated meeting shall be
a follows:

1. The reading and approval of the minutes of the last
«preceding meeting,
2, Report of treasurer.

‘Tse Prison Association o New York

3 Reports rom standing eomuitecs,

4 Report from the corresponding. secretary

5 Reports from spetial committes

©. Report from the general agent.

7. Miscellancous business. me

AC a special met :

that for which the ssid meeting was called, js cee
V. The chairman shall 7

; shall appoint all standing and special eommittes

and decide a quesons of order, ject tosh appeals aad

of order shall be those embodied in Cushing’s fanus

they are applicable. nes Mansa so far as
VI. The recording

tary of

thaa

meetings of the committee
VI. The correspondin,

IX. There shall be six standing c
detentions, discharged convicts, lav, house, and

X: ‘The committee on finance shall be chang
raising and caring for the fands,

‘The funds of the association
ics ae : shall be divided into three parts to

“ommittees, namely, on finance,

library.
red with the daty of

1. The endowment fund,

2. The reserve fund,
3 The general fund,

anti Endownent Fund.—The endowment tand shall consist of
such contrition: as shall be given wih the reson he te
jBsome only shall eased forte purpose of the wdaion ea
as he Resoroe Fund — The reserve fund shall consist of such sums
& maybe st aide fom the genera fd fom tine tote bps
executive committee for investment.“ Wheneres ame pane oy Oe
serve fund shall be appropriated by the execaree erin ttn

Ceustrrunios aN By-Laws 245

such sum shall bo immediately transferred to the general fund.
‘The endowment‘and reserve funds shall be under the immediate
direction and control of the committee on finance, and all invest:
ments of these funds shall be ordered by the committee, The
treasurer of the association shall be a member and act as the
treasurer of the committee on finance, and shall be responsible for
the safe-keeping of the sureties of the endowment and reserve funds,

Any uninvested balance of the endowment and reserve funds shall
be kept each in separate trust companies in the name of the associ
tion, subject to check of the treasurer, and shall, whenever possible,
bear interest. All income from the endowment and reserve funds
may be transferred to the general fund as soon as received.

No part of the reserve fund shall be used for any purpose extept
by resolution of the executive committes, and whenever any part
shall be appropriated by the executive committee it shall immedi-
ately be transferred to the general fund.

The General Fund.—The term “general fund” shall cover all
vceipts of the association not constituting a special fund or specified
for the endowment fund, the intention being that all the income,
except legacies, including donations for general purposes, and
income from endowment and reserve funds, shall be credited to the
general fund to which the authorized disbursements of each activity
of the association shall be charged at the close of the fiscal year

‘The treasurer shall notify the corresponding secretary at once of
all transfers of income from the endowment and reserve funds to
the general fund.

‘The treasurer shall notiiy the corresponding secretary, immedi-
ately on receipt by him of any sum for the account of the association
that such receipt may be entered at once to the eredit of the proper
account on the books of the association.

‘The corresponding secretary shall be the general disbursing agent
of the association, the object of the provision being to keep in the
central offices of the association all receipts for payments by him

‘or the association of any kind, nature or description, and to have
in the central offices immediate record of all his disbursements
This provision shall not apply to the endowment and reserve funds.

‘All donations received by the corresponding secretary shall be
entered by him upon the proper books of the association and then
deposited in such bank as directed by the treasurer to the credit
of the association, Whenever the executive committee shall make
an appropriation out of either the reserve or general fund, the cor-

246 Tue Paisos’ Assoctattox or New York

responding secretary shall send to the treasuret a copy of the resola-

tion making the appropriation, certified by the recording secretary,
which certified copy shall be the treasurer's authority for trans.
ferring the appropriated amount to the corresponding secretary,

‘The treasurer shall keep an account covering the general fund
jn the name of the association, subject to his check as treasurer in
such bank as may be selected by him and approved by the com
mittee on finance. Such account shall be separate and distinet from
those accounts opened for the sninvested balance of the endow-
ment and reserve funds,

‘The corresponding secretary shall keep a bank account in
ame of the association, subject to his check as corresponding
secretary for current disbursements, and shall deposit to the credit
Of said bank account all moneys he may receive from the treasurer
drawn from the general Fund.

‘The committee on finance shall audit and report spon accounts of
the treasurer and of the corresponding secretary.

‘At each regular meeting of the executive committee the treasurer
shall make a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements
for the preceding calendar month, He shall make a statement
showing investments and the receipts and disbursements of the
endowment and reserve funds; he shall make, at the annual meeting
of the association, a detailed’ statement of receipts and disburse
ments for the fiscal year.

XI. It shall be the duty of the committee on detentions

x. To inquire, as far as may be practicable or necessary, into the
causes of commitment of persons in the prisons or houses of deten-
tion in the cities of New York and in Brooklyn, and to adopt
proper measures for procuring the discharge or providing for the
‘defense of such as shall appear to be entitled thereto.

2, To visit frequently the prisons under their charge, and to
endeavor to improve both the physical and moral condition of the
prisoners ia all suitable and practicable ways.

XI, It shall be the daty of the committee on discharged convicts

1, To correspond with prison agents or superintendents relative
to the character and trades of prisoners, and to ascertain, previous
to the discharge of each prisoner, his feelings, views and capabilit
swith a view of making the best arrangements for his future empl
ment. i

2, To keep a record of all persons who will employ discharged
prisoners and of their several occupations; to procure such employ-

Coxsrrrumion anp By-Laws 247

ment for pisonef8\and applying therefor as seems best adapted to
Be tapacty of each; to bold correspondence with employers; t0
ee anccoed of the conduct and prospects of those for whom places
SSE Veen obtained, tha they may be suslained and encouraged
vith the idea that a continued friendly interes a felt for them.

A) io gecice suitable boarding places for discharged prisoners
wc they wil no be exposed 0 corapting insuencer, ting care
wit te have more than one in a place, where it can be avoided.

" Tovace that the prisoners afe provided with suitable clothing,
ot kind that wil not atract particular attention,

"fo consider the intemal organization of the management of
preone, sad the physica! and moral foBaences 9 be exerted on the
Pree, during Geir contincment, to Feport upon their heath
Mtformation, pen convet labor, aésistration and internal police,
wee pcommpameive merits of slferent prison systems, and on the
“station of prisons an houses of ceformaton

NHIL I skal be the du of the committee on law to examine
and report from time t0 tine upon the penat legislation of the
sec Bit thelr suggestions for the amendment thereto, to consider
sons ating hereto whic are wer dean i the presto

 opilatnre, cluding pending il and report their views an
aera en them, ao to care forthe law usnes of the
tesoiation

“CIV. I al be the duty of the committee on houst to are for
te mintenance oF the real estate of the association

NW Te shal be the duty of the committee om rary to see thet
sa properly Rowsed and eatlogued and co take steps for its

SRE One of more agents may be appointed by the executive
commie oss the taning corner nu ens
VII The president, chairman of the exccative committe a
contending ateretary shall be menber, exficio, of all the

standing committees

wae7ah No alteration shall be made in these by-laws except upon
noties of the proposed emmedinent given at previous mesting of

°

Prison Progress in 1916

SEVENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT

or THE

Prison Association of New York
135 EAST 15TH STREET, NEW YORK

PART TWO
INSPECTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART 1.

Anturn State Prison for Men
Aubart State Prison for Women

Giaton. Prison

Great, Meadow Prison

Sng Sig Pron (See Bato. a)

‘County Penitentiary
Orondaea

CCrautangua County fail
Chemung County Tal
Chenango Comty Jal.
Clinton: County Jail
Colamin County Tai
Cordand Cotnty Jal.
Dalware County’ Fal
Dotchers Coonty Jal
Ere County Jal
Euex County Jail
Franklin County Jal

252 THE Prison Associariox of New York

Oneida County Jail, Rome,
Oneida County jall, Utica

Srondan Cosy Ji Branch Seas,
‘Ontario. County Jal,

Grange County Jail Goats.

Orange County Jail, Newburgh,

Grlesns County Jal

Oswego County Tal

tse County Ja

Queens County jail for Civil Prisoners
Putram County Jai

Renavelacr County Jail.

Richmond County Tal

Westchester Cosnty Tel, White Pains
Westchester County jail, Peekskill

Weoming County J

Yates County Jail.

Department of Correction, City of New Yor
City Prison, Mankatian

Gity Prison, Brooklyn

ity Prison, Queens

New York County Penitentiary

Workhouse ilacewell's Island

Brauch Peniteatiary Hart’ Island.

New Harapton Farin: (New York City Reformatory)
Branch Workhoote Rikers Island.
‘Second District Prison:

‘Thied District Penitentiary

Fowrth District Prison,

Filth District Pesom

Sixth District Penitentiary

Seventh Di

Eighth District Penitentiary.

‘Twelith Districe Peattentiany.

INSPECTIONS

AUBURN PRISON FOR MEN, AUBURN
Iyspretam Avausr 2, 1916, wy E, R. Cass

‘The warden, Charles F, Rattigan, is assisted by principal keeper
Joha Martin,
RECOMMENDATIONS

2. The present cellblock should be replaced by a more modern
type, if the present institution is to be retained. With the con-
struction of better living accommodations, one necessary reform
will have been accomplished. As long as this institution is main-
tained on the congregate plan, the system of dealing with the
inmates will be seriously defective, inasmuch as proper and neces-
sary classification and separation of inmates will be almost impos-
sible, A farm industrial prison, on wide acreage, with cellhouses
to accommodate between one hundred and fifty to two hundred
and fifty inmates each, and distributed on the site in a manner
Which will prevent the general commingling of the prison popu-
lation as much as possible, is highly desirable,

2, The work of installing large windows in the side walls of the
cellhouses should be continued. Such large windows provide
much light and air for the cellhalls, and for part of the cells.

3. The present jail quarters are entirely unsatisfactory. Pris
oners under punishment should be kept in separate confinement;
that is, i should not be possible for them to converse with other
prisoners who are also under punishment. The quarters in which
they are kept should be well supplied with light and air. The
absence of natural light ig not a necessary feature in disciplining

Prisoners in the jail for more than 24 houre should
be given the chance to exercise in the corridors

confinement
scereise should not be

5. The tomporaty jail section (former condemned cells) should
bbe better figited and ventilated, eo as to eliminate the dampness,

84TH Patsox Association or New Yorx

6. The food should be so prepared that it will not be necessary
© prepare the component parts of rations in separate units: for
example, the stew might be made in three caldrons, each contain.
{ng all the parts of the stew.

7. Better ventilation should be effected in the bake shop.

8. The tables in the messhall should be re-arranged so that they
will be paralfel to the wall dividing the kitchen from the messhall
This will allow the aisies between the tables to run the way the
tables do now, and thus facilitate serving the food and also the
entrance of prisoners into the dining room.

9. Effort should be made to provide some kind of work for
prisoners in the isolation building, especially those who are kept
there for weeks and months.

410, The boiler room and recreation room adjacent thereto, both
‘of which are located near or under the kitchen, should be improved
so as to make them habitable,

1, The space directly beneath the kitchen, complained about
in the body of this report, should be improved.

12. A different place should be found to store the cookies and
cakes instead of in the kitchen, as at present.

33, Eifort should be made to keep the kitchen free from
roaches.

34, Arrangements should be made, if the accommodations at
Clinton will permit, to transfer tubercular cases thereto without
delay.

75, All matters pertaining to the quantity and quality of food
and tea and coffee should be improved on the basis of recommen-
dations made in Part I of this annual report.

26, The gallery rails, particularly in the north wing, should be
reenforced so as to lessen the danger of their collapse.

27. White enamel paint should be used for the interior of the
cells. This makes a bright finish and can be easily washed.

18, Mattresses and blankets should be changed at least once
every six months, instead of once every year.

19. The machinery in some of the shops should be so guarded
4s to protect the inmates from contact with circular saws, belts,
cogwheels, ete

20, The toilet compartments in the shop buildings should be
completely enclosed and ventilated, through the side wall or roof
‘The fronts can be made partly of glass so that the kesper ean
observe the prisoner while in the compartment,

2, The cells should not he unlocked during the day.

Inspections 235

22, Unless more work is provided for the hall men, the squads
should be reduced in number. With the present numbers there
is sufficient work ta keep the men busy for two or three hours a
day, and the remainder of the time they spend in idleness in the
cellhalls, usually in groups. This should be discontinued.

125, In soine of the shops where there is much planing and’saw-
ing proper exhaust attachments to the machines should be pro-
vided go as to take the sawdust, which is injurious to the inmates,
from the rooms.

‘24. Automatic sprinklers should be provided for shop buildings
not 0 equipped. ‘There is particular need for sprinklers in the
‘dye and wool drying shops.

PROGRESS MADE

the time of visit in October, 1916, the following improve:
nent, whieh are in accordance with reommendatons made 8
the tne of provios iepestions, were noted:

«New doors have been provided for cals a the al weton,
snaking fe possible for a ite more ight to enter these cells

aE ot rated by the Mtn keeper that prisoners are no
recs permed to ty tet clothes inthe heating cabinet i the
Iaheor mentioned in the ody of Shi epere.

‘The total population at the time of inspection was 1,409, classified

as tclows ines sg aad estimers
Sr mores 238 The popaaton, lied onthe bass of thir con
het recordin he ison, wae a follows: lest rade 1.9033
weGatgrse too; hind rade 17. At the time of inspection ere
rere fq ronda, yaa fal of 90 sen and there were abo
‘Sen te lan ting _ °
Mun prison the cet in she State. The ell rranemen
contrac enn at these ts when st feted The
and censracion sae
cals re say nadeqaty ight and vente, and a
Sone rule types the ell Rouen i he adnstationbulding
Baie erated sracure The call bomen extend ast and
TIRE fh onthe tor and south endo rerpectively re Joined by 8
Sresbarm section Aude rom the decidedly antiquated and
Sch ope of ca como ibe proer sion and
teprgntion of the nater fv seisaly andiepped east the
SsSiiton built on the congregte plan pracy under ne rot

256 THE Prison Association or New Yor

eel cogusotarscshendoop eee non
the meat, together with whatever vegetables are to be put in the
atv tHe The at ual aed to
and it becomes very stringy and dry. Aside from the undesirable
another feature which deserves severe criticism, ?
von by the keeper in charge ofthe Ltchen, not infrcqecnty meee
and soggy instead of dry and crisp. “ aon

Inspactions 257

to make it impossible for one to remain close by for even a short
time. ‘The fumes from this basement also enter into a dari, damp

‘and unclean so-called “recreation room" for firemen who attend

the boilers which supply the kitchen apparatus with steam. The

toller room is much below the ground level. These firemen do a

work which is hard and wearing, aside from being very unclean,

It is a pity tha they are not furnished with a more decent and

healthful place in which to work and rest, and properly wash and

refresh themselves,

In the old “condemned room ” section, located in a separate build-

ig on the west end of the south wing, there are five large cells
anda small one. ‘The latter is very dark ‘The room in which these
cells are located is damp. It is used as a temporary detention
place for the prisoners who are held for a hearing before the War-
den, the principal keeper, or the League court. One cell was occu
pied at the time of this inspection, The cells are sufficiently large,
but there is need for some alterations so that more air and light ean
enter, thus eliminating the dampness,

‘The jail section is in the same building in which are the con-
demned cells, but is separated from the same by corridors and
partitions. There are 8 punishment ceils, all which were occupied
at the time of inspection. The interior of the cells is dark and the
room in which they are situated is inadequately supplied with natural
light, i being necessary to resort to artificial light, especially when
talking with the prisoners or entering the cells. ‘The ventilation is
also inadequate, The obnoxious bucket system is used. Tt was
stated that these buckets are emptied once every 24 hours, They
should be emptied four or five times a day when necessary.

Prisoners under punishment receive no daily-exereise when they
are confined for more than 24 hours, The men in the cells at the
time of this inspection had been in for periods varying from tivo to

It was stated that the doctor visits the prisoners daily

e cells have been

i inspection, Instead of the close lattice-

worle doors which prevented ight from entering the cells, the present
doors are constructed of round iron bars about 134 inches apart,
with braces from top to bottom, at intervals of about 12 inches.
The doors are painted white instead of dark geey. Prisoners said
that they received three quarts of water daily and three slices of
bread. This form of punishment is perhaps based on the theory
shat when men are taken away from the population and left by

258 Tu Prison Association or New York

themselves they will have time to reflect and perhaps, resolve to
do better. However, it is a question whether they do have much
time to think over thele past misdeeds when all the eels are acexpied
‘They pass the time in singing, laughing, telling jokes, etc. All of
this is usually of such a character a8 to cause deterioration instead
of improvement. The only sensible form of punishment along this
Tine is complete isolation for periods not 1o exceed more than § days;
and of course, with necessary daily exercise, proper food. et
In the isolation building there are 24 cells, 21 of which are used
for prisoners, The other three are used for bathing, storerooms
and officers! quarters. Fighteen cells at the time of inspection were
‘occupied by prisoners. Most of the men were in for refusing to
work. It was stated that they are kept in the isolation building
from five days to four or five weeks and in some eases indefinitely.
For the last two and one-half or three years, a building of similar
design has been in use at Clinton Prison. The cells are fairly
large, and are equipped with iron cot beds, toile, wash basin, ete,
and each cell las a separate exercising outdoor court. The bar
work over the outside courts, it was stated, is tested once a week
Tt would perhaps be advisable to make such eests more frequently
‘There is no question that the keepers assigned to this particular
Gaty have sulficient time to do this. The men in this building were
overflowing with all kinds of complaints. This principally centered
about the food. However, it was noted that no two prisoners had
the same kind of complaint about the food, Some complained of
quality, others of uncteanliness and preparation: others of the
quantity ; others as to the seasoning, ete. These prisoners have no
work to do and nothing 20 occupy their minds. Of course many of
hose who are put in for not wanting to work, probably would
not work if they had the chince to. However, these men should
be dealt with separately in such a way as to make it possible for
them 20 have something legitimate to do to pass away the time
No doubt if they had more to occupy their minds they would be
Detter behaved and would thine less of criticising and forming
ridiculous allegations.

‘The school was closed for the month of August, This is the
first time that a vacation has been arranged under Professor Taplin,
‘Total enrolled, 408. The school work, as stated in previons
reports, extends 10 the seventh grade grammar school. ‘There are
special classes in stenography and bookkeeping. Some inmates are
also taking up typewriting. No classes are conducted by the Mutual
Welfare League, as is done at Sing Sing.

Inspections 259

Daring the summer there is recreation daily iw the yard from
gee y mam Om Suny, after church serie, the men go into
5seed about v4:16 and titer dioner, go int the yard antl 5p
Deting the summer chore ace no aoving picture shows, There are
rrregtar weekly entertainment.

sr evident tha he Metal Welface League snot as important ia
tui on nwa atthe beginning and fe never at any fe entered
sethe adminitraton of the prison 20 closely as. at Sing Sing
Warden Retigan, who believes in many of te principles of te
Weiece Lasse movement, bas always insted upon beng the
MENISS of te prisons ‘The inmate court dors not bave jurisdiction
aera et Ot stnhing, bucket highs, searing at keepers, end ale,
See ot handle caren of refusing fo work. ATL the above are
asfudged fy the outside courts or the warden or principal keeper.
caress fst Hgts and vblations of the rules of the prion
sain up by the mimate court At the time ofthis inspection
AES cptson among the nates seed tobe tat the Lengue di wot
se eeien Moret them than the mediam through which they
Sfintned the privilege of the yard on week days and Sondays. As
seers teed wet elsewhere, the Leagee, aside from its good
fas een peleeeloped some seus defects; and this, v0 doubt

eee Resear t curt ts powers and development, Polis
PEIN ont of he weak inks of the self govermmens scheme

Inthe hospital, there are 40 beds, and if necessary 10 tore ca
ve omtenteniy placed; there are 43 patents. ‘There ware 8 beds
comet ig ndeien and stents, No ospial beds, i was
saan sere provided for cooks clerks assigned to the hospital
iia sated by the doctor, that he Has had much trouble fm pre
Tinta he howpita being weed ar a Kind of sofe place for those
SEES Pi ges aod camfort, Daring the year begioning Sep-
Haar eepedand ending Tune 30,199 ther were 510 admissions
Tepe aL Stace Ortcher 1 1915. the Wasserman tod tes
Hae on each new admision The flowing isthe resul
we tees Utes "Poutive 6x, or 12 per cent. OF these 33 otly
tated fection and such cocarred within the following pevods
daa yeare ay 9 yeas i 4 peate 53 10 Years 8; over 10 Yeats
LISA ihe ine year Br Hencor of his own initiative has
we Re er move ofits hid in aay of te State pskons inthis
State Tt wan necessary for hin to buy al his stationery and app=-
SINS ssn sown funds to cary on the work The Binet Simon,
Huby ey ner tet have been wed. He has obtained valuable

260 ‘THE Prison Association of New York

information from a study of 200 consecutive cases. It is now his
practice, and in this he is perhaps the pioneer so far as our prisons
are concerned, to submit to the Parole Board information regarding
each man eligible for parole. This information is not of the usual
character of the physician's report stich as has been given for the past
years in our State prisons. Instead, t embodies as much information
fs the physician has been able to obtain as to the man’s physical
condition, the results of mental tests, lis life prior to admission to
prison, and as mitch as possible as ¢o his family history. On the
Dasig of all this, the physician make definite recommendations to the
Board. In some cases, 2 longer stay in prison is advised; in others,
custodial care, cte. It is very encouraging to find that a start has
been made t0 discontinue the heretofore haphazard and slipshod
fashion of executing the duties of a prison physician. Up to date,
about 75 cases have been reported, as above stated, to the Parole
Board.

The total number discharged from the prison during the fiscal
year ending June 30, 19%6 was $84, of whom go were paroled, 167
‘were transferred to Grest Meadow, 135 to Clinton, and 9 to the
Dannemora State Hospital; 5 of these were received from Sing

Sing. ‘The daily average of the prisosi population during that period
was 1,479 plas. The average number treated monthly in the hospital
was 59.33, and the average treated daily in the hospital was 32.33
There were performed 46 operations, and there were 10 deaths.
‘The tuberculous population on July 1, 1916 numbered ro7, classified
as follows: Active 17; incipient 8} moderately advanced 8; far
advanced 1; suspected 23; latent 34; apparently cured 33, . The
number of tubercular transferred ¢o Clinton Prison during the fiscal
year above stated was 32 ie e ph that
every Iubereular ease should be immediately transferred to Clinton
without having to wait for drafts. The daily number of those
excused from work was 27. Accidents involving the injury to
limbs and loss of fingers, severe lacerations, etc, are estimated to
ran from 15 to 25 per year. No study or tabulation has been made
of this

‘At che time of an inspection of the prison on October 24, 1916,
several cases of confinement in eells for long periods were fotnd
(One was a prisoner confined on che 4th gallery, south, who had been
Feturned from a road camp on August 2tst and then sent to the
jail, On the 26th, he was released from the jail and placed in a
cell and was stil there at the lime of the above visit, Another

Insrecrions. 261

prisoner was sent from @ shop on August 23, 1916 to the “ cooler
land on the 26th of Avgust was sent to his eell. He was stil in his
tell on October 24th A year or two ago at this prison, prisoners
were fotund who had beon confined in their cells for similar long
periods. At that time, the matter was taken up with che warden
tnd as a result of this it was supposed that the practice had been
Giscontinaed. It is far too severe 40 keep prisoners in such close
confinement for such long periods without ap opportunity for daily
exercise, The fact that these prisoners receive regular rations does
hot in any way mitigate the severity. Such methods of discipline
should not be conkinsed, atd are not consistent with the principles
‘of modern prison reform.

AUBURN STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
Insrecten Avavst 8, 1916 ay B. R. Cass

‘The management of the prison is under ee general supervision of
Charles F. Rattigan, warden of the Men's Prison. ‘The matron,
Mrs. M. Daly, is the executive officer of the women's prison and is
Girectly responsible to Mr. Rattigan

RECOMMENDATIONS

‘The women’s prison should be a modern institution on large
acreage, so a¢ to permit agricultural activities, better segregation
of intnates and the furnishing of more satisfactory living quarters,
‘The plan of construction should be similar to that which exists at
the State Farm for Women at Valatie; but the buildings need not
be so elaborately and expensively constructed.

"Fo improve ecnditions temporarily in the present prison, the
following recommendations are made:

1. Because of the non-fireproof character of the building the
stairways should be reconstructed of iron,

2. New locks should be installed on the doors of the prisoners’

‘3. New bath tubs and toilets are badly needed; also @ new sup
ply of washbowls and water pitchers,

4, All beds excepting those in the hospital should be supplied
with new wice springs.

‘5 A female physician or graduate nurse should be assigned to
the prison,

262 ‘Ts Parson Assocrarton of New York

6. The dungeon cells in the basement should be entirely
abolished.

7, Inflammable material should not be stored in places where
it is easy for inmates to gain access

PROGRESS MADE
2, An attempt has been made by the management to work out
some plan of classification and segregation of the population,
Aside from sexual perverts who are segregated as much as pos.
sible, the authorities have endeavored to separate the whites and
colored. This indicates some progress and is therefore to be com-
mended. No doubt if better facilities were available more work
fon a larger scale along this line would be done. In our previous
recommendations we have urged that the heterogeneous mass be
segregated into desirable groups as much as possible.

2, The scholastic educational work has been improved by the
establishment of classes in typewriting and stenography and also,
dregsmaking and sewing. This, no doubt, is all worth while and
‘should be further developed. In our previous reports we have
recommended that the school work be improved by the introduc
tion of domestic science courses.

3. The officers on duty at night and during the day are now
furnished with keys which make it possible for them to open the
barred doors on the windows leading to the fire escapes. This,
hhas been strongly urged in our previous recommendations.

‘4. The new hospital quarters are a commendable improvement.

GENERAL REPORT

The total population at the time af inspection numbered 116
classified as follows: White, 83. Colored, 33. ‘The above number
were graded according to conduit and standing in the institution, a8,
follows: First grade, 105; second grade, 4; third grade, 7

thas been pointed out in the previous reports that this prison was
originally designed as an institution for the insane. At the time
the building was constructed the chief object was ¢o take every
possible precaution against escape, which was more seriously
regarded than now. The arrangement and equipment of the rooms
ean not be favorably compared with similar modern institutions
The building is non-reproof. Ir would be practically impossible
to deal satisfactorily with the population after a reasonable classi=
fication bad been made.

Inspections 263

Ward I. ‘This was formerly a school room and is now used as a
bospital ward only. ‘This change is commendable. There are avail
able 10 rooms for sleeping; the excess number assigned to the ward
tnalees it necessary to place four beds in the corridor. This change
“bolishes the two hospital rooms previously used and enables the
Physician to separate hospital cases into one unit, thus facilitating
his work. Although a high-grade salaried trained nurse would be
desirable to the institutional staff, such is not available; and instead,
the services of an inmate nurse are depended upon. When major
operations are performed, the services of an outside trained nurse
Gre engaged. In this ward there were three babies, one of whom was
three years and £0 months old. Tn order to comply
the law regatding the keeping of infants in am institution, #
should he removed from its moti

Ward II. ‘The ward is now used solely for white women. ‘There
ave 18 rooms, and there were 18 inmates assigned to the ward,
purely on the basis of their color. In the opinion of the physician
fnd the matron there were no immoral suspects in dhe group. Such
cases have been otherwise provided for

Ward II], Used for laundry workers. It has 16 rooms, and
there 18 inmates assigned.

Werd IV. Used mostly for white inmates. There were only.
three colored inmates assigned, One of the inmates who has =
sentence of five years to serve has a 234 year-old boy with her.
‘This child has been with his mother in prison for 2 months, Like
wise, as in the ease of the other child, while the management feels
that the law should be complied with, they do not seem anxious to
Temove the child, Ta the opinion of the inspector, the law should
te complied with, inasmuch as the child is gradually approaching
the age where le will be influenced to some degree by his
sarroundings

Ward V contains 24 rooms, ‘There were 8 inmates assigned.
‘This ward is so located that the floors of the rooms are about two
feet below the ground level. ‘The matron refrains as much as
possible from using the rooms.

Ward V1 is ocupied by white women of all ages and crimes.

Ward VII is used solely for colored women, ‘There were 24
rooms and 21 inmates were assigned. A room directly connected
with Ward 7, which was formerly used as a hospital room, is now
tused a3 a sewing and dressmaking room in place of a similar room
formerly in Ward IV. Each ward has its own dining room. ‘The

264 Tre Prison Association or New Your:

cating utensils consist of agate-ware cups and plates. Crockery
‘g not practicable because of the carelesaness of inmates in handling
it, and also because it is easily broken by inmates during fight,
AS is usual where agate-ware utensils are used, much chipping and
some rust was noticeable, Even with much care this cannot be
avoided; and for that reason agate-ware is not approved.

‘Complaints were offered by a group of inmates, consisting of bath
white and colored women, regarding the conduct of the officials and
the quality, quantity and preparation of the food, The inspe
recalled that at the time of a previous visit, some of the inmates
included in this group also complained about conditions ia general
‘One of the serious complaines made was that women affected with
venereal disease in a contagious stage were permitted to work in
the kitchen. This matter was immediately taken up with the doct
and the matron snd it was learned thal every womtan assigned
Kktchen work must, prior to her assigament, he examined by
doctor. The matron was quite positiye in her statement that she
cooperates with the doctor in this respect, The institutional records
of the women in the complaining group show that soxne are decidedly
tunreliable and are of a high-strung nervous type. In the cases of
three or four, the management had considerable trouble in keeping
watch aver them to prevent immoral practices. Because of this close
supervision, together with their general physical condition, these
women have been aroused to the point where they suspect perse-
cation ; and they use every possible opportunity to complain withou
‘cause, and regardless of the feelings of other

in the passageway in the hasement leading to the old dungeon
room much inflammable material is stored. It would be easy for
‘an inmate in the yard to-thraw a match or in some other way ignite
the material in this room.

‘The three punishment cells in the room in the rear of the shop
were unoccupied. Ic is necessary at times to make use of these rooms.
‘The equipment of each cell has now been reduced to a mattress,
Blankets, two sheets and @ pillow case, Tt has been necessary to
remove the cots and beds because the inmates, it was said, took: much
Aelight in destroying them,

[At the time of this inspection the schoo! was closed. This
customary during the month of August, The total school enrollment
numbered about go, ‘There is also a special shorthand class of about
six or eight, This class uses a separate room off the regular school

Insrecioss 265

During October, 1916, a survey was made by the Prison Asso-
ciation to obtain information to be used as a basis for the redistibu-
tion of the population of our State prisons. At that time the record
tard of each woman in the institution was studied, with the aid of
the physician, and the findings obtained by him through observation
and examinations have been assembled as follows

Popueton 15. Nomberof mates examina, 105.
Pave fe g
Physical poor

White “Colored
3

Erslegtics.
Tasty:
Freres
Foblesinded.
Wasserman, out of 97 tert, postive, 28, negative, 65.
Menai:
oe
Cast
far
Stibpormel

Also, on October 26, 1916, there was obtained from the individual
record cards all available information relative ¢o previous canvietions
of the inmates. The present system of classification of inmates
in our State prisons relative to previous criminal history is besed,
‘only on convictions for felonies, ‘Therefore, an inmate recorded
as a Airsttimer, may, however, lave been previously convicted of
many misdemeanots. Therefore, at the time of the survey, all
previous convictions which resulted in the serving of @ sentence
in institutions such as protectories, juvenile reformatories, county
Jails, county penitentiaries, te,, were counted. Truant schools were

66 ‘Te Prisox Association of New Yori:

rot inched, The results indicate that ont of
indicate that out ofthe total popalation of
105 Ces, 11 6 oF s.r cam wer ely Ba cers,
bl 43, or 1 per cent, were repeatera, On August 8 1936, the tou
population numbered 116. This number classified according to the
namber of previous convictions for felonies, showed 99, oF per
Gent, estsimers, aed 98, or 15 per cont, sscond-iners, and
or ster cont,, thitd-timers. Tt can be readily seen that classification
onthe bass of felonies only doesnot justly diferente between
first offender and the repeater. wee TS
: fis apetion a stisfactory condition of clea
ness and order prevailed in all parts of the institution. ‘

CLINTON PRISON, DANNEMORA

Iwerecren Novexnen 10, 191
Ni » Hong; JULY 24 AND 25, 1916 oY E.R

RECOMMENDATIONS,

1. The rough sections of the y
of the yard north of the cast cl
sid be grated etnies parame Spore "ans
‘will add to their attraction, value, and will also permit more he
Teves arn oe eines as te nor wiel e tall”
2A new laundry building and bath house abould be provided

5 Modern and ares seigeatre sould be inte

{f There should be established a general ebbing shop to take
cafe of msc ofthe repr wock i te twtstion,

A proper cletrie wiring system should be installed, At
present in many instance there ie Gunger of Bie fro uns
factory wiring. a

Paella he ee fe oth ad sol be ae
aa f the. prson should be

A large ttctof farm land should be purchased, ‘There it
snc npr for faving inh cn of tS pri
arly in the growing of potatoes, which are a very valuable aset
inthe food supply of an inatieation,. ‘There 0 doubt that this
tercuturel work were properly handled, there could be had large
strana he sae ne ach ar rovied for imate

More adequate chapel scomimodation should be provided

ro, School facilities and accommodations should be increased.

Inseecri0Ns 267

ia, As far as possible the number of first-timers who are not
retsined at the prison for ill health or discipline, should be trans
Kined to other prisons. Men who are needed for special work OF
Kcxeuse they can be better trusted than some of the old-timers can
pesoubtedly be retained in sufficient mumber to provide for the
needs of the institution.

se ire springs should be supplied for the beds and the use of
the old wooden springs discontinued.

Sg. Automatic sprinklers should be supplied for the shop
buildings.

ie fne windows in the west Dall, particularly on the north
cidt’should be enlarged. The windows also on the north side of
the east hail should be enlarged.

fPrisonere in the isolation building especially those who have
bean there for a long time, should be subjected to frequent close
weeical examination. ‘They should also be offered or given some
Spportunity for employment. ‘Those who cannot be worked
tebether in'a small group made up entirely of the prisoners in the
elation building, should be worked separately.

re Att disciplinary cases should be held by a court consisting
cof the warden, the principal keeper and the doctor. It should be
oasile co arrange a certain part ofeach day fr all three officials
to meet and hesr cases.

PROGRESS MADE

1. Prisoners confined in the coolers are now supplied with
biankets at night. This is now done as a result of our verbal and
‘written secommendations to the warden.

vtiethe toilets in the Kitchen have been so partitioned and
enclosed that the previous undesirable condition has been elim
sled. A change of this kind was recommended in our reports.

aA new bake shop is under construction with inmate labor,
and a new bake oven is to bi

‘The warden of the prison is John B. Trombly; the principal
keeper, T. F. Coultry. ‘The total population at the time of the
Naveniber inspection was 1,376, of which number O54 were classified
ae frat-timers, 263 as second-timers, and 459 with three or more
sCavictons, At the time of the July inspection the total popsslation

268 "HE Parison Associarion of New York

was 1433, of which number Gio were firsttimers; 346, second
Tinect and 48 with thres or more convictions, “The system now
tbe in out Sate prisons fof the cssfeation of prisoners according
to previous convictions it based foley on comctons for fsenes
Therefore, « prioner may be serving his fret wentence for the
commision of 8 felony, and yet cay have teen prevoutly con
bios that withthe present system the proners ae not Classi
toto thei proviowscrininal aa or onions Its fl to aly
Ge Ce een ee
wo may tnve a trog of
Teer dare.

in October, 1916, an additonal survey was tade bythe Prison
Association, (0 absin information to bg ued an a basis for the
Tensile sedutribtion of the Slate prsow: population, AY th
tne each individ record card kept by the warden at each prison
tres stati, and the previous conridloas which rerubed the
fervng of a tenence ia an tiation were recorded, Ties spent
ina tant echool vis excepted; but sentence srved th each nt
tions asthe Catholic Protetoy, Jovish Protetory, ven
teformataretcouty alls, pntendare, Paderal pelea ey were
Frcorded. The October population was 1,908, ad on the bi of
felonies was cased a follows

ious convictions for crimes of a

iret-timers
Second-timers
With three or more convictions

eis interesting to note the different results obtained by the system
used at the time of this survey. With the same poptiation, the frst-
timers dropped from 602 to 410, or a difference of 14.66 per cent
At the time of the survey, second-timers were distinguished from ehe
others as those having nat more than oné previous conviction, This
showed a result of 226, as compared with the 308, Residivists
were classified as those having two or more convictions prior ¢o the
wing at the time of the survey. On this basis the

ie 308. In our previous reports

ipported the complaints of the first-timers in the prison

relative to the difference ia discipline in this prison as compares

withthe others. As a result of our October survey, we are convin:

that there are not as many really first-timers as heretofore believed
to be in the institution. Nevertheless, regardless of the number,

Tyseecrions

is state by the manage

on have been sent £9
Also,

tne ofthe condition of thei hal

weaesGfeat Meadow prison; otters have such a long period to

som Gat i docs not seem advsaie t9 snd them from Cliston

we beat Mendon and others ave men wo have attempted to escape

fom Great Meadow or ome ofthe other pisos.

Tera a fecling among the prisooers thatthe principal keeper
sinh not bellowed told court alone. The Taw stater that te
sara peed consist of the warden, the principal keeper and the
case toweven in this prison, the Principe keeper hots court
ie. ers ming. and the only man present besfes the prisoner
ise cecgeant ofthe guard. "The prisoner iy bronght into the
oon eee rcagett, takes 9 seat at ore end of the table and the
sree Keopertveads the charge tude by the complaining keeper
aoe nets allowed to give his story Aer considering the
see Mfosper’ makes disposiion of the ease. There i= n0

se second kept of te prisoners testimony ot ofthe exam
wer EinGacted by the principal keeper. ‘The usual fight forms
seen Srownt are deprvatin oF yard-prislegs and loss of good
Bie tne screened cells are Srequenly sed. Tt was sated by
Ie etal keeper se the time af the above inspctions tat the
ere eetkepe i the screened ells more than 3 0F 4 d872

sore Md hat confinement for a peviod of 24 hours waval
stings Tn prisoner tora point were he swing to make premises
ames Ruare conduct: At the tise of inspections of the above
ice tvkoners-consned inthe screened ces for more than 24
cae eer gen opportunity for exercise and were ot sip
set paid sor even tanks, ‘The deprivation of Being has
teen priced on the teary that de prone ight do im
ea “te fnpectr, atte tie of oth inspections, arged eon
ere den'to ponmie the prisoners to have blankets at night, AL
The tine of the October, 19:6, visi Yo the prison it was fond dat
se eseort in the screened cells were supplied with Blankets at
sieht. "

Fh isolation bling was opened about three years ago. I
cnet ioe ane Negreaton of inmates who, ithe opinion of the
seca prncpat keepe, are nt desirable to keep to te sop
Teanga thts pe of balding i constructed fr foaton,

270 THs Pison Assoctation ov New Yori

this feature however, afets ony th ‘
ot the individanls in the baling. ‘here are og consent
having attached to it in the reat a separate cudore cneiea ence
Althougt the prisoners, supposedly in isolation, are not permitied wy
commingt, is very easy for them to Irely eonvoree wet one

commanicate. This results in much talking from cel) tone
laughter, showing and swearing and the exchanging of nore:
stories, “In other words, « number of inmates tot tts bee ton,
in the population are assembled in a smal group and naer ike
creams ewido Ge veto al rune an
infuerced bythe actions ofthe eter, cantor wie ie dena
Piysclly wader the present treatment, To fares hawdicny toe
Probable Hetterment of the individual, there fs ho spears ite

clean. This takes about one hour a day. The remainder of te
time of this inspection the: th ding

‘One prisoner with a bad record, had been depeine,
futeedpyaealy no metaly, Te sees ear aes
and moral deterioration. To demonstrate the desire of the inmates
such cases they should be dealt with differently in this institation
or sent to the Dannemora State Hospital It be that

Issercrion’

jolated in their rooms, but they receive special medical attention,
and in general special supervision. Isolation for a period of days.
is frequently necessary for some inmates, but to extend such treat
ment for months and years is inhumane,

‘A tour of all parts of the institution was made at the time of both
The men in the cell halls, in the shops, yards, in the

inspections,
were conversed with individually and in groups

kitchen, in eels,

without the presence of the oficials. As ustal, some of the men were
contented with the trestment accorded to them, and others were tot,
First-timers complained about the rigid discipline

plsined about the food, Many complained about being so far away
Others, about the proposed increase of tasks

Others com

irom New Yorke
in the shops and the insufficient amount of compensation which they
received for their labor. The complaints about the food were taken
up by the inspector, who made a careful examination of the store
closets, the food in preparation of cooking, the bread, the milk,
the general cleanliness of the cooking utensils, the kitchen, the hake-
shop and store-rooms. As a result of suck inspection the inspector
ddoes not feel that the prisoners were justified at the time of each
inspection in their complaints. However, as a part of the survey
made in October, 1916, by the Prison Association, the matier of
quantity of food supplied to the various prisons was carefully
died and the reader is referred to the section on food in Part I
of this annual report, for a more comprehensive detailed study of
he subject.

Complaints relative to the distance of the prison fram New York:
are frequently heard not only ia this institution but also in an institu-
tion as near to the city as Great Meadow prison is. OF course, in
this causes much hardship; but for many of the
New York City men at Clinton, their bad conduct in other prisons
ascolints for their presence in that institution. In the case of the
men who are affected with tuberculosis and are therefore sent to-
Clinton, the condition is sad but necessary, The conditions at
Clincon’ from the standpoint of climate, hospital equipment and
professional attendance are far more favorable than at any other
prison in the State

The complaints relative to the increased amount of work required
of cach prisoner and the instafcient compensation for the work
Proved to be not so much a question of increased amount of labor as
‘of compensation. ‘The men admitted that the increase of two pairs
of trousers for a day's work was not a very Durdensome task, but

Association oe Naw Yori

that they did not feel inclined to do it because there was no corres
ponding increase in the amount of remuneration for their labor.

The usual enrolhnent for the school is approximately 360. In
this respect Clinton is perhaps abead of the other prisons, with the
exception of Auburn, ‘The officials insist that the inmates who are
im need of schooling attend. A mechanical drawing class is con.
ducted at the institution and judging from the finished work
exhibited, it is a very useful extension of the sctiool training and
should be further developed.

‘The following extracts from the physician's report for the fiscal
year of nine months beginning October s, 1913, and ending June
430, 1916, pertaining both to the general hospital work and the tuber.
cular work, are of interest. ‘There were in the prison October 1
19r5, "400 inmates. ‘The new prisoners received during the year
numbered 511. The maximum average population during the year
was 1,494 and the minimum 1,326; the total average was. 1403.9.
There’ were transferred to the Dannemora State Hospital 103 0
cother prisons 142; the total number of deaths were 10, of which
2 were tuberenlar. The physician gives every mew admission a
physical examination, and he then recommends the kind of worl
‘the man is best suited for, Prisoners seeking to be excused from
work on the ground of piaysical incapability are also referred to
the physician. “During the fiseal year, 738 were excused from work,
resulting in a total loss of 956 days, The average number treated
jn he hospital was 32. The tuberculosis population on October
5th, numbered 418. ‘There were received during the year 1273
the total number was 545; the total number discharged 129. On
June 30, 1916, there were 416 tubercular patients, The maximum
‘umber during the year was 436, the minimum was 386, the daily
average was 409.7. In the tuberculosis hospital annex at the begin
ning of the year, there were 134 patients and at the end 140, with
2 daily average of 139.6. The “ Jnvalid Company ” averaged 47
‘The condition of the 129 tubercular patients discharged from the

son was as follows:
Apparently eared
Diseases arrested .

Improved

Unimpraved

Died

To Dannemors State Hospital
To other prisons

Inspections, 273

Of the 416 patients under treatment on June 30, 1916, 218 were
the incipient stage, 156 advanced, and 42 in the far advanced,
‘The construction of the new tuberculosis hospital pavilion Tocated
upon the side of a hill north of the prison is nearing completion.
When completed, the new facilities for the treatment of tubercular
cases will be a eredit to the State. Dr. Ransom is to be commended
for his beeen interest and untiring efforts in this direction. The
coustruction work is being done by inmate fabor, practically all of
whom st the start were unskilled warkmen, and about 99 per cent
bercular. These men have heen working ander the guidance
of a representative of the State Architect's office. Much of the
material, such as sand, stone, etc, was obtained on the premises,
and it was even necessary at times to manufacture tools, These
man receive a litle extra ration to which they are justly entitled,
,ecause they are sick men and secondly, because they are doing:
a very good work for the State. While the worl has not progressed
as rapidly as # would have with contract labor, nevertheless, i has
proved that inmate labor can be satisfactorily tilized in the
construction of buildings, .

GREAT MEADOW PRISON, COMSTOCK
Noventoux 8, 1915, Insescrep wy E.R. Cass

Novenaen 2 and 3, 1916, Ivsvscte by B, R, Cass ano Pru
Kuan

Warden, William J. Homer, Principal Keeper, George Chatfield

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The matter of sufficient employment for the large number
and the varied character of prisoners should receive serious con-
sideration. The warden of this prison is desirous of conduct
bis institution with the highest degres of efficiency in every detz
He is anxious to establish stable industries, to assure sufficient
all-he-year lovment for the inmates,
tion increases © Nyy developing en amount of susgius
labor which is likely to prove detwimental co the system in vozz6,
if not remedied, ‘The warden should be supported in his efforts to
establish industries, to further develop the quarry activities, and

274 Tue Puisow Association oF New York

te arrange for the distribution of broken stone to some of
adjacent counties, Sia

2. Inmates confined in their cells under punishment &

niet fora period

of more than twenty-four hue should have chance to ena
tn the corridor for about one hour daily

3. A power bread-mixing machine should be used in the bake
Hand stixing is neither satisfactory nor cleans It ie wor ne,
{avocably compared with the modern cjlpment and’ core tin
for the proper preparation of other foods in the well-equi
kitchen of this prison, : srlis!

# A large number of unoccipied cells should not be petmited

5. Provision should be made forthe sale of the mate thet he
been manufacted atthe peso

GENERAL REPORT

At the time of the inspection. in November, 1915, the total popula:
tion wes 895; 2 of this mumber were at Valati, 12 at Wingdele ard
2 in court .

‘The total population at the time of the 1916 inspection was 849
Tehas been customary to classify te men in our State prisons seco?

ing to the number of previous convictions, Under a new sat
a new rating,
the men are graded according to their conduct in the prison. This

rer an opprtanty for ey Teco
It the tine of the 10g apeaton, far Ni nee cone in
ther own els under ptishnent There ae no Go Sei
eels in this prison, Men under punntesen ce Sareea
cxercise if confined in a cal for more anny Sear har gee
the regular ttone and an tulotied carpet ae
tie ofthe previous inspection, in Tune to's. te wren ete
numbet of men under ponahmet inte cake ben
Deniod intervening between Jane, 191 and Never ig ne
wee ene! Se pr ¢'mat for at of oe pe
dale for attempting to escape. During the samme period o pioonee
were traofered Yo Clinon prison, sone of eee ees
3 few becaune of ima Phe iter geous eam eae and
Of in prison beatse ofthe lack of proves Regs ce
he tine of the November, fore nope a vere 273
cells unoccupied out of a total of 1,168, In previous reports the
fcperioriy of thee cls and the eal ac cena Sense
Site prisons has een noted In Auburn and Gintes a gt

Insrecnions 275

the above period, men were sleeping in the corridors, either because
of congestion in the respective prisons or because they preferred
to do so instead of sleeping in the small, inadequately lighted and
ventilated stone yauft-like cells. 1 was wrong that so many of
these splendid cells at this prison were unoccupied, An eésential
feature of sane prison reform is the providing of healthful living
‘quarters for inmates. ‘The failure of the prison authorities to ase
these splendid unoccupied cells at a time whien congestion prevailed,
vas unintelligent.

The usual cleanliness of the cell and cellhalls prevailed at the time
of both inspections, likewise in the Kitchen, messhall, bakesbop and
store rooms. The dough for bread is kneaded by hand instead
of by a power-mixer, ‘The warden said that such a mixer had been
in service but @iat the men in the bakery preferred to do the worle
by band, Despite this preference, the bread mixing should be dane
by @ powersmixer, solely for sanitary reasons, This applies par=
ticularly during warm weather. In many other State institutions,
power-mixers are in use and in others where they ate lacking the
heads of the institutions strongly lament the fact

‘At the base oF the utility corridor in the south wing, at the ime
fof the 1915 inspection, there was some water. This was brought
to the attention.of the warden who was surprised and said shat the
matter would be investigated. Tt has since been corrected.

Although the worl in the various parts of the institution is handi-
capped, inconvenience caused and time lost, the warden requires
that as many men as possible ettend school. ‘There were at the time
of the inspection in the first schoo! standard, 50 inmates; in the 2d,
48; in the 3d, 295 in the 4th, 44 and in the sth, qo. In the book-
keeping class there were 20, and in the stenography class, 17. For
the five standards, this is a total of 21 inmates, which number is
slightly greater than the total enrollment at the time of the June,
1915, inspection, There has been an increase of 3 inmates in the
bookkeeping class and 6 in the stenogeaphy class.

At the time of the June, 1915, inspection, the warden was planning
to use some of the dormitory rooms on the secon floor of the
‘nding in which the present school roams are located, for addition t
class rooms. This would permit an increase in the schoc! enrellmect
At the time af the 1916 inspection this had been aceamplished. ‘The
warden also still plans night school classes, which will be necestary
5 the industrial activities of the prison increase, in order that men
can give a full amount of time to their regular work during. the

Tite Paison Association of New Youx

day. I is estimated that the sending of an inmate to school mean
# loss of, approximately, 3 hours of his time for institutional labo :
one hou is spent in school, andthe ster owo house cones
the members of the classes for school and distributing them to their
respective working places afterschool
The employment of prisoners for this insittion is ow Becoming
+ sts problem, cased by an increase inthe population, the lee
of manufacturing industries, and an opportunity for ane: ee
employment. Daring the open season, from £0 to ye ean
employed daily on the farm, and another group af between 75 and
100 employed daily on the conservation ground In other Gea
considecing only these tne branches of employment thee are
4500 195 snore men to be provided for with work diging we ce
fet than at other seasons of the year, The warden sivas
Sy ints hae ty of work for the inmates al the
Year round, The daily labor shects show abigumente of lace
hombers of men to the celal, kitchen, meatball gueron tae
ditch, roadwork, et. for racially every wetk of theweee Kn
ever there cleat sem tobe often more men aahgned todo enn
tieular giese of work than are atoaly required to dost
undoubtediy an administrative necessity in onder tasks som aie
tribution of the population. : “
For atime prior to the November, cots
kept of the quantity of soil removed from one patt of te Tarn to
the frou of the celihouse. This isa good work, which woud con
the State much money if done by outside Tabor, Sone seal
should be kept to show the approximate money vatuent ihe wn
and also its value as-a means of sizing the imate labor Toe
tated that credit is now given toward te muintennece of whe
ination forthe labor of prisoners on the consersaion cane
AC the tne of the 1915 inspection, the afer cottages very var
ing complain; nny Bave ance heen epic and sil oe
: ; topropriated fr
the eonstrnction of  ofcers’ cottages bit it wae dee he fee

[For report on Siag Sing Prisha sce“ The

Sing Sing,” Part I, pp. 3-19.)

Inspections

STATE FARM FOR WOMEN, VALATIE
Insrecsep uy E.R. Cass, Jury 28, 1916
The staff consists of the Superintendent J. H. Mealy, three female
artendants, a clerk and a visiting physician,

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The State Farm for Women should receive sufficient appro-
priation from the State so it can be properly managed and devel-
oped. The present situation shows such an indifferent attitude
on the part of the State, that it would be better to discontinue the
institution than to permit a continuance of things as they are

2, At least one additional cottage should be provided promptly
so that the number of inmates sent from the various counties can
be properly housed and classified. The present congestion should
not be allowed to continue, The need for classification and
segregation is urgent, because at present parcle violators, prosti-
tutes, inebriates and all kinds of women offenders both old and
young, are Kept together under congested and disgraceful
circumstances.

3. The old farm house should be repaired and used as a resi-
dence for the Superintendent. The cottages should be used only
by the matrons and the inmates,

‘4 Money should be provided for the services of a parole officer.

5. Funds should be provided to defray the cost of returning
parole violators to the institution,

6, An appropriation should be made for the transportation of
prisoners from the county from which they are committed to the
institution,

7. Male and female inmates should not be permitted to work
together without strict supervision, and preferably not at al

8. There should be male employees on the institution staff.
‘They are necessary to supervise and do hard manual Tabor. Also
to assist in handling women who occasionally become violent and
cannot be controlled by the matrons.

9, In accordance with Chapter 467 of the Laws of 1908, a resi-
dont physician should be appointed. Because this is a woman's
institution, a female physican is preferable.

GENERAL REPORT
At the time of this inspection, Superintendent Mealy stated that

he had given his resignation to the State Superingendent of Prisons.

278 Tue Prison Association of New Yor

The reason given for this was that he did not feel it was possible
for him to conduct the institution properly without the aid of at
least two male guards, These male guards are needed, according
to the superintendent, to assist and supervise in the farm work and
10 look after the male and female prisoners when they are working
in the fields or in the barn. Their services are also invaluable in
dealing with female inmates who occasionally become abusive and

iolent, and cannt be controlled by the matrons, ‘The superintendent
sited one instance where the life of a matron was saved only by the
timely arrival of two male employees.

At the Western House of Refuge, The State Training School for
Girls and Bedford Reformatory, male employees are sometimes
needed to assist in handling violent and unruly inmates. Osdinaciy,
‘these male employees have no direct supervision of the inmates,

‘The major part of the population is housed in the South Cottage.
‘The cleanliness and order throughout this cottage were excellent.
‘The laundry equipment is inadequate, consisting only of three small
stone tubs. A rotary washing machine and a clothes-boiling appa-
Falus are necessary. There is, apparently, an inadequate supply
of cooking utensils, such as coolers for preparing oatmeal, and
coffee urns

In the basement there are two punishment cells situated about
25 fect apart. These cells are of good size, but are not equipped
with toilet or washing accommodations. ‘They are furnished with
@ comfortable bed, and the bedding consists of a mattress and
blankets. Each inmate brings her awn pillow from her roo
‘There was no evidence of dampness; the side walls are whitewashed

Communication through the iront of she cell is very easy because

of the iron-barred door. There is one window in the rear of the

cell, This is heavily screened, but permits sufficient natural light

{to enter the cell. A screen door should be placed in the front of the

regular door of cach cell. Solid iron or wooden doors should ‘not

be used. Confinement in the cells is used as a last resort of dis
cipline, after the inmate has been deprived of privileges or kept in
hher room, It was stated by the superintendent, from the records
that since the installation of these cells in May, 2945, only 12 women
have been therein detained. Records of the punishment of inmates
ate kept on cards which are submitted to the State Prison Board
of Parole. There is no detailed record kept to denote the time

‘when a prisoner is placed in the cell and when released.

Electric motors have been installed jn the hasement to take the
place of the old gasoline engines which did not satisfactorily pamp.

Inspections "79

water, The extremely lange population at te ime ofthis inspection
Caused serlots and starting conditions. For instance, every rom
toed for inmates, withthe exception of 5, contained two prisoners,
Inthe South Cottage, she store-room and a tlty room were aso
sted by famates, ‘There were alo 6 prisoners sleeping on cots in
skeping in one bed. The beds are three-quarter ze; and while
they are sufficiently tage for two persons, nevertheless, under the
Gromtaness the placing of two mates in one bed iba most
Salersrale practice anda disgrace tothe State

‘ost ofthe prisoners are commited from Erie County. Commit-
rents have also been recived from Oneida, Westchester, Montoe,
Atany, Onondaga, Schenestady, Duschess and Fulton Counties,

ace the opening ofthe institaton in October, 1914 18 diferent

sromen Hare been received, “They have vatied a age from 30 10
pears, There has been an overfow in the population since
Seater, 915, In that month the average number was 6p. On
the goth of the same month, the superintendent ntifed the com
ssting justices inthe cites of Rostester, Syracuse and Buta,
to cee commiting women tw the far tnilfurdher notice. In
Novenber of the sume year the population was 69; the same for
December, In Japuary, 1916, 1 dropped to 60 and remained 30
daring February. in March if averaged 62, Apel 76, May 8, June
7 and July to date 74, It wan lated that at one period for about
three or four days, the population reached a maximum of 9f
Since October, 19¢8 dhe superintendent has not repested his notice
tothe comming courts, “This should have been done to avoid the
tecesity of plating two wonten na room and also two ta Ded
\WiOr both cottages avalate, approximately 50 fomates can be
properly provided for

Th the north cottage, the superintendent wees two rooms oa the
second fgor ands on the fist, ‘Thi naturally prohibits the use
Of these much-needed rooms for iiates, This could be eliminated,
i the original farmhouse 6n the grounds were propetly repaired
snd equiped ua

There have. teen paroled from the institution sce its opening
4 otal of g2 inmates OF tis number, a have been returned for

ilaion of parole requirements, Three of the original number
Pataled are now serving seitence ia other institons, It wat
ated that the State Prison Parole Board fas made it fm role
Ghat no jumate’ fa to feave the institation ‘ntl she ie properly
blaced, The superiotendent stated that every efort is made (0

280 Tue Prisox Association oF New Yore

discourage most of the women from returning to their old hasints,
The records show that 15 ot of the total number paroled have
‘een placed with families in the vicinity of the farm, Inmates en
parole are required to make reports to the Superintendent of Sta
Prisons. The Parole Board bas met at the farm threo times
‘There is no parole officer attached to the institution for the outside
supervision of parole inmates, In 1915, a parole officer was allowed
by law, but mo one has as yet been assigned nor has money been
provided for salary.

There is nd resident physician, One male physician visits three
times a week, and also comes when called, New inmates are firs
searched by the matron; then are required to remove their clothing
and take a bichloride bath, Larkspur is applied to the hair. The
initial examination is merely superficial and is conducted by the
matron, She is required to report to the physician any indication
ff venereat diseases, etc, Later, the doctor interviews each inmate
His examinations consist mostly of asking questions regarding the
physical condition of the inmates, their life on the outside, babits
ete, No Wasserman tests are given. A woman physician should
he appointed and the position of male physician abolished.

Each woman is apparently well supplied with clothing, At the
time of this inspection they were neatly clad, so far as institution
garb is concerned. The inmates were, apparently, satisfied with
their food and treatment, Their chief criticism seemed to be toward
their sentence, with its maximum of three years. This of course is
‘entirely different from the usual 5, 10 or 30 days in the county jail
cor a little longer in a county penitentiary, ‘There is no definite
treatment given to combat alcoholism. At precent they receive
plenty of fresh air, good food, plenty of exercise, and live a regula
Bie.

It appears that the absence of legislation in 1916 has seriously
Ihandicapped the development and progress of this institution, to
wit

1. No appropriations have been made for the employment of
male employees, namely, the farmer and an assistant, a foreman
and a general laborer

2. No funds were provided to pay for the cost of transporting of
‘inmates from the institution to their original place of commitment,
0 that a woman committed from Buffalo, if paroled, cannot be
returned to Buffalo from State funds.

3. No funds have been provided for returning parole violators.

Inspxctions 281

4. There is no traveling money available for the superintendent
to make official trips.

5. There is po money available to bring persons committed to
the institution from the town or city in which they were committed ;
for instance, if a woman is committed from Buffalo, unless Erie
County pays for her transportation and also for the cost of the
necessary guard and matron, the woman cannot be brought to
he Farm,

‘6, No money has been provided for the repair and upkeep of the
buildings.

There were six male prisoners from Great Meadow at the farm
st the time of inspection, They occupied the cottage formerly
ied by the superintendent, These men are supposed to live as a
separate unit, and are under the supervision of a guard sent with
them from Great Meadow Prison. The mate prisoners are intended
for the heavy farm work, It was stated by the superintendent
that every effort is made to keep the men and women prisoners
separate, The men are expected to finish their work in the barn
hefore the women go there to look after the cows. As the inspector
was leaving the farm he noticed e number of male and female
prisoners at work in the field. ‘They were divided into two groups,

and women in both. One group was loading hay on a wagon
other was working within: 25 feet of the barn, A keeper
from Great Meadow Prison was in ciarge of both groups. He was
ts the top of a load of hay, driving the horses, and could not even
arefully observe what was going on directly behind the wagon.
Gf course it was impossible for him to observe the actions of the
male and female prisoners working in close proximrty to the barn.
‘possible dangers under such circumstances, are obvious and
should be eliminated.

DANNEMORA STATE HOSPITAL, DANNEMORA

Iwsrecteo ay E.R. Cass, Juni 25, 1916

‘This institution Ye'superintesided by Dr. Charles H, North, who is
responsible to the State Superintendent of Prisons.

The population at the time of inspection numbered 538. The
certified eapacity of the institution is fixed by the State Hospital
‘ommission, and has been increased from 358 to 458 This increased
capacity is based on the opening of the new south extension.

282 Tue Prisow Association or New York

Although the new wing greatly relieves the heretofore serious con-
gestion within the inetitition, the present accommodations. are stil
inadequate for the proper housing of the inmates.

Tivformation obtained from the superintendent, subsequent to the
date of this inspection, shows he following patients received from
the several penal institutions in the State for the period between
September 30, 1915 and September 1, 1916:

Auburn Prison

[New Yorke County Penitentiary

During the above period, patients have not been refused admission
to the hospital because of the congestion, but the Superintendent
of Prisons was informed as to the overcrowding, and om the be
of this information instructed the wardens and superintendents
of the institutions to send to the hospital onfy such cases as were
in av acute condition and could not be cared for at their respective
insttutio

TThe new south wing is equipped with day rooms on the first floor,
dormitories om the second, also a number of individual rooms
for cases requiting isolation. These rooms are equipped with two
solid wooden doors. They are distinctly different from the other
rooms in the institution because of the arrangement of the window
in the rear wall. This window is about 14 feet from the floor
the room, and cannot be reached by the occupant. This style of
construction his been adopted because experience in the past has
made it necessary to safeguard against the passing of weapons and
other contrabands to inmates in isolation, and to prevent communica:
tion with the outside, These rooms are sufficiently lighted and
ventilated.

‘A complete tour of the institution was made in company with
Dr. Ross, first assistant physician. The inmates were carefully
observed and conversed with. ‘There Was no evideice that they were
not kindly and humanely supervised. ‘There was a highly satisfactory
condition of cleanliness and order in all parts of the buildings

The farm work is continued as satisfactorily as is possible on
limited acreage. More work of this kind should be available. Exca-
vation work for the now north wing was in progress. ‘This is done

Insrgctions 283

ly inmates. The average layman would be startled to observe fity
or sixty inmates of an institution of this kind busily employed in the
open and under light supervision, It would not be easy for the
casual observer quickly to differentiate them from a similar number
of outside civilians likewise employed. ‘The work is exceedingly

neficial to the inmates and is, unquestionably, a great help to the

rate. The statement that the honor system is employed in a hospital
for the insane at first might seem incredible; and yet there is no
marked difference except for the number of inmates involved and
the variety of work done, Detween the method of employment in
{his institution and that of any other institution in the State, as
for instance, Great Meadow Prison.

‘The following needs of the institution as stated by the superin-
tendent are hereby endorsed and strongly urged:

1. Necessary funds should be granted to complete the new
northwest wing in accordance with the plans which have been
prepared by the State Architect.

2, Funds should be provided for the purchase of material for
the construction of sidewalks. The hospital has been open for
nearly sixteen years, and such walks are badly needed, The
Superintendent plans to do the work with hospital employees
and patients, Some provision should also be made for the con-
struction of a cement pavement in the invalids’ court, and for the
completion of the sidewalk in the main airing court.

3. Funds should be provided for under-draining and levelling
waste land, This land could be gradually improved and made
productive. It would afford a means of employing a large num-
her of inmates, and no doubt in the course of a few years repay to
the State the expense of improvement.

4. The necessary sum for the purpose of converting an old
wooden shop into a cottage for employees assigned to night duty
should be granted. The old shop building was constructed in
the early days of the institution, and was used as a carpenter and
paint shop. ‘The construction of a permanent shop building
made its continuance for that purpose unnecessary. The need for
providing satisfactory sleeping quarters for night workers is 60
obvious that there seems to be no good reason for denying this,
request.

5. Appropriations should be made for the repair of floors in the
institution, These floors have been in use for 16 years, and one
particularly is dangerous.

284 Tu Puisox Association or New York

6. Funds should be provided for the purchase of chairs and
other equipment for the assembly hall.

7. Money should be appropriated to make possible the raising
of poultry. ‘The present henneries are inadequate and should be
enlarged.

‘8. A new water-heater of goo gallons capacity is needed for the
main building of the institution. ‘There should also be provides
approximately 450 feet of 2}4-inch galvanized pipe with neces-
sary fittings and covering to conduct the hot water.

5, ‘The present laundry drier is intdequate forthe needs ofthe
institution and should be adde

He Te Gaia of Sveeiatociny rag amply: loli
importance to the institution. Te is again necessary to pump
water from an abandoned iron mine, and the use of water must be
so curtailed as to create a situation decidedly unsatisfactory
Often the water pressure is so low that very little water can be
had on the second floors, and occasionally the supply is cut off
‘entirely. No water is available for lawns or for sprinkling airing
courts, and not infrequently the supply for general purposes
through the institution must be conserved beyond reasonable
limits. This condition should be remedied by the Conservation
Commission,

11, Money should be provided for the purchase of material for
the repainting on a large scale of some parta of the institution,
and the painting of such walls and corridors as have not yet been,
painted. This work is to be done by inmate labor.

MATTEAWAN STATE HOSPITAL, MATTEAWAN
Txsrecten ny Puitie Kurs, JuLy 18, 1916
Dr. Raymond F. C. Kieb, Superintendent

RECOMMENDATIONS

x, The tuberculosis pavilion for men should be reconstructed,
made lighter, more airy, more habitable and cleaner.

2. The system of visiting should be changed so as to obviate
the danger of the passing in of contraband goods or weapons.

3. The kind and amount of meat served at the time of inspec-
tion should not be allowed at any time.

Inspections 285,

a. Beas iat be Site tdi: somos
complete the women's buildi

¢ The disturbed wards of both the male and female side
should, if possible, be entirely separated from the other wards;
preferably, placed in a different building.

6, Night shirts should be supplied to all inmates.

GENERAL REPORT
Census in detail for the day before inspection, was as follows:

Male ms
Female ns

Tota)
Emploved
Female

ib etlision
Female «
Male

fa restraint

Female

Male

There was litle change noticeable at the institution since the last
inspection, The necessary additions to the female building, to include
Kitchen and messhall, have not yet been made, so that very unsatis-
factory facilities for cooking and feeding inmates at that part of
the institution still continue. Also, for the same reason, the necessity

286 THE Prison Association or New York’

of continuing the women's ward in the main building still exists

Both conditions are extremely disturbing and undeniable

"The constroction ofthe new storehouse upon which the labor ong
of regular employers of the Intttion and of Hs Inmates i used
Weg Waateay tad precinct Secone cae aCe pret
improvements of the itt

The general condition of cleanliness wa at usual, found excel
with ‘eaception only of the tubeless peviion for men, which
arnt at clean ase general sna of se intaton wo
Sad Or 5 Gop cad Ghck carne ced. sp pe
isnot well ted for Meusog eubereular penta, In the peiy wed
for the costracton gang on te new Horehuuie, tere appears
‘eo chloride of loc used. It breoormended Gat thn be one

The group of farm buildings, and in general the farm activi
Cotdcible unroveccnts1avd been nud id som wre tas baa
planned. Deserving of special mention are the construction of 2
Magn ted snd of a coerce pgp. Toe at year es tr
Taibe wofortunets fr lence, It wan sated that te sony a8 42
per cent, of the poultry raised was Tost and that 250 hogs were
Ered off by else during the year. ‘The Inedequate felis
for storing some ofthe farm products wil be obviated in large part
tpon the completion af the large storehouse

No important change ia the staf has taken glace. ‘The allowance
St cao pupal Seek ot wultevene (or cote af eae
fas been permitted by the Focal Supervisor, and ia being granted
2 the distrtio of the Superintendent, who has full conta of
financial opettins f the istittion a well as Of the administeation

1/3 rotine incodes employment for at least part of the
day for over tall ofthe population and outdoce exer for a
bat 10 10.12 per cent. of the men and about half of the women
‘An average of 70 of the men are employed on the farm in the
prouction of a splendid. quantity of farm products (Inmate
working om the farm during the summer take their lanch atthe
farm instead of retrnng to the inition)

yo acon For Tam res aed ne ete
for agealture aa te chef industry of the inctiution. The aaly
tas been depleted during the past year by the loss of 4 cows, 0
that a se time of inspection part of the mile had to be purchased

Inspections 287

in the open market and some butter from the State prison farm
mL Wingdale. A new industry, that of sheep raising, is being experi-
tented with. Tt was stated that a good part of the vegetables from
the farm are used on the table

The meat served for dinner on the day of inspection was poorly
prepared and insufficient, 30 that 2he midday meal could not be
vonsidered satisfactory. The apple sauce, bread, butter and tea
Served for supper were good and seemed sufficient, Butter is
ceved twice daily, mornings and evenings. Many of the inmates
cbiain their own food in place of, or in addition to, the diet supplied
by the institution, ‘The dietary is modified in accordance with the
requirements of different classes of inmates.

“The supervision exercised by the medical staff appears highly
satisfactory oth in respect to'the day and night rounds, and in
Feapest to the presence of medical officers during outdoor exercise,
During the physician's round of the wards, patients are required
to be seated $0 as to prevent attacks oF riots.

Bedtime varies in the different wards. The disturbed wards are
required to retire almost immediately after supper, while the “best ”
thards are allowed to remain in the sitting rooms until 9». i. Upon
Tetiring, inmates Teave their clothing on the chairs in the sitting
oom, to which they have no access after they once gain the dormi-
tory, No night shirts are supplied to inmates, though it was stated
that such supply was contemplated, Some of the inmates wear their
wn pajamas, others sleep in their underwear; still others wear noth
ing, A number of men were seen walking without clothes on, from
the toile to the bed and standing or sitting about on their beds in the
tame condition. ‘The wearing of night shirts or pajamas should be
Tiude general, Material should be requested, and appropriations
vnoade, for night shirts. A ntimber of epileptic oatients were sleep~
ing on the floor. ‘The unreasonable overcrowding of all the wards
Seemed. especially serious when all the inmates were in the
dormitories.

Night locks at the ends of the corridors are turned on after 9
o'clock.

“The general system and precautions for safety are good. Criticism
was made only of the method of visiting. Visitors are not
Searched upon arrival or when they leave, and are allowed to remain
jn close contact with the inmates they visit. The danger of smaug-
fling in weapons and other contraband material, while not so great
Eoin prisons, s nevertheless serious enough to justify either a thor-

288 Tire Puisow Assoctation or New York

‘ough searching of visitors or the prevention of direct contact with
inmates,

One of the most interesting innovations during the past year has
been the holding of Supreme Court sessions at the institution, Te
was stated that the number of writs of habeas corpus at which the
Presence of the Superintendent of the institution is required
amounts to approximately 80 per annum, that these take up an
immense amount of the executive's time, and are taken, in a lange
number of cases, merely for the purpose of giving the inmate a
vacation from the institution. Holding court at the institution by
the presence of one of the Supreme Court judges has resulted ix
much saving of time and, it was stated, in a reduction of the mim.
ber of writs

NEW YORK STATE REFORMATORY, ELMIRA
Insrectan Avcust 9, 1916, ay E.R. Cass

Superintendent, Patrick J. McDonnell; Assistant Superintendent,
Dr. Frank L. Christian,

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Appropriations should be made to install toilets in all of the
cells so as to eliminate the use of the bucket system, which even
with the greatest care is insanitary,

2. Sufficient funds should be provided to adequately increase
the number of civilian officers, to as to abolish the present
monitor system.

3. The parade ground should be repaved. Also the floor of the

mory.

4. The present system of determining the eligibility of an
inmate for parole is not adequate. It i8 a known fact that many
of the inmates who are frequent offenders outside are well.
behaved inmates in the institution. It is therefore very likely
that many of those paroled, even though they have satisied the
Tequirements for good demeanor, school work, etc., are not ft
subjects for parole because of their mental, piysical or social
characteristics or condition. This type of inmate usually requires
‘much supervision and guidance. It seems, therefore, most essen.
tal that a more intensive study of the inmate's pre-institutional
history be made.

Inspections 289

5. A more adequate staff of parole officers should be provided.
It is generally conceded that no parole officer should have more
than seventy-five inmates under his supervision.

6, Cases of attempted suicide or of mental depression, especi-
ally when they result in cuts and bruises, should be sent to the
hospital and not handcuffed to the door of 2 punishment ef

7, Free recreation in the yard should be granted for one hour
each day. If it is considered inadvisable to permit the entire
population to commingle in the yard, groups should be formed
and separate days for the exercise of each provided.

8, Additional farm land should be obtained, to permit more
activities and instruction in this branch of training.

9. The interior of all the cells should be painted instead of
whitewashed,

10, There should be a more frequent exchange of prisoners
between the State prisons and the Elmira Reformatory. That
is, there should be no hesitancy in sending to the State prisons
inmates who are not considered desirable for the Reformatory:
and likewise, it should be the policy and practice of the State
prison department to send hopeful cases of young inmates from
the State prisons to the Reformatory.

11, More adequate supervision should be provided for the hos-
pital quarters, especially at night,

GENERAL REPORT
‘The total population at the time of inspection numbered 89,
ciasifed according to grades as follows: ret grade 47t, 2nd grade
4306, 3rd grade 3. The population is smaller than it has been for
shanty years. It i interesting to note that the combined average pop-
ulation of Elmira and Napanoch during the summer of 1916, a8
compared with the combined average population for 1915, indicates
4 falling off of 35 per cent. for 1916; whereas, the combined State
prison population for October, 1916 as compared with the combined
average poptlation of the State prisons in 1915 shows a decrease of
only 8 per cent
Reformatory is administered by a Board of Managers con

2 term of five years. The Board of Managers appoints the superin
tendent and officers and has full control over the institution, its
management and the parole of the prisoners

290 THE Pxisox Association or New York

The statute authorizing the establishment of the institution was
‘enacied in 1869, The first inmates were received in 1876. The stat
which defines the indeterminate and determinate sen

ndamental principles of the institution. The popu

lation is intended to be a homogeneous group consisting only of male
felons between the ages of 16 and 30 who have not previously been
convicted of a felony. No definite sentence is pronounced by the
court, but the prisoner cannot be held for a period longer than the
maximum term specified by law for the erime of which he is con-
victed, It is within the jurisdiction of the Board of Managers to
release on parole at any time after imprisonment ; that is, this body
could release a prisoner after he had been in the institution a day of
a week. However, this is a most unusual practice, and prisoners
are rarely released on parole until they have served a sentence of
at least 12 or 13 months, After serving a parole period, which is
also determined by the Board of Managers, the prisoner can receive
an absolute discharge. In most eases the parole period is for only
6 months, but there is a growing tendency to increase it to one year.

Prisoners are brought to the Reformatory from the county in
which they have been committed, by a transfer agent of the Reform
atory. Agents do not call for a prisoner until it bas been shown
that a negative throat culture has been found by the State Depart
ment of Health. When a prisoner is received at the Reformatory
he is first interviewed by the assistant superintendent. He is then
given over to the physician, who makes a physical and mental exam-
ination. Next he is interviewed by the director of the school of let-
ters to determine his previous schooling; and finally, he fs passed on
to the director of the trade school for assignment. In each case a
full written record is made and is furnished to each of the exams
iners for their information.

‘The Reformatory population is divided into three grades. Each
ew prisoner is first assigned to the and grade, After six months,
not necessarily consecutive, of good conduct and satisfactory
advancement in trade and scholastic work, he is promoted 10 the
first grade; and after six more months of satisfactory record, his

ligibility for parole is considered. His pre-institutional record does
not strictly enter as 2 basis for promotion and classification. It is
felt by the institutional authorities that probation as a means of
dealing in the courts with the offender, keeps much of the good
reformative material from the reformatory population. This has
resulted in an inferior and less hopeful character of inmates. It is
generally estimated from records that between 65 and 79 per cent.

Inspections 291

of this reformatory population have had a pre-institutional record
other than for a felony; that is, they have been in truant schools,
protectories, industrial schools, orphan asylums, jails, penitentiaries,
juvenile reformatories, training schools, etc

An inmate's progress in the institution is recorded by a marking
system. ‘The marks are credited in the form of earnings. The 1st
grade inmates receive 55 cents a day; the second, 45 cents a day.
The earnings are debited with the cost of maintenance, clothing,
medical attendance, fites for misconduct and infractions. Inmates
of the first grade who have $5 to their eredit are known as “credit
men," and are given more privileges. It is largely a mechanical and
book-keeping proposition, and if an inmate should be perfect dur-
ing his period of confinement, he has only a small balance to his
credit at the time of his release. The fines are fixed from the
demeanor reports and the results in examinations in the trade
schools and school of letters, Misconduct reports are divided into
two lasses, major and minor, Offences coming under the category
of “major” are subjected to a fine of from $1 to $25, ‘The fine of
5 cents is imposed for a minor demeanor report. The fines
attached to the standing in the schools are in case of a rating from 75
to 50 per cent., $1 fine; 50 to 25 per cent, $2 fine, and elow 25 per
cent, $3 fine. Minor fines of 25 cents each are imposed for mis-
takes and careless work. Fines aggregating lese than $1.00 month
do not count against a perfect record. Fines of $3.00 or more.a
month will result jn a reduction in grade. Two successive months
‘of $2.00 fines or more will also catise reduction in grade. These
marks and fines are based upon the method of supervision adopted
by the Board of Managers. Demeanor reports are made by officers,
‘who are also assisted by inmate officers known as “monitors.”
Each offense is recorded on a printed blank, which is presented to
the disciplinary officer. Each inmate checked for a major offence
can have a heating if he desires it before the disciplinary officer.
Once a month hearings are permitted before the disciplinasy officer,
fon fines for minor offences. To the superintendent or the Board of
Managers an appeal can be taken by the inmate for any punish-
‘ment. A conduct book is fuenished fo each inmate, who is permitted
to keep it in his possession. He is required to turn it in at the rec~
ford office at certain periods, and entries are made therein as to his
earnings, offences, fines, ete. In this way each inmate is enabled to
know exactly his status in the institution with respect to conduct,
school work, prospects for parole, ete.

292 Tue Paisox Association oF New York

As has been pointed out in our previous reports, the “monitor”

system is an undesirable feature of the supervision of inmates. It
has been stated by the assistant superintendent and others that this
system is not fully to their liking; but that in the absence of suff
cient civilian officers it is necessary to use some of the inmates
This “ monitor ” system has been in operation for some time and in
its earlier stages a monitor could work havoc with a fellow innate
more easily, itis said, than now, He could report a fellow inmate

for a supposed infraction, and the complaint would usually stand,
However, at present every complaint made by a monitor must be
signed by a civilian officer before it is sent to the disciplinary officer
Tt is therefore obvious that the authority of the monitor is some-
what curtailed

‘Much attention is given in this institution to its system of records,
Record blanies are furnished for the preliminary examination by the
superintendent, doctor and directors of both schools. These blanks,
together with others relating to parole, letters, etc, are kept in @
separate steel box. In addition to the box records a record is also
kept in a ledger, The physician’s ledger shows the family history
and the results of physical and mental examinations. The daily
debit and credit ledger shows the financial standing of each inmate
In another ledger are kept work assignments, and in another the
standing of each inmate in his school worlk. A ledger pertaining to
parole gives the facts which are held responsible for the inmate's
violation of parole. Printed slips are furnished for misconduct
reports, school work, assignments to labor and general notices
inmates. All of this record system is engineered from a central
office, so that itis possible to go to one place in the institution and
obtain all this valuable information relative to any inmate.

‘The inmates of this institution heing on an indeterminate sen
tence, the parole feature is a very essential part of the reformatory
system,

‘The parole period is granted to enable the inmate to demonstrate
hig ability or inability to conduct himself satisfactorily outside of
the institution, It is a rule that every inmate who is eligible for
parole must first have a place for employment before he can be
released from the reformatory. ‘Therefore, the inmate to be paroled,
usually about a month before he is to be released, gets in touch with
his relatives or friends and impresses upon them the need of obtain
ing a place of employment to make possible his release. As a result
of this the parents or friends of the inmate, if they themselves are
tunable to furnish employment, persuade some friend to promise that

Inspreri0Ns

he will give the inmate a job. This promise is communicated to the
authorities at the reformatory or to the parole officer, and an investi-
gation is then made. In 9 out af 0 cases these investigations are
reported as favorable and this requirement is satisfied, Unfortun-
nicly, many of these promises are more or less a subterfuge to aid
in the release of the inmate. Whether this is serious or not, practi-
cally all of the time of a very limited parole staff in the

York is ttilized in checking up these promises of employment.

value of parole as a means of dealing with inmates of our penal
institutions is tunqwestionably good. However, in many cases and
particularly in this reformatory, the inadequate staff of parole
plicers makes for tmsatisfactory and inadequate

instance, in New York City there are usually between 450 and 600
inmates from this Reformatory on parole. A staff of only three
parole officers supervises this large number of inmates in this big
city, Tt is unfair that the State of New York should expect very
iavorable results when it is willing to place this great responsibility
in the hands of a few officers. The usual ratio of officers to inmates
in New York City is one to 200, Tt is reported by the chief parole
officer in New Yorke City that through the activities in a club made
uup of paroled inmates, he is able to keep in closer touch, with the
‘men on parole, and with their cooperation establish various mediums
for relief, employment, lodgings, etc.

Each paroled prisoner is required to send monthly letters or
reports. In 1913 Dr, Frank L. Christian, the assistant superin
tendent, made a thorough study of 100 cases of parole failures.
His findings indicate that monthly reports are not sufficiently
informing and that there is need for more personal contact hetween
jninates and parole officers, Troubles of employment cause 87 per
cent, of the failures. Abont 90 per cent. of the failures are thought
to be due to alcoholism, environment, mental defectiveness, technical
violations and voluntary returns, and wages.

A study of the mental defectives in the institution has been con-
ducted by Dr. Christian, and valuable information has been obtained
which has aided the management in dealing with the population. It
is estimated that about 45 per cent. of the inmates of the reforma-
tory are mentally defective. A special training class has been a
part of the institution program for about 3 years. Much improve
tment has been found in the conduct of the inmate body since the
special class has been formed. This class usually numbers about 14,
and represents inmates who because of their mental or physical
makeup cannot conduct themselves in the population as the other

204 Tu Paisow Association of New York

inmates do. The inmates in this class are segregated in cell hal
“'D,” and are provided for in special cells, 2 separate dining room
and a school room. From 7s. x. until § fat, they are tinder the
same guard and instructor. Each inmate receives individual instrse.
tion in the training most needed. They are not required to turn out
a definite amount of work in their industrial or school activities.

‘The gymnasium is a well conducted and well equipped branch of
the institution. It is most helpful in curing temporary physical
deformities, developing the body in general and teaching self-com:
trol and rhythm in movement. The “Ralston” system is sed
Classes are held both in the morning and in the afternoon. Trmates,
hhaving physical defects and pulmonary trouble are selected for these
classes. The morning classes usually contain from 75 to 450 and
the afternoon classes from 25 to 50.

‘The military drill is one of the distinctive features of the reform:
atory system, The disciplinary and physical development advant
ages connected with i¢ are extremely valsable in the training of the
inmates. All inmates upon admission are assigned to the "aw%
ward” squad where they receive preliminary instruction and dri
for several hours a day, until they can enter a regular compat
the regiment, The regiment is divided into four battalions, each
having four companies. ‘The divisions are commanded by four insti
tution majors and eight citizen captains, selected from officers ir
the institution, All the other regimental officers are inmates, The
regiment drills every morning from 10:10 to 11:20, with the excep:
tion of Sunday. A recreation period is now available on Satirdays
from 12:30 to 2 o'clock. During this period the inmates are pet
mitted to enjoy themselves in their own way, provided their form of
enjoyment is carried on in an orderly mnanner and is proper. An
institutional baseball team and several other company teams have
been formed and a very fine baseball diamond is now available. O:
Saturday afternoons games are played by the institution team with
outside teams, at which time all the inmates are permitted to sit on
the side lines. The advisability of one hour a day of freedom in the
yard should be considered. It would seem that under proper super
vision this can be carried out successfully without endangering the
discipline or breaking down the system of the institution.

No dark cells are used at the institation for the punishment of
inmates. Large cells in block “D" ave set aside for the segregation
fof inmates under punishment. Each cell is furnished with a mat-
tress and a bucket. It is stated that the inmates in these cells
received the regular rations. At the time of this inspection there

Inspections 295

were 12 boys under punishment. ‘The average daily number under
punishment during the month of July was 3, and during the whole
month there was a total of 109 committed to the cells. These
Inmates so committed lose marks for good conduet, good time, pay,
tc. ‘The prisoners under punishment stay in these cells from one
day to five. A record is kept of the day and hour of their admission
to the cells, and also of the time of their release. ‘They are visited
Uhily by the doctor, and are made to exercise and work every di
The work consists of cleaning the cells and corridors in their partic-
ular section, One case attracted particular attention, that of a boy
found handeuffed to the door of his cell. Tt was stated that this
hoy attempted to commit suicide; but in his unsuccessful attempt
had fallen from a window ledge of the cell to the concrete floor and
sustained a cut on his chin, a cut and swollen lip and a bruised fore-
head, He had attempted to hang himself by using his coat and
socks, one end of which he atiached to the bars of a window; the
dther end he tied around his neck. This boy was no doubt in a very
depressed state of mind and required close attention. He presented
fa very pitiful sight, as he stood handcuffed to the door, and also
because of his swollen, cut and bleeding lip, bruised forehead and
cut chin, Tt would seem better to assign stich cases to the hospital
Te was stated, that the handeuffing to the cell was done not as a
means of punishment but to prevent the boy from doing himself
Farther bodily harm, Nevertheless, with the cessation of the hand~
cuffing, the original condition would again present itself

‘The hospital, which is located on four floors, is under the super-
vision day and night of only one civilian guard. In conversing with
Former inmates of Elmira, it is frequently stated that there is much
immorality in the institution. They state that it is possible for some
ff the monitors designated as sergeants to arrange for two inmates
to go into one cell, while they aze locking the cell doors. . This is,
very doubtful though, It probably could be done on the upper gal-
levies. However, no reliable evidence has yet been found by the
inspector. ‘There seems mich chance for immorality in the hospital
population. For instance, while the civilian guard is on the first
Hor he is not able to supervise the conduct of prisoners on the 2nd,
ijrd or 4th floors. It is very likely that the general atmosphere of
the hospital might be conducive to questionable conduct.

‘Most of the cells in this institution are without modem toilet
accommodations, and therefore the obnoxious bucket system is,
‘employed. This of course is not to the liking of the management.
With this system, it is necessary to have two places in which the

296 ‘HE Prison Association or New You

buckets are emptied. Each bucket house has three vats or basins
which empty into a sewer. There is a large strainer in each vat
which retains the solid matter and permits the fluid to drain of
‘The solid matter retained in the trays is remaved to the fields and
‘used as a fertilizer. ‘The vats are said to be whitewashed very fre-
quently and it was quite evident that a very liberal supply of material
is used. Each inmate's bucket is changed for another every two
months, The extra buckets, while not in use, are thoroughly
washed, disinfected and whitewashed, and Kept in a storchouse
attached to the place in which the vats are located.

‘A complete tot of the institution was made in company with one
of the officers Cleanliness
and order throughout

EASTERN STATE REFORMATORY FOR MEN
NAPANOCH,

INseecten py Paucar Kuen, Juty 20 AND 21, 1916

Superintendent, Patrick J. McDonnell; assistant Superintendent,
in charge of Reformatory, George Dey

RECOMMENDATIONS,

‘The following recommendations made in our last inspection
report are repeated as still applicable

1. Parole violators returned are now automatically assigned to
Napanach and undetgo in general the same period of incarcera-
tion as if regularly committed. These men should be carefully
examined and the period of their retention after their return, as
well ag the kind of treatment they are to receive, should be
adjusted to the particular problems presented by each such
returned inmate,

2. The cells and walls should be painted with oil paint instead
of whitewash,

3. A restaurant should be supplied where the officers could be
served at least their midday meal at cost price, as is done at the
Elmira Reformatory.

‘4. Appropriations should be made for the construction of a dis-
ciplinary building, which will make possible the complete segre~
gation and satisfactory isolation of those inmates who become a
disturbance to the general routine of the population. The dun-
geon cells in the basement of the south hall should be abolished.

InspECTIONS 297

In addvion the following are recommended:

1 the ow census at the Relormatory would justly some
ceags inthe daponition ofthat instittion. Te may be advisable
are eto the segregation of the mentally dehcient inmates
Srineretormatores and State prions ofthe State

(fy ureensshouta be suplied stall necessary pats of the
kitchen, storehouse and homptal. i

'h potto-peeng machine shold be purchased,

1A Saote accounting system should be introduced.

$A dally statement of the Bill of fare, with amount of food
wea Antu be made out by de kitchen keeper and presented to
sees gtterintendent, te be fied in the general office with the
tpproval ofthe Superintendent.

rete should not be necessary to rely upon inmate labor inthe
tichhen snd bateshop to such an extent as to cante the serious
renet ne quality of bread found on the frat day of inspection,
emp Mult ofthe Gocharge of the inmate who had bees
Saloyed in the bakesbo

refine pelves in the prison yard should be abolished, and

flush toilets built within the enclosure. ‘
training

2, More consistent and systematic trade echool

‘addition to the actual construction work

should be gives in socio er

13. Setting-up exercises of the kind contai
system at Elmira should be introduced. ;

Ta. Inmates should be allowed to write and receive a generous
number of letters, possibly not less than three a week,

15. Inmates should be allowed newspapers.

16. Inmates should be allowed to talk at meals.

tn, Outdoor recreation should be allowed on Sunday
afternoons.

1B. Sunday meals should be eaten in the messhall,
regularly three times as on other days. ;

Tg. A concert band should be organized, to supply musical
entertainment.

‘20. Men in the third grade should be allowed o
exercise in the corridor only.

sn beds to sleep on every

and served

utdoor exercise
Gaily instead of
‘21, Men in the “jail” should be giver
night, and a stool for the day. ;
ea A civilian nurse should be employed for the hospital.
2, The physician should visit men confined in the “ j
record such visits in writing di

and

298 Tue Prison Association or New York

i The ada shoal be ivi geneat
1 general supervision of the
prepeentiog of foot bs x6 Ws foe petvcnet fo necoag
With which he now only inspects the meat and wome other foo
tn arival atthe storehouse

‘a5, The feeding of inmates should be conducted on the bai
of iaiviual vations caletlated in secordence with diary stand
fds adopted in ther institudone ax, for example, in State hoe
pitas for the insane and in the instations of the Department af
Ecrrection of the City of New York,

726. Sugar should be allowed in tea and cofee and butter shou
be allowed at least occasionally. ° oul

27. A daily bath should be allowed for inmates working on the
fant or on eonetrittion work

138. "The plagery outside the walls should be repaired or
reconstructed. °

fas. A double-gate should be constructed, instead of the single
gute sow giving accom to the yard of the Reformatory: and the
gat thoul be operated By oticers only and not by inmates.

Ge Daly record suds be Lope of cones nomen of nmitd
sor an payed lor ven he varios peso coat
on werk

3%. If possible, a printed catalogue of the books in the library
should be supplied to the inmates.

GENERAL REPORT
‘The census on the day of inspection was 287, divided as follows

First grade

Second grade

‘Third grade

1 see cag were certs 8 Denese veto
parole and the remainder, 142, had been committed for the first time
to the Reformatory and (ransferred from Elmira for other reasons.
No attempt is made to differentiate the two groups, either in the
matter of general treatment or segregation or special
i cial training,

"The cell capacity of the institution is 496. At the time of the lst
inspection the popilation numbered 437. The decrease in popula-
tion has been continuotss, and it was stated at the time of inspection
that with the number of inmates at that time, a large number of
improvements and repairs as well as construction work had to be
Teft undone for lack of working force. The State prisons on the
other hand have a larger number of inmates than their total cell

Inspections 299

capacity. It seems deplorable that while there is comparative con-
gestion in State prisons, the reformatories have an abundance of
vreancies, and are in fact unable to keep up with the institutional
yequirements for lack of inmates, It would seem advisable for the
State to make at least a temporary change in the relations of its
penal institutions so as to utilize the vacancies in the reformatories
for the overflow in State Prisons.

Physical Plant— The installation of toilets, basins and running
water into the cells has progressed to a considerable extent, almost
il the cells on one-half of the south cellblock having been com-
pleted. The low census has made the installation of toilets especially
asy becatise whole tiers of cells can be set aside at a time for the
svork, At least two tiers of cells were entirely vacant, The cell
house, cells, corridors and beds were clean. Whitewash is still being
tised extensively instead of oil paint. This makes it impossible to
tvash the cell walls down with water, For this reason, both cells
dnd corridors often appear to be Tess clean than the amount of work:
expended upon them would seem to justify. ‘The large windows in
the outside wall of the cell houses also fail to receive the proper
mount of cleaning. It was said they are cleaned twice a year. The

ndividval eclls are cleaned by tiermen, one of whom is assigned to
teach tier (in addition to three general tiermen). Mattresses and
pillows in many of the cells were not so clean as they should be
They are not refilled and cleaned with sufficient frequency. Some
of the bed springs are in extremely bad condition. ‘The gasoline
foreh is used for the extermination of vermin,

‘Recently each cellhall has been supplied with automatic sanitary
drinking stands that obviate the necessity of the use of common
cups.

The cellars of the cellhouses are used for miscellaneous storage
purposes (including the storage of potatoes). There, also, are the
fungeons described in previous reports, and considered absotutely
unfit for use.

Tn the kitchen and storerooms there were few flies, despite the
inadequate supply of fly screens on windows and doors, The prin
CGpal pirpose of the installation of wire screens, where they are
faund. is the prevention of the passage of food from those working
in the kitchen and messhall to inmates on the outside, ‘The general
conditions of storage were found satisfactory and the general clean-
liness good. ‘The bake shop equipment did not include an automatic
dough mixer, but it was stated that one was expected in the near

300 Tue Parison Association of New You

future. There are no potato peeling machines, all vegetable peeling
being done by hand. This necessarily involves a material Inve
which could be easily obviated, and which is more expensive than
the installation of a peeling machine,

‘The general sanitary conditions, the order amd cleanliness in
the buildings and within the walls were good. ‘The barns are
Somewhat dilapidated and some parts

rly good condition,
should, however, to be fully satisfactory, have adequate screen
ing for protection from fies, also removable boxes, a generous supply.
of chloride of lime and a supply of sand or dirt to be used as a su
stitute for the water of lush closets. All these precautions are
especially necessary where kitchen, messhall and hospital are not
adequately screened. It would seem advisable to construct reigular
flush toilets with transparent fronts, along the walls enclosing the
prison yard in the same way as such toilets have been constructed in
the House of Refuge on Randalls Island.

General System.— The general system in vogue at the institution
hhas been described in previous reports. There is little systematic
trade training comparable with that of the mother institation, The
only trace of military training is the orderly marching from work
fo messhall; in fact there is no appreciable difference between this
and the State prison, except in the age of its inmates which, by lave,
is restricted to between 10 and 30. As a prison, the sanitary condi
tions and general faimess of the management appeat, from conver-
sations with inmates, to be satisfactory. The inmates seemed
especially glad to be free of the “monitor” system in vogue at
Elmira, Compared with a State Prison, the advantages of this inst
tution consist in the shorter term, the more pliable parole system,
and the absence of pressure for productive industrial employment
On the other hand, restrictions remaining from the Reformatory
discipline impose hardships, some of which are hardly in accordance
with modern penology, as for example the following

Letters may be written fo and received from the nearest relatives
only, and may be written and received only ance every month. Any

received for the inmate over and above the single monthly let.
ter is retained in the office until his discharge, ‘This restrictive sys-
tem has been discredited in modern penotogy.

‘Newspapers are not allowed.

Talking is not allowed at meals

Inspections 300

‘Smoking is not allowed; infractions of this rule are naturally fre-
ent in this as well as ether reformatories. The theoretical advan-
tage of the prohibition of smoking in reformatories as part of a gen:
eral regime of restriction calculated to give the inmate a meatal
shock, has been practically diseredited, and the reason for: this
restriction has become obsolete, at Napanoch as well as at Bimira

Inmates are not allowed open-air recreation om Sundays. They
spend in their cells such time as they are not at services

After locking-up time at 5 o'clock, the slightest sound or conver
sation is prohibited, so that complete silence is in farce for the rest
of the evening. At least the use of musical instruments should be
permitted for a half to one hour every evening. In the dietary also,
certain restrictions, to he referred to later, appear to be unreason
able

‘On Sundays and holidays meals are eaten in the celle instead of
‘in the messhall

‘There is no brass band or any other musical organization,

It is true that in mitigation of the above, the privilege of writing
special letters is fairly generously granted, that certain magazines
are now allowed to be received, and that the general attitude of the
officers towards the inmates seems ta be fair and kind. Neverthe-
less, the removal of most of these restrictions seems justified.

School—The excellent system of the Elmira school of letters
obtains at Napanoch in a general way. At the time of inspection
school sessions had, however, been suspended, principally because
the census was so low that all the time of all the inmates was needed
for labor assignment, [t was stated that school sessions would be
resumed on the rst of September, When the school is in regular
session, with a census nearly normal, there are two daily sessions,
That has been reduced to one session daily, between 3 and 4:40
». at. Tn addition to the session of the “normal class” there are
nine classes altogether, arranged in accordance with the plan worked
out at Elmira,

The library is in a sense a department of the school of letters.
Tt contains now approximately 5,000 volumes and circulates 500 to ,
600 books weekly. There is no catalogue available for the inmates

The only way they may find out about books is from their friends or

y asking the librarian or teacher, It wauld be very helpful to have

by
«8 printed catalogue, to be supplemented regularly when new acces-

sions are made from the special library fund,

302 THE Prison Association or New York

Discipline— The same general system of discipline obtains as a
Elmira. Confinement in cells may be of five kinds, namely:

Being chalked,
Contiitment ii guaed house,
emotion to third grade
Assignaent to" jl
Coatinement in dungcon,

‘The degrees of severity are approximately in the order mentioned,
At the time of inspection, there was one man ~ chalked-in,” three
were in guard house, two in third grade, one in ~ jail,” none in dun
geon, The frst three groups are allowed full meals; those in“ jail”
receive only bread and water. “Chalking-in’” follows minor
offences and entails no extra hardship other than deprivation of
‘opportunities to worl and for outdoor exercise. ‘Those in the guard
house are confined temporarily anti disposition of their cases, but
may look forward to more severe punishment. Neither of these
groups is deprived for any length of time of outdoor exercise and
Not at all of food, Those in “demotion to third grade” spend
{generally not Jess than one month in third grade. They have noth-
ing to do and are allowed only one half hour a day for exercise in
the corridor, not out-of-doors. This amount of fresh air and exer
cise is insufficient and should be increased. Inmates assigned to
“jail” are allowed no cell equipment whatever, and are merely
given a mattress to sleep on at night. This, again, is too stringent.
‘The man confined in “ jail” at the time of inspection stated that he
hhad had five slices of bread since his admission on Monday evening,
that is, more tham 48 hours,

‘The bread and water diet is admittedly imposed on inmates in
“jail” If the quantity also is restricted as stated by the prisoner
then a change is advisable so that at least the amount shall be suff
cient. The inmate in question was sent to “jail” for attempting
agitation.“ Jail” inmates are not allowed any exercise at all

Tt was stated that the dungeon in the cellar of the cell house is
used only in extreme cases, in order ta obtain absolute solitary eon
finement. It is necessary for an institution and beneficial for inmates
sometimes to be so confined in solitary confinement, but only on con

ition that the place of confinement is satisfactory in sanitary
respects, ‘The dungeons are damp, dark, and ill-ventilated
should under no circumstances be used, A small building contain
ing solitary cells should be constructed somewhere in the farther
comer of the enclosure, Such a building will not only remove the

Inspections 303

plysical danger from the inmate bat also make possible more
extended solitary confinement under supervision which now is im-
wossible because of the destructive conditions in the dungeon,
During the six months between January 1st, 1916 and June 30,
1916 there were 25 men confined in “jail” of whom 5 were con:
fined twice. ‘The average stay was 2/4 days, though in some cases
there were 3 days, in one case 5 days, and in another case 7 days of
Confinement, The list of admissions has been placed on file.

Medical Care — The resident physician is Dr. Walter N. Thayer,
Jr. He lives within a mile of the institution and visits daily. The
hospital is situated in the administration building between the two
call wings. Te consists of several smail wards, the largest contain-
ing 7 and § beds respectively. There is & physician's office, operat-
ing room, drug room, bath, a tuberculosis ward with 3 beds, a dining

with special table for tubercular patients, and a diet kitchen,
in addition, certain cells ave set aside for tubercular patients, not-
ably the last 6 cells on the second tier of the south prison. All parts
ff the hospital were found clean, except a few corners in the diet
itchen which were only fair. The supply of fy screens on windows
in the hospital was insufficient. There is no civilian nurse or officer,
although the need for such an officer is patent. The physician has
charge of the general medical service of the institution. He receives,
a summary of important facts regarding the inmates from Elmira
tthe time of the transfer. A brief examination is made by him to
check tp the information thus received. Special attention is paid
(o the tubercular and syphilitic. At the time of inspection, there
were 22 men on the tubercular list, 3 of them in the hospital, 6 in
the special cells and the rest distributed in the population. Eleven
inmates were on the mile list, that is, received special mille rations
from the hospital, although not assigned to the general hospital;
these patients do not, however, receive eggs. The syphilitic fist
under observation carried 10 names. The total hospital population
vas 12, There is an “invalid company,” consisting of those tem:
porarily needing rest. The general care of patients in hospital and
under medical supervision seemed very good. The physician occa
sionally sees the food and kitchen. Hie visits more or less regularly
the inmates confined to “ jail,” but makes no record of such visits
It is recommended that a daily statement in writing be made by the
hysician of his visits and findings, as to men under discipline
Under the general supervision of the physician the cells of dis
charged inmates are disinfected upon each discharge. Clinies are

304 Tur Prison Association or New York

held every morning, and a record of treatment is entered on indi
vidual cards, The physician does not exercise continuous supervision
or control over the general feeding of the population as a whole
Such supervision would be useful and is recommended, Hospits
patients are weighed every week and their weight recorded. At the
time of inspection, the institution was quarantined against visits
because of the infantile paralysis epidemic, There were numerous
cases of the disease in the neighborhood, especially in the boarding
houses from which visitors are usually admitted, Such shorteomings

as are found in the medical department are in no way attributable to
neglect on the part of the physician, who appears to be very able
and conscientious and thoroughly interested in his work

Food.—The general cleanliness in the preparation of food wa
good. Inmates assigned for work in the kitchen or messhall receive
4 special medical examination before stich assignment. The inspec:
tor could not find any standards for individual rations for the vari
ous items of food. ‘The quantities were estimated in bull and not
on the basis of individual requirements. It was stated that the gen-
cral dietary is under the inspection and receives the approval of the
dietitian of the State Fiscal Supervisor of Charities. The diet does
not include sugar in coffee or tea, or butter at any time. All meals
fon week days have been taken in the messhalls, including the even-
ing meal, since March of this year. At the time of inspection agate
ware dishes were used in the messhalls. It was stated that they do
not use crockery, “sinee the riot last December.” Sunday and holiday
meals, however, are, as has been indicated, taken in the cells. Sup:
pers on those days consist of bread and the remnants retained by
inmates from their midday meats, No waste accounting system
obtains. ‘The system of making detailed statement of the day’s till
of fare with amounts and quality, priricipally for the records of the
Superintendent, does not obtain." Apparently the only record to be
hhad is in the journal kept by the keeper in charge of the kitchen. It
is recommended that such a system be introduced, It was stated
that generally there is stew twice a week; hash three times a week
roast beef ance a week, and fish once a week, Cereals are given i
the mornings, four times weekly, boiled in milk, About 30 quarts
‘of milk ate used for 300 inmates. On the first day of inspection.
the noonday meal consisted of stew and bread,

waste was left on the tables. The evening meal consisted of string
beans, approximately half a cup each, and cold coffee, The coffee
was mot good. The bread was badly baked and too heavy even for

‘A great deal of

Inspections 305

persons of good digestion. Tt was stated that the quality of the
bread was dite to the fact that the inmate baker had been discharged
to parole the previous day. On the second day of inspection, dinner
consisted of meat soup with plenty of vegetables, boiled potatoes
wvith gravy and bread, Supper was to be of fish cakes which were
seen in preparation and appeared very good. The bill of fare for
the week preceding and including the first day of inspection was,
according to the records of the kitchen keeper, as follows
aioay, Jou 14, 1036
Rreakfost: Corned beef hash, bread and
"For the population of 529 on that day 28 pounds of canned

Corned beet 314 bushels of potatoes and some 90 pounds of

Sock were recorded to have been used.
Dinner: -Macaront soup, cream sauce, potatoes and bread
Supyet: Codi eakes with tomato sauce

Sarvapay, Jour 15
mikfast: Boiled rice, bread and coffee. (Approximately 3g pounds of

Sanger a, ead and coffe. (This day's ill of fare doce not
Seem 0 be well balanced.)

Soxoay, Jour 16

Bceakfast: Baked cored beef hash, bread and coffee.

Dinsets Rice pudding, vanilla ssuce, molasses cake, bread and coffes.

Supger: Bread, (The system of Sunday meals has been criticized in ge
(ral arrangement and method of serve)

Monoay, Jory 17
Rreakfast: Boiled sice, bread and coffer.
Dinner: Hamburger steak, potatoes, vegetable soup
Supper Bread puting, bread and coffee
Torsnay, Jour 8
Hominy, mi, coffee (Approximately 99 pounds of hominy, 24
‘aware of mille).
Dinner: Mutton. sew with ‘vegetables, bread
Imation for 325 of population)
Sepper: Vegetable consomme, bread and coffe.

Breakfas

(Sinty-three pounds of

Wroxrsoay, JULY 19
Corned beef hash, bread snd cote
Suericrast, pore with gravy, potatoes and bread.
Supper: Prunes, bread and coffee
‘The general fault in most penal institutions of serving too unsub-
stantial evening meals is found in the above.

306 Tue Prison Association or New York

Labor — Almost the full period of 8 hours is spent at work in ths
institution. Especially because of the tremendous amount of con
struction work, the Reformatory is able to supply its inmates m
‘opportanity of really worth-while labor than most of the institution
in the State. In addition to the domestic and upkeep work, there
was at the time of inspection considerable grading to be done in the
yard. The new hospital was being erected and considerable stone
crushing was being done. Some farm work, much highway con
struction and repair, as well as necessary repair work on the reser
voir, had to be abandoned because of lack of working force. This
does not mean of course that the highest efficiency is obtained from
the labor of inmates, for the Tack of compensation and the conse
quent lack of high standards of quantity of work and the lack of
sufficient records in that respect prechide the possibility of getting
100 per cent. out of each man. In many gangs, inmates divide them
selves into two shifts, and “work half” and “rest half.” The
domestic and maintenance groups are of course over-manned,
because there is no incentive for the men to do their utmost, Of the
287 inmates at the institution on the days of inspection, Tos were
engaged in outdoor work, including grading, construction of new
hospital, general yard work, farm, construction of bath houses and
laundry, and fawn, Trade work in connection with the construction
work a$ well as with maintenance such as plumbing, painting,
machine shop, etc., requires 52:77 men were detailed to maintenance
work and 41 were unclassified, probably equally distributed between
maintenance and definite work, ‘There is much work that can be
done at the institution with more inmates and still more could b
done if compensation were allowed. Men go to their cells at 12:25
after dinner, and stay until 1». a They

on weekdays, march to messhall, take their supper and retire to theie
cells at §:15. Formerly, that is up to March of this year, they
would go straight from work to their cells and have the evening meal
in the cells. After lockup, absolute silence prevails under penatty of
severest punishment, mostly demotion to lower grade. Inside
workers, that is, those who work in the cells and messhalls, are
allowed one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon before
‘meals in the yard. Daily baths are allowed only to those working on
coal and freight gangs, not ta farmers and those engaged in constric
tion work. Much of the work done by the Reformatory, and prin
cipally by inmate labor, will stand as a monument to the inmates
and the administration. Among other things, the splendid reservoir
on the hills back of the institution will emphasize the possibility of

IxsPEctIONS 307

: oie
sonar Tt lw et a a sing mh

fonon, Considerable damage was done at the time, but much has

Treaty been repre : —_
See the ououses, suc asthe piggery, ae not im gool eon
Sed should be seplaced by new buldings..‘The gates in the
Gian a Sneetewion operated or the admfsion of tracks and
tao dhald te reconaraced of the doolegate ol and should
arene by aicers only, not by inmates as at present. Tt is
+e neat tha this improvernent be undertaken’ at the earliest pos
tapers Xs tothe bor performed a the insitton, ii recom
ae Giat daly record be svade and tized in the calculation
nt eatrucion, and that i be placed on record for any other
oF cot at angi emake the information desirable,  Adtonal
turrets Been purchased daring the past Year ad negotiations

‘BZ fot for the parehase of sill more

Employees —The employees of the institution, in addition to the
Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, are the following
2 resent chaptains
1 non-resident chapiai.
1 couch

oy 1 captain of the guard.

say keepers; of these 6 are on night duty
1 chief guard in general

ia cage charge.

2 in north hal
2 im cont bal
Tin hospital,

The day staff of keepers is divided as follows

+ south hal

4 north hall

1 hospital

2 Kitchen and mesthal

awards on post

2 hath and Taunde.

1 trade school

2 farim (one of these on
pote duty with gun).

1 awa,

{ howptal construction

2 grading.

1 elle for those on

308, Tae Prison Assoctanion or New Yori

The howrs of the keepers are from 7 A. a to 12:15 7. 3, and
from 4:15 to 5:45 r. a. ‘The hall keepers" hours are as follows
three, from 12 noon to 12 e, x, and three, from 12 P. a. (midnight)
to r2 noon. The day men have Sunday afternoons anid one Sundae
per month off. Night men are off Sundays at $7. a.

Chief guards alternate 9 hours a day.

NEW YORK STATE REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN, BED.
FORD HILLS
Inspecten ay Pate Keene, Mav 31 ano June 2, 1936
Superintendent, Miss Mary Rebecca Moore*
RECOMMENDATIONS

2. The analysis contained in the Prison Association report for
1915 of the figures given in the annual report of the refarmatory
as to the nature of the women committed to Bedford, seems ¢0
leave no room for doubt that the Reformatory at Bedford has
departed considerably from its original purpose of giving the
highest grade of educational and industrial training to thove
offenders who are most hopeful, that is, most likely to be perman-
ently reformed as the result of their stay at the reformatory
Very valuable findings of the Laboratory of Social Hygiene,
‘operating in conjunction with the reformatory, emphasized the
same point. It may be said, therefore, that the Bedford Reforma.
tory as a specialized institution serves a population little different
‘on the whole from that of the workhouse or penitentiary, At each
of ‘the State institutions, namely, Bedford, Albion, Hudson,
Valatic and Auburn, there may be found women representing the
whole gamut of types from the most reformable to the most
hopeless. The above conclusions are now generally recognized.
‘The time is ripe, therefore, for recasting the entire system of the
care of women offenders in the State institutions, The problem
should be unified; the laws relating to the various institutions
gradually modified, an elaborate and flexible system of transfer
established, and the Laboratory of Social Hygiene should be
utilized as a clearing house for the examination and distribution

Resigned since this inspection. Saperiatendent at present, Miss Helen A.
bt,

Insrectioxs 309

of all women sent to the above mentioned State institutions.
Some one institution or part of one of the institutions, should be
devoted entirely to the defective delinquents until such time as
‘a new and separate institution for such women may be estab-
lished for the permanent custodial care of that type.

2, Scientific data obtained by the laboratory should be supple-
mented and verified by data gained through the experience of
matrons in the cottages and the parole officers exercising super-
vision over the women after their discharge from the instithtion.
In general, the activities of the Bureau of Social Hygiene, and of
the institution proper should be better harmonized, for the profit
of both,

3. The utilization of the group of four cottages as a separate
unit for the best element of the instiution, to be segregated from
the other inmates, should be planned for at the earliest possible
time,

4 Vacant buildings are a financial and institutional loss.
Appropriations should be made for the equipment of all new cot
tages and for their prompt utilization.

5. The vacillating policy as to the disposition of Rebecca Hall
should be abandoned, definite plans formulated for the best dis-
position thereof, and such plans should be executed as soon as
possible after the occupation of the new group of cottages on the
bil

6. “All buildings should be abundantly supplied with fy
screens. This is especially necessary in the case of the hospital,
the farm building and, possibly, certain parts of the sewage dis-
posal plant,

7. {All buildings should be supplied with unobtrusive wide-
‘meshed screens, to remove the temptation of easy escape.

8. The cottage should be made more homelike by a plentiful
supply of window-boxes and other similar decoration. This
should not be left entirely to the initiative of the matrons in
charge of the cottages, but should be accepted as a general policy
of the institution.

9. All rooms in the cottages should receive a coat of oil paint.
‘The present plaster surface is very unsatisfactory.

‘According to information obtained at the writing of this report, all the
buildings have been a0 supplied with Ay screens

‘Similarly, such widemeshed screens have been supplied om all but the
‘wserent windows. “The latter, also, are to be supplied a5 soon as possible.

310 Te Prison Association of New York

v0, *A bath should be installed inthe daciplinary building; i
neceaary, by the utilisation of one ofits ells for that purpose.

Tr A nursery yar, with canopies to protec chilgren rom
sun and bad weather, should be attached tothe nursery cottage,
as suggested by the administration. ”

{a fThe electric rotary drier inthe laundsy should be supplied
with a guard to prevent serious accidents. -

1g. §The plumbing in the old cottages should be thoroughly
coverhinled, Matrong in charge of sch cottages were unanimous
35 fo the very poor condition of thelr plumbing.

‘4 fin the farm building a water Hester ehould be supplied,
the cellar should be drained, and provided with concrete Root.
‘The necessary protection should be given from frequent flooding
of the cellar, and nich other minor repaire should Be carried out
as are, in th opinion ofthe administration, neceasary to male the
Diulding sanitary and habitable,

GENERAL REPORT

The census on May 31st was 38, consisting of 358 women inmates
regularly committed, and 31 children. The census in detail was as
follows:

Btisabeth Fry Hall
rf

Rage

Sanford Cottage =
Lowell Cottage
Tarner Cottage »
Roberton Cottage
‘Condin Cottage 9

ete with the water gem or wth te watr-beting sparen

A tarae tn, go fet tune covering good bara oon fas ben installed

{iC dnt by the Domed of Managers to abel the preset Sandy
obviate the condition criticized. sab i
inte and sew foes

According to Ite information, i intended to dicontnue the ose of
tie olidng!fortmaen, and’ pony to change Iino © Bowe for
cooley

Inspections

Morrie Cottene
Crameell Cottage

(Bita Cottage 25 women, 27 cildeen

bospitl, 8 women, 4 children...

Dicpline Barling

Reberes Hall

‘Three principal factors determine the situation at the Reforma-
tory. First, the nature of inmates committed as provided by law;
secondly, the administration of the institution, including the general
System in vogue as affected by administrative methods and the
falibre of the administrative authorities; thirdly, the physical and
Siuitary conditions of the plant and its availability. Tt was pointed
tast in the last inspection report of this Association, that the laws
tinder which commitments may be made to the Reformatory allow
Such leeway, that practically indiscriminate and undifferentiated
‘groups of women are actually committed to the institution. Statis-
fics were quoted in stipport of this statement. The previous histories
and the ages of the women committed, and the high percentage of
mentally inferior or neuratic cases, preclude the possibilities of fur~
her entertaining the idea that the group constituting the bulk of
the Reformatory population is amenable to the reformatory
influences provided in the routine of the institution, Exactly one-
half of the commitments during the fiseal year ending September
40, 1915, were above 20 years of age. There is an almost universal
previous history of extenided immorality in all eases, and the previ-
tis institutional history of inmates committed is very heavy

‘Despite the nature of the population as indicated, the general sys-
tem for the reformation of inmates is based on the assumption of
selormability and of the importance of educational and industrial
training for the general population. Evidently, this incongruity
must seriously affect the extent to which the general system is
‘carried out and the nature of the diseipfine.

‘This aspect of the institation is so important and so seriously ham-
pers a clear understanding of why this reformatory institution has
fo heavy a distiplinaty problem, and seems to show so stall a:per-
entage of reforms, that it ought to be given the most serious‘eon-
Sieration with a view to a fundamental recasting both of the law
governing the institution and of the qualifications for the admission
Of inmates, and consequently the general system of the institutiox.

(the reciprocal relation between physical plant and administration
has at the time of the present inspection appeared to be compara
tively unimportant. The general character of the sanitary conditions

312 Tue Prison Association or New York

and of the equipment of the institution was very much better than
two years ago, and considerably better than at the time of the last

inspection in September, 1915. ‘The matter of congestion is practic
ally no longer a factor, and the season of the year is favorable to
conditions of sanitation and comfort.

Physical Plant— All parts of the institution were visited; in a
number of cases the cellars as well as garrets were inspected. A.
considerable amount of painting has been done since the last inspee:
tion. ‘This has been one of the most important improvements in the
appearance and general condition of the cottages. Some cottages
have been favored in this respect more than others. Tuer Cottage
was badly in need of paint. New ranges have been installed in all
the old cottages. Matrons stated that they were fully satisfied with
the workings of the new equipment. The disciplinary building has
not been changed in any respect, except that at the time of inspection
it was being painted. The principal difficulties with that buildin,
have, however, been not the absence of paint but the poor ventilation,
absence of running hot water, of toilet facilities or bathing facil
ties, Even before the recommendations of the administrative
authorities for the building of a new disciplinary department, with
1 capacity for 50 inmates (a recommendation which in that form
is not approved by this Association for reasons indicated elsewhere
in this report) are given consideration, the present quarters ought
to be improved by the addition of a room to contain bathing and
toilet facilities with running hot water, and by the installation of
flues and an electric fan to supply forced air for the ventilation of
the separate rooms. To the knowledge of the inspector, the excet
tive authorities of the Reformatory have been cognizant of the yery
poor ventilation of the rooms in the disciplinary building for the last
four years at least. No very determined effort seems to have been
made during that time for the improvement of conditions. The com:
dition of the buckets in the disciplinary cells and the supply of toilet
paper were satisfactory. All parts of the building were clean.
‘There was no uniformity in the matter of ventilating registers io the
individual cells. The room used for storage was clean and in good
order. It seemed to the inspector that part of that room could be
spared, if no other means were found, for the installation of a
shower room,

Tn the laundry building, the electric rotary dryer was not protected
against accidents to inmates. Such accidents have occurred in a
‘number of institutions, and to a slight extent at this institation. All

Inspzcrions 313

th machines in other institutions of the State are now equipped
swith guards, and such guards should be supplied inthis case as well

“The new hospital was im use. There were eight omen and four
children, ‘There were no contagious diseases in the quarantine
flepartiment of the hospital, ‘There are no fy xereens* im the hose
Tital; of all the buildings one of the most important to be 50 pro-
tected. A supply of rockers and of books was stored in the garret
of the hospital

Grifin Cottage, the ew nursery, a4 well a all the new cottages
on the campus have been supplied with fy screens. None of the
Gd cottages have, however, been supplied, According to the present
Standards of sanitation, the lack of a full supply of fly screens most
te condemned. Griffin Cottage is generously supplied with flower
pots. ‘The walls are not painted in any of the new cottages, ‘There
Inno good reason for this, as the Buildings were erected a stficienty
long time ago for the walls to have dried thoroughly. It 3 to be
hoped that the custom of leaving the interior swals unpainted for
years, found hitherto to be the ense i not to be perpetuated

There was no canopy or awning for the protection of children
against the sun during the time they spend in the yard, Several
makeshift arrangements of a primitive nature were resorted to by
fome of the women, to obtain sich protection for their ehildren

Tn Cowdin Cottage, the kitchen and some of the rooms have
recently been painted. Some of the plaster in the laundry of this
Cottage isin poor condition,

In Robertson Cottage some paint has been applied, but by no
means to all the rooms

The new Statt Honse, formerly used for the honor girs, has heen
most completed for the use ofthe staf.

Mortis Cottage was attractively decorated with flowers, a8 com:
pared with the other cottages of the institution

Huntington Cottage was especially clean

Very few insects were found in any of the cottages, and the con
dition of cleafiness in al of them was on the whole quite satisfac-
tory. In one or two, the standards were not comparable with the
best cottages but fil! clean

Tn Rebecca Hall the physical conditions were found the same as
at the time of last inspection. The cleanliness was satisfactory, bot
the condition of the floors and cell walls is exceedingly bad, ‘The
Concrete floors are so baly battered wp that they mut, despite their

Ply sereens have, at the present writing, bean installed,
3

314 Tae Prisow Association or New Yor

apparent cleanliness, be very favorable for the accumulation of
germs, Some af the interior walls of the building have been painted
within the last year, but many of the walls still need paint, and the
cell walls have apparently never been painted since the erection of
the building some twenty years ago. In many places the plaster is
in very bad condition. On same floors, many window panes were
out. Officers of the institution stated that they had been broken by
the inmates. The kitchen has been painted recently, The condition
of the attie was bad There were, in additién to the natural accum-
ulations of dust, piles of paper and rubbish

Tn Sanford Cottage a good deal of painting has been done and
more painting is contemplated in the near future,

Tn Lowell Cottage, the plaster had fallen down in a large area of
the ceiling in the recreation room, The dining room and pantry of
this cottage have been painted. Similar accidents to the ceilings
hhave occurred in several cottages, among them Gibbons and Hunt-
ington Cottages. In practically all the old cottages on the campus,
the pipes under the washtubs were leaking and the plumbing in zen
eral was in poor condition. As a result, the kitehen floors are often
damp and the increase of insects is favored. Probably nothing
short of a thorough overhauling of all the plumbing work in the old
buildings will correct this situation. Fly sereens should be attached
to all windows and doors in every cottage in the institution.

‘The cottages constituting the new group at some distance from:
the main group of buildings are built largely on the plan of the
largest cottages in the upper campus. Fly sereens are supplied
throughout these cottages. A heating plant has been installed in the
basement of one of these, to supply all four buildings. None oi
these buildings is as yet in use, but the superintendent stated that
appropriations have been granted for furnishing them. One thous
and dollars has been granted for work on building a road to this
froup of buildings. ‘The old farm building previously used for the
feeble minded group is no Tonger a part of the institution. These
girls are now in one of the cottages in the upper campus,

‘In the farm building near the barns, the physical conditions in
many respects are very unsatisfactory and from a sanitary stand:
point dangerous. A very large number of ilies were found in the
pantry and kitchen of the farmhouse. The floor of the cellar was
in very bad condition, and accumulations of stagnant water were
Found in several places. Tt was stated that it was impossible to pre
vent the partial flooding of the cellars in the wet times, and that there
was no drain to lead off the water. There is no hot water heater for

Inspections, 315

this cottagé, so that only the amount of hot water obtainable from
the stove is available for bathing purposes. It was also stated that
the odor from the sewage disposal plant is often a very serious mat-
ter at this Cottage, and while the odor in itself is not dangerous to
iiealth, it is certainty destructive to comfort. Some remedy should
he fouind for this condition, or the farm house should be abandoned

ils present use, Girls in this building sleep in dormitories. A
ppanishment room is provided on one oor and was found sinoce
pied at the time of inspection, and in a clean condition.

In the Elizabeth Fry Hall fly screens and new meshes have been
supplied for the protection of the windows, ‘The method of fasten
ing the wire mesh is, however, faulty and should be changed if
escapes are to he prevented

The new sewage disposal plant has been in use since about
lanuary 1, 1916. It is being frequently inspected by State and New
York City awthorities and is apparently found satisfactory. It would
seem nevertheless that open parts of the system which are accessi-
bie to fies shotld be screened, because it is almost certain that the

+ hetween this part and the farmhouse,
c Hospital is under construction, but not yet com-
Provisions are being made for tub baths and large sun
wards, also for a puis (Apparently no room for
ment by electricity or hydro-therapy is being provided),

‘There is no congestion at the institution at present. The condi-

tions of cleanliness, sanitation and physical care of inmates seem
satisfactory. Food was found good in a number of cottages, where
it was carefully examined. The q Iso seemed sufficient. A
small amount of butter is given twice daily. Complaint about food
was received from one girl working in Rebecea Hall. The complaint
was principally against variety and in part against the preparation,
if the food. It was stated by the officers that the foad at Rebecea
Hall is admittedly inferfor to that in other cottages, principally
because the large number of inmates for whom food must be pre-
pared makes it dificult to prepare it the same way as in cases where
a smaller number are to be taken care of, and because the same lee-
‘ay is not given to girls in that building as to inmates of the cot-
tages. The matron in charge of the cooking in Rebecca Hall stated
that the gil who made the complaint was habitnally dissatisfied
with everything, and was retained in Rehecca Hall because she could
not get along in any other cottage.

“Tanks only are meant, not the gravel beds:

316 Tue Prisox Association ov New York

Food.—The fact that each cottage represents @ unit of admin-
stration, means that certain conditions vary in the severa! cottages.
is applies not only in the matter of cleanliness, order and general
tome, but also to the kind and palatability of the food served
tain cottages are preferred by the girls, principally because of the
superiority of the preparation of the food. It is not required that
any standard rations be observed in the cottages. The food is deliv
ered in bull, and it is left to the judgment of the matron to make
the best use of it, No instrctions ate given to the matrons as to
the proper per capita allowance of each item of provisions. A cer
tain amount of uniformity will probably be gradually introduced, by
means of a system of traveling coolking teachers, The cooking
teachers alternate in instruction in the cooking room and services in
the cottages, s0 that each cottage receives the benefit of a whole
day's instruction on the premises by one of the cooking teachers at
fairly regular intervals,

‘Wasserman teste are now made of all new admissions, ‘The blood
specimens are taken by the doctor during the initial examination and
sent to the State Department of Health for examination,

The system of records is still very poor, both in form and com
prehensiveness; so, for example, it is impossible to find at any one
place cither the full disciplinary record of ar inmate or the total dis
ciplinary situation at anytime. Only the daily census tells, in a very
superficial way, the number of eases of discipline and kind of treat
‘ment imposed. A change in the system of records is now said to be
under way.

A volunteer worker was found relieving ia the Morris Cottage
(the honor cottage). She is not on the payroll and gives her services
entirely as a matter of good will

Miss Dawley has taken the place of Miss Robinson, sociologist of
the Bureau of Social Hygiene.

‘Woren are allowed to play in the open on the campus after 4:30,
‘except during the short period occupied at supper time. They stay
‘ont sntil dark,

Congestion, and use of plant— As a result of the very serious com
gestion at the Reformatory four years ago, appropriations were
‘granted for the construction of seven new cottages and a new hospi
tal, It was understood that when these additional accommodations
‘were made available, Rebecea Hall would be dispensed with for its
present uses. ‘The average population for 1916 has been 386, includ:

Iysrscrioxs 317

ing 25 to-30 children. In other words, the condition of congestion
has disappeared, Tn the meanwhile, all the cottages lave been built
and some of them furnished. Four cottages are at this time entirely
tunased. Rebecca Hall is the worst feature of the institution, and
its farther use has been declared harmful both by the administration
land by inspectors, That Rebecca Hall is nevertheless still in use
and four of the new cottages still vacant, seems poor policy. That
ho appropriations have been made to furnish the mew cottages may
he an excuse, but it is nevertheless hardly pardonable to have
allowed an investment of some $10,000 to Iie idle and to allow coa-
ditions in Rebecea Hall to continue for the lack of the comparatively
small amount needed to farnish the new cottages. It appears that
the chief fault has been the expenditure of disproportionately large
amounts in the building of cottages at an inaccessible point, for to
he cost Of construction must be added the increase {rom excessive
cost of transportation. The money which should have been used for
furnishing the cottages appears thus to have been spent unnecessarily
for expensive construction work, ‘The location of the group of four
cottages seems to have been injudiciously chosen, and with disregard
of the very high cost of heating and administration. While it is too
late to change this condition, these facts should for the sake of the
future aot be omitted

The inspector's impression was very definite that the administra~
ion is not anxious to utilize this new group of buildings, and is not
making all reasonable effort to put them to ase,

Discipline — Uk appears from the censtis that the total popatlation
of Rebecca Hall and disciplinary building is 68, or 19 per cent. of
the total adult popsilation. On the face of it, such a percentage of
disciplinary cases is extraordinary from the standpoint of the nor-
mal penal institution, It is true that all girls in Rebecca Hall are
not outright disciplinary cases but they are all practically so, Tt is
very evident that otler factors than the normal amount of disciplin-
ary infraction to be expected in any normal penal institution are
‘cooperating to make for such a high percentage of assignment for
disciplinary treatment, Among these factors the following seem
important: First, the imposition of a striet routine, based on the

rmption of a high degree of corrigiblity, and resented by a
very large number of jamates who can see in this strict routine noth-
ing but repression, The natural accessories of such repression as
are to be found in the prisons with cells on a frank peaal basis are
absent, and resistance on the part of the girls comparatively easy.
Secondly, the presence of a considerable number of insane persons

318 Taz Parson Association or New York

‘among the inmates. At least two of the nine inmates in the disciplin
‘ary building and one inmate in Rebecca Hall aze admitted to be
insane by the administration and a larger umber, probably, can be
found, ‘Thirdly, the presence of a very considerable number of
neurotic inmates not amenable to the ordinary methods of discipline
Fourthly, the lack of facilities for the treatment and segregation 0
the distinct groups of difficult inmates who are now all treated alike
as disciplinary cates, whether insane, hysterical, neurotic, homo.
sexually inclined, seriously recalcitrant inmates or comparatively
light offenders against rules. Tt is almost impossible to expeet good
discipline in an institution where an irresponsible insane person, 4
vicious, immoral character and a confirmed malingerer are treated
alike,

The situation is aggravated by the very evident internal lack of
harmony among the administrative officers and by the lack of coop.
‘ration or the best utilization of their services, A number of officers
spoke about the bad condition of discipline and that the inmates had

ody except possibly the immediate physical fear of

Is for the stronger matrons. In the course of the
inspector's visit to various parts of the institution in company with
administrative officers of the institution, many inmates passed
defiant and provocative remarks and made no attempt to conceal
their lack of fear or respect for the officers and implicitly for the
administration. Several officers seemed to be hopeless as to the out:
‘come of the loose diseipline obtaining. Silence period between 1:30
and 4:30 was especially noticeable in Rebecca Hall, for even the
officers walk on tiptoe 50 as to emphasize the importance of complete
silence. Some girls do not hesitate however, to talle out and pass
remarks apparently without fear of punishment.*

‘The disciplinary building wae full to capacity at the time of inspec
tion, and several times the assistant superintendent accompanying
the inspector was summoned to tule eare of trouble in the cottages

The recommendation of the administration to build a new disci.
linary building for 50 inmates is based on the continued lack of
appreciation of the fact that all inmates now undergoing disciplinary
treatment are not cases properly subject to discipline, and that there
fore the method of discipline is not bettered in supplying larger
accommodations but by classification, segregation and. differential
treatment. One group at Jeast could certainly be disposed of by

"Iti stated thas much of this lack of harmony and the resulting conditions

hhave disappeared in recent unontha and that, therefore, « marked improve
ment in the general tone of the institution isto be expected.

Ivsrecrions 319

assignment simply to a disciplinary cottage, that is, an ordinary cot-
tage with harder work, less privileges and fewer comforts. Another
group could be taken care of in the new Psychiatrie Hospital; a
third, by transfer to an institution for feebleminded or institutions
for the insane. Only a comparatively small group would require
real rigid discipline. During the current calendar year there have
been 11 transfers to various hospitals, of which 3 were to Matteawan
and 4 to the Custodial Asylum at Rome.

‘A good deal of internal frietion within the staff was evident, and
received special emphasis from the fact that within the last two and
‘a half years of the incumbency of the present superintendent some
half a dozen changes in the position of assistant superintendent have
taken place. There are two assistant superintendents allowed for
the institution, On the second day of inspection, the assistant super-
intendent (the other position of assistant superintendent was vacant
so there was only one on duty) was relieving the matron in the
Tasndzy. It seems an sinveasonable use of the assistant superin-

ie, especially in view of the shortage of the staff and of
the partial absence at the time of the superintendent, Moreover, the
jaundty is a particularly dificult post and should, therefore, not be
covered at any time by one whose energies are so much in demand!
as those of the assistant superintendent

‘The superintendent stated that appropriations have been received
for furnishing the new buildings, for an auto runabout for the use
of the superintendent, for a horse and buggy for the use of the
farm instructor, for a chicken incubator and for the construction of
part of the road leading to the nev set of buildings.

Chicken industry has been begun with some 450 odd chickens to
begin with, Tt is hoped that through this branch, the general stand-
ard of feeding will be improved,

The herd of tuberenlar re-actors has been disposed of so that now
only healthy cows are kept; a new pig industry is also being
established,

WESTERN HOUSE OF REFUGE, ALBIO?

Insrecrep June 26, 1916, ey E.R. Cass

‘The newly appointed superintendent is Mzs. Flora P. Daniels.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The reception cottage presents a serious fire danger. Fire-
proof stairways should be installed, and also some means of cen-

320 Tue Parison Assoctation of New Yor

tral lock control. The use of the locks could pethaps be dis-
Pensed with if an“ annunciator system ” were substituted, which
‘would record the opening of the doors in some central part of the
corridor on the main floor. With a system of this kind in vogue,

Precautions must be taken to make the windows in the conieone

and the doors throughout the building proof against escape,

A different style of door should be substituted for the iron
barred doors in the reception cottage. A solid wooden door with
an opening about 4 inches by 7 inches near the top is preferable
‘The opening should be filled in with a heavy clear glass,

3. ‘The population of the institution should be kept av near as
Possible to the certified capacity.

4 Mental and physical tests should be made of all inmates.
Special efforts should be made to detect cases of syphilis and
gonorrhea, and for such cases treatment and segregation should
be provided.

5A more comprehensive and definite record of the parole
work of the institution should be available in the Superintendent's
office.

6. The schoo! vacation should not exceed more than two weeks
in the period intervening between July and September,

7. The babies and mothers in the Armstrong Cottage should
be subjected to careful physical examination and the babies,
especially, segregated if necessary.

8 The grounds in the vicinity of the sewage disposal plant
should be brought up to the standard of the other parts of the
institution,

‘9. Girls under discipline in their rooms or in the reception cot-
tage should receive opportunity for exercise daily in the open, it
their confinement is to exceed twenty-four hours,

20, The silence periods during the day should be eliminated as
much as possible, especially for girls who are physically able to
work. Idleness is a detriment to the work of the institution,

31, The. population should be reassigned and classified om the
basis of mental tests, together with what other
available,

GENERAL REPORT

Total population 212

This is slightly below the certified capacity of the institution, At
the time of previous inspection the popitlation was far im excess of
the certified capacity. ‘This has been the case for many years, and

Inspections

in May, 1915, the superintendent was authorized by the Board of
Managers to notify the caurts that the institution could not at that
time receive new girls. Tt was also suggested to the courts that a
vwaiting fist be established and as vacancies occtirred in the instita-
tion prospective inmates would be taken fom the ist in the regular
cider of their commitment. As a result of this the sumber of new
girls ducing the year 1915 was Timited to 115. Even. with this
Timited number of new inmates, it was necessary injudiciously to
parte larger number of girls, In the anmal reports of the insti=
tution, and in inspection reports, the congestion in the istication has
been pointed out, However, no provision has been made to accom
modate more than 215 inmates, It is a question whether it would
be wise to increase the facilities for taking cate of more than the
present normal capacity. With a greatly increased number of
Inmates, there is a possiblity of breaking down the chances for the
lial persoual touch betiveen officials and inmates. This events~
Jeads t0 an institution for custodial care only.

tion Cottage — Unfortunately this cottage is frequently
seforrol to ty HC dnd ican of “Te oluge” A sre fe
ting name would be the * Reception Coltsge” The population in
this cottage wos 42. Three of the gile were under quareatine and
four under dacplive, Our previous reports have emphasized that
this cottage isan old sructure and decidedly unsafe nthe event of
fre. “The plan and contrition of the building fs notin keeping
with the cottage principle of the insitution, The girs are kept in
Scparate rooms, arranged in rows on each side of the building, Tt
i euned hat each gl shal Sve spre oy, Bt ay
cach gi is kepe in a soperate cell, inomtach ag the doors are of
esl bere The ony otcoeie por Of Gis ours oe ey tok
ished braceloci attachment. Not only is this arrangement amet
istactory for new gil, but also forthe large numberof irs who
irust be kept inthis cottage becanee there are not suficient accom.
Inodations in the other cottages, For instance, with a population of
{all but 7 might have been eligible for assignment fo one of the
schages if sufficient room were available. The tstitition fs sip-
posed to be of a veformatory character, and yet in this particular
Cottage, the irom barred door atraigement is a mockery on the
individvel room plan, and gives the feeling of @ prison. Girls are
‘kept inthis cotage for from § months to wo years

‘Gn the frst for of the " Reception Cottage” south wing, there
are two disipinary eels transformable into inky Back dark ells,

‘Tue Parson Assoctarion oF New York

because of the solid door on the front and also the solid shutter
arrangement on the window in the rear of each. When these cells
are darkened, that is, with the front door and rear shutter closed,
there is not only an absence of light but undoubtedly a decided lack
of adequate ventilation, None of these cells was in use at the time
of inspection, except that one was used for the storing of books and
suit cases, ete. It is evident that mhost of the disciplining in this cot.
tage is done by keeping the inmates in light cells, Girls under dis
ciptine are made to work, Some work in the morning and others in
the afternoon. Tt was stated that every effort is made to keep them
busy. It is sometimes necessary because of the character of vati
cous girls to keep some in their cells while others are working. The
cleanliness and order throughout all parts of this cottage were highly
satisfactory. The girls had no complaints to offer as to their treat
ment and food.

Armstrong Cortoge— A most commendable change is the wie of
this cottage solely for inmates who have babies. At the time of the
previous inspection, the keeping of such inmates together with other
women was criticised. ‘The population was 20 gitls and 18 babi
‘The two girls without children were assigned as assistants to the
matron, ‘There was much confusion and discontent among the
inmate mothers, This was caused, possibly, by lack of tact on the
part of the resident physician and also a general misunderstanding
among the mothers. It seems that the resident physician had
recently been very active in examining and treating the babies of
the inmates

‘The babies and mothers in this cottage commingle freely. The
advisability of this, particularly for the sake of the babies, is ques-
tionable because of the usval prevalence of venereal disease in insti-
tutions of this character.

‘The cleanliness throughout the cottage was satisfactory. The

girls were satisfied with everything but the visiting physician's

Falker Cottage.-There were 20 inmates, and accommodations for
two more, One girl was doing what is known as ‘quiet hours,”
This time extends from one to four o'clock. There was apparently
no work for this girl, although it was stated by the superintendent
that she is exceedingly anxious to have every girl who is physically
able engage in a reasonable amount of work each day. Sometimes
these girls are assigned to darning socks or mowing lawns. There

Inspections 323

sete two girls under punishment. This consists of confinement in
their rooms. They were held responsible for the cleanliness and
onder of theie rooms, and usually spend their time in reading or sew-
ing. One girl had been in her room for two-weeks, She does not
have opportunity for exercise in the open, or in the cottage. The
only physical activity is gained by pacing aboxt in her room, Girls
under punishment get reduced rations at breakfast and at supper.
The noon meal is the same as that served to all girls. The close con~
finement without opportunity for exercise in the open is inadvisable,
if not inhumane, ‘The cleanliness and order throughout the cottage
were satisfactory.

Goven Cottage— One girl was under discipline in her room six
days, and another girl was doing “ quiet hours” in her room. This
sin, however, was mending stockings, malking it possible for her to

The giel under punishment does net receive
ind order in this cottage were also
satisfactory

Royd Cottage Accommodations for 20, with 20 inmates. A
colored girl was under discipfine in her room for two weeks. In
this ease, also, no opportunity is given for outdoor exercise, and this
particular girl does not go ontside of her room. ‘The girls under dis-
Cipline abso lose opportsnities for schooling. Cleanliness and order
throughout the cottage were satisfactory

Sprague Cottage.— ight girls were in their rooms doing " quiet
hours.” The cleanliness of the cottage was satisfactory.

Hart Cottage —‘Theve were six girls in their rooms doing “ quiet
hours.” This cottage was also clean and orderly

Hoinor Cottege.— Has accommodations for 22 and had 2t inmates.
Girls are assigned to this cottage when there is a vacancy, and pro-
viding they have shown themselves worthy by deportment and gen-
eral activity for a sufficient period of time while in the other parts
of the institution, ‘There are niany advantages in living in this cot-
tage, The rooms are equipped with electric light, and are heated.
The location of the cottage is superior and is somewhat remote from
the other cottages, giving more of a separate and distinct colony

‘The girls are allowed to stay up a little later at night than
he others, and after the evening meal are permitted, when the
weather is satisfactory, to go out on the grounds. They receive
the same kind of food as that served to the other girls.

324 Tite Prison Assoctarioy or New Yors

with the kitchens inthe varios cctiagen. ‘The contagiows of ak,
Was stated that one matron, receiving extra compensation, has these

Hen stated that cases of gonorshea which have come to her
notice are being'‘treated, and that she has instructed matron to te
yY effort to discover other eases. However, no definite exam
ination has been made of the whole population to detect such cases
‘The present physician has only been at work for a short time, aed
perhaps will undertake this worl. It is of sufficient importance ne
to be delayed any longer than absolutely necessu °
A matter which deserves serious consideration is the absence of a
system of classifying and assigning the inmates of the institution
Assignment of the inmates at present is chiefly on the judgment of
the head matron in the Reception Cottage. The absence of a system
Of classification results in having girls between the ages of 1} anf
39, irrespective of character, assigned to the same cottage and
therefore coming in close daily contact. There is a separate cot
tage for girls between the ages of 16 and 17 years. To classify the
inmates on the basis of their mental status has been practically
impossible heretofore, because no mental tests have been made. It
was stated that a representative of the State Board of Charities is
soon to visit the institution, and conduct mental tests for all the
inmates. When this is completed, there should be available some
scientific information as to the gisl's mentality and this, together

Inspections

with the knowledge of her outside record and her age, should make
it possible to establish a better system of assignment and classifica-

tion than now prevails. With the present condition, the feeble-
minded, sexual perverts, frequent offenders, accidental offenders,
young and old, prostitutes, etc, five together in the various cottages
in close contact, The only exception to thie is the segregation of
some of the girls ip the Reception Cottage and also in the Honor
Cottage.

Parole —There is but one parole officer detailed to the institution,
In the last annual report, it was stated that there were at times as
many as 99 girls on parole, and that because of this large number
supervision was very difficult. Ie should be remembered that in
other institutions of this State of a reformatory character the ratio
of one parole aificer to inmates is often as high as 300. Therefore
it would seem that with about 90 girls to one officer, the ratio is
somewhat near normal, assuming that 75 persons per officer is a
sificient number for any one person to be responsible for. The
inspector endeavored to get from the Superintendent detailed and
definite information relative to the parole work of the institution,
hut was surprised to learn that the only records available in the gen:
eral office were two letters files, one which contained letters received
from some of the girls on parole; and the other, letters fram per-
sons who desire to take girls when they are released, It was esti-
mated that about 85 gitls were now on parole. It was stated that

the parofe oificer is ara two months’ vacation and that she prohably
1s in her possession some information about the parole work, Some
of the parale work is now done by the Superintendent and the Mar-
shal. However, it is undoubtedly true that for a period of two
months, many of the inmates on parole will not be under proper
supervision. In the absence of records in the offic, it was impos-
sible to learn just what is being done; that is, how many girls are on
parole, how many are making good, how many visits are made, how
many reports are received, just what the activities of the parole
officer are, the occupations of the gizls, how many are working, etc.
In the 1925 annual report of the institution the matter of parole

is slightly mentioned, by indicating the total number of girls paroled,
and the total number of girls returned. This appears merely in stat=
istical form. There is no other information as to the activities of
the parole department; that is, in the matter of placing girls or
No information 25 to the investigation of

obtaining employment.
Perhaps the parole

homes together with conditions found is given,

336

Tue Prison Assoctarton of New Youx

officer has, as her own
E Personal property, some detailed inforua,

ton. Le sch i the cae t's
‘mation be available in the office fc general use. me

School—The schools are

curicntun, hy ‘2htols 86 graded according to the public seo!

-. two classes in plain sewing, one for new #i t oan
science class, On a small scale, cai ing, stocking batting
ee bi ‘ry and embroidery are taught, Girls ee is)

tage for girls to gain knowledge of househ,
rome kno eg fin no wledge of household duties and bias

sourse, which is reduced to four weeks, ers Go oak

schools are not closed for so Jong a period. PE SESS te

On the while, the nee
‘ep, parsulsly inthe vciniy of the quadeagle rane Bel
art ofthe grounds nesding mh improvements the eee ghee
fate eat the powerhouse There ave hee ieee
Sony one the presence of mich rear such shane
i cans, pla cas, bots, shy and the oer ae eer i
Plant with its broken-down dividing wall, loose belek ake PO

ly made. The present Superintendent has arranged to ia

8 dentist visit the insie
"ist visit the institution regularly. Tn general, the gitle’ team

Insrecrioss

need treatment. Defective teeth cause much discomfort, bad tem-
per, ete. The other improvement is the treatment of the eyes, Tn
many eases glasses have been provided and changes have been
noticed in the general demeanor of these girls,

ALBANY COUNTY PENITENTIARY,
Insrscrep Are 4, 1916, ny E.R. Cass
Sheriff, James D. Patton

RECOMMENDATIONS

2, The county authorities chould obviate’ the objectionable
physical defects of the penitentiary, either by discontinuing the
use of the present institution, or by installing a new cellblock
and making other modern structural changes.

2. Prisoners under punishment for more than twenty-four
hours should have the chance to exerciee in the corridors.

3. The hair of prisoners should not be removed, except in cases
of unusual uncleaniiness.

4. The renovation and construction work serves temporarily to
employ the inmates. ‘The usual idleness among sentenced pris
oners should not be lost sight of by the Board of Supervisors.
This idleness is wasteful economically, destructive morally and
non-reformative. The labor of the prisoners should be utilized
especially during the late fall and winter months, by preparing
stone to be used on the highways, The Board of Supervisors
should confer with the Superintendent of State Prisons to deter-
mine whether on the basis of an amendment to section 177 of the *
Prigon Law, it would not be possible to revive some of the indus-
tries in the penitentiary.

PROGRESS MADE

3. The whitewash has been removed from the interior walls
of the cells and also from the outside of the cellblock and a white
oil paint used instead. This makes the cellhall more cheerful.
In our previous reports the use of whitewash has been criticized,

2. There has been no doubling-up in the cells,

3. To comply with recent legislation for the separation of
adults and minors in county penitentiaries, a number of cells on
‘one tier have been reserved for minors. Minors are now also

328 Tu Prison Assoctation or New Yor

Stvemfled in the old shap buildings duting the dayr The cove
Sanles prompted the Prton Associaton to foster legislation i
1916, making it mandatory to separate them. "
planks for prisoners to sleep on. Blankets ss are now pro-
vided. Prisoners under punishment also receive. three meal
7. The beds in the cells have been painted white and a new
9 The saved uniform has been discontinued. In our previous
agin te ew hei Hs come into fe, the sual diy
‘Unfortunately, the construction and renovation will serve only

Population atthe time of inspection, 226 males
Five of the males were minors. : " aie Sok See

Enspecrions 329

As pointed out in our previous report, the penitentiary was con
teed about Go years ago, and its celbloce and cells are anti
aMlaL The cells are not equipped with toilet or washing accom:
Geartions, and there is no satisfactory means of ventilation irom

sr of the cells. ‘The use of the bucket system presents &
deplorable condition.

ft was gratifying to note that many
vere taking place,

changes and improvements

ERIE COUNTY PENITENTIARY, BUFFALO

Inspects Penrvary 11, 1926, wr E. R. Cass

1¢ supervision of the Commissioner of

rhe penitentiary is under th
The superintendent is

Charities and Correction, William Hunt
HLM. Kai
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Blankets should be aired in the yard once a week.

ihe buckets used in the cells of the south wing should be
sired in the yard frequently.

Sa medical exemination should be made of all prisoners upon
adniscion, Prisoners suffering from a venereal disease or from
Geer contagious ailments should be segregated.

a Prisoners should be further examined by the doctor before
indy are doubled-up in cells. In assigning two prisoners to =
UWP ghe lew which, prohibits the keeping of adults and minors
together should be strictly observed.

ip Prisoners held in the punishm
with a blanket at night

'SThe black paint on the side walls of the punishment cells
should be removed and a light colored paint applied

3. Prisoners under punishment should receive three meals =
dey and an unlimited amount of water instead of only bread and
coker every twelve hours. The three meals recommended need
Tot necessarily be the regular rations. However, the noon day
vot should be at least a reduced quantity of the regular ration
nd the other two meals should be of bread and water.

ment in the isolation cells for more

'8. Prisoners under punish
oan twenty-four hours should be visited by the physiclan, and
portunity for exercise.

should also be given adequate oP}
ithe record of punishments should be Kept up-to-date and
not permitted to run months behind,

‘ent cells should be supplied

330 Tire Paisow Associan1on oF New York:

10. The county penitentiary should be removed from its pres.
ent site in the city to a site somewhere outside of the city li

yutside of the city limits
More land should not be purchased near the present farm site at
Wende unless it is definitely determined beforehand by agricul
tural experts that the quality of soil of the prospective purchase
is superior to that on the original Wende farm tract now owned
by the county.

PROGRESS MADE

Le
sais wes ta ote,
ica "onse ae ow hep unde ieee fn he
tren lls ae roe ok fe oe cary ects ban cao 6
Ue wating [4 oH previous Ces the soo al faces
cel oi eiouoed son bate ebolon waged
Banca ois etal oe now eT
on re ele a HH
ilar that tod ls carved. Fis seg thu hae te Sa
taf served warm, divstly om the ltchen, A recommenda
ton GU Gee wn hls oh He me oie Peony a
aes
GENERAL. REPORT
_ ep a tne tne ot ttn molt a ai,
fecnsien gp mile tse cone Set na to olen of eon way
fee Tie ane posing, cere © a en os Les
Bovreel (band A peep Gales oo sl Larose ae
yor elie eee ene al seca a ae
Ta females; between §0 and 60 years, 77 males females Over 60
reo ewe
oe ee
shin ct in te prc colar or ste Coty fares a ay emu
Easel ibe eater
The old or south wing ghich consis the origioal port of te
iano, es nee 4s oes une mae Cocos
Ties Cree eae ot te Go Uber cation oe en
Be be ere on atel aol tions we cage
Ghee doar Bete need lor lee tes ee Gor
Ge ode tall and Guer mreced Forte ua Ose) Gage
eke wet tel Pare sp medal seamed teloe oe
nose pornonilyostured toa ca, We passatet et te cao
enll oc o tart man nied he se al wale
dor tae onapheved of tag ce or wan soporte by <0
iecepers. Te was further stated that there is no medical examination

Ixspncrions 331

nade of the prisoners before they are doubled-up in the cells, The
‘loubling-up in the cells is done by the receiving clerk.

‘The seveened cells in the old wing, formerly wsed as punishment
ceils, have been abandoned. However, there is one screened cell
Shit setained, but to the best of the inspector's knowledge this is still
tnd always has been used to store brooms, mops, ete. Prisoners

fader pianishment are nowy kept in their cells, or are sent to the iso
Jation cells

where are six isolation cells, These are located in a separate room
west of the south end of the south hall, The cells are of the stonc-
vault type, and are painted black in the interior. They are furnishes
with the regular door. ‘The equipment of the cell consists of a
‘Wooden board on whick the prisoner is to sleep. No blankets are
Supplied. There is only one window at the end of the room through
wihich light and air can enter, The small ventilators in the rear of
the celis are useless, Prisoners under punishment receive one-half
pint of water and a large slice of bread every twelve hours. The
Gauntity of water is decidedly inadequate. One of the important
fenefits derived from drinking water is the internal cleansing of the
ody. Therefore, water is an absolute necessity and its use should
pot in the least be curtailed. If it is the design to punish prisoners
by inflicting serious bodily harm, the practice is deserving of severe
condemnation. Tt should be realized that a prisoner requiring fre-
{quent isolation is usually one worthy of special study and treatment.
Therefore, in stich cases, the elimination of water and the depriva:
tion of light and air are inhumane, and reflects on the intelligence of
the administration and indicates callousness toward human feelings
Complete isolation in this room is not possible, because there is mo
partition in the corridor separating each cell; thus, 2 prisoner con-
fined jn one cell can very easily converse with another prisoner:

This system is not satisfactory. Prisoners under punishment should
be Kept in complete isolation, and should also be kept in quarters
abundantly supplied with fresh air and natural Tight

‘During the day the buckets are kept jn the cells in the south wing.
‘The bucket system is very insanitary and the condition is rendered
more serious when they are not put out for a certain period each
day to be aired. It was stated that the plan of putting them out in

he yard for a period each day was not at all practicable, insomuch
fas many of the south hall prisoners remained in the hall all day and

must use the buckets in their cells. The celiblocte in the south wing
fias been thoronghly serubbed and the appearance is much improved.

332 Tie Pxison Associaion or New Youre

‘The ron work ofthe ells which
2 # the cells Which are inthe west wing has roeaty
been Patel ‘@ pea green. The living accommodations for the p: wi
‘ners in this section are far superior to those jx y se
the penitentiary. The cell ated
he ells are equipped with com Noged nee
ng wate and modern toilet facilities, eee
snc Mtl compl was gain made by the prisoners clave t
ih ft eg served ald "Te was ste bythe nt
food is set on the tables in the central cordon of 2
Aout 11:30 and the men do not get tothe bea cae yet
The count is taken while the men are ta the shops nine
are marched to the meschall.” This someting aan ee 7
going to dinner. The opinion of the men relative to the food ned,
Some said it was fair, others said sah
cis vas conden
ean sheets and pillow

le low-cases are supplied every Monday mom.
ing, and on Wesel momingh & matwens coves ai
{0 ard nthe open but ate Kept onthe bade Many fey
fers were ofthe opinion tat ft would be well kt oe ee
lake his blanket out into the yard onée a week and d
ie 2 week and ive its yoo

it was good, and in about sve

the receiving
work. satisfactorily
przone's eating
‘bag unt few days belere
et presced,Tnstead of spraying the
ceting ould be wel oneal «taigenng
Paras sinilar 10 the Oe Which isn the Ree Coven hee
‘The women areas
in meh te empresas he rl
county Jalil are now detained in the Temale sect at eee
conneambime’ cords hexiatog Jonny 9st ie at
each mont January, 4 men in solitary cells; Fet 7
none; March one; April 8; May eae
ic was stated by the clerk th
so." Recor of pi
Upto date "They surely ch
The records sh

should be kept
st Seven months behind.
are kept in the cells usually

Inspections 333

Jn the fall of 1925, penitentiary labor was utilized in the construc

tion of highways in’ the county.
Superintendent of Highways’ communication sent to the Board of

The following is a copy of the

Supervisors:
Bureaus, N.Y, Seplember 28, 1015
Tr the Honorable the Board of Supervisors, Erie County, New York
Grstezwex,— Pursuant to resolution of Ms. Flore, requesting information
regarding the cost of the Tonawanda Cres Road which i being bit by
Convict Isbor, T submit the following:
The cost for labor, mateyiats and host hire, ax detaited ima
reqrt of the Highway Oficials Committee, submited under
even date to vour honorable body, was.
Jo addition to this tight reasonably be added ae the cost of said
work the expense of three extra gnards, ars
And 249 days of convict labor at 20 sents per day.
$1979 19

ing the total cost of the entire work to date

For this amount chere has Deen completed approximately four-tenths of a
ale of road, which would make an average cost per mile of $3048. Assim

there is still to per cent. of the work to. be done in trimming

| sbrowchout itt entire Tenet

"The work thos fer done has heen especially satisfactory and a very darable
soail is heing bit. The road, when compleéed will apply = connection Fink
for five Stite roads slcady consteusted, and will be of eonsiderable value 0
the farmers in the northern part of Erie County who market their produce

1 will also be @ most desirable aucomobile road,
‘motovste im Ketfalo and vieinty.

At the time of a previous inspection two prisoners bad been found
in small dark punishment cells designed for the accommodation of
only one prisoner. A keeper was found with a suber hese club
in his hand while supervising the boys under exercise. A colored
woman was found to have been in a cell for several days without
exercise, ete. At the time of this inspection a prisoner complained
of being brutally treated at the hands of the Superintendent and one
of the keepers. This would seem to indicate that inbumane means
aire sometimes used in dealing with the inmates. A prisoner told
the inspector that he was confined in an isolation cell for eight days,
that before he was placed in the cell he was blackjacked by two of
‘The prisoner showed scars on his chest and two om the

is story was that he had been wrongly
He

the officials.
back of his left hand. E
accused; bat despite that was willing to undergo punishment,

334 Tue Prisow Assoctarton or New York

stated that he was beaten before he was placed in the isolation est

He further stated that he offered no resistance before being placed
in the cell and made no threats.

The stories of Messrs. Kaiser and Elliot, ‘and Keeper Lemme,
who was a witness, are in substance, as follows:

Prisoner X caused much disturbance, because he was anxious
to play the part of a bully and show his fellow prisoners what a
great felloyr he cotld he. One day while exercising in the yard he
broke out of line withosst permission and went into the hospital and
very brutally assaulted a fellow-prisoner. Later, he was brought by
Mr, Elliott to the south hall and the principal keeper ordered that he
be placed in the isolation cel.

The story is that he informed the principal keeper that he would
g0 to the morgue before they could put him in the isolation cell
Upon his further refusal to enter the cell peacefully, the superin
tendent was summoned and being of the opinion that there was much
disturbance in the south hall, he placed his blackjack in the back
pocket of his trousers, His story is to the effect that when he
entered the hall he walked over to prisoner X and said, taking him
by the arm: “Prisoner X, why don't you take your medicine?” It
then seems that prisoner X attempted to strike Mr. Kaiser and at
this point Keeper Elliott admits that he struck prisoner X several
blows. The scars on the prisoner's chest and on the back of his
hhand were caused by the heavy diamond ring on Mr. Elliot's fnger
Mr. Kaiser emphatically denies that he used the blackjack on the
prisoner and he is corroborated in this statement by Keepers Lemme
and Elliot,

‘The inspector was very mitch impressed by the testimony of Mx
Lemme and therefore does not fecl that the blackjack was used
However, it would seem that all this confusion could have been
avoided if at the beginning several strong keepers had been sum:
moned and had foreed the prisoner into the isolation cell without
resorting to blows.

ERIE COUNTY PENITENTIARY FARM, WENDE
Luspreren June 28, 1926, oy E. R. Cass

‘The Erie County farm is operated in conjunction with the County
Penitentiary, and is under the direct supervision of Commissioner
of Charities and Correction, William Hunt,

INSPECTIONS 335

RECOMMENDATIONS
Supervisors should authorize the
seta co the fam ste of the Penitentiary now located in the
seve Maite plans should now be made, determining just how

a be .4 with respect to the location of buildings,

1. The County Board of

farther develop
Aiite aatlabe work for the population,
ring the winter onthe :
ring wont that some changes be made inthe manner of
crating the aunty of prisoners atthe farm, Te nthe custom
handing th fatons wo supply each, inmate with two sets o

aaa earns of which fe numbered so that after the under

underwear seed each prisoner receives his own underwear. It is
ae aa sended that such a system be used Hot only at
the Benfteniary but ako atthe farm.

c AL REPORT

Sealthfal and cena E unl owes, some of which are the

336 THE Paisow Assocrarion or New York

structed. The men are provided with comfortable beds, most of
which were made from secondhand itom pipe, browght from the
Penitentiary. ach bed is provided with a mattress, blanket, sheets
and a pillow ease, Each bed was made up, sd it was evident that
Strict precautions are taken to Keep them clean and fee fom
vermin. The bunke houses are protected agtinst fire by extinguishers
located at convenient places

The dormitory building, though under construction for some
time, is now nearing completion. All the work on this structive
has been done by the inmates, ander the supervision of the keepers
who really act more in the ‘capacity of instructors. They wore
together wih the men, and pechans in some eases wore harder than

men. This phase, partcwlncly, i quite different from she wal
role which the Keeper plays. The result s that the Keeped not only
hhlps himself physically and also obtains much knowledge relative
to construction work, farming, etc, but at the same time comes in
closer personal contact with the inmates

Ttis to be hoped that the dormitory building will be available for
tise in the course of two or three month, This building will accom
odate approximately 150 prisoners. There will be provided sod
ern bathing facilities, receiving quarters, and fockers for prisoner
Clothing. With the use of this balding, i willbe posible to receive
‘more mien at the farm, thos further relieving the undesirable cond
tions at the Penitenti

A splendid coniion of cleanliness prevailed in the bunk houses
and om the grounds ofthe institution; also in the messhall and in the
liehen. A fine feeling exials on the part of the inmates toward
their treatment atthe hands of the authorities and the keepers. This
sentiment was voieed without coaxing or prompting, and there was
not the astal effort to exaggerate in order to curry favor; but on
the contrary much modesty and apparent sincerity. The prisoners
are well provided with fresh food of good variety. The character
Of food is superior to that which is provided at the Penitentiary
“This difference is justly made because of the fact that the men atthe

sm are engaged in Inborious work, and because of theic earnest
efforts. After working hotre, and on Seturday afternoons and Sun
days, the men are allowed the free tie of the grounds within certain
mits,

‘During the day, the staff consists of 6 keepers. Every night three
of these go to their homes, and the vemainder stay at the farm.
When the remaining three are asleep, the entire population is ser
the supervision of one watchman who is instructed to make hourly

Insrecrions 37

rounds, ‘The guards or instructors are not armed with cbs lack
fics or revolvers: “There would be no possible way for seal
oun of guards to hold der contol the 140 men if they decided
fexcape tt large aambers or su things for 2 short. time to au
themselves However, te spirits uch that there has been no ev
dence of such a danger

At the time of the inspection, the following information reganting

pounds of mips pi
abnge plants planed
Ishels of potatoes planted,
sactes of hay planted
eres of 13e plated.
eres of winter whest planted.

‘The farm lancis constantly andergoing improvement by the instal-
lotion of irrigating tile. The tile was manufactured during the
wvinter by the inmates, The Penitentiary farm not only represents
mich progress in the manner of dealing with prisoners, but also
demonstrates that with such a system the inmates, instead of being

«d load to the county taxpayers, ean be made to some extent
pporting units, The Cotnty Jail, the Penitentiary, the County
Lodging House and the County Poor House are supplied with pork,
beef, egys, mil, poultry and vegetables from the farm. So far this
vear it has been necessary te purchase only potatoes as foodstuff for
the prisoners on the Farm.

Milk is sent to the creamery and in return butter is given. The
prisoners are liberally supplied with butter. This, to be sure, is
‘instal inthe dietary of prison inmates. ‘The live stock on the farm
isas fellows:

51 end of cats skins

2ota chic cs.
flys
pies
A piggery constructed by inmate labor and recently completed is
cone of the best in the State. It is so well thought of that the State

338 Tt Prtsox’ Associarion of New Yor

Superintendent of Prisons has asked for plans of
fone can be constructed at Great Meadow Prison,

The following shows the distribution of the population
respect to labor es =

it so that a site

2 om the frm, This alee care of soc and nd
45 men on construction of brides, panting. building chicken oops en
2 men badder

COUNTY PENITENTIARY, ROCHESTER
Isexcrep Juwe 24, 1916, av E.R. Cass
intendent, William H, Craig, who is responsible to the Board
visors of Monroe County
RECOMMENDATIONS

‘There are two possible ways by which the authorities can
establish employment that will give a reasonable amount of worl
for the Penitentiary all the year round.

(a) The revival of the industries, provided satisfactory
arrangements can be made with the State Prison
Department so that the product of these industries
can be disposed of, through the Prison Department.
to the various institutions of the State. Recent leg,

jstaion makes this possible, County and’ Stat
officials should get together on this, m

©) Roliowing the example of Onondaga and Txiecovn
ties, by employing prisoners onthe highways, wes
‘neans that during the winter months the Penenet
Gan prepare material for the ronds. Untoruinat
there isno quarry land available in Monroe County
though in some ofthe stricta not far fromm the Pos
fentiary there are stonewall fences which could be
Femoved and the stone used to advantage cm

Ixspecri0ns 339

2, An indeterminate sentence law should be put into operation
for the Monroe County Penitentiary. This will do away with
the five and ten-day recidivist, and eliminate many of the old and
feeble men who are really county almhouse cases, Until some
such change is made, together with sufficient employment, the
Penitentiary will seldom, if ever, serve as a corrective agent.

3. Prisoners assembled in the reading rooms during the day
should be allowed at least one hour of free conversation.

4. Immediate provisions should be made for the separate dete
tion oF minors in shop halls during the day, in compliance with
the law, and also for their assignment to a separate tier in the
cell house.

5. Dark cells in any form should not be used and should be
sbolished, Solitary confinement in light cells can be used as an
lective means of discipline.

6. Prisoners who do not work outdoors should be allowed to
evercige in the yard at least once daily, and those who do not
work outdoors or indoors should be allowed to exercise twice
dsily, All prisoners should be allowed to exercise in the yard
on Sunday afternoons, to break up the long dismal hours in the
small cells

7. A prison physician should visit the institution once daily
and should thoroughly examine all new inmates. The principal
leeeper should not be burdened with the responsibility of exam-
ining new inmates and caring for the sick, even in their minor
aliments. Work of this kind is for a man trained in medicine

8, A record should be kept of prisoners who are placed under
punishment in the cells. This record should indicate when the
prisoner was put in, the reason for such action, and when
released.

9. An electric power mixer should be installed in the bakery.

PROGRESS MADE*

1. Some effort is being made to engage the services of a Ber-
tillon clerk and thus relieve the engineer who is doing tuac work.
‘Recommendations to this effect have been made in our previous
reports.

Subsequent to a conference eld at the Penitentiary on February 2 1917
bueween the Superintendent of the Penitentiary and a sepresentative of the
Prison Association, the Superintendent, jn writen statement submited to

340 HE PRISON Association oF Naw York

2. The ue ofthe tall an chin ha
is in accordance with our recommendations, a
2 Aspe house has been conercel in which the bac
ses apt" This hee hasan open oe wh laws le
fit and sunmhne come nero contact mith the ne

GENERAL REPORT

Popiaton at the tine of
SS Toe
women, 4 minor males, a ue
The unel Rey Ua

jin every part of the institution, aitiad
‘ment for the inmates, a conditi i 1 i
The other is the * went” system inthe hop iuidings dain ie
shy, which rhs ageravted by lng ora of ee
At this time of the year, when there are about onetited of ene
there were very few prisoners sitting in the shop buil:

jn the fall, winter and spring, these rooms are wel Ser a

smendations made in our previous reports ‘Thcse are so alone,
are seated in the old shop buildings, one hour in the so alr
# there area oulicient umber, in a separate room "Misors ae het meg

Fe also sated that he i in favor of havine
ep lltnay etad of sing though the lng hows of ce Se whet
‘old and iceaent weston and at ‘ther tines eutdeone en eng

Inspections ait

siting in almost complete silence except when they converse after

‘obtaining permission,
About 100 inmates were employed at farm work on the ground
Jand some distance from it

adjacent t0 the institution, and also
The

‘There were about 90 men assigned to work in the institution

remainder were sick, and others were idle for lack of worl or

tecause of physical inability. Jn otler words, with a population of
sont 200, a reasonable amount of work ean be given to the men at
this season of the year; but during the other seasons there is noth-
ing to do except to keep the various parts of the institution clea,
Shavel snow, eare for horses, cattle, ete

AA serious handicap to the solution of the problem of unemploy~
ment among the prisoners arises from the large number of 3, 10 and
15-day mea who are sent irom the city of Rochester. Most of these
rien are recidivists, having served from two to almost inntmerable
sentences. The condition as described by the Superintendent is
undoubtedly parallel to that which existed in the New York City
Workhouse prior to the beginning of the indeterminate sentence
law, and the establishment of a Parole Commission. ‘These short
term prisoners ace figuratively, dead units to the institution, They
are received after having been on a debauch for days or weeks and
are physically unable, almost without exception for many day’,
sometimes for their whole period of sentence, o do anything. They
are not only useless co far as employment goes, but they are also
ost troublesome eases of discipline, chielly because they know
their sentences are short, This whole condition could be changed if
the City of Rochester would establish a parole commission and apply
an indeterminate senteniee law to its penitentiary and hold prisoners

wa maximnim term of 3 years, For inmates of the New York
Gay Workhouse, two convictions within a year are necessary, but
in the case of the New York County: Penitentiary, every prisoner
sentenced thereto is included in the present law, excepting those who
are sent to the Penitentiary instead of to a State Prison. Such a
Parole Board determines at what time each prisoner sentenced
ander the indeterminate sentence law is to he released. This system
does away with the troublesome and frequent short sentences, Whi
have been characterized by a justice in Rochester as the “loop the
Joop" aystem. Under the law in question itis possible to hold pris-
ners not longer than 3 years, and yet sufficiently fong to give them
medical treatment if necessary, and industrial opportunity and
training.

342 Ti Prison Assoctation or New York

“The reason for the enforced silence, as given by the Supern

tendent, is that it is necessary to preserve discipline in the shop
rooms when so many prisoners are congregated. It has been recom
mended in our previous reports, and in correspondence with the
Superintendent, that the rigidity of this system be abolished ani
that at frequent intervals, more liberal and freer conversation be pe
mitted, Silence in these halls is sa characteristic of this instistion
hat it is spoken of by prisoners and ex-inmates as the “ Deaf and
Dumb Asylum.” Ie is an indisputable fact that idleness leads to
mental, moral and physical deterioration, and this serious and abnor
‘mal condition, when aggravated by a greatly restricted freedom of
conversation, makes a situation which seems sufficient ta drive ose
‘The silent system 3s aot found
even in onr State prisons, county jails and reformatories. Tt is
undoubtedly due in some degree to

the administration.

insane, and is conducive to vice

However, fa contineance shonld note tk
tied

Sunday is Iooked upon by the prisoners with horror, Ie meas
snoat ofthe day in the cell; that, during the morning the clase cn
Bnet i roten py ein othe mes to ch
vice but from two ele inthe afternoon until Monday morn
I the inmates are locked i their some vate cela with nothing
to do but slop ov read Its sa that some ofthe men are gla ©
step. Howercr, ths id to the physical inactivity which destrye
the mental and physical stimulus snd this, prod
torpor, While there is no defiite way of fetermizing except by
Stories told by ex-inmates and the older inmates of our Stte prison,
trvch immorality and vice is eased by such unnatwral condone
{Tobe herded inthe hls diving the day with nothing todo i ad
enough, but to be kept in the stall confines ofthe eels for ao Tong
twthout even an opportinity to exchange glances with a person,
Thmcthing which cannot be enor withoat serious recite Thi

kinds of disorder in the cells.
the institution and finding several prisoners under discipline because
they were yelling and shouting daring the previous Sunday. The
Superintendent states that he would like to give the men exercise or
Sunday afternoons to break the Tong period between 2 o'clock on
Sunday and 7 o'clock Monday morning; but with a staff of 8 Keepers
reduced to only 4, he does not see his way clear. However, ever
with 4 keepers it seems that it would be possible to take small num

Inspections 343,

Jers at a time out in the yard for exercise. With 3 keepers in the
vd and one in the cellhouse, while all but the prisoners exercising
Fre under lock and key, would seem suiicient to make possible this
nach needed change,
is sated in a previous report, two forms of punishment cells are
iv use, ‘The light punishment cells in the old cell hall are regular
ols with solid wooden doors in front of the iron bar work. At the
‘of the wooden door, holes are bored to admit a small amount
Sight, While these cells are not so adequately lighted and ventil~
ted'as similar cells in other penitentiaries still they are more desir~
thie for use than the dungeon cells located in the basement, At the
inspection report, these dungeon cells were
However, this

time of a previ
‘eseribed, and it was urged that they be removed.
yas not been done, but it was stated that the cells are not used. The
impector heard from an inmate in a nearby county jail, that a man
tad been placed in one of these cells some time previous to the day of
nspection. When the inspector made inquiry he was informed that
tran, who had Become temporarily mentally deranged, had been
fed in one of the dark cells with a trusty for safe-keeping, also
prevent his disturbing the other prisoners in the cellbails who
fly protested against the noise made by the prisoner in question.
hese cells ate cold and damp and totally dark when the doors are
those,

Thasmuch as the absence of light and air and the presence of a
told atmosphere and dampness are improper a a means of diseipline,
the cells should be completely abolished.

“The requirements of the new law relating to the separation of
tninors were not carried out. The Superintendent stated that be is
fn full sympathy with the law, and is planning to have partitions
Constructed so as to separate completely adults and minors in com
pace with the law.

A Berilion elerle and finger print expert is sought by the Super-
intendent, who has been informed that there is no civil service eligi
bie Ist, He has asked to be allowed to use a man familiar with
finger printing also as a keeper. There is not sufficient work of this
cSaracter to keep one man busy all day.

“Phere ie no resident physician, Most of the pains and aches of
the inmates are taken care of by the depaty to the best of bis ability.
No examination ia made of new prisoners by the physician, who
tomes to the institution only when called.

“There is no record Kept of the number of men placed in the coolers
or punishment cell, so it is not possible to tell how often the cells
tre weed of how long prisoners are kept in them.

344 Tate Parson Association or New York

A very fine oven is now in use in the bakery and there is evidence
that good quality of bread is made. However, the equipment
would be made more modern and sanitary if 2 bread-mixing power
machine were installed

ONONDAGA COUNTY PENITENTIARY, JAMESVILLE

Inseacrep Feunvany 29, 1916, by E. R. Cass

‘The Superintendent is John S. Markell

RECOMMENDATIONS

x. Minors and adults should not be permitted to commingle in
the jail section of the Penitentiary. This is contrary to law,
Accommodations can be made for minors by using some of the
cells now reserved for civil prisoners.

2. Prisoners in the jail section should have a chance to exercise
daily either in the large corridor of the section ot in the yard. If
it is thought advisable to keep the hardened offenders separate
from first offenders, these groups of prisoners should exercise at
different times. But to omit the exercise in order to keep the
groups separate, is unjust and unnecessary.

4. Jail prisoners should be permitted to use knives and forks
0 that they can eat their meals as human beings are expected to
The fear that they will do themselves bodily harm or effect an
‘escape by using the knives or forks, is held too seriously by the
officials. ‘The Penitentiary prisoners in this institution are per-
mitted to use knives and forks, ‘These are carefully collected
after each meal, and there is no good reason why the same cannot
be done with the jail prisoners, Tn the State prisons inmates are
permitted to use knives and forks, which are carefully collected
sfter each meal,

4. Decent pictures to decorate the interior of cells provided
they are not pasted on the side walls are not undesirable; but
certain types of pictures should be omitted as cell decorations.

'. School instruction should be provided for minors in the
Penitentiary.

6. The practice of removing the hair from the head of every
‘man sentenced to the Penitentiary should be discontinued. This
is not done in our State prisons or other county penitentiaries.
‘Where for sanitary reasons it is necessary there is no objection.
‘This does not apply to every man brought into the institution.

TysPections 345

7. Shaving brushes should be more frequently distributed and
in larger numbers, A brush should not be used until it is almost
entirely worn, ‘The Keeper on duty in the region of the barber
fells should see that the barbers frequently and carefully wash
the cups and brushes,

mned to do barber work or to work in the kitchen
should be frst examined by the physician to determine whether
there is any danger from venereal diseases, etc.

GENERAL REPORT

Population at the time of inspection numbered 412 men. There
were also in the jail section 21 men and 18 women. The buildings
and equipment of this penitentiaty are superior to any of the other
four county penitentiaries in the State and rank second, so far as
prison structure is concerned, only to Great Meadow State prison
Fortunately, there is not the usual evidence of deplorable idleness
‘among the sentenced prisoners in this penitentiary. There is much
‘work all the year round for prisoners on a large quarry, on a farm
and on the highways in the county. Although the evil of idleness
has not prevailed in this institution, the treatment of the inmates has
been such as to warrant severe criticism in our previous reports.
Oue points of criticism were frst taken up with the Superintendent
who, apparently, was indifferent to all suggestions. They were also
presented to the Board of Supervisors of the County and made avail~
able for the newspapers. Nevertheless with all this procedure,
practically no progress was made until, subsequent to this. inspec-
tion, a format complaint was snade by the Prison Association to the
State Prison Commission, On the basis of this complaint, that body
made an official investigation of the conditions at the Penitentiary
‘The following are the six matters brought to the attention of the
Prison Commission

1. The classifieation and separation of prisoners as required by
Section 92 of the County Laws is tnobserved, Tn the part of the
penitentiary mown as the jail section, minors and adults freely com:
‘mingle in the corridors and are sometimes assigned to the same cel,
No discretion is used to safeguard the young boys. Prisoners are
placed two in a cell on the lower ter when it is unnecessary. For
instance, at the time of an inspection on April 26, 1015, two prise
‘ners were assigned to the same cell on the lower tier, and on the
upper tier 14 cells were unoccupied. This serious condition ean be
remedied, either by reconstructing part of the present section, or by
assigning the boys to the two seetions now reserved for occasional

4

H6 Tue Prison Assoctatiox or New Yor

civil prisoners, Aside from the unsatisfactory commingling of the
old and young, all of the grand jury prisoner’ are held in close con
finement. No opportunity is given to them to have outdoor exercise
in the large penitentiary yards.

2. Dungeon Room.— The dungeon room is located on one side of
the west wing, about eight or nine feet below the ground level, The
rootn is quite large, and contains eight steel cells painted black. The
cells are equipped with an iron hinged bed and lavatory facilites,
(On the one side there are four very small openings for ventilation
However, these are faced on the inside by pieces of wood whiel
obstruct what little light might enter the room. There is also a
Ventilating system at the rear of each cell. When a prisoner is
placed in one of these cells, he is not provided with special clothing,
no mattress is placed on the bed, and a blanket is provided on!
when in the opinion of the guard the room is too cok, One slice of
bread about an inch thick and six inches square is the only food
given to the prisoners every 24 hours (the prisoners say that itis
thrown to them). The water supply is unlimited, because there is ¢
faucet in the cell, When a prisoner is in the room it is pitch-dark
land the atmosphere is intolerable when the iron door at the one en
‘of the room is closed. The official records show that in January
{o15, 11 men were placed in the dungeon room; in February, 0; i9
March, 3 and in April, 7, Two young Inds stated that they had each
been kept in the dungeon room 4 days and that when they were per
mitted to leave were both ill and temporarily dazed. Prisoner
tunder punishment in this dungeon room are not visited daily by @
Physician and are not permitted to have daily exercise inthe
corridor.

"3. Striped Uniforms.—The striped uniform is still used at this
institution. Erie, Albany, Monroe and New York County Peniten:
tiaries are discontinuing stxiped uniforms.

4. Chains— Prisoners who have attempted to escape are deal
with severely in this institution. A heavy iron chain, about five feet
fong, sweighing about 20 pounds and made up of large Tinks, is
ivelted to the leg of the offender. Naturally this becomes part of
‘each man until he is released, He must move about with it all day
land even wear it to bed at night. On February 29, 1916, 7 men we
wearing these chains. Not only is this a degrading means of punish
iment but it is also responsible for much unnecessary physical dis
Comfort and hardship. Tn Broome and Monroe Counties the bs!)
‘nd chain is occasiowally used. However, in both: instances, the
sreight of the chain is comparatively light, so that less discomfort is

Inspections, “7

experienced. Furthermore, in the other counties mentioned the
chains are not rivetted to the leg of the man, and are removed when
hie enters his cell at night. Considering the character of the chain
and the way itis used, Onondaga County stands alone with respect
to this crude and inhumane form of discipline, There is no reason
why these men, who cannot be trusted on the outside, should not be
assigned fo work on the inside of the institution and under strict
supervision,

5. Another antiquated form of punishment is the practice of mak-
ing a man stand out in the corridor om a erack in the floor, and face
in the direction of the side wall. On February 29, 1916'a colored
‘an was under such punishment, and very likely would remain there
for the whole afternoon. On a previous occasion he underwent the
same punishment for one day and a case was cited by the keeper,
‘who said that a man had stood for three successive days from the
beginning of the daily routine until about six o'clock each day.
‘There seems little doubt that any man who would rather stand for
such a long period in preference to doing some work, must be to
some extent defective,

6, Food— It is not unusual while inspecting institutions to find
seme of the prisoners complaining about the food. However, in the
‘ase of the Onondaga County penitentiary, the complaints are of
such an unusual character and so numerous, that surely they must
be justified to some extent. The men receive no tea or coffee. The
criticism seems to be more in respect to the quality of the food. It
was said by most of the prisoners that the quantity was sufficient.
‘The gravies served were described by some of the prisoners as
nauseating and possessing a queer taste. A peculiar drink, known
as a cereal, is also served to the prisoners, The bread is soggy and
forms a pasty mass in one’s mouth. At the time of a previous
ruspection, it was necessary fo ask the man in charge of the kitchen
ta instruct the kitchen men to remove from a large container, many
ecayed and badly bruised potatoes

‘The following are the results af the investigation referred to:

1. The practice of rivetting Jong chains on the legs of prisoners
has been discontinued,

‘2. Plain gray uniforms are gradually being substituted for the
striped uniforms.

3. The dungeon room has been renovated and repainted, thereby
removing all the heretofore undesirable features

4. Prisoners are permitted to tall in the messhall

348 Tue Parsow Assoctarion oF New York

‘5. A set of rules has been provided for each cell
6, The Superintendent has resigned,
7. The former punishment which compelled prisoners to stand on
2 crack on the floor is gradually being done away with,

Farther significant progress made is the painting of the cellblock
in the west wing as suggested in our annual report, and also the
‘changing of the salaries of keepers

ALBANY COUNTY Jat
Ixsrecren Area. 4, 1916, ny E. R, Cass

Newly elected sheriff, James D. Patton. He is assisted in the jail
by a jailer and four keepers who work on eight-hour shifts

RECOMMENDATIONS

x. A new jail, built along modern lines to provide healthful liv-
ing quarters, better means for classification and separation of pris:
ners, especially minors, should be built on the outskiets of the
city of Albany. Farmland should also be available for the
employment of prisoners.

2, The inmates of the jail should be exercised in the peniten-
tary yard. The doorway on the north side of the jail will grestly
facilitate the safe transfer of the prisoners from the jail to the
yard.

3 The county authorities should purchase from the Prison
Department the necessary clothing, such as shoes, underwear and
socks, which should be distributed among the prisoners with dis:
cretion, especially at the time of their release.

is possible, a part of the present jail structure should be
reterved as receiving quarters. Here the prisoners should be
made to bathe thoroughly; and their clothes should be fumigated
and stored away until the time of their release. While serving
sentence the prisoners should be provided with overalls and
jumpers. Something should be done along these lines to exter-
‘inate the vermin.

PROGRESS MADE

1, The whitewash has been removed from the interior walls of
the cells, and white oil paint is used instead. In our previous
reports the use of whitewash for the cells was condemned.

Insererions 349

2. Anew hot water boiler and heating apparatus has been
installed in the section reserved for prisoners serving sentence.
‘This increases the eupply of hot water, and makes frequent bath-
ing possible.

3: Arrangements are being made to have the jal prisoners take
their meats in the penitentiary messhall. This is a commendable
change.

4. When the shower baths have been installed in the old peni-
tentiary shop building the jail prisoners should be taken there to
bathe. Tt is also planned to make better provision for the receiv-
ing of prisoners. There will very likely be 2 fumigating appa-
ratus for the cleansing of clothes and uniforms will be provided
{or the prisoners while in the jail,

5. One keeper has been added to the jail staff; his particular
uty is to look after the cleanliness of the jail. The inadequate
staf, especially during the day, has been mentioned in our pre-
vioug reports.

6. The beds have been painted white,

GENERAL REPORT

Poputlation at the time of inspection numbered 56, classified as
fatlows

Ault males serving sentence

Adult males for. examination

dat sales eld for grand fory

Minor males awaiting grand jury

CChinamen awaiting action of the ‘Federal authorities

The Federal prisoners have been held now for more than a year.
This seems an unnecessary hardship.

The county jail and penitentiary are located in practically the
same building. The jail section is ia the south end wing The cells
are of the small vault-like type with inadequate ventilation and
ceauipment, So far as the cell construction and equipment are con
‘cemed, this jail compares most unfavorably with most of the jails
in this State,

Tt was gratifying to note at the time of this inspection that the
new sheriff was making extensive changes throughout the jai,
This applied not only to a thorough cleaning up of the eels, ce
Mocks, corridor, ete., but also to the attitude of the jail officers
toward their work.

‘Tae Paso Association of New Yous

ALLEGANY COUNTY JATL, BELMONT
Insrecrep Jone 29, 1916, ny E.R. Cass

Sheriff newly elected, J. W. Weir.

RECOMMENDATIONS

x. Minors and adults should always be separated; also pris.
oners serving sentence from those awaiting the action of the
Grand Jury, or awaiting trial

2. Further development of the jail vegetable garden is strongly
urged. The merits of a jail farm are being continually demon-
strated throughout the State, By the employment of prisoners
fon the highways and on county farms, money is saved for the
county, and prisoners are made to realize that they must work for
their food and lodging, ‘The County Board of Supervisors, under
section 93 of the County Law, is authorized to provide employ-
ment for prisoners serving sentence. Section 70 of the Highway
Law permits the employment of prisoners serving sentence on the
highways.

‘3: There should be at least one more session of the Grand Jury
to break up the long period of time intervening between March
and September. In some counties of the State where only 3 ses-
sions are held yearly, extra sessions are ordered when the Grand
Jury population justifes such action.

GENERAL REPORT
‘The sheriff is assisted by a jailer and a matron.
Population 9: minor male serving sentence,

trinor male for the Grand Jury.
Salt males for the Grand Jury
4 dale males serving sentence

A highly satisfactory condition of cleanliness and order prevailed
in al parts of the jai.

Much painting and cleaning has been done, ‘The prisoners were
well satisfied with the food, and the treatment accorded to them by
the sheriff and his assistant. -

‘The law relative to the separation of adults and minors was not
strictly observed, due partly to the fact that the new jailer did not
fully know the requirements of Section 92 of the County Law, and
also because part of the jail was being painted.

Inspecrioxs 351

‘There are only two sessions of the grand jury each year, one in
March and the other in September. This isthe cause of much hard:
sp and injustice for prisoners who are unable to obtain bail. Tt is
an? sasual for prisoners to stay in this jail for mouths, and, then
miten the Grand Jury convenes, be discharged for lack of evidence
or other reasons.

BROOME COUNTY JAIL, BINGHAMTON
Iwsesctep By E.R. Cass, Aususr 9, 1916
Sheriff, Jesse C. Hover.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The present jail should be enlarged, to avoid placing two
prisoners in a cell, and also to provide at all times for the proper
Reparation of prisoners in accordance with the law.

rer yefinite and speedy action should be taken to carry out the
recommendations of the Board of Supervisors of the county with
Respect to new toilet bowls, wash bowls and a regulation padded
Te. ‘The Board of Supervisors have gone on record in favor of
these improvements,

She Board of Supervisors are strongly urged to support the
new method of employing the jail inmates on the county poor
Rouse farm, Tf properly handled, this experiment should prove as
‘niccessful as it has been in other counties.

PROGRESS MADE
1. Prisoners ace now employed on the county poorhouse farm.
In our previous reports, definite suggestions and recommenda-
tions have been made to this effect. _
ore formation from the sheriff subsequent to this inspection is
that the Board of Supervisors have fixed a definite monthly salary
for the matron, This has been urged in our previous reports.

GENERAL REPORT
Population at the time of inspection 44, classified as follows:
‘2 adult males terving sentence

i oninor male serving sentence
fb daft males Jor the Geand Jur:

‘cada female held Tor examinatfon

2 Tue Prison Assocrarton of New York

No changes have been made, to imprave the unsatisfactory phy
ical features of the jail, pointed out in our previous reports, The
arrangement of the cells on the two floors of the main seetion of the
jail makes the central corridor dark. As this is the place in which
Prisoners are forced to spend most of their time, an uinecessary and
lunustal hardship is thus imposed. ‘The type of construction found
im this jail is not modern. The inadequate supply of fresh air for
these corridars adds to the hardship. Aside from the unsatisfactory
construction, the number of cells is inadequate. Tt is necessary
practically all the time to place two prisoners in a cell. Many times
it is impossible to secure proper separation of adults and minors, and
also of the various classes of prisoners, in accordance with the law.

‘A highly satisfactory condition of cleanliness prevailed in all parts
of the jail. The prisoners seemed! kindly disposed toward the treat
ment received at the hands of the sheriff and his assistants. No
complaints were made relative to the foad

‘On August 10, five prisoners were to he sent to the county poor
house farm for employment, The sheriff and the superintendent of
the county farm have decided to give this form of employment =
trial, It has worked out well in other counties of the State, and it
should work well in this county, if managed in the right spirit by
the authorities. In otr reports, although we have urged the further
employment of prisoners at stone breaking and on the county
frrounds, we have also urged that a more prafitable form of employ
iment than stone breaking be established. To this end, highway
‘work and employment on the county poorhouse farm have been sub
stituted,

BRONX COUNTY JAIL
Inseeeren May 5, 1916, 2v E.R. Cass xp Pantin Kusiw
Sheriff, J. O'Brien
RECOMMENDATIONS *

1, Sheets and pillow cases shotld be provided for all prisoners
and changed weekly. The Tombs and the New York City district
“The Fall herein deseribed is now no longer wsed for the aame parposes

asa the tims of inspection. The new county fal was opened om Ju ty 196,
tod is tow in use

tite beter classieation and separation of Ue diferent groups of prisoners
‘The old jal ie aow used 2+ annex fo the Magistrates" Court. Taepertions of

nssenerions

prisons, the State prisons, reformatories and most of the county
Jno in the State, sup007 Chem edt ech

2 Every morning, clean towels should be supplied to each pr
oner, and collected immediately after the prisoners have washed.
{eis disgraceful that the prisoners must use their handkerchiefs
‘and shirts for drying their bodies and hands,

sy, The food served at noon should be more varied, particularly
in mode of preparation and serving. On some days of the wel:
meat could he served as a separate dish. ee

“y Bread and tea for supper, or bread and coffee for breakfast
is hot sufficient, Fruit or cereal should be added, We recom-
trend that the billof-fare worked out for the Department of Cor-
ection for its prisoners be adopted so far as practicable,

if The facilities for supplying prisoners with newspapers,
tobacco, ete, should be organized in proper form and with a view
ta osoviding the material for prisoners at cost price, instead of at
the present exorbitant rates, Tt will be easy to find some individ-
tal outside the prison willing to supply such commodities at the
‘usual outside rates.

eo Prisoners serving sentence should not be allowed to have
money on their persons.

oeAI! prisoners should receive a medical examination immedi-

‘and prisonere suffering from con-

fagious diseases (such as the cace of itch found at time of inspec-
tion) should be completely segregated from other prisoners,

GENERAL REPORT

ately upon their admission;

Popnaton, Male 7, _
hm thc howptal (= in Bellevue and at Warwick)
belo watsse.
‘ony were aveiting tial, and
é ‘ciation and the reports of
Im every inspection report of this Ast
other pale bodies, it has been pointed out that the accommodations

fhe old jail since ts occupancy for purnosee of the

Me re cs ouly have been niade at too late a date to be inchuded i

Magistnter Courts ou
lons made at the time ofthis Jespection have no

Fn see tneretore, omited here. ‘They wil be taken wp again

[SSheeCoasection with the subeegseat inspection referred to.

354 Tz Patson Associazion or New Yous

in this jail are so far inferior to the requirements that proper class
fication and segregation of prisoners is impossible, Since the jail
hhas been in use, the population has been far in excess of the number
of ‘cells, necessitating the placing of more than one prisoner in a
cell. ‘The impossibility of satisfactory classification seems to result
in carelessness, as to any classification. Thus cases of injadicious
assignment of minors and adults in the same cell were again found,

Three tier section— Despite the abseace of natural light and the
inadequate ventilation —conditions which have beei severely c
ised in previous reports — itis necessary to use the celle

Occupants of the ceils complained of the continued close atmosphere,
A prisoner occupying one of the cells had been under ptinhisent
for 8 days for Sting in the Witches. These eels are tndesirable
even for discipline, and to confine a prisoner for eight days in one
‘of them without the privilege of exercising in the corridor at least
‘once daily, is inhumane. The cleanliness of the cells and the cor!
dors was fair. The bar worle could be improved by washing and
painting

Five ter section.— All but one of the cells in this section were
gccupied. A cell found vacant, despite the overcrowed condition of
the jail, was explained by the discharge of some prisoners on the
moming of inspection. In at least one cell, minor and adult pris.
joners were found together. The refuse cans and brooms stpplied
for each eell were found in good condition. ‘There was an insuff
ciency of blankets in all the cells, and severat of the prisoners com
lained of it. An interesting instance of the need for classification
was seen in the case of one of the prisoners just admitted on a rainot
sharge, who was assigned to the same cell with a man charged with
‘murder, ‘The newly admitted prisoner refused to occupy the same
cell with a murderer. The cleantiness of the cells was fair. No
vermin was found. In some of the corridors, many of the electric
balbs were missing. ‘The condition of the windows was very bad.
‘Those that were unbroken were unclean. In one of the corridors
all the lights had been out for a week

A prisoner on one of the tiers had the iteh, and both he and his
fellow. prisoners complained of the necessity of their using the same

bathing accommedstons. ‘These accommavatent so hee esses
been indicated, consist of the stationary washtubs wsed in the lear,
dry, "No sitisfactory reason can be given for the wet of ne
Primitive method of bathing when tere are tereralchogers a a
building. With possibly a itl inconvenience to the adeosite

Tnserertos 385

this most unsatisfactory system could be abolished. AN the paint
of the walls and corridors and of the radiators was in extremely
condition, and in many instances ineredibly Athy and defaced. The
spaces behind the radiators were unclean in many instances

The case of itch referved to is another striking argument for the
medical examination for every newly admitted prisoner. In this
cage the jail physician was found in ignorance of the existence of
that disease in the prison, so that no precautions whatever were
being taken against its spreading. The corridors are swept fre-
‘quently and mopped daily. No towels are supplied to male pris-
ners, This constitutes a most reprehensible administrative short-
coming, In some parts of the prison roaches were found in small
numbers. The cots, originally consisting of lattice-work bottom,
hnave had springs attached for the greater comfort of prisoners.
However, the manner of their attachment provides spaces where
vermin might accumulate. Doubling-up in the cells was found to a
very lange extent

Civil prisoners and female prisoners. Civil prisoners are now
kept in the room on the second floor. This was formerly used as the
female depariment. The female prisoners now occupy what was
formerly the male civil prison, originally intended for temporary
fetention pens. This department has one window opening directly
(o the street, and there are no screens or other precaution against
passing things in and out. ‘There were three women detained at the
fime of inspection, one a witness, and the other two awaiting tral
No sheets or pillow cases are provided even for women. ‘Those who
can afford it obtain their own bed linen. At the time of inspection,
there was a visitor in the femate department, but the matron on duty
was not in sight. Both the matron and the woman cleaner (who
fccasionally serves as matron) were in another part of the jail per-
forming no specific duty, so that the women prisoners were under nO
supervision at the time. Another part of the temporary pens,
separated from the woman’s department by the space used for vans,
is used in the day-time as a temporary pen and at night as dormitory
for trusties. Both trusties and the omen use collapsible cots

‘Two men in the detention pens had just been admitted by trans-

fer from the 6th District court. ‘They were held on minor charges
and had been conducted through the streets handcuffed. This
method of transfer has been seriously criticised in previous reports,
but apparently no change has as yet been made.

Women receive towels daily, being better treated in this respect
than the men. The cleanliness in the women’s department was good

386 Tae Parison Association of New York

‘There are three matrons on eight-hour shifts, consisting of a head
‘matron at $75 per month and two at $50 per month each. A woman
cleaner occasionally relieves

The kitchen an taundry were clean, The bathtubs in the laundry
are still used as indicated above for the bathing of prisoners. The
space under the stairway of the basement was not kept in good
‘order. The stores and supplies were clean and well kept. ‘The fly
sereens on some of the windows were in poor condition, and should
be repaired before the summer season, if they are to be of service at

Bedding. ‘The beds are supplied only with blankets, most of
which were in bad condition; they were worn very thin, and many
of the beds were supplied only with remnants of blankets. Each
bed is equipped with a wire-spring bottom, and is supposed to have
two blankets — one is a cover for the wire-spring bottom, and the
dother for the prisoner

As no individual towels are supplied prisoners for daily use except
fo the women, and for baths once a week, it is necessary, according
to one of the prisoners, to use handkerchiefs or shirts to dry them
selves after washing in the morning,

Supervision of visitors —The old method of visiting still prevails
znen and men go directly to the cells of prisoners whom they
svish to visit and are not properly supervised. Further, they are not
searched when they come 9 the jail. It was noticed that some of
the male prisoners freely caressed some of the female visitors
shown itself unsatisfactory because it
makes easy the passing of contraband articles to prisoners and gives
‘opportunity for questionable conduct betiveen prisoner and visitor.
Complaints were received from prisoners because letters mailed
to them were delivered after they had been opened by some one in
the jail. This is not within the authority of the jail officials. This
is a violation of the postal laws, and the practice should be
discontined,

‘The prisoners receive, for the morning meal, coffee and bread;
supper consists of the sume. Once a week, itis said, stewed fruit
is added at supper.” For the noonday meal, stew and bean soup alter
nate. Complaints of the prisoners both as to variety and quantity of
foo have been received at this time, as on previous inspections
‘The principal criticism against the noonday mean, in addition to the
Jack of variety, has been that all the ingredients are combined in one

Tsrections 357

: aaah so tt ren hes
si Sa wp te plc
iy afer 0 Os oan the preparation i och that the
ey ol whan serene same

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY JAIL, LITTLE VAL
Txsvecren Feoxwany 0, 1916, 2” E.R. Cass

her, CB, Nichol, assisted by an nde ses, a jaller and
Hn Sci are alee two chaplains, who each recive compen
tation of 0a year.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The county authorities should support the sherif in using
jn penonera onthe newly seged fem and

FA new padded cell should be provide

eae supply forthe tllet,especilly those on the third
ser, should be increased.

PROGRESS MADE

The county authorities are to be commended for their efforts
so inh leer among the stoner prisoner: or re
roan dhe need for employment of sentenced pes
vaca, and highway work work on # farm suggenta

ie sd jumpers are now given to the prisoners, to be
eae a te all” Thin has been suggested in our previous

pore messhall has not been provided in the basement but

invead, separate tables and stools have been installed in each

corridor on each floor of the jail.
GENERAL REPORT
“The population at the time of inspection numbered 37,
‘Adult males for the grand jay
‘ult mates cerving sentence

ree Cai a dog 9 for 1 days 2 fr 30 dng 3f 6
Fe a days 1 for 100 days 2 fr a0 Sys
Wor ago aap

358 Tux Patson Association or New York

On the frst floor, west side, the grand jury prisoners were under
close supervision because of a recent attempt to escape. Five of the
inmates were implicated and itis planned to cause the indictment of
others. The east side of the first floor is reserved for tramps, Tt
is planned to install tool-proof bar work on all sections of the fist
floor. The windows on this floor will also be heavily screened. The
prisoners in the front section, west side, complained of the close
confinement, but the sheriff said it was necessary for him to treat
these men thus, at least for the time being, because of their recent
actions.

‘The second floor was not in use becaue of repair worke and paint
ing. The iron work was recently painted white and was thus much
improved. The niche form of toilet in the cells has been abolished
and instead, a heavy porcelain toilet bowl has been installed. On
the third floor on the west side, front section, there were male minor
prisoners. There was also a sick man in the hospital room on the
same side. In a corresponding room on the opposite side of the jail,
female prisoners were detained, and conversation back and forth
through the partitions was easy

‘The general condition of cleanliness and order throughout the jail
‘was not satisfactory, duc principally to the renovation work going
‘on at the time of inspection. ‘The present sheriff has been in office
only a month, but apparently he seeks the best treatment of pris
foners and the improvement of the jail. The prisoners, excepting the
few held in close confinement on the frst floor, spoke well of the
treatment accorded to them by the sheriff and his assistants,

Subsequent to this inspection, the county authorities have author
ized the employment of the jail prisoners on the highway in the
county, During the latter part of August and early part of Septem-
ber, about 150 prisoners were employed on the highways, but accor
ing to the sheriffs statement, this work was not entirely satisfactory
However, the county authorities have not heen discouraged as to the
possibilities of using the labor of prisoners, and ia December, 1916
it was reported by 2 Committee appointed by the Board to select
farm land, that they had arranged to fease a farm of 13 acres in the

village of Little Valley, not far from the jail. This will make poss

ble the employment of jail prisoners at farm work during the open
‘The present sheriff is to be highly commended for following out
suggestions made at the time of this inspection and also in complying

‘with recommendations made in our tors report

Issprerios

CAYUGA COUNTY JAIL, AUBURN
Insrecten MAY 22, 1916, y E.R. Cass

Sherif, S. L. Depew.
RECOMMENDATIONS .

1. A new jail is recommended, so that Cayuga county can have
anineseaton to which its citizens can poine with pride, one in
waar eNoners can be detained under healthfal conditions, i
TARY, Rnd tn accordance with the requirements of the county
Tee cyuge county now has one of the worst jails in the State
rey cated prisoners are spending teks term therein income
Many Slewes, at the expense of the laweabiding citizens of the
ae Furthermore, the county spends much money every
Sea: ee actenton of prisoners in the Onondaga County Pen
TRUE, Niven means te lose of the labor of these prisoners,
[RGM Some exent is gained by the citizens of Onondaga
county

2 end fll shouldbe locate outside of the city of Auburn,
ao’ tnat she peinoners ean be worked on a jail farm or onthe high-
“Pays, # method wo longer an experiment but a racses in several
Sen the States partealarly ia St, Lawrence county.
Prisoners have been worked to advantage on the highways in
Grontaye, Suet; Frankin, loge, Tre and other coundes
une seay countenare trying to Be progressive and to dea with
That vlsonersintelligenny, Cayuga county retains a jl uneati
Tete the detention of prisoners, and seems satisfied to let
ireelen aguinee the lew tive at the expense of the Tawabiding

ie ofthe county

ee Although ‘the jail is physically unsatisfactory, this is no
extust for mcleaiinest, pariclaly in the "pit" aeetion, The
aenoutd Begin the fall daily routine a a regular hows every
se tic aay a¢ 7 clock. Between 7 and 8 ofclock the “pit”
marin outa be aed the prisoners should be made to get UPy
een Sy the halt properly, dress, and should receive thelr
TON tpy argo am the cells shouldbe swept, also he cen.
create gor and the bedding should be hung on the gallery ral
Heer A ahatem of this kind fe used in most jlls inthe State,
Sud ben once established works automatically.

360 Tae Paisox Association oF New Yore

4 Toile paper should'be provided. The
clogs the toilet which in in an
plurmber's services

use of newspaper
‘turn causes the outlay of money for

GENERAL REPORT

The jal stat consists of two jailers and a matron, Py
Adult mates
Minoe mates

opitlation 16,
6

the grand jury
Adult miles for the grand. juny z
‘Adult males for chy cou g :

In the reports of the Prison C
he cep the Prison Commission and the Prison Associa-

tion, this jail has been charateited at envi

Because ofthe physical makeup, and has been ncinied soon
very few bad jails in the State, The“ pit” 7
ally the jit prope, is the only

windows inthe se walle

section, which is prac
Jal structare inthis State wihost
The ells inthis secon, especie

‘on the lower tier, are inadequately su saat Heat ek

on the ow ‘pplied with natural light and

ection is moe frequetly
sistant fel that itis the on
can be safely detained :

‘80 scattered that in the event of s¢ She eed

on the outside is easy from an,
oe the ot 'y from any of the sections of the jail other than

Iyspecrions 360

‘The inspector arrived at the jail at about 8:40 a. at. and found the
ren in the “pit section a sad-looking group. Some had only been
pat of bed for a short time and others tumbled ont as the inspector
arrived. Some had not washed, combed their hair or properly
arranged their clothing. The “ pit” was literally strewn with burned
matches, pieces of paper and dirt. The beds were either not made
up oF carelessly made.

Some toilets were, a8 usual, clogged and very unclean. A jail
should be seady for inspection at 9 o'clock in the morning. This jai}
lacks a regulated daily routine. There is evidently no fixed hour in
the morning for beginning the day within the jail. There shoald be
‘regular time for the men to rise, wash, eat breakfast and clean the
jail, This can all be done in a short time, if properly supervived, In
the past, the uncleanliness and disorder of this “ pit” section has
heen criticised.

‘The following sections were satisfactorily clean: ‘The juvenile
section en the third floor, the female section on the same floor, and
the “condemned” room, All of these sections were unoccupied
Te trusty section on the second floor, while generally clean, could
he improved by cleaning the steel work around the oor of the cells
‘and also around the wash basins. The kitchen was as usual satis-

clean, and in good order.
isoners in the " pit" eection complained about the food. On
the morning of inspection, the meal consisted of one-third of a loaf
of bread, oatmeal, coffce and milk. ‘This breakfast is given every
‘except that rice is substituted every other morning for oat:
“The noon meal consists always of bread, potatoes, meat and
gravy. There is no change in this except on Stinday when pork and
hans are served. More variety for this particular meal would cost
nothing extra, and at the same time give a fttle more satisfaction to
the inmates. In the evening, the meal always consists of tea and
should be given
iain but wholesome food, “To satisfy the reqitirements of the law,
Aelicacies are not necessary ; however, food of sufficient variety and
‘quantity should he given. Men are not reformed or helped physic-
ally by a diet which lacks variety. The statement of the food served
to prisoners by the Department of Correction New Yorie City,
Alemonstrates that plenty of variety can be given at a low cost. ‘This

Alietary costs about 16 cents a day per prisoner. Similar rations can
be given to small numbers of prisoners without very much incréase
in the cost

‘Tue Prisow Assoctation of New York

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY JAIL, MAYVILLE
Insrscten Frenuany 8, 19:6, uy E.R. Cass

Sheriff, William H, Marv:
materi, Willim H, Marvin, assisted by an undersheriff and »

RECOMMENDATIONS

prgeie Seumty authorities shoula not permit a large number o
Prisoners to remain idle in the jal a the cape atone et
f citizen, Tn our previous reports we have chee
Activities in other counties. ‘There i to goad retcen win ent
beer cannot be made in Chautauqua county. fed
4. The padded cell should be repaned ant ah
‘should be placed on the top of it. = eeieant eee
2, The hospital or dormitory room should be used for cases of

Geliriumm tremens requiring a strait jacket or restraining sheets

GENERAL REPORT

‘The population at the time of i
seater th inspection numbered 2, classified as
5 dul males for court
2 minor males for court
2 adult females serving semence.
#1 adult males serving sentence
72 minor males serving sentence.

ber seving sentence has averaged betwen de

atthe jal population was les than at of tear oe
Period. ‘The following are the periods of sentence far vate Same
of the prisoners had been commited, Eee ens whch sm
tape 40 tay sso dye 21 00 aps 9 6 se ees
months 3; 4 months months 6 days 1; 5 months 3; 1 my
onthe 6 days 1; Sion an) 17" 15 MomMRS 35 10 days 1;
sortie sual lrge umber of prscnees serving sentence, ant the

ng reid of tence, jstty tome praca! ore oh
eoartment Tk! an, wae ne ge, 8 el of he fen
tremens. The jailer sald he was under the care of the fot pe

by vim inthis eae is tht he dom 9 heey ee
would have been amore aitale lace fr tee bens
inne

Insrecrions 363

‘The padded cefl had been badly damaged. This was done by a
prisoner who was in it a few days prior to our inspection.

All pasts of the jail were satisfactorily clean. In the two sections
of the upper floor of the jail proper, two prisoners were assigned to
cach cell, a frequent occurrence. AS pointed out in previous reports
this practice is very undesirable The prisoners said their food and
their treatment by the sheriff and his assistants were good.

CHEMUNG COUNTY JAIL, ELMIRA
Lyspscrep May 23, 1916, sy E. R. Cass
Sheriff, Rosewolle Hoke from January 1, 1916.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Officers of the jail should be paid from a separate fund, and
not from the sherif's salary.

2, The tramp room should be adequately equipped with beds
and bedding, and kept clean.

3. The padded cell should be regularly aired, The course of

the steam pipes along the ceiling should be changed. These pipes
‘heat the air in the cell, making it extremely uncomfortable.

4. The sheriff should be permitted to use the juvenile section
for the reception of new prisoners. Here, prisoners should be
made to theroughly bathe and then should be provided with jail
clothing consisting of overalls, jumpers, shirts and socks, before
assignment to another part of the jail. “Their clothing should be
fumigated and stored away until their release. This system is,
now used in many jails, and the sheriffs commend jt as a means
of keeping the jail free from vermin.

5. The matron should be in closer touch with the female pris-
oners. We do not refiect at all on the character of the jail
officers, but it is inadvisable to permit the free access of the male
persons to the female section, especially when the matron is,
absent. In some jails, only the matron and the sheriff's wife, or
‘the sheriff, possess the keys to the female section.

6, Bed ticks should be frequently washed, and new prisoners
should receive a clean supply of bedding. |More blankets are
needed, principally in the “ pit” section.

7. The supply of fire extinguishers is inadequate,

8. The iron balls and chains in the stoneshed should be abso-
tutely removed, and under mo circumstances should they be used.

364 Tae Paisow Association o New Youx

oak, Semenced prisoners should be exmployed on the highways or

PROGRESS MADE

x. The al stat hasbeen increased. Recommendations
effect have been made in our previous reports. ‘tie

GENERAL REPORT
‘The jail staif consists of

1 guard for stone shed.

Population 39,

1 minor male serving sentsnce

2 alt females serving. sentence.

1 minor female awaiting transfer

¥ adult male for the grand. jery

¥ adult male for tial
33 adult males serving sentence

The physical condition of the jail remains the stme. ‘The pres
nt structure has given the county many years of servic, and com
Pares very unfavorably with most of the jails in this State. It sr
Peculiar combination of a antigua nd purty ede con
Mion. “The “ pit” section is the main and central part of the Jal
and because ofits stone vault-like cells is unsatisfactory, The af
Dractie of placing more than one prisoner in these celles frenucne
The hospital room and the Grand Jury section are siperior, becance
of better light and air. Although the or i
modern type of cell structive, ii

ated.

wenile section contains a
dequately lighted and ventil

The beds tk in the pit cle were not clean ‘The els on the
ner ties were not so clen ss thove on he owes esau he
netd vow Manet One pratmer cmpaacd of senor atts
end" a not eaten for abou a Weck snd bol ee ect
She doctor several tines, lias sated het te rae ee ee

from a paralytic shock. This was he
P a proper hosp
‘one for the close unhealthful confines of a county jail
The juvenile section was unoccupied. The walls of the cells are
covered with indecent drawings and writings of questionable char.
acter. All the beds contained bedding, but not arranged in an
orderly manner. It was suggested to the sheriff that the juvenile
section be transformed into a reception ‘room for new prisoners,

ease, and not

Inspections

Two adult females and a minor female were together
female department. There is no satisfactory means of separating
female adults and minors, The matron was not present when the
sheriff and inspector entered. It was stated by the inmates that she
vists them two or three times daily. The inspector saw two of the
women, but a third hid in a compartment in one of the rooms
because she was not fully clothed.

A fair condition of cleanfiness and order prevailed in the Grand
Jury cells. A prisoner in one of the cells was serving sentence and
Should have been in the “pit,” but the sheriff segregated him from
the other prisoners because of illness.

‘The hospital, exercise and trusty rooms were satisfactorily clean
and orderly. Tn one of the rooms a 17 year-old boy was alone,

‘The equipment of the tramp room cansists of five single and five
double beds. No blankets or mattresses are provided. The room
vas fairly clean, The maximum sumber of inmates for one night
in this room, since January first, was 15, The toilet compartment
was dirty and ill-smelling. The wash bow! also was unclean, This
room stil remains a disgrace to the city and county

‘The padded cell has not been improved. It is inadequately ventil-
ated and lighted.

The prisaners had no complaints to offer relative to their food and
treatment. ' Prisoners now receive three meals a day. Stone break-

ing is still the principal means of employment for sentenced pris-
oners, OF the 32 prisoners serving sentence, 8 were assigned co
wworlein the stone shed, 4 in the kitchen and 8 in the county buildings.

CHENANGO COUNTY JAIL, NORWICH
* Insprcren May 25, 1916, ny E.R. Cass

Sheriff, N. D. Lewis, since January 1, 1916,

RECOMMENDATION

1. A padded cell is necessary for violent or intoxicated pris-

ners. Tt protects the prisoners from their own violence and also

ensures the officials of the jail against unwarranted suspicions of
brutality,

PROGRESS MADE,
1, The Board of Supervisors and the sheriff of this county are
to be commended for their efforts to make use of the labor of the

366 Tue Prison Assoctatton ov New York

Prisoners in the county building and on the county farm. In our
Previous reports such employment of prisoners has been urged,

GENERAL REPORT

‘The jiles who served under the previous sherif as been retained
in office. The sheriffs wite acts a matron

Population 6

5 fat ots trig sees

The jail was very clan in all parts, The bass ofthe tlle niches
ae beginning to rest, expecially inthe ells the fee foo

The prisoners were satisfied with the sherifs and jaller’s teat
meat, and also with the food

Since the frst of the year, 48 persons have been committed to the
fal and there have heen but few prisoners serving sentence: The
Couaty Board of Supervisors have arranged with the jostce of he
Beace of the town of Chenango t0 send some of the sentenced pr
‘ners to work on the county poor house Farin -Although thee toh
oners are sent to the farm, the sheriff is responsible for them fiey
are kept separate irom the inmates of the poorhonte te much
Possible, Two of the sentenced prisoners were on the farm at the
ime of inspection. ‘These prisoners, do. farm work and genet
repair work on the county buildings

CLINTON COUNTY JAIL, PLATTSBURG
Inspretwn wy E.R. Cass, Juey 24, 1916
Sherif, J. M. Moore,

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The City of Plattsburg should have a lockup of its own.

2. The City of Plattsburg should arrange for the services of @
‘matron to look after female police court prisoners,

3. Jail officers, jail inmates, police officers and other males
should not be permitted to go to the female department unless
accompanied by the matron or ancther duly appointed female,
‘The experience of other counties in the State demonstrates thar
‘are must be exercised for the protection of female prisoners,

Inspections: 367

4, Clintén county is one of the very few counties in the State
in which there are only two sessions of the Grand Jury each year.
At present much hardship and injustice is worked upon the pri
oners, who, unable to get bail, must spend long periods between
Grand Jury sessions in the close and unhealthy confines of the
jail. Witnesses in cases aze also made to suffer similarly.

5. In order to permanently solve the jail and labor question the
county authorities should purchase a good farm, if possible one
with a quarry on it, and construct a new jail on the new site. By
having the jail on the farm, the necessity of transporting the pris-
oners, which ie somewhat of a problem, could be obviated and
thereby make the whole plan more feasible.

PROGRESS MADE,

1. Our information that architects are drawing plans for the
renovation of the present jail indicates that the County Board of
Supervisors intend to improve the existing physical conditions
of the jail. In our reports, we have always severely criticized the
jail structure in this county. ;

2. At the time of this inspection, the segregation of a minor
in a room in the courthouse section of the jail was proof that
sreater care is being exercised in the handling of juveniles. This
‘was a more favorable condition than that found at the time of a
previous inspection, In our reports the need for segregation of
juveniles has been pointed out

GENERAL REPORT

Total population 12, classified as follows,

1 ado female awsiting Grand Jory.

1 gyearold boy for the Grand Jur

4 adult mates for the Grand Jury

5 ult males serving semteuce

No changes have been made as yet in the construction of the jal
‘The insanitary conditions, the lack of facilities for separation and
classification of prisoners, especially minors, and the inadequate
number of cells continue as some of the undersirable features. At
the time of our inspection, Grand Jury prisoners and prisoners serv-
ing sentence were kept together ini the corridor and cells of the Sst
oor. This is contrary to section 92 of the County Law.

‘As mentioned in previous reports, a committee of the Board of
Supervisors has visited several other counties to study their jail con-

368 TH Prison Association oF New York

struction. Some general information, obtained at the time of inspec-
tion, is tothe effect that the supervisors are planning for the renova
tion of the present jail. The present jail is included in the smalt
number of completely unsatisfactory jails in this State; therefore its
use should not be continued. The general cleanfiness of the jail
except the cell on the southwest corner of the first floor, was
satisfactory.

The sheriff was not present in the jail at the time of this inspec-
tion and it was stated by a police officer, acting temporarily as jailer,
and also by the sheriff's wife, that the sherift was investigating a
robbery in the town of Cherubuseo,

Information was received from a trusty to the effect that one of
the prisoners sentenced to the jail on July 8, 1916 for 30 days, was
taken by the sheriff on the morning of inspection to the sherif’s farm
for employment. The fact that this man’s sentence had not yet
expired cated the inspector some concern. The matter was taken
up with the temporary jailer, who was unable to give any informa
tion, and likewise with the sheriff's wife. It was taken up with the
sheriff later, and was emphatically denied by him. In an afidavit
submitted and signed by the sheriff, he states that he tool the pris
foner from the jail in his automodile to assist him in his official
duties, ‘The sheriff also stated that he did this after consulting with
the district attorney, who said that it was proper for him to use the
prisoner in such a manner. In the opinion of the State Attorney
General, 2 copy of which has been sent to the sheriff, it is not per
rissible for a sheriff to impose upon a prisoner the duty of criminal
investigation.

‘There was one woman in the female section at the time of inspec
tion. She was held avaiting trial before a police court justice
‘The inspector noted that the temporary jailer and male police
officers had free access to the room in which the female prisoner
was confined. ‘These men entered without the matron being present
Tt was also stated hy them that this is a customary practice. Meals
are also served to the women prisoners hy a male trusty prisoner
‘The Sherif’s wiie is matron, and receives a monthly salary of
$17.33. Since the first of the year, about 23 women have been com=
mitled to the jail. The sherif’s wife admitted that she does not
make a practice of keeping close supervision over the female pris
loners; that is, she is not always present when police officers or other
persons enter the female department. While the duties of a matron
fare not specifically stated in any Taw, her duties are obviously the
protection of the female prisoners. This does not mean that she

Inspections 369

cst Cpr sean women pvoner_ Apne to
Ue jf Es Franklin,
a ld s criteria for Clinton County. Essex County has .
oot lland ry farm, which is operated
good at ae Tdvantage oF the county. ‘The Franklin Coanty jal
tiveness by purchasing a 3o-acte jail farm and employing prisoners
aes

COLUMBIA COUNTY JAIL, HUDSON

Insvecren Joxy 28, 1916, ny E.R. Cass
Sheriff, W. J. Kline.

‘RECOMMENDATIONS
a.
1, The work on the new jail should be expedite
sy county jail quarters, and
seni Columbia County prisoners to the Greene County jail at
Catskill

370 Tue Prison Assoctarion or New York

GENERAL REPORT

Population at the time of inspection, ro.

4 adult male for the Grand Jury.

9 adult males gerving sentence

2 Adult mates, Colombia County prisoners, bad been transferred to Greene

County jail at Catal

Work on the new jail began about the 1st of August 1915. On
August 16, 1915 the opinion was that the jail would be ready for
‘occupaney in about six months, but itis still under construction, and
will probably not be ready until the end of this year.

In the meantime, temporary jail quarters are in use. Although
temporary, these are the most wretched Imown to the inspector in
this State. The first and second floors of a barn are used. On the
first floor there is a cage of eight steel cells, ‘The fronts of these
cells are separated from the side wall by an extremely narrow cor-
idor. ‘The interior of the cells is dark, The rear wall of the
renovated jail prevents light from entering the corridor, The sec
tion on the first floor is ill-ventilated, extremely damp and the flor
space is £0 Fimited that the prisoners are barely able to move about
without getting in each other's way. ‘The building is a veritable fire-
trap and would be destroyed by fire almost as quickly as paper

‘The female quarters are on the second floor, These consist of one
room, with patched-up walls and one bed. The most noticeable
things about this second floor are the holes in the side walls, the
broken partitions and doors, and the disordered arrangement of
chairs, barrels and pieces of lumber, and the presence af much dirt.

The unclean condition of the bedding in the cells of the cage on
the first floor was not only unsightly, but there was evidence that
sleeping on these beds could not be enjoyed with comfort beeatise of
vermin. The damp atmosphere and wet floor in the toilet section,
together with the vile door, made even a short stay in this section
unbearable.

‘The old Columbia County jail was indeed unsatisfactory, but in
every respect was far superior to the temporary quarters which have
‘now been in use for more than one year

Inspections

CORTLAND COUNTY JAIL, CORTLAND
Insructep May 24, 1916, ay E. R. Cass
Sheriff, J. L. Eades, since January 1, 1916.
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The present structure is unfit to be used as a county jail. A
new jail should be constructed in the suburbs of the city, and a
jail farm provided to employ the prisoners.

'3, The matron should receive a salary. Her work is often
unpleasant, and her services are indispensable when females are

detained.
PROGRESS MADE

1, The Supervisors have appointed a committee to investigate
the matter of a new jail and farm. The committee has visited
jails in adjacent counties, and have also examined ten proposed
fail sites in Cortland County. Itis understood that the committee
is in favor of a new jail and a farm. In our previous reports we
have strongly urged that a new jail be built and a farm purchased.

GENERAL REPORT

‘The jail staff consists of a turnkey. Mrs. Eades acts as matron
but receives no salary. The county allows $600 a year for a janitor
and this is paid by the sheriff to the turnkey, but the sheriff boards
the turkey.

Population 9.

1 minor females.

6 adult males serving sentence .

‘The Cortland County jail is one of the worst in the State, It is
not fireproof, and does not provide healthful living quarters. Fre:
‘quently it is impossible properly to separate minors and adults, and
tales and females, Both sides on the first floor of the jail were
lean, and the equipment, such as the beds and bedding, was in
good condition. ‘The second Foor was in a disordered condition
eeause of painting. The prisoners spoke well of the treatment
given them by the sheriff and his assistant.

‘The inspector did not find the woman and the young boy locked
im their respective rooms, Tt was stated by the sheriff most emphati-
cally that the female prisoners and the very young male prisoners

372 Tie Prison Assoctarion of New York

are under the strict supervision of the matron. It was explaine:
that the doors of the rooms were unlocked because the girls were
cleaning, and that the matran was going back and forth.

One girl had been returned from the State Training School at
Hudson to the sheriff of the county because in the opinion of the
authorities of the School she did not respond favorably to the treat
ment there, Feeblemindedness was given as one of the reasons
She was committed to the Hudson Training School in Septembe
1915. The other girl was returned from Albion after having been
there for two years and two months, She was also returned for
feeblemindedness, and because she could not be placed. There is no
doubt that these two girls require further care and supervision. If
arrangemekts cannot be made for their commitment to a civil ins
tution for the feebleminded, it will be necessary to send them to the
County Home or allow them to go back (o their old environment.

DELAWARE COUNTY JAIL, DELHI
Inseeeren Mav

5, 1916, aY E.R. Cass
Sheriff, A. L. Austin, since January 1, 1916, He is assisted by a

jailer and a matron,
RECOMMENDATIONS.

4. A partition in the east and west corridors on the first Sloor
would permit proper separation of Grand Jury prisoners from
prisoners serving sentence, and at the same time allow the p:
toners to use the inside and outside corridors,

2. A jail yard should be acquired, to allow outdoor exercise for
the prisoners.

3. There should be more than three sessions of the Grand Jury
during the year. The period between May and October, through
the hot simmer months, imposes much hardship upon persons
awaiting the action of the Grand Jury. It is unjust and inhumane
to keep a prisoner within the close confines of this small jail for
months when perhaps he will ultimately be released by the Grand
Jury. In several counties of the State extra sessions are held, to
break up these long intervals,

PROGRESS MADE,

1. The cleanliness of the jail has improved . The need for this
‘was pointed out in our two previous reports.

Inspections

a. The iron work of the jail has been painted a bright color.
‘This was recommended in our previous report. ;

The bases of he toilet niches have been filled in with cement,
theceby preventing farther rust and destruction of the toilet
Gquipment. This was recommended in our previous report.

i "The cement floors of the jail have been patched up, thus

improving thelr appearance
Pre ae ested to tall a cement floor inthe Saundry and also

substitute stone washtubs for the present wooden ones.

GENERAL REPORT
Population 8
ta ane for he Gre Jars.
a a i on tenpoaty commitment
Fifty pervns have been committed tothe ai since the Sst ofthe
Tr was gratifying to find te jail clean in every det
Cisne set and pillow cases were very much in evidence on all
“The prisoners were satned with 1
set and ako 9h the food

the sheriff's and jailer’s treat

DUTCHESS COUNTY JAIL, POUGHKEEPSIE

Iwsrecrao Feanvary 23, 1916 xp May 16, 1916, 5 E.R.

Newly elected sheriff, F. J. Conklin

RECOMMENDATIONS,
1. The present location of the jail is undesirable, The jail
should be located outside of the City of Poughkeepsie.
sy Two plans of employment seem possible: One, the estab-
lishment of a county jail farm, and the other, the working of pris
oners on town highways. These plans carmot be made practic-
ble unless the practice of giving two, three and five-day sen-
tences to the prisoners is discontinued, not solely for the purpose
tfimoking a plan of employment feasible, but because itis folly to
oS isfactorily, industrially and otherwise

expect men to develop b aterm

during such a short time, The present system is non-r

374 THE Prison Association or New York

‘The statement of the farm operations in St. Lawrence county
demonstrates what can be done to the advantage of the county by
employing prisoners.

3. Aluminum eating utensils should be substituted for enamel
ware and tin. The former easily chips and then rusts, and the
latter can hardly be kept from rusting.

4 A fumigating apparatus for clothing should be installed, so
‘that when prisoners are received in the jail their clothes can be
taken from them and fumigated. While they are in jail, prisoners
should wear a uniform consisting of a pair of overalls and a shirt
Te may not be possible to do this with every prisoner, but it should
bbe made a general practice. ‘This system is carried on in Schenec
tady and Seneca counties.

5. The doors on the toilet niches should be either removed or
Xept open, so as to permit air and light to enter the niches and
us keep them free from moisture. ‘The accumulation of mois-
‘ture, together with the careless use of the toilets by inmates,
causes the iron work to rust, crack and break, thus necessitating
finally a considerable outlay for repairs,

6. Ata regular hour every morning the jailer should insist that
ach inmate cleanse the iron frame-work of his bed, brush the
mattress and shake the sheets and blankets, Then the beds
should be made up, and kept so during the day. Prisoners should
not be allowed to’ conceal bread in their beds or in the toilet
niches,

7. Bvery prisoner should be made to take a bath at least once +
week. The jailer should see that this is carried out. Towels
should be supplied to the prisoners. If they destroy them, then
towels should be distributed at a certain hour each morning, and
collected again, after the prisoners wash.

8. Library books were installed in the jail by the Jail Library
Committee, working in co-operation with the Prison Association
of New York, ‘These books are intended for the use of the pris
toners as 2 means of breaking the demoralizing monotony of the
daily routine, Men cannot be helped when they are forced to
spend the long hours of the day within the small confines ofa jail,
‘with no mental or physical activity. Even men of the best and
strongest character will ultimately deteriorate under such condi-

‘ons. The books furnished are selected with a view of having
them interesting, and at the same time of proper character. "The
sheriff and members of the staff are urged to freely distribute the
books.

IxsPecrions 375

9. No bedding except a mattress should be kept in an unoc-
cupied cell. Every prisoner should receive clean sheets and a pil-
ow case, and clean blankets. It is the practice in some of the jails
to provide covers for the mattresses, in order to preserve their
cleanliness, and to protect each new inmate.

PROGRESS MADE,

x. Much painting and cleaning has been done in different parts,
of the jail, thus improving the appearance.

2. A large gas range has been installed in the kitchen, to tale
the place of the old coal-bumning range.

‘s. The sheriff has used inmate labor in making mattresses, and
also in preparing sheets and pillow cases. Much cleaning of ceil-
ings and walls bas also been done by the prisoners in the court
house buildnig. The painting and cleaning of the jail was done
by the inmates.

GENERAL REPORT

‘The jail staff consists of the jailer assistant jailer and a matron.
‘The woman appointed as matron hires the services of another
woman to take her place. *

Jail population on May 16, 1916, was 24

Milt msles for the Grand Jury
Adult males serving sentence

Main section of the jail—This is occupied. by adult males serv
ing sentence, and those awaiting the action of the Grand Jury, oF

temporarily held for city court, One side of the cellblock is well

: ‘but the corridors and cells on the other
side are not adequately supplied. This applies particularly to natural
fight in the cells. On the previous inspection, the sheriff's attention
was called to the need of keeping the beds, mattresses and blankets
free from dirt and bread crumbs. Tt was suggested that the-mat-
tresses be brushed every morning, and that the sheets and blankets
be shaken ip the corridors prior to making up each bed. Tt was
quite evident at the time of the present inspection that this practice
hes not been segularly performed. It should be, if the beds are to
be kept free from vermin and the cells free from roackes.

Female section—Tn most parts this section was satisfactorily
clean, but in the utility corridor much loose paper, ditt and bread

376 Tur Prison Association or New York

crumbs vere found. Such details should not be neglected, In one
of the cells, many books were carelessly thrown on the floor atid bed,
In the juvenile department, in some of the unused cells, bedding was
found, and it was stated that prisoners had just left the jail on the
morning of inspection. ‘These beds were not made up, and did not
resent a good appearance. In three of the cells the toilet bowls
were plugged with pieces of bread and wads of paper, There was
considerable stale bread Jying around in the toilet niches and in the
cells. The padded cell was not in use and was clean,

The kitchen was very satisfactorily clean, also the small room
used as a temporary hospital

Some of the prisoners complained about the food, and others said
it was satisfactory. At the time of the previows inspection the
sheriff was shown that the meat served in a soup was distributed in
very unequal quantities for cach prisoner. However, judging from
the stories of the prisoners, that has been remedied. At the time of
the previous inspection it was stated by the sheriff that he was desir
fous of serving a better quality of food ta the prisoners, but woul
hhave to go about it gradually, due to the low per eapita set by the
previous administration. At the time of this inspection the inspector
was informed that a better grade of meat was purchased and less
one and gristle received, giving a larger actual quantity of meat
The sheriff should be permitted to provide the prisoners with ade
‘quate, wholesome food. If the per capita cost of sustenance m
be increased, to give a more liberal quantity and quality of meat thas
was served to the prisoners for the noon meal on February 23, 1916,
the present sheriff should be permitted to make the additional
expenditure. “He should not be unfairly criticised for doing so. The
efficiency and fairness of a sheriff's administration so far as the jail
responsibilities are concerned, should not be determined solely on the
basis of a Jow per capita cost of mainienance. The Prison Associa
tion does not in the least advocate extravagance or the purchase of
delicacies for prisoners. Tt should be remembered that the inmates
of a jail are, despite their circumstances, hiiman beings and shoud
therefore be treated as such. To underfeed men or to give them
coarse food, is not consistent with humane treatment, does much 0
jeopardize the health of an inmate, and ultimately is apt to react
unfavorably for the members of a community on the outside.

Inspections

ERIE COUNTY JAIL, BUFFALO
Insrecre June 27, 1916, ny E.R, Cass
Sheriff, Edward Stengel

RECOMMENDATIONS

1, The work on the north wing of the jail should be expedited.
‘Too much time has already been consumed, and much inconveni-
‘ence and hardship imposed upon both prisoners and official

2, From the windows in some of the rooms in the south wing,
the heavy wire mesh should be removed, and the window open
ings should be enlarged. Provision should also be made for exer-
cising the prisoners confined in these small, poorly lighted and ill-
ventilated sections.

+3. Female prisoners should be separated according to law. ‘The
jailer should insist upon this, and when necessary should not hesi
tate to use the rooms reserved for jurors, but practically never
used.

‘4 More satisfactory arrangements should be made for the
éetention of cases similar to that of the Polish woman and the

young child mentioned in this report.
5. The side walls in some of the rooms in the female section
should be repaired, so as to prevent further peeling and the pres-
ence of excessive moisture,
6, During the day the beds should be made up. More care
should be exercised to keep the bed spreads and bed linen cleaner.

PROGRESS MADE,

‘The steel cages known as dungeons have been removed.
Recommendations in our previous reports have been to this effect.

GENERAL REPORT
‘The jailer is James J. Lannon.

‘The population was 16
2 United States female prisoners,
1 United States mate adule

4 adule males a witnesses,

1 minor female a 8 witness

“4 adult females awaiting tr
adult males, civil eases

2 adult males, for tra

378 Ture Prison Association or New York

The north wing ofthe jail nt completed, and wil not be reay
for occupancy for tany tants. ‘The skeleton steel structure is
compete, bt the cell partitions, fronts, door, floors, te, have ma
teem installed, ‘On te two epper tiers the laying of the concrete
floors isin progress. Outside cages have been placed on bit 40
windows, The construction and cenovation of the Dung
taken entirely too much time. Responsibility for this shifted

tne person oF thing fo another; that is, ne time itis absence ofthe
Steel equipment, and now its becatse of dlay.on the pat of te
Cement workers,

“The south ing, consisting of 4 Separate forse used for female
prisoners, and also for male psoners held in iil cases as witnesses
{Wt the exception some ofthe rooms reserved for females, th
Toms in this wing are unesrable for the detention of man
Teings "The sleeping rooms are dark and ieventated, and thes
Ginger recreation rooms are much the sume.” Particularly in the
Cae of witnesses, the situation is smost nai, insomitch as thes
prisoners have not. been committed for’ a crime, but ia. mou:
tances are of service to the county. Nevertheless they are teat
to far an thei housing accommodations ae concerned, wih les &o
Sagration than those arvesed for volton ofthe law

Ta the female quarters there i litle regard shown forthe prope
separation of prosoers in accordance with the fa, Wituesses sod
Mrdsonces awaiting, transfer, prisoners awaiting the action of the
Gran Jary or awaiting tal have Been found commingting. 1s
Stated shat sometimes the population iy 20 large that is mpossble
Ghibacrve the law. Tt has also been stated that the rooms on the
floor below, reserved for jurors, are to be used. However, thee
floeidencs that this is done. ‘To avotd using the dark and unde
SH rooms, and to provide the proper separation, the proposed ts
Of the juror rooms should become a realty :

The bedding in all parts of this wing is not pardcaarly bright
an clean. Prisoners evidently are'not complied fo keep thee bes
trade up during the day. More interest and activity Is needed on
the part of the matron

‘Arrangements ate being made to repair the walls i the extrame
south part of the femate section, ‘The paint an plaster from the=
atl are peeing, because of moistare which either comes in throush
the mason ot Perhaps is duc to the composition of the pase.

“Togetner withthe group of ferale prisoners was a Polish worss
mie years od wha 7 youralé child, The presence of te
Stila fn the some room with alt prisoners i ofcourse a vilatin

Inspections 379

of Section 486 of the Penal Law. ‘The woman was tound wandering
about a section of Buifalo at two o'clock in the morning, and after
engaging in a hard scuffle with a policeman, was placed under arrest
and charged with vagrancy. She was temporarily committed, it
vas stated, by the City Court Judge, until arrangements could be
‘made with'some of the Polish Societies to provide for her and the
child, However, despite the fact that the woman was temporarity
committed, the child should have been otherwise provided for, either
by commitment to the detention hone for children, or the Commit
ting Justice should have given instructions that the woman and child
be provided for in a separate room in the jail. There were a number
fof such rooms available. The sittation was not only a reflection
upon the jadgment of the Committing Justice, but also one which
warrants severe criticism of the jailer, and of the matron in charge
at the time the woman and child were received.

ESSEX COUNTY JAIL, ELIZABETHTOWN

Inspzorap ay B. R. Cass, Jury 26, 1916

‘The newly elected sheriff is Charles L. Pool

RECOMMENDATIONS

Permanent accommodations should be at once made for
smale prisoners on the third floor. This part of the jail is
practically unused, except for drying clothes.

2, There should be, when the population of the jail warrants
it, an additional session of the Grand Jury. ‘The plan adopted
in Tompkins, Franklin and Richmond counties should be fol
lowed. In these counties an additional session of the Grand
Jury ig held during the month of June if the population of the
jail justifies i.

3. Prisoners, especially those awaiting the action of the Grand
Juty or trial, should be given exercise daily, or at least two or
three times a week in the jail yard.

4 The iron work on the first and second floors of the jai
should be painted a bright and serviceable color.

5. The sheriff should be supported in his efforts to develop
the jail farm and plan of employing the prisoners. ‘There is no
good reason why the prisoners cannot be kept in one of the
farm buildings at the farm instead of being brought to and from

ae
‘Tan Prison Assocration of New York

‘each day. Prisoners sentenced to Erie County Peni-

ry are lodged in temporary quarters on a farm. Prisoners
sentenced to State prison and engaged in road work are housed
in temporary shacks some distance from the prison to which
they have been sentenced. Likewise, prisoners from the Onon-
daga and Erie County penitentiaries were lodged in shacks on
the highways when engaged in road building.

PROGRESS MADE

1. Employment under excellent conditions has been estab-
lished for the sentenced prisoners in Essex County. As pointed
out in the body of this report, the Prison Association has, by
various means, brought to the county officials and the public the
need of employing its jail prisoners,

NERAL REPORT

‘The sheriff is assisted by an undersheriff, a turnkey, a matron
land one guard. Population at the time of inspection 23, classified
as follows

1o sat ls serving ste

5 aul mae forthe grand a,

The cleanliness and order of the equipment throughout the jail
was satisfactory. The iron bar work on the first and second floors
is much in need of paint,

No definite provisions have as yet been made for the accommods
tion of female prisoners. As pointed out ia our previous reports,
there is available room on the third floor of. the jail for the installa
tion of cells for females.” ‘The October 1915 Grand Jury of Essex
County also emphasizes the need for female quarters. Under the
present conditions, while males and females can be prevented from
commingling, th in close proximity, almost in
Sight of each other and can very easily communicate,

‘As pointed out in previous reports, Essex County is one of the
very few in which there ate only two sessions of the Grand Jury
tach year. This sitvation jis unfortunate and perhaps onjut in
many instances. All three prisoners awaiting the action of the
Grand Jury at the time of this inspection were received at the ja
fon May 16, 1926, and must wait there in close confinement and
without physical or mental activity until September 17, 1916. At

Insesctions 381

that time they might be indicted or permitted to go free, for lack
of evidence or other reasons. Cases of this kind are frequent in
this jail

‘Employment for inmates of the jail serving sentence has been
most strongly urged in or previous reports, This has been done
by direct communication and interviews with county officals, also
by submitting inspection reports, and statements of employment
activities in other counties to the Board of Supervisors of Essex
Coumty. Further, by distributing specially prepared articles for
the newspapers of the county, and also supplying them with our
inspection reports, ‘This campaign has been carried on for nearly
three years.

Recently, the county has purchased for $4300 a 257 acre farm,

sg acres of which can be used for raising vegetables. The remainder
consists of pasture land, timber and quarry. At the time of this
inspeetion, the usual number of idle prisoners was not found in the
ail but instead, 18 out of a total of 23 were busily engaged at hard
‘work on the farm, Their employment consisted of constructing a
barn, repairing sheds, farming, breaking and hauling stone. The
farm is about two miles from the jail and the prisonets walk from
the jail fo the farm each morning and back again at night. It was
suggested that the prisoners be kept in a shack on the farm.

‘The possibilities of making {his farm an important means of
contributing toward the cost of maintaining the prisoners are un
limited. Even now, butter, eggs and milk are supplied to the jail
The sheriff, in constructing the barn, has arranged with a local
lumber dealer to supply him with dressed umber at present with-
out cost, and in turn, the sheriff promises to give to the lumber
dealer during the fall and winter months fresh eut logs from the
timber Tand on the farm. This is indeed a commendable use of
natural resources.

During the winter months, besides cutting lumber, it is also
planned to use the jail labor in wharfing and changing the course
of the stream which runs through the farm. This will avoid wash=
juts in the spring. The prisoners will also be employed at quarry
work and the preparation of stone for local highways.

Subsequent to this inspection and the ending of our fiscal year,
the following information has been received from the sheriff of
Essex County:

There were employed on the farm in the period beginning May
13, 1916 and ending October 31, 1916, 5x different prisoners with

382 THE Prison Associarton or New York

a total of 1700 days of work. The following figures. have been
taken from the sheriff's report to the County Board of Supervisors
showing the financial operations of the farm
Sanes ano Savescs
Received for vegetables mile and age sold $1,965 14
‘Net saving to county in taneportation and board by aot sending
pasoness to Albeny County Penitentiary 238-00

B03 4

LExensovrones axp IsTEREST
Cont of free labor. $995 75

er, seed too, ee purchased 34 76
Inlet lost by mney ives fa the purchase of the

‘Total expenditures,

peers omy
pala ae
are not entirely earned from the farm but due to some extent to

Inspections

FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL, MALONE
Insescrep ay E. R. Cass, Jour 23, 1916

Sheriff, F. S. Steenberge

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The jail should be enlarged so as to prevent the placing of
‘ovo prisoners in a cell, and the unlawful commingling of the var-
jous classes of prisoners and adults and minors.
‘2 A jail yard should be provided especially for prisoners await-
ing court or action of the Grand Jury.

PROGRESS MADE

1. The deadlock which existed between the sheriff and the
county officials, relative to the services of an additional guard to
conduct the farm, has been eliminated so that now the farm is in
operation. In our reports and in correspondence with officials,
the immediate adjustment of the misunderstanding has been
‘urged, so that the employment of the prisoners should not be
retarded.

2, The dbjectionable plumbing equipment has been removed
and modern facilities installed. In our previous reports, the
heed for stich an improvement was strongly emphasized,

GENERAL REPORT
The total poptlation at the time of inspection was 15, classified
as follows
43 adalt males for the Grand Jury
2 duit male for examination
to adult males for serving. sentence
adult male United States prisoner
Since the last court session in March, the population has aver
aged between 17 and 18 daily. With such 2 small number, the need
‘or additional cells is not evident. However, the population in the
‘and the possibility for an increased population in the future,
Shows that the number of cells is not sufficient for the needs; and
necessitates doubling-up and other undesirable crowding and com-
mingling.
The jail throughout was clean, and the equipment satisfactorily
acranged. ‘The inmates had no complaints to offer as to the food or
the treatment received,

384 Tue Prisos Association or New York

Dany improvements have been made, chiefly the installation of
new toilet equipment and painting. On the first floor, the cell in
the southeast comer has been furnished with two new ion
enamelled toilet howls, a shower bath and a wash basin with hot and
cold water. Also one general wash-sink for the cleaning of mops,
pails, ete. ‘The same improvements have been made in the cell on
the southeast corner on the second floor. No change has been made
in the cells on the third floor, because these are equipped with toilet
and wash basins, The female section has been painted, and one of
the cells has been equipped with shower bath,

“The county jail farm is now in operation, The sheriff has been
allowed the services of 2 guard for certain seasons of the year. Also,
in the spring of 1916, prisoners were employed on the village high
ways at repairing and cleaning. It is the impression that the estab-
lishment of employment for the inmates of the jail has had a salt
tary effect on keeping recidivists from the jail. The record of the
umber of the men employed in connection with the farm is as
follows:

Daring the month of May, nine diferent pelsoners were em
loved for a total of 3198 dave,
In June, thireen different prisoners wore employed for » total

Of 77 days
In July, thirteen diferent ten were employed up to the tne

inspection, with a total o

3096 days

Much of the labor on the farm for this year is required to improve
the condition of the land by clearing it of stone, quack grass, bury-
ing stone, ete. Te is hoped to get a good crop of grain and also pota
toes and beans, Four or five acres of hay have been cut and it is
‘expected about 10 more will be cut. Now that farm work has been
started after much delay, and the results show that much good can
be accomplished, the move should have the undivided support of the
county officials and citizens,

FULTON COUNTY JAM, JOHNSTOWN.
Insecta Jory 20, 1916, ny E, R. Cass
Sheriff, William J. Shepard,
RECOMMENDATIONS

+. Some of the available ground on one side of the jail should
bbe enclosed as a jail yard. Outdoor exercise ig essential.

Inspections 385

a. With some additional construction above the kitchen, hos?
tal rooms and reception quarters can be provides

GENERAL, REPORT
Pi a ed

Be fee te tO yc iat ty ea)
sconce th es ey athe ere
soe ole pest ror ape on
aan me th ee pci ernie
seat se ee pe. Sach pacers en
Te ed eet seo
soma

GENESEE COUNTY JAIL, BATAVIA
Insrecrep sy E.R, Cass, Just 28, 1916
Sheriff, F. Edgerton.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1 New matresen show be provided, azo sheets and pillow
cate iron work of the jail shouldbe painted bright color

. ‘more cheerful atmosphere within: the jail.
cen be let bowla

Jnould be assigned to do janitor
‘and making the

386 Tur Parson Association of Naw Yor

5 The plan of employment should be continued and-earnestly
‘supported by the county authorities,

‘There should be more than three Grand Jury sessions during
the year. Much hardship and injustice is imposed frequently
upon prisoners who are unable to obtain bail. It is a practice in
Some of the counties of the State to hold a special session of the
Grand Jury during the year, thus breaking up the long time inter-
vening between the regular sessions.

7. Provision should be made for receiving new prisoners at the
jail, There is plenty of available room in the basement for the
installation of one or two extra cells, to detain men who are
brought in late at night. In this connection, there should be
installed a fumigating apparatus and bathing facilities, so that
when a prisoner is received his clothes can be removed and fumi-
gated. He should be made to bathe thoroughly, and should
receive a jail uniform, consisting of overalls, socks and a shirt
before he is assigned to a cell in the jail proper. This system is
in vogue in several counties in the State, and the sheriffs in those
counties speak very highly of its merits, stating that itis the only
sensible and practicable method for keeping the jail free from

GENERAL REPORT

The sheriff is assisted by a jailer, matron and a female cook.

Population 21

B adule mates serving sentence

2 minor males rerving sentence

The general condition of cleanliness throughout the jail was good,
yet more care should be exercised with details. For instance, the
toilet bowls and the improved bases of the toilet niches in some of
the cells could have been much cleaner

‘Many of the beds were not nade up. ‘The mattresses are too wide
for the iron frames of the hinged beds, and because of this, together
with their unclean and worn condition, they presented ant unsatis-
Factory appearance. Lt was stated that new mattresses of a proper
size have been ordered. Sheets and gillow eases are not supplied.

tis should be done in order that the equipment may compare favor
ably with most of the jails in the State

‘There were only four prisoners in the jail at the time of inspection.
‘The remaining 7 were at work on the County Poothouse farm,
located about 9 miles from the jail. Apparently, the men’aré not

Inspections

expected to clean their cells and make their beds before they leave,
There should be one or two men left in the jail to do the janitor
work.

‘The county authorities are to be commended for authorizing the
comloyment of jail inmates on the County Poothouse farm. This is
a definite step forward in genuine prison reform. The system was

tablished in the fall of ro1s, It was stated that about 6 men work
daily on the farm, As yet, no men have escaped, although men are
transported back and forth a distance of 18 miles a day, in an auto
truck, and under the supervision of one guard. Men working on
the farm receive better rations than the prisoners who do not work,
Ie-was further stated that so far the work has proved very satis:
factory.

GREENE COUNTY JAIL, CATSKILL
Insoncrep ny Buttir Kirn, JOLY 19, 1916
Sheriff, Chasles A. Post

RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. The system of paying the sheriff $2.80 per week per man for
the board of prisoners should be discontinued, ‘The sheriff should
purchase whatever is necessary for the maintenance of the pris-
‘ners and bills should be paid by the Board of Supervisors.

‘2. The amount of food served should be increased, especially in
respect to bread, and a better variety should be allowed for every
meal of the day.

‘3. Court prisoners should be given daily exercise in the yard,
under proper supervision.

‘4 Ati assistant jailer should be employed to relieve the present
officer. ‘They each should serve not more than 12 hours daily.

‘5. Mail addressed to individual prisoners not yet convicted
should not be opened by the sheriff. To do so is a violation of
the Federal Postal Laws. If there is any suspicion as to the con-
tents of letters, the prisoners should be required to open them in
the presence of officers, and upon their refusal to do so, mail
should be withheld from them until they are discharged. | Pris
foners convicted and serving sentence should authorize the sheriff,
in writing, tg open their mail, ‘This is the method of disposing
cof mait in vogue in all the largest prisons of the State.

388 Tu Prison Assoctation or New York

6, No bedding should be supplied for vacant cells until the
‘admission of prisoners; each newly admitted prisoner should
receive his bedding upon his admission into the cell, and all bed
ding should be immediately removed upon the discharge of pris.
oner, and laundered before it is again used.

7. The toilets seats, on the first tier at least, should be covered
with coment surrounding the seat proper, in such a way as £0
{ain towards the center, This will prevent rust and the sccurs-

ing from
The destruction of this stairway in the
event of fire would bring about a serious situation.

40, Sliding doors in front of the tollet niches in the cells should
be removed.

GENERAL REPORT

‘Census on the day of inspection was 6

3 were Grand Jury prisoners, wansferred from Columbia Count

a were serving’ sentences of jo days, 4 month and 6 months respectively

There were ao minors, no women, no civil prisoners or witness

‘The present sheriff has been in office since January 1, 1916. He
is assisted by under-sheriff, matron and jailer. ‘The latter is on 24-
hour duty. Te has been found in other jails unwise to require any
Sfficer to be on duty, even though not constantly at work, for 21
hours of the day. It is very strongly urged that an assistant jailer
be obtained to relieve for half the day.

‘The jail consists of 3 tiers and basement constructed on a inodern
plan described in previous reports. The top tier was vacant and had
ot been used for a long time. Tt was found in good condition in
every respect, except that clean bedding was spread on beds. Ith
been found unwise at other institutions to have any bedding ready
fon beds before the admission of new prisoners, because it has
resulted in the use of the same bedding by different prisoners. The
jailer stated that bedding is removed upon the discharge of the pris
ner no matter for how short a time he has oceupied the cell. Tt was
found, however, that in at least three cells bedding had been left on,
probably through oversight, and had been used by successive pris-

InsPrctions 389

foners. That is neither sanitary nor conducive to a high standard of
l-respect and decency. Tt is urged that all bedding be removed
immediately upon che discharge of individual prisoners, and that
clean bedding be supplied to each individual as he is admitted. Tn

ler respects, considerable care seems to have been bestowed on the
general appearance and cleanliness of the jail. Parts of the iron
work and equipment of the cells have been painted by the jailer
The room used for civil prisoners or witnesses was in good condition
‘Sheets and pillow cases were said to be changed weekly

There has been no attempt to replace the wooden stairway now
aiving the only access to the different tiers of the jail by fireproof
Stairs, despite repeated recommendations. The supply of bedding,
towels and toilet paper was good. ‘The water pressure in the fash
boxes of the toilets was very poor on the two upper floors oF the jal.
(On the second or middle tier, there was only one prisoner. Some of
the seats in the toilets on this tier were found rust-eaten. The niches
are supplied with sliding doors. It has been found advantageous in
other jails to remove these sliding doors.

(On the first tier, the omly one at all used to any extent, much of
the iron work is in need of paint. The water pressure on this tier
was good. The general condition of the basement, tramp room and
store rooms ywas good. The rough brick and cement finish in the
basement and in some paris of the upper floors has not been covered
with a smooth sanitary surface or painted, despite frequent recom-
‘mendations in previous inspection reports.

‘Tramps housed at the jail are brought Before the justice of the
peace the following morning. The free lodging of transient tramps,
practiced in some counties, is not in vogue here,

(Of the six prisoners constituting the jail popt!
inspection, one was working at the sheriff's residence. Al! of the
remaining five were interviewed and all of them complained about
the food. This is one of the counties where the sheriff is given 2
per capita per week allowance for the sustenance of prisoners. The
evils of this system have been frequently pointed out by the Prison
Association. At this particular jail, under the previous administra-
tion, no complaints had ever been offered by prisoners in regard to
the food. At this time complaints were unanimous; especially the
amouint of bread and meat served and the monotony of having beans
with bread and tea for supper on successive evenings were criticised,
Inspection of two meals on this date correborated the complaint of
the insufficiency of bread served. ‘The quality of the food was good.
‘The matter was fully discussed with the matron and she stated that

390 THE Prison Association or New Yors

she would be willing to supply more bread, but that a generat
increase of amount and quantity was out of the question, at the rate
paid by the county, namely $280 per capita per week, No exact
accounting is kept of the exact cost of sustenance, so that the actial
cost of feeding cannot be ascertained. On the basis of experience
at other institutions it would seem that 40 cents per day otight to be
ample, The above situation again emphasizes the inadvisability of
the system now in vogue, It would be very mich wiser if the sherift
were allowed to expend whatever is necessary for the feeding of
prisoners and presented the bills to the Board of Supervisors for
payment, so that there might be no question of profit or loss on the
part of the sheriff, This is the method obtaining in over fifty
‘connties in the State

‘There is a jail yard in connection with the Duilding, but it is never
used for giving outdoor exercise to any of the prisoners. The prin-
cipal reason given is the impossibility of supervision with only one
jailer on 24-hour duty. This explanation seems reasonable, There
Should be an assistant jailer employed, and daily outdoor exercise
should be allowed, Other complaints on the part of the prisoners
related to the short time allowed for visitors to the prisoners, and to
the fact that the sheriff opened the mail addressed to prisoners. Tt
‘was pointed out to the sheriff that this procedure is in violation of
the law, and he stated that he would discontinue it

‘The general cleanfiness and order of the jail were good. ‘The inst
tution is also used as town lock-up, but not very frequently

Tt would be well to equip part of the basement of the jail as a div
ing room for the prisoners. This has been found to iork well ia
other jails.

“The supply of hot water is insufficient, and a larger water heater
should be supplied, Also better laundry equipment is needed for the
regular laundering of bedding and blankets.

HERKIMER COUNTY JAIL, HERKIMER
Instecre May 19, 1916, mY E, R, Cass
Sheriff, James W. Moon since January 1, 1916

RECOMMENDATIONS

x. A porcelain toilet bowl should be installed in each cell. The
bucket system is now antiquated in our county jails because in

Inspections aot

most jails each cell is equipped with a separate toilet bowl. Simi-
lar arrangements should prevail in this jail so that the cells can
be locked at night, thus preventing possible immorality among
prisoners, especially the younger ones, who are forced sometimes
to be together with the older prisoners.

‘2. The retention of a larger number of sentenced prisoners in
the county jail is advisable instead of sending them to the Onon-
daga County Penitentiary, also the employment of the same on a
county jail farm, The account of the activities of St. Lawrence
county, with its jail farm, demonstrates what can be done. There-
fore Herkimer County should fall in line with many other coun-
ties that are employing their sentenced prisoners.

3. The towns of Herkimer and Mohawk should have lockups
of their own,

PROGRESS MADE,

. The condition of cleanliness in the jail was much superior to
that found at the time of our inspection of December 17, 1915.

2. Shades have been provided for the windows on the side of
the lower floor, facing the street. ‘This need was pointed out in
the recommendations of our previous reports.

GENERAL REPORT

The jail staff consists of E, Kelley as jailer, and Mrs. Keller as
matron,

Population 11

1 ininor male for the Grand Tur

adult males for the Grand Jury

2 adult stales serving sentence

'A satisfactory condition of clesnliness prevailed in all parts of the
jail, The prisoners had no complaint to offer relative to the food,
fr to the treatment accorded them by the sheriff and his staff. The
jail is used principally for the detention of prisoners serving sen-
fences of 15 of 20 days. The majority of the prisoners in the
county, committed for erimes other than a felony, are sent to the
‘Onondaga County Penitentiary. This entails considerable expense
for the transportation of prisoners and guards, and also reduces the
jail population, so that there is nstally an insufficient number of pris-
dpners serving sentence, to justify a jail farm or work on the high-
trays, Ti more prisoners were kept in the county jail, work on the
highways or on a county farm could be undoubtedly established to
the advantage of the county, This has been proved in other counties
of the State

392 Tite Prison Assocrarion of New Yori.

‘The jail is still used as a town lockup for the towns of Mohawk
and Herkimer. Since the first of January of this year, 26 prisoners
from the town of Mohawk have been received at the jail’ on tem
porary commitments, to be held prior to their appearance before «
police court Justice. From the town of Herkimer, t2t prisoners
tsader similar conditions. These prisoners are usually. brought in
at night, making it necessary for the sheriff ar his assistants to get
up at all hours to admit them. The prisoners are in most cases
‘extremely intoxicated, unclean and disorderly. These conditions do
‘uch to increase the task of keeping the jail free from dirt and
vermin, and also interfere with good discipline. Most jails through-
out the State are used solely for the detention of Grand Jury pris
goners and prisoners serving sentence; and not as police locleupe, Tt
is deplorable that the town of Mohawk, with a population of nearly
8,000, has no police lockup available. A town the size and character
of Herkimer is likewise to be criticised, Throughout the State many
towns much smaller thant Herkimer or Mohawk have police lockups,
‘and do not impose an unfair and improper burden upon the sherift
and his staff,

JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, WATERTOWN,
Insrrcten ay E.R. Cass, Juny 22, 1916
Sheriff, Charles S. Hosiner.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

4, The employment of prisoners should be further developed,
+0 that the labor of a larger number of prisoners can be utiliced.

2, Heavy wire screens should be placed on the windows in the
basement of the jail, to prevent the passing of contraband goods
into the jail Ie

3 Permanent arrangements should be made to prevent easy
access from the second to the third floor. Keys to the female sec
‘ion should be in posession of the sheriff and matron only.

There should be installed in some part of the basement or
third floor a fumigating apparatus, so that the clothes of new
prisoners can be thoroughly cleaned and stored in the numerous
lockers which are now available on the third floor. Without
fumigating apparatus these lockers should not be used, because
they are of wood, and will easily become filled with vermin, ‘The
fumigating apparatus need not be an expensive affair, For

Insrections, 393

example, a large-size packing care can be lined with tin, and a
door placed on ft.” ormaldehiyde torches can be oct int the case
ts the famigating agent. Sulphur ould not be wed, anit is dtr
tmental (0 the clothing. Prisoners shoul be sopplied swith uni-
formas (not striped). Brown or blue overalls and jumpers are
fufficient. With an arrangement of tis ind, the tase of keeping
th le rom di ana vermin wl be genta
5 Oppertinity for exerciae should be given 19 prieonereawalt-
ing the Grand fary tod ult to thoe serving sentence who are
tot employed outside of the Jai If auch opportunity cannot be
onventently arranged for in the jall yard, there showd at least
te some chance given for exercise in the ouside corridors of the
Clore condnement without suficlent exerciae a bound to
pats one's healt, and even tn the cave of prtsoners thls howd
tot be overlooked,
PROGRESS MADE
1. The remit of the increased activites on the part of the

poo Gee
=

Population a:
A Bie ance ot satin ess fan xi i
jain "The hei andi ua ae be commend fort ers
is dream a
feron Coen snow ping int practice the enloymes
jal pesos atiag Comers tt wort tan ic te coe
‘Seaton endesong stan te best rele ‘The omty
serie re es lac aol cptonay Bor Fact
oe ioten tenia ne Palate On omtes
Hants Stes tere toe anpoved aly te corey cod
ied ineueear et He Wet” A les cp) of rome

304 | Tue Prisow Assoctarion of New Yore
expected, ‘The value of these, together with funds derived from
the sale of hay, will contribute materially toward the cost of main

jining the prisoners. It is planned to employ the prisoners in.the
all and winter at stone-breaking, and also in constructing roads on
the tuberculosis hospital site. Now that a good start has been made,
it is strongly urged that the county authorities support the move in
every detail, xo that the sheriff can obtain the maximum results
Maniy other’ counties in the State are serving as examples in the
employment of prisoners, and it is to be hoped that Jefferson County
‘will ranie well with these

Prisoners, when they are now admitted to the jail, are made to
bathe thoroughly, and if their clothes are in a very anclean condi
tion, they are destroyed and others provided. However, no regular
Fumigating apparatus has been installed and no system of providing
jail clothing has yet been established,

KINGS COUNTY JAIL, BROOKL

Inspecren Jucy 13, 1916, ay Punar Ki
Sheriff, Edward Riegelmann,
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Access for the civil prisoners to outdoor exercise in the jail
yard of the City Prison Brooklyn should be obtained at the earl

jest possible moment, As shown in the body of the report, this
improvement is absolutely necessary and the failure to obtain it
is inexcusable. Tt is plainly a neglect of duty and a lack of
humane interest that are responsible for the present condition.

‘2, The doubling up of prisoners in the cells should be avoided
‘except when absolutely unavoidable,

GENERAL REPORT
Census: 13 men and 1 woman, of whom one was in Cumberland
Street Hospital. They were held as follows

4 1 ality roedion:

4 for contempt of jadament

Several of the men have been confined at the jail for a number
of months, and one, a Federal prisoner, for 16 months. No out-
door exercise is given to any of the prisoners, Regardless of the
repeated recommendations by the Prison Association and of numer=

Ixsrecrions 395

us conferences and eters, there as been no change in this expect
oer gt ae nation almot vee years ago. There
Fa re ajaing the bulding and used bythe somates of
io eae Pe Brooklyn ander the juradcdon of the Department
ao eaan eroeeilpriomers have before them the dal
Seat oun exes alowed to prrs detained
rea Oe er teil they, Demelves, ae not granted the ev
Fr a eves a prevent rom the cv jail to ths ard
Se anon eld Se ean st tan erent esate tan
ee ent of Kings County who as charge of the
than B18 The chill jh andthe President of the Borough of
Fe ee hots jradiion constraction work of tis
cee could seeing with ease inthe pst 80 and one
a cbtnined the neceuary appropriation for obtaining
half etre pconer to the yard for outdoor exerciee, Instead of
ce eo tite de wo, bowever, they have daregarded recommen
ndevoring ct have confused thie very simple Sse with
i a nd have pasud the reaponsiity fr the condition

sea ea chou and tothe Department of Correction
‘iy Prion is drinntered

Senn ee no egtimate ov reasonable excise forthe
Fae inert ees on te part of ae proper authori 10 do
seat ry tele duty, to take the proper seps for obtaining
Seas for tet prisoners to the outsie

ces Jon a rons and atienpt om the part of thi Asti
ieee reine cooperation for eecing tis important and
son to rn a ere been inefletive by the ATPOFE
lethargy of the officials responsible for the situation.

ar ee tual cannot be held Sn any sense responsible for
the above contin

“rae pron warden is Matthew T. Meagher

Denar warden, Lawrence F. Carl

Posteoper AC. Mora

Poyaican, Dr SA. Lewis

Peano, & Koper, 3 atone and 1 leaner.

Fae ar se ral ana whole was found satisfactory, except
eoaensareseor oo inmates comfined inthe 8 cals on the fis er.
that the we ling up of four een.” While there are ® more
which mean the our of which belong permancry to the
cas the es pene he no eaton for allowing doubling uP
rate department rn questioning Pritner, no complaints were
oa Premeree to treatment, food, cleanliness oF any other
ina

396 Tae Prisow Association oF New York

LEWIS COUNTY JAIL, LOWVILLE
Insrecrep Juty 21, 1916, ny E.R. Cass
Sheriff, G. O. Jeff
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A new jail should be built outside of the town, on sufficient
‘acreage so that a fairly large farm can be maintained.
2. There should be more than two sessions of the Grand Jury
during the year. In Tompkins County, for example, where only
twwo sessions of the Grand Jury are regularly held, a special ses

sion is held in the month of June of each year if the population of
‘the jail justifies it

PROGRESS MADE

1. Although conditions are still unsatisfactory, some attempt
hhas been made to improve the jail. These improvements, namely
the construction of better floors between the different tiers on
each side of the cellblock, painting of the cellblock, and the addi-
tional purchase of more mattresses and blankets, are in accord
ance with recommendations made in our previous report

2, The matter of a new jail and of the acquiring of a jail farm
is being discussed by officials and citizens, but as yet nothing
definite has been done. In our reports, which have been sent to
the county officials and to the press in the county, we have urged
‘the new jail and a jail farm,

GENERAL REPORT

Population: 1 adult male serving sentence
‘This small jail structure, with its solid stone cellblock and damp,
vault-like type of cells, with wet foors, is still in use. The condi
tion of dampness prevails particularly on the first floor. The cells
are dark and ill-ventilated. The proper separation of males and
females, juveniles and adults in accordance ‘with the requirements
fof the las, is practically impossible, While the improved floors
between the two sections on each side of the cellblocke make contact
between prisoners in the upper and lower sections move difficult,
between all the prisoners in the jail eannot be pre
if men, women and boys are confined at the same
time, a serious and undignified condition exists, Women are not
y Frequently held in the jail; but, nevertheless, there have beer
‘women committed while men were also held, and no one can tell

LxsPections, ay
what the future holds in this respect. Aside from the serious
Tance existing of facilities for the proper separation of the sexes
the fact that there is always the presence of much dampness fn the
Jail makes it inhimane to confine any person

fa year, a gross injustice is

a 1¢ long period
imposed 1 jptain bail. The long. p

ranferment between April a
teine berated atthe expiration of
vearvith perhaps impaired et
wn, Tae case of one man wh
(25; iam example ofthe unnecessary
‘the one prisoner was said wl
a, ne Ree" ere was eleanines and order inal parts of

the jail

1b waz held for 4 months awaiting
hardship that can be imposed.
ith the treatment accorded to

LIVINGSTON COUNTY JAIL, GENESEO
p> Pearuany 11, 1916, By E:R.CAss
M. Root

Inspects
Sheriff,
8 adults males

sin, a8 follows
eine emtce} tal ale hel for a

Pa ea of centered thronghowt al ats of
nla andi gave been satefacorily clean some of the
the a Thea the bar work i he coriore andi font of
Fa seceding in some. of the cals was not cre

The ali ll

‘Ava meeting of the Bos
» Comte as pit
Tor of th ete practice of ening the sentenced prisoners
omnty ofa tat een vealed a large exzendire
to he Monroe, Coen peted Livingston County ofthe bento

of soy fads and eS area of the work ofthis Commit
the eos of tain, adder fo the Mapnrates of Living
ie, he flowing eae gy the Cownky Board of Supervisors on

May 1, 1916:

wed as a lockup for several of the towns adjacent

‘This practice is entirely factory
a of Supervisors prior to this inspection,
fd to study the possibilities of utilizing the
Te has Tong been felt by the

‘Tue Parson Association or New York

esoloed, That the sherif of Livingston County be

ized to couse such of the povonere who are conned under set

Jai of said comty od wh ate cspable of hard lator, to be employed in the

ounty brings tod pon the cnet Bouse gronnds, sch Ibor a8 ay be

foproved ty the somites of ths board on conty tilda and the

fara atthe county More. in such Ihor as may be approved by the

tenet of the poor: and thee the expense of guarding such prisoner

Sharger and Carbo that the sheriff be aathoiced to enone sich prisoner

{0 be empléved in highway labor or other pie work for the. Contty of

Livingston, cr any tours or villages Wherein, upon such fers a8 hall Be

sgproved by hit and the highway suthorites of sai county or any of ach

Cows of villages, provided thatthe expense of sramaportstion and guarding

te priscoers shall be borne tthe monica by

aon that the sheriff shall tne a Fepor to

nal meeting of the labor per 2 sai psovers and the expose

Incurred theres, and the smn! received therefor

Resoted, That the several snagistates within te County of Livingston,

svho are athoried to hold courts of special seasons, and the county Fudge,
nl persone herenter convicted before them, and whe
jail whenever stale, rather than nthe Monroe

County: Peniteninryy sid that a copy of thi resolution ‘be mailed by the

clerk of thir Hoard #9 each justice of the peace and police justice within the

This action by the Board of Supervisors is highly commendable.
It is hoped that the experiment of using jail labor will be given a
fair chance and properly supported

MADISON COUNTY JAIL, WAMPSVILLE
TxsPEcrED May 20, 1916, av E.R. Cass

Sheriff, C. G, Taylor. He is assisted by a jailer and a matross

RECOMMENDATIONS

2, That a high standard may prevail in every detail in this jail
it is necessary that sheets and pillow cases be provided for male
prisoners, This is not asked for in the tramp room nor in the
reception quarters, After prisoners are thoroughly bathed their
beds should be completely furnished.

‘2, The jail yard should be used. The construction of the wall
enclosing the yard was expensive to the county, and unless some
good use is made of the yard, the expenditure was unnecessary.
‘The exercising of prisoners in the open is necessary for their

InsrecTioNs: 399

a ee
cen

A ec te ta ne
nerf cl mh eet OP te al

Population 11

Sat ne el Sor out

A very stiafacory sate of cleanness and order was found in
the jal _

Se serif has established a system of receiving new prisoners
Tae eee ecamitted to the, basement, where they bathe and
They TS calls and jumpers. ‘Their clothes are then sprayed with
Be casey mang in wooden fockers. ‘The use of disinfectant
Heart int atoqetier satisfactory. Tei nevertheless, mach
Better dia ating apparatus would be a more satisfactory extip-
aes earse iacking cave ined wit tn, wilt a door atone ends
ae areerege the top, wed with formaldehyde torches, will
five goo results

Te ee inter months, the shesiff devised a novel scheme of
ane ine mine county, One of the prisoners serving sentence
of Bo a ys was an expert at shoemaking and repairing. The sheriff
of Baye wee Seana tole and Had this man cepa the shoes of
ae ee me urther wee of iamate Jabor in such ways Ie
commendable.

400 THR Prison Association oF New Your

Tt in indeed encouraging that the Roatd of
asing that the osrd of Supervisors have
inereate the alarm and from 136 to 896 acres Al of tas ond
i de clan tempt have toon made woe es
parchase a mich ger piece of land adjacent to ie eo
erty, Weare gratified thatthe sheriff and the Baand of Seperenne
have considered our recommendations slate the sapere

The primers spoke well of the treatment accorded hy

pe treatment accorded ther by the

shesiff and te aller, and were saisied nth the tock

As a resltof our fecommendatons, sheets and plow cases are
now provide forthe fanale prisoner

MONROE COUNTY JAIL, ROCH
Insrecren Fenutary 10 ax June 3, 1916, wy E.R. Cass
Sheriff, Charles S. Owen,

PROGRESS MADE
1. The iron bar work in th i
in the new wing of the jall han been
painted a bright gray color and mate a Good appearance,

GENERAL REPORT

4 ioe infor te and an

£1 dat le for the Grant Say

‘The highly satisfactory condition of cleanliness and the evidence
of eficiency,estabiished bythe present sheriff and he staf ev ane
vail. "Its very gratifying to note the improved conditions and he
imany changes made by the present shri A hel we inter
ested in his work and ansions to Hcharge hs day to the bao
his ability, can accomplish much, 7 * Set of

‘he itchen has ben enlarged by the constriction of an addition,
said ako re-equipped witha gus rnge tnd stationary cooking ran
This change adits much matral ght ino the kitchen sel ake
stakes it possble for seam and cooking odors to escape it cee
Provides a suitable dining room forthe fal staf

Since February, 1926, coxt-burring hot water heater has been
installed to take the place ofthe thre fasburtang hess aed ee
viously. ‘These ges ranges, while they give Tait taste oer

Inspections 401

vice, consume a large amount of gas. ‘The present apparatus
requires very little attention, gives splendid service and consumes
very little coal, the cost of which represents a great difference as
compared with the cost of gas used by the old apparatus,

As usual, the female section was very clean and orderly. An
excellent change has been made ia the form of a screen-door-and-
cage arrangement at the top of the stairway leading from the sec-
ond floor to the female section, The sheriff is to be commended for
the precautions he has taken. It now impossible for male prisoners
detained on the floor below to have access to the female section, in
the event of the matron’s absence.

A new opening has been made between the new addition of the
kitchen and the south side of the jail. This facilitates the passing
Of food to and from the jail. Also’on the south side, east end of the
jail 2 refuse chute, connecting directly with barrels in the yard, has
been constructed. This expedites the disposal of refuse. There is
also a hose connection, making it possible to flush the chute,

The prisoners were well satisfied with the food and treatment
accorded to theri. The sheriff, who has in accordance with our
recommendations experimented with aluminum eating utensils, now

has a full equipment of the same, with the exception of 5 or 6 agate.
ware plates, The only’ criticism made is that aluminum bowls and
cups become so hot when coffee or hot stew is placed in them, that
they cannot be easily conveyed from place to place, However, they
sive excellent wear and are easily kept clean,

MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAIL, FONDA
Ixspxcrep ay E.R, Cass, Jun 20, 1916
‘The jail is under the supervision of Sheriff Elmer E, Foimsbee.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The iron work in the jail should be painted a bright, service-
able color, To delay this is false economy. The base of the
toilet niches should also be painted.

2. The cleanliness throughout the jail, particularly the window
panes, window frames, floors and corridors, and the interior of
cells, should be greatly improved.

3. A room 'in the basement should be fitted up as a reception
room. There should be bathing equipment and a fumigating
apparatus. After the prisoners bathe thoroughly, they should be

SEES

RESIS

492 THE Prison Associaton or New Yor

sven a jal uniform consisting of overalls andj
sand jumper, and should
be then amigned to eal in he jl rope, ‘hele clothes shoal
3¢ fumigated and not returned to them until they arc sendy
released. hey aaa

4 The Hoors ofthe jail should be repaired ao as to prevent let
age from one floor to another. oe » Jeske

5. The floors of the various shower-bath compartments should
wes partments should

6 A section of the basement should be used as a mesthall so
hat i wl not be necessary to feed the ponerse exe

lapuble tables, such ae are used in the Troy Jal, shou

cata "Troy Jail, should be

7A fence should be built around one side of the ja, or the
windows securely screened with a Ane atel mesh

8. A talaried matron shouldbe provided. Ie is unfair to expect
aay woman without being dity compensated for her sevice to
deal with the type of warnan who aavally gets tnte il

9 The jail yard should be made rewsonablyptoct against
‘scape, and then used forthe exercne of petaners

40. Section ga of the County Law should be observed so a5 to
properly separate adults and minors and prisoners serving vee

fence from those awaiting Grand Jury or hed for Geaeitaen
‘This jis suetenly nrg, an so designed thar sone mee
tory teparation can be bad

‘1, Prisoners should be cimployed at farm work or onthe high
ways. Most of the counties are now employing tes steed
Prisoners, or negotating for use of the fell bor te eee
fase.

PROGRESS MADE,

2. A few of the prisonere are employed at farm work, This
shows tat cher etme hope of Montgomery Coun ailing in
Ying with many of the others, asa result of our campaign for the
employment of jail labor. oat

NERAL REPORT
cophlation at the Gime of inspection mumbered 28, divided as
22 adult males serving Sentence.

INSPECTIONS 403

On the first floor, east and west side, there was a generally dis-
ordered condition. On the west side, nimerous cigarette ends were
carelessly thrown about on the floor, also many burat matches.
‘Two 17-year-old boys were in the same section with adult prisoners,
‘There was no good season why the law relative to the separation of
adults and minors should not have been observed. Also, an the
first Noor, there was much evidence of dust and cobwebs on the bar
work and windows, The second and third floors were not satis:
factorily clean; rmuch dust was particularly on the bar work and
the window frames. With the large number of prisoners serving
entence, even though the sections in question were not in use, there
was no reason for the presence of an umnucessary amount of dirt

Although this is @ new jail, the condition of cleanliness has not
been wholly satisfactory. At the time of several previous inspec
tions there has always been some excuse offered about the uncleanli-
ness. The ill health of the sheriff and numerous outside duties have
heen emphasized by the jailer. However, in other counties of the
State where jails almost of similar size and of the same design are
managed by a sheriff and a jailer, a much better condition of clean-
liness and order has always prevailed

Due to inferior construction work, the second and third floors
cannot be Rushed with water. Tf this is attempted, the water leaks
te the floors below, causing damage. This condition has existed f
some time and should he remedied

The leaking of the toilets in the celis on the first floor causes an
ebnoxious odor of urine in-the tility corridor on the first floor.
‘This should be remedied.

While the jail is new, the apparent neglect as to the cleantiness
and upkeep will soon cause the outlay of much money for repairs,
etc, The bar work and the base of the toilet niches should be safe
guarded from rust by the application of paint, The bar worle at
present is perhaps in a worse condition than that of any other jail in
the State of approximately the same age.

The prisoners had no complaints to offer relative to the food
served to them, or t0 the treatment at the hands of the sheriff and
his assistant, ‘The cleanliness and order in the kitchen was far
superior to that of any other part of the jail

‘The fumigating apparatus has not been installed, ‘The present
system of receiving prisoners and handling of their clothes is some-
what haphazard.

Tt was reported by the jailer that the Board of Supervisors had
rented approximately 3 or 4 acres of the sherif?’s own private farm.

404 ‘Tue Prison Assoctation of New York

between the sheriff and the Board of Supervisors. “The sheriff has

NASSAU COUNTY JAIL, MINEOLA
Iwsrecren ay Putte Kuss, Apri. 22, 1916

, Stephen P. Pettit; Warden, W. F. Holts

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The disgraceful conditions in the tramp-room described in

the body of this report are due to the system of housing prisoners
with short terms, which is entirely at variance with modern prin-
ciples and is chiefly attributable in the present case to the lack of

sufficient amount of cell accommodations. Furthermore, there
is no room that can be used as a hospital room. It is therefore
strongly urged that the county jail be enlarged so as to provide
sufficient cell accommodations to discontinue the present tramp:
room system and to supply a much needed hospital room.

2. The spacious yard of the jail should be utilized in giving all
prisoners outdoor exercise, ‘The time of the prison staff can be
80 reorganized as to provide the necessary force for adequate
supervision of prisoners while exercising in the yard.

3. Small tables should be supplied in every cell. This can be
done at comparatively small expense and will make for very much
better conditions of order and cleanliness.

__ 4 No bedding should be kept in unoccupied cells. “Each incom-
ing prisoner should be given clean bedding at the time of his
admission, and should take such bedding to the cell himself
Upon his discharge he should return the bedding, which should

not again be used until it has been completely disinfected ané
rot again pletely. ted and

Inseecrions 405

5. All prisoners’ clothing requiring laundering should be Iaun-
dered and dried in the institution laundry. ‘The cells and corri-
Jere should not be obstructed by the hanging of clotheslines and
half-laundered clothing.

', The old fashioned, insanitary privy in the yard should be
immediately removed.

y. The custom of appointing the sheriff's wife as matron should
be discontinued, unless the sheriff resides at the jail, If another
ehicer resides at the jail, that officer's wife should be appointed
Gratron, If there is no resident woman at the jail, then at least
wo non-resident matrons.should be appointed on equal shifts.

"Ail of the above were contained in previous reports. Recommen-
ations in that report towards the removal of the garbage incin-
Graton, and towards establishment of better cleanliness, have been
followed. ‘The recommendation in respect to the sweetening of
fea and coffee scems to have been based on misinformation on the
part of prisoners, Nevertheless the amount of sweetening could
Bral be increased or distributed in a manner more satisfactory to
the prisoners. Similarly, salt should be supplied as a matter of
Toutine, without waiting for the prisoners to ask for it, Many of
them do not know that they ean get it and are not anxious to ask
for special favors.

‘8 Attention of the jail authorities is called to the fact that the
lew requires the absolute segregation of certain classes of pris-
gners, of minors from adults, of court prisoners from prisoners
Serving sentence; no choice is left in the matter except in 20 far
ts the physical conditions make such segregation impossible. At
the tane of inspection, lack of segregation was found beyond what
(was reasonable under the conditions, ‘The law should be serupul-
ously observed.

GENERAL REPORT
Census at the time of inspection was 55, of whom 3 were women
and ga were men, Of the latter, 44 were serving sentence, and 8
were court prisoners. ‘Two of the men serving sentence were
minors, The law of segregation was violated in several instance
both in respect to the separation of adults and minors, and in respect
to the separation of court prisoners and tose serving sentence
White it ic true that insufficient accommodations af this prison make
the absolute carrying out of the law impossible, nevertheless the
tntent of infraction at the time of inspection was unreasonable, in
hat one whole tier of cells was vacant and could have been used

406 Tie Prison Assoctartox or New York

for the assignment of minors, Moreover, a number of prisoners
serving sentence and assigned to the tramp room should, becatise of
their age and condition, have been retained in the cells, One old
Malian, some 84 years of age, very pale and feeble, begged to be
transferred to a cell upstairs

The tramp-room still stands as a disgrace to the county. This is
the only county jail within the inspector's experienee, in which a
ramp-room originally intended as a place for the lodging overnight
of tramps passing through the town, is used for regular sleeping
Guarters, ‘There are generally between 20 and 40 prisoners assigned
{© the tramp-room, and required to sleep on’ wooden boards,
arranged in three tiers one above the other. The coudition of the
‘ramp-room has been considerably improved by the removal of the
added cell on rollers

The general condition of the jail on both the male and female
side was good; very little vermin was found, The cleanliness of
cells and corridors was satisfactory. In the yard the old incinerator
hhas been removed, and a new one is being constructed. The old
Privy is still in its place in the yard. In the shed at one side of the

I there were some cans and some refuse piles on the floor pre-
Paratory to removal beyond the walls. The refuse should have
‘been placed in eans rather than strewn over the floor. ‘The eoncrete
floor in the basement and in a number of places on the tier corridors
was in very bad condition.

Bed clothes were found in a number of unoccupied cells. Not
only should all bedding be removed from the cells after the dis
charge of the prisoners using them, and not only should they be
laundered after every such use, but they should not be placed in a
cell in advance of the prisoner who is to use them. Every prisoner
should be given a clean set of bedding upon his arrival, and should
be required to return the same at the time of his discharge. This
county has not as yet made a beginning towards providing its
inmates with regular uniforms such as are supplied, for example,
in Orange County ; nor is the prisoner's clothing regularly laundered
in the jail laundry, but each prisoner is allowed to wash his own,

‘The inspection was made in part with a Committee of the Society
of Friends, and a number of the conditions of a general character
indicated in previous report, and found still unsatisfactory at the
time of the present inspection, were considered and discussed,

On June 26, 1916 at the request of the Committee on Jails of the
Society of Friends in Nassau County, the Board of Supervisors held
‘2 hearing on the report and recommendations made by ‘The Prison

Inspections 407

Association. ‘The situation was fully discussed but no action has as
yet been taken inasmuch 9s the Beard of Supervisors thought it
‘nore practicable, apparently, to reduce the number of inmates com
ritted to the eotinty jail by cooperation with che magistrates rather
than to increase the facilities for housing them. Tt remains to be
seen whether this second plan proves to be feasible

NIAGARA COUNTY JAIL, LOCKPORT
Lusrecrep Juwe 27, 1916, wv E.R. Cass
Sheriff, William Shaw,

RECOMMENDATIONS.

2. The present jail should be enlarged, unless provisions are
nade for keeping sentenced prisoners at the old cotinty poothotse
farm. The present arrangement of the cells will always be unsatis-
factory for the detention of either Grand Jury prisoners or sen-
‘enced prisoners, and therefore should be changed.

2, Exercise for jail inmates, especially those awaiting the
action of the Grand Jury, is necessary. This can be arranged at
least once.a week, for instance on Saturday afternoon, with the
aid of the two guards who ordinarily supervise employed prison-
ers, As the matter now stands, prisoners who are guilty of
crime have more freedom and live under more normal conditions
than those who are presumptively innocent

43. The old iron type of toilet in the cells should be replaced by
a heavy porcelain toilet bowl. The present toilets are insanitary
and cannot be kept clean.

‘4 The key to the female section should be in possession of the
matron only. Male employees of the jail should not enter the
female section unaccompanied by the matron. This recommen-
dation is made without reflection upon the character of any of
the present jail employees, but simply as a precaution prompted
by misconduct in certain other jaile of the State.

'5. The rubbish cans in the different sections should be
emptied daily.

A chain with an iron weight attached to it should never be
fused asa means’ of disciplining prisoners who escape when
employed outside of the jail. This is a survival of a medieval

practice which is not humane, Solitary confinement in a light cell
with reduced rations or an assignment to disagreeable work inside

408 ‘Tr Prisox Assoctation or New York

the jail, can be used as effective means of disciplining prisoners
‘who violate the confidence of the sheriff,

PROGRESS MADE

1. Individual towels are now supplied to the prisoners. The
need for this was pointed out in our previous report.

2. A fumigating cabinet has been constructed by an inmate and
installed in the basement. This will greatly facilitate the recep-
tion of new prisoners and make it possible to keep the jail free
from vermin, Overalls and other necessary clothing are also pro
vided for the prisoners while they are in the jail, f they desire it

GENERAL REPORT,

Population 50.

9 adult males for the Grand Jory

43 Adah shales serving sentence

2 stor males serving sentence

5 iminor mates for the Grand Jury.

3 female adzlts serving sentesce,

Since the first of the year, 425 prisoners have been committed to
the jail. The population is low as compared with last year, dae
probably to the improved industrial conditions and also to the
county probation system now established. In our previous reports
ie has been pointed out that the population of the jail usually exceeds
the number of cells, making it necessary to resort to the undesirable
practice of assigning more than one prisoner to each eell, This jail
presenting a good appearance from the outside, isin a sense an anti-
squated structure in the interior. There is not sufficient light in the
Zentral corridors in the colrt section, the two sections directly above,
and in the sections of the east wing. The cells are arranged differ
ently from those in most of our jails in the State. The fronts face
into a dark central corridor, instead of facing the side walls,

‘The seriousness of the dark central corridor is most evident in
the grand jury or court section. Here prisoners, presumptively
innocent of crime, are compelled to spend the long periods of time
in the close confines of the central corridor. There is no opportin
ity allowed for daily or weekly exercise in the jail yard, thus
aggravating the unnatural and inhumane condition,

‘ satisfactory condition of cleanliness and order prevailed in the
court section and the two sections on the floors directly above. On
the first floor, east wing, one side is used by the trusties and the
other boys. On the second floor, east wing, one side is used for

Insrgcrios 409

‘women and the other for boys serving sentence. All sections in thi
‘Ning were clean and orderly, particularly the female section, The
hospital room was unused, but was clean and orderly; likewise the
tmusty section on the ground floor, In this section, one cell was
teeupied by a federal prisoner, who was exceedingly anxious to
work and complained very passionately about the effects of idleness
‘pou him, The management was under the impression that it would
te a violation of the law to allow this prisoner to work. The inspec
tor stated that while the law prohibits the compulsory employ-
nent of prisoners not serving sentence, nevertheless it would be
Within reason to permit the prisoner in question to do odd jobs such
xs cleaning windows and bar work, etc, in the section in which he
was confined

In the solitary cell on the second floor dhere was a prisoner. This
man had been sentenced for a period of 30 days and was so affected
yy his predicament that his mental condition was disturbed, Judg
ing from his statements he was affected by delusions. {t was stated
that the man was under the care of Dr. Dixon, the jail physician,
and that he has visited him about 15 or 20 times since June 15th, In
Such eases detention at the jail should not be longer than is abso-
Iutely necessary to determine whether the man is on the verge of
insanity. Tf s0, he should be transferred to a hospital where proper
treatment ean be administered.

The inspector is glad to report that prisoners were unanimous
hat the food served to them was satisfactory. This was unusital
because generally in this jail, grand jury prisoners complain partic
ularly about the food. They did, however, on this occasion com:
plain as ustial about the close confinement.

‘The kitchen was clean and orderly. The old-fashioned insanitary
refrigerator is still in use. Better facilities should be provided 0
that perishable food can be preserved.

Prisoners serving sentence eat in a dining room in the basement.
‘This enables the management to keep the jail proper entirely free
Srom bread crumbs and other remnants of foodstufs.

‘At the time of inspection, 16 prisoners were employed on the city
stone-erushing plant located on the banks of the canal. The-aver=
‘age number employed has varied from 5 to 12, Two guards. are
teed 10 supervise the men, The sheriff has recently arranged with
ise Mayor of Lockport for the payment of 25 cen’s per day for the
labor of each prisoner employed at the erushing plant. The city is
iso to supply tobacco, This arrangement is quite commendable, and
H the present sum does not reasonably balance the expenditure by

6

Se es

SAA ES

410‘ THE Prison Association of New York

the county to carry on such work, it should be increased. It was
stated that the men are doing good work, and that the labor of soe
is worth $2 a day. The stone-breaking and quarry work have been
the only two means of employment tried in this county. In previa
reports the use of the old county poorhouse farm asa means of
employment has been suggested. This farm is at present leased to a
resident of the county, and will not be free until March 1917. The
Board of Supervisors are strongly urged to take over this farm
when the lease expizes. Prisoners serving sentence could stay a!
the farm and there be employed. Surely no better criterion can he
suggested than the splendid work which is going on at the Erie
County farm at Wende. While larger numbers are available in the
case of the Erie County farm, nevertheless, the same can be done on
a small scale in Niagara County.

ONEIDA COUNTY JAIL, ROME
Inspzcten June 22, 1916, ny E. R. Cass

Sheriff of the county is William K, Harvey, who makes his head

quarters at the Utica jal
RECOMMENDATIONS

+, Oneida County should discontinue the use of two inadequate,
non-fireproof type of jails in the county, and construct midway
between Rome and Utica a jail which will provide adequate,
healthful living quarters for the usual large number of prisoners,
land also allow for their separation according to law. The cost of
maintaining two jails, with the necessary cost of transportation
back and forth between Utica and Rome, should be eliminated.

‘To temporarily improve conditions existing in the present jail
the following recommendations are made:

‘2, Part of the jail should be used for reception quarters, Before
prisoners are assigned to their permanent quarters in the jal,
they should be made to bathe thoroughly and should then be pro
vided with overalls, a shirt and socks. Their own clothing should
be fumigated and kept in lockers. This system in now used in
many counties in the State, and those who have tried it are con:
vinced that it is the only sensible and practicable thing to do in
‘order to keep both jail and prisoners clean and free from vermin.

‘3. Cases of venereal disease should be segregated. This could
have been done at the time of inspection by assigning the sick
prisoners to the second floor west side,

Inspections au

4 Buckets should be aired in the yard daily after they have
been washed. The toilet bowls and the floors surrounding the
same should be kept very clean.

‘5. The hot water heating apparatus should be repaired. This
is not asked for as a luxury but so that human beings can keep
themselves clean, or be compelled to do #0, Bathing should be
under the strict supervision of the jailer. It is his business to
make every prisoner bathe at least once a week. This is expected
of jailers in other institutions in the State.

6 Modern laundry equipment should be installed, not as a
means of saving prisoners from labor but in order that the
blankets, sheets and pillow cases and mattress ticks can be thor-
oughly and frequently washed. To rely upon each prisoner to
do this work for himself as it should be done, is impracticable.

7. Rats should be exterminated from the jail, This can be
helped by probibiting the keeping of bread and other foodstuffs
in cells, particularly in the Grand Jury section,

8. All prisoners should receive three meals a day. To expect
to reform men by providing them with an insufficient amount of
food is folly. When meat is served, a more liberal quantity should
be given. Ifno larger quantity can be given than that which was
provided at the time of this inspection, none should be given at
all, because the tiny amount supplied was more irritating than
nutritious. ‘There is no reason why a meal consisting of coffee
and bread or cereal cannot be given in the morning, and a sub-
stantial meal at noon; and in the evening bread and milk or tea
and a mush, This is done in many jails, and Oneida County
should follow the example. Jail populations are not kept at low
numbers by poor feeding and wretched living quarters,

9. The pasting of pictures on the walle of the cells should not
beallowed. First, because the pictures are usually of an improper
character and therefore have a bad influence upon men living
under abnormal circumstances, and also tend to degrade the
atmosphere of a county institution. Secondly, they collect dust
and dirt on the walls, and when removed leave the walls marked.

10, Prisoners transferred from the Utica jail should at the time
of their release be placed upon a car by the undersheriff or jailer
and their fare paid for them. They should not be given the money.
for their carfare,

11. Grand Jury prisoners and sentenced prisoners should not
be allowed to have money in their possession while in the jai
‘This leads to gambling, the buying of privileges, indecent conduct

412 THe Prisox Association of New York

and also to theft, Prisoners who have money should deposit the
same at the jail office, and draw it when necessary.

12, Close confinement for long periods in idleness within the
Jail undoubtedly jeopardizes the health of prisoners and makes
future inmates for county poor houses and tuberculosis hospitals,
Dr. Ransom, who for some 20 years as the Clinton State Prison
physician has come in contact with thousands of tubercular pris
‘oners, is of the opinion that about 70 per cent. of the inmates that
‘come to his notice from the various State prisons received their
primary tubercular infection while serving a sentence or await-
ing trial in our county jails, Therefore the jail yard should be
used not only as a means of breaking up the demoralizing and
unhealthful monotony of a degrading daily routine, but chiefly to
preserve health and thereby protect the community at large. If
{tis found impracticable to exercise the prisoners daily, under the
supervision of the under-sheriff and the turnkey, it should be done
two or three times a week. ‘The yard is enclosed by a high fence,
and an escape in the presence of two officials would not be easy.

33. The practice of sentencing men to the county jail for one
year deserves serious criticism, One year in complete idleness

accomplishes nothing for a prisoner or the county. To keep
‘man in such close confinement for so long and thereby tempor:
arily relieve the community of his presence, probably means that
‘the man at the time of his release will be a greater menace to the
hhealth and peace of the community than before he was sentenced,

for he comes out often broken
crime.

14. The close proximity of the trusties’ room to the female
section should be obviated. Even with the vigilance of the pres
‘ent matron there is danger of misconduct,

GENERAL REPORT

‘The under sheriff, B. F, Agan, isin charge of the Rome jail. He
is assisted by a jailer and a matron:

‘otal population 48

F adult male for the Grand. Jury

‘minor male for the Grid Jery.

1 adult enale serving sentence

45 adult ales serving sentence

1 adult male as witness.

‘This jail is similar in construction te the one’at Utica, and there
fore can also be juitly termed Gne of the worst jn the State, The
‘ld stone-vault type of cell is'a relic of the:past:’" The use of the

health and more experienced in

Insexctions. 413

‘ucket system is deplorable. The necessity of placing two and
theee prisoners in one inadequately lighted and ventilated cell is a
tisgrace to the county and a condition unparalleled in the other
county jails in this State.

The lower for, west side, is used for the detention of court and
Grand Jury prisoners. There were five prisoners in this section
One prisoner was serving sentence. Tt was explained that in his
case it was necessary (o Violate the law relative to the separation of
prisoners because he had attempted to escape from one of the other
rarts of the jail. This section was the only safe place for his

There is one toilet bowl at the end of the corridor, and buckets
are used during the night, ‘These buckets are not regularly, if at
A, placed in the yard during the day. It was stated that disinfect
ant is used in them, but nevertheless this cannot be so good a precat-
‘ion against disease as fresh air and sunshine. The adequate toilet,
condition, compelling all the inmates to use the same toilet, is likely
To cause the spreading of venereal and other diseases.

The prisoners complained very strongly about rats, especially at
hight. Te was stated by the under-sheriff that he is taking means to
tliminate the rodents, No doubt one of the causes of their presence
is the keeping of bread and other foodstuffs in the cells, Vermin is
prevalent in the mattresses and blankets. There are no reception
‘quarters to which prisoners ean be taken to bathe thoroughly.

The lower floor, east side, is used for the detention of the major
part of the population, that is, the short termers and tramps. There
wete 25 prisoners detained in this section, with only 10 cells avail
able, thus necessitating the placing of two and three prisoners in the
‘ari, ill-ventilated cells. The management of this section remains
ta some extent with the prisoners. Newcomers are said to be made
to bathe by one of the prisoners, acting as a janitor, and are also
assigned 10 a cell by him. Of course, the prisoner is not qualified to

sdge the physical and moral condition of the prisoner at the time
Of admission, and it undoubtedly often happens that injudicious
assignments are made to the cells. Tt was stated by the management
that each prisoner is supplied with clean sheets and pillow cases and
1 fresh blanket, also a clean towel. However, this was denied by
Some of the prisoners, who stated that they received unclean bed-
ding and an sinclean towel at the time of their admission, and had
to wash the same before using.

‘The latge number of prisoners herded together in this small dark
section presented a sad sight. There were young men and old men,
associating promiscuously. Tn general this section was in a dis-

414 Tue Parson Association or New Yorx

ordered condo; tha, the bd wer mada, the ors ewe
th refs cans wocmered tad soe oe a ee ee
ie fen te econ a ee a nel se
femal the indegte te eisai one
fet toe ory meee See ee ee a
very unclean, One of the prisoners was afflicted with gonorthea,
ted very iy «soe poner sos San
of conacing tt danse ens room eee
trong the primers. One of he omen ea en een
fant sare onsale es ge Se
tran aied by he ender aca at a aE
aed fea oe piece

Te scach Bore se, i Gd yar wo
Ti ai pa ear ad oe ae
with pat and a as Ge rear ees ey pl
From thi art ofthe jal one pease ered fe
bag a teeeer Sure

to beper
‘manenily benefited by sending a prisoner toa county fll fox 96 eg
2 eros. question, Cass of thi ind shoal be cnt toa coat
Penitentiary, where there is some opportunity for enplonmes
County jails are commonty characterized as "schools of cone
‘To keep prisoners for such long periods them i one ofthe tangs
swhich juries this appetiton

Femole section —It was pleasing to note that the matron was
semmoned, before obtaining access to the female section The
femate oom is directly acrots the hallway from a section which
occupied by trusts. The trustee section is ot locked toys co
that ft would be very easy for male prisoners to come tothe eoy or
the female section and converse or otherwise comminieate, Thvs
4 condition similar to that which at onc time existed in te Uae
fall and was eventually the cause of the digraceflcondiet
Fectnily revealed at that institution, Tf the door tthe female see,
tion is kept locked, antes one ‘of the tretcn as a Key e the soe
fon, acl contact isnot posible bit nevertheless communis
fon of ny kind is extremely sndesirable and. imprones Tee
tzatron cannot be expected fo stay withthe female prconers every
howe of the day and night. There ts therefore am opperteaty fog
Improper commneston between mate and female peronen dertog

Inspections ans

the night, and also during the day when the trusties are on the same
floor.

‘The serious fire danger because of the frail narrow wooden stair-
‘way, as the only means of exit from the female section and the
tasty section to the lower floors, still exists. In the trusty section
tbe walls were adorned with pictures of questionable character, and
ne large picture in particular was extremely indecent.

Agateware dishes and tin pans are used to serve food to the pris-
oners. Much of the agateware was chipped and rusted, and the tin
pans were rusted. Because agateware easily chips and then rusts,
it is undesirable, and Wkewise tin is bad because it can hardly be
kept free from rust

‘The prisoners receive two meals a day, one at 8 a. 36, the other
at 3p. a. Janitors, trusties and female prisoners receive three
meals. From 3 1. a. to 8a. at is 17 hours. This is too long a period
for any person to be without food. The practice throughout the
State is to provide three meals daily, usually a light meal in the
worning and in the evening, with a substantial meal at noon, In
915, between 30 and 40 counties in the State gave, their prisoners
three meals a day, at a weekly per eapita of less than $2.00. On the
day of inspection the bills showed that 28 Tbs. of beef had been pur-
chased for 48 prisoners, This would allow about 954 ounces per
prisoner, not counting the loss ia cooking and becatise of gristle and
hone. However, the amount served to the men at the time of inspec:
tion could not have exceeded 4 ounces per man, and in many
instances was mostly gristle and fat, Each prisoner received this
amount, together with three potatoes and one-half a loaf of bread.
‘The potatoes were satisfactory, also the bread. Coffee is given once
a day, but nothing excepting water for the afternoon meal. The
prisoners throughout the jail, excepting a few of the Grand Jury
frisoners, who are allowed by law to furnish their own food, com-
plained about the quality and quantity of food served. Tt seemed
to the inspector that the quantity of food served to the prisoners at
the time of an inspection on May 2oth of the Utica jail was more
liberal, Although the dietary at that jail is deserving of criticism,
ot on the basis of quantity but because of the character of food
served at breakfast and the system of only two meals a day, some

prisoners who had heen at the Utica jail stated that meals served
there were superior to those at Rome.

‘The refrigerator in the basement was not in a clean condition,
and was leaking very badly. The bottom was entirely covered with
water, Tt was stated by the under-sherif that this was about to be
‘pai

486 Tue Prison Assocration of New Yorx

It is a practice to transfer excess population from Utica to the
Rome jail.’ The distance between these two institutions is approxi
mately 15 miles. Quite frequently, men who live in Utica or nearby
are committed to the Uitea jail and then transferred to Rome and
from there released. However, no provisions are made to enable
these men to get back to Utica. After periods of long confinement,
they are unable to walk a distance of 15 miles in one day and if they
loiter about the road at night are apt to be arrested for vagrancy,
For the younger prisoners who endeavor to return to Utica by steal:
ing a ride on the trolley or train, there is Fability of arrest for illegal
twain riding with subsequent imprisonment, as well as the danger to
life and limb. This is an unfair practice and should be discontinued.

As stated above, the bathing is supervised by inmates. Therefore
the under-sheriff and his assistant are not always sure as to whether
every inmate has bathed at Teast once a week. Bathing facilities
consist of one stationary tub in each section of the jail. Cold water
is available and this is heated by forcing steam through a pipe into
the tub. For some time, because of the broken grates in the furnace
there has been an absence of sufficient steam to provide hot water
for bathing. There is a difference of opinion as to the length of
time this has been going on. ‘The snder-sheriff stated that the esp:
ply of hot water was not satisfactory for about two weeks, but many
of the prisoners said it was two months,

‘The idleness among sentenced prisoners is a disgrace to the

yy. and a gross injustice to the law-abiding citizens, It is
deplorable to observe, in both the Rome and Utica jails, groups of
men in complete idleness serving from § days to one year. These
rot improved by such treatment, and undoubtedly deterior-

y and physically. Work can he provided, as has been

done in many other counties in the State, on the highways, in
quarries and on county farms, Work on the highways, under
proper stipervision, means construction of roads at a saving to the
county. Work on 3 county jail farm reduces the per capita cast of

ONEIDA COUNTY JAIL, UTICA
Iyspecren May 20, 1916, av E.R. Cass

Sheriff, William K, Harvey, took office on December 23, 1915,
to fill in the unexpired term of former Sheriff Harry Moss, who
‘was removed by Governor Whitman,

Inspections a7

RECOMMENDATIONS

+. Oneida County should dacontinie the ue of two inadequate,
non-Svepio! te of alsin he county and construct maway
sae ene na Ute large a, which wl provide adequate,
PESNEIY itlng easter forthe ustally large number of prison
rein for ter axparaion i accordance with I.

* “il prisoners should recive hres mes may. Inthe morn
ing, AUEES*Gf'a stew, read and coffee, with perhaps fled
Fae eee ould be vered. Inthe evening, lk and breed oF
ree bcen or milk end ome Kind of sh sou be given

"ie sation door on on ofthe cells n the tramp section
aSuun'SeTemoved. "When close We tanaforme the eal ino 8
see Seem worse thin there nt Onondaga Penitentiary.
SHRED tigen of the we of the cell for punishment, bit
Tha & ee otances ray be a tempeiton. ‘The dungeon frm
sree aa wath ee vance of ght an air fnhumane, and
cree Sten cannot be made to respect and respond ‘when
ec nnumancly weated, Deprivation of privileges and sl-
ae seater in igh els with an opportaniey fr daly exer-
Sic, can be made effective seen ete oa

ene lgnfersene for long periods within the jl
utiouhaty Sepurdaes the Benth Of the inmates and makes
rae el for county poor heures and tuberculosis hospital
Hee ett: Ranacm, who forse cwenty yeas hasbeen it
aera e, bereuar prisoner in Clinton State Prison, ie of
rere Son nae about oper cet ofthe inmates that come
Be eee hao various State rise esate thelr primary ine
ae ras tving sentence or trating ial in our county jl
Se cis be usedy not elely 10 provide pleasure
ree acute’ butt protect thir health, This is economy for
seers State, ‘The prevent Jal yerd can be made aafe
se atm ey anclosing one pert Of he eastside, ‘The tit
Tee Tans cc supersae the small groupe of prisoners, while
Te Eiag:Pinmaes of ur State hospital those in oot
ey Me Soar ur county penutentares and many of ost jal
aay oe

GENERAL REPORT
Population 45:

2 adult females serving sentence

4 adelt female United States pritoner

to adult males awaiting wil

{adult males serving sentence

W8 Tae Paison Association of New Yor

‘The Utica jail still remains one of the worst in the State. It is
inadequate for the needs of the county, and provides nit living
quarters. The fact that some parts of the jail may be superior to
the dwellings of people living in parts of Utica, is not a satisfactory
reason why the present jail should be retained. The county is at
present forcing large numbers of prisoners ta live in elose confine
‘ment for tong periods, under conditions seriously detrimental
to their health, and a’ serious handicap toward their probable
reformation,

In urging a new jail for Oneida County, our purpose is not to
impose upon the county taxpayers an unnecessary burden. This
Association is interested in saving money for the county, and also in
safeguarding the health and morals of the jail inmates, In many
counties throughout the State, the supervisors, the sheriffs and
residents take pride in speaking of their jail as a decent place for
the detention of human beings. ‘The old stone-vault type of cell is
relic of the past. Placing two, three, four and sometimes five pris
foners in a cell and causing them to sleep on the stone floor in the
tramp section of the Utica jail, is a condition unparalleled in the
county jails of New York State, Miserable living quarters and
inferior food do not keep men out of jail. ‘The population of this
institution is usually high, especially in the tramp section, and many
Of the inmates are frequent repeaters.

The ples for a new jail is made simply in the name of decency.
‘There should be built no expensive structite, with lavish equipment.
‘That is entirely unnecessary. With a new jail, work for prisoners
should be established. It is sickening and disheartening for one to
‘enter the tramp sections of the Rome and Utica jails, and find men
serving of from five days to six months sitting about idly and bear
ing no responsibilities of life. Whether these men are satisfied or
Aissatisfed, the injustice to the laboring, law-abiding inhabitants of
the county remains the same. Men cannot be helped in this way.
‘Men of strongest character will become physical and mental wrecks
if forced into idleness of Jong duration, ‘To protect and develop the
health of the inmates and bring about their rehabilitation, the men
tneed not only decent living quarters but also some means of employ
ment. If a new jail were hut, it should be located snidway betwean
Rome and Utica on an adequate farm. The progressive counties
throughout the State are employing their sentenced prisoners on the
highways and also on jail farms. The detailed statement of the
farm operations in St. Lawrence County demonstrates clearly what
ccan be done in this matter. 1f Oneida County had’a farm, similar
results might be obtained. Where hard work has been established,
‘many old repeaters fail to return to jail.

Ixsprerions 4t0

‘The physical conditions throughout the jail remain unchanged. In
previous reports the numerous defects in the jail structure have
been pointed out. A room on the same floor as the female section is
now occupied by the matron, who ix on duty day and night, unless
felieved by the sheriffs wife. The keys to the female section are in
possession of the sheriff and the matron only. The inspector found
the door to the female section locked. The matron accompanied the
inspector through the varios rooms situated in the female section
Conditions were satisfactory, The women prisoners expressed sat-
isfaction with the matron's tweatment. Food is brought by male
prisoners to the door of the female section, and is served to the
female prisoners by women trusties.

‘One side of the second floor of the jail proper was unoccupied.
TThe floors of the cells and the corridors were clean; the beds were
made up. Three prisoners were detained on the east side. This
seetion was also clean. The tramp section, on the lower floor west
side, contained 24 prisoners, three beds in each cell. The bedding
was not so clean as that in other parts of the jail, due to the usual
congestion. ‘There are no satisfactory arrangements for receiving
prisoners, Men are now brought to the jail in dirty clothing, some-
times reeking with vermin; such prisoners cannot be segregated from
the other prisoners. Sometimes they are unable to help themselves
and they lie around watil sober. Tn the meantime beds become filled
with vermin, and bed clothing and equipment soiled,

‘The tower floor, east side, is used for court prisoners. There
were 12 prisoners in all, 10 of whom were avaiting trial ard the
other two serving sentence, but were assigned to this section as jané
tors. The “Kangaroo” court system of government still prevails
in this section ; but it was stated that the prisoners are not as enthus-
iastic about fas heretofore, Tt has at least the merit of serving as
4 means of promoting the cleanliness of the section and of the
inmates, On a previous inspection, the inspector did not oppose the
existence of such a form of government, but questioned the advisa-
bility of permitting the inmates to levy money fines on prisoners. Tt
was stated that no money fines have heen levied since the first of
this year, The originator of the “ Kangaroo” court system, who
was really the stimulus of it, is now released and this probably
accounts for the fact that it is gradually passing away. The cleanli
ness of the section was satisfactory.

Female prisoners, and trusties, and the janitors, receive three
meals a day. All other prisoners receive two meals. Two meals a
day i8 contrary to the general practice throughout this State In
‘our previous reports, the serving of soup and stew for breakfast at

420 THE Paison Assocation oF New York

about 7 o'clock in the morning was criticised. A good soup or stew
is very palatable at midday or for dinner in the evening; but at 7
o'clock in the morning its a most unusual and unlikely ration out-
side of this particular jail. The inspector does not criticise the qu
ity of the soups and stews served, but suggests that the time of giv
ing them be changed.

ONONDAGA CITY JAIL, BRANCH OF THE ONONDAGA
COUNTY JAIL INTHE CITY OF SYRACUSE

Insrecren Feuavany 25, 1916, ay E.R. Cass

The jail is under the superivision of Jailer, John Slect, living in
the jail building and directly responsible to the sheriff of the county.
RECOMMENDATIONS

1, Sheets and pillow cases should be provided not only for pris:
oners in the Grand Jury section but also for those serving

2. More adequate bathing facilities should be provided.

3. There should be an additional Grand Jury session during the
year.

GENERAL REPORT

Prisoners serving sentence are not confined in the jail but instead,
in the penitentiary at Jamesville. This part of the county jail is
within a block of the county court house and is used only as a tem
poraty place of detention for prisoners awaiting the immediate
action of the Grand Jury transferred to Jamesville, or awaiting
sentence

‘The usual satisfactory condition of cleanliness prevailed in all
parts of the jail. The prisoners were all satisfied with the food and
treatment accorded to them by the jailer

ONTARIO COUNTY JAIL, CANANDAIGUA
Isrecren May 22, 1916, uy E.R. Cass.

Sheriff, Elmer Lucas, since Januaty 1, 1916

RECOMMENDATIONS,
1, It is strongly urged that the Board of Supervisors continue

their interest in employing inmates sentenced to the jail. Of

course the stone breaking, although unsatisfactory for many ret-

Inspections aan

sons, is better than nothing. It nevertheless is important that an
industry which represents a big financial burden to a county each
year, should be displaced by, of correlated with, some form of
Employment which will bring better financial returns. The state-
nent of the farm activities in St. Lawrence County for 10r5
Clearly demonstrates that a jail farm can be worked to the advan-
tage of the county. Livingston County has recently followed the
lead of Tioga County, and hae authorized the employment of sen-
fenced prisoners on the county poothouse farm. Essex and
Franklin Counties have recently purchased land for a county jail
farm, and Madison County has developed its experiment with
jail labor, by adding 6 1-2 acres to ite jail farm,

‘2. The existing fire danger in the basement should be remedied
by using tin or asbestos lining.

5, Sheets and pillow eases should be provided for the prisoners.
Few jails in the State are without sheets and pillow cases.

An fumigating apparatus, not necessarily = costly affair,
should be installed, so that when new prisoners are received, their
Clothes can be taken from them and fumigated. While they are
in ‘the jail, they should wear overalls and jumpers, This will
greatly mitigate the task of keeping the jail free from vermin,

is. The present laundry equipment needs to be increased.

8. The iron stairway should be continued to the third floor, now
that a section of that floor is used by prisoners.

PROGRESS MADE
1, The cleanliness throughout the j
has noticeably improved,
‘2. Much painting has been done on the iron work, thereby
improving the general appearance. In previous reports the need
for this has been pointed out.

‘especially as to details,

GENERAL REPORT

‘The jail staf consists of a jailer, two guards and a matron. Pop-
lation 12:

1 adult female awaiting til

4 adult males awaiting tral

alt mates serving Sentence

“The plan of construction in this jail is not modern as compared
‘with many of the jails in this State.

422 THe Prison Association or New York

‘The sheriff is trying to maintain a high standard of cleanliness
throughout his institution, despite the old-style type of structure,
No bedding is kept in the unoccupied cells. Tt was stated that when
4 prisoner is released, he brings his bedding, including the mattress,
to the basement, and that the blankets and mattress tick are then
washed, Each new prisoner receives a fresh supply of bedding
This is a new practice for this jail, and is highly commendable.
Sheets and pillow cases should be added to the bed equipment. Tn
‘most jails throughout the State, they are now supplied

In the basement, it was noted that the boiler which supplies the
jnil with heat is located directly beneath the sheriff's office and that
the top of the boiler is very close to the dry exposed exoss-timbers,
‘supporting the loor of the sherif's office. ‘This of course presents @
serious fire danger in the event of the boiler exploding or of sparks
lying about when a fire is being made, This danger could be
obviated by lining the ceiling of this section with asbestos or tin,
‘This was done in the case of the jails in Fulton and Cortland
Counties.

Stone breaking is still the only means of employment, Many of
the sentenced prisoners are sent to the Monroe County Penitentiary
thus making the working unit at the jail simall, As was shown in the
report of the Prison Association of 1914, the stone breaking indie
‘try is a financial burden to the county, This is dite to two reasons.
The whole stone must be carried some distance to the jail, and
secondly, the broken stone cannot he satisfactorily disposed of, Tt
was stated that the County Board of Supervisors have made 1 com
tract with the town of Canandaigua for the disposition of the
cracked stone for this year. This will assure a marlet at least for
fone year, and perhaps a better financial showing can be made for
this means of employment. It might he well to retain more pris
‘oners at the jail, and further develop the employment activities
Many counties in the State are no longer desirous of sending their
sentenced prisoners to the county penitentiaries, principally because
Of the large annual expenditure for their board and the cost of
transportation of prisoners and guards. They are anxious to keep
the prisoners in the jail and make them work, so that the county
will get some benefit from their labor, and at the same time cause
them to contribute toward the cost of maintaining them,

All the prisoners receive three meals a day, except on Sunday,
when only two meals are served. The rations for breakfast are
uisually potatoes, meat and coffee; for the noon meal, boited bee!,
potatoes, bread and coffee, and for supper, soup from the beef of

Inspections 423

the noon meal, and bread. The Sunday meal consists, in the morn-
ing, of meat, potatoes, bread and coffee, and in the afternoon, of a
mille mush. "The court prisoners receive in the morning, meat and
potatoes, bread and coffee; at noon bread and tea, and at night soup
and bread. The court prisoners had no complaints to offer relative
40 the quantity or quality of the food ; but many of them felt that if
the order of the noon and moraing meal were changed, it would be
more satisfactory. The sheriff was glad to learn of this criticism by
the prisoners, and said that he thought the matter cord be satis
factorily adjusted.

ORANGE COUNTY JAIL, GOSHEN
Inserctap Mazen a1, 1916, sy Puntie Kusiw
Sherif, Fred S. McDowell

RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. The Committee on Workhouse of the Board of Supervisors
should take an active initiative in planning a definite and work-
able method of employing prisoners either on the farm, at
stone-breaking, of at road work, during all seasons of the year.
Ifthe present idleness continues, the employment of a superinten-
dent is superfious and his services should be dispensed with, Con-
sidering the favorable resolutions that have beea passed by the
Board of Supervisors the committee in question should need no
further authorization to go to work on the matter.

2. Laundry facilities should be installed, preferably in the
cellar,

'3. The cellar should be put into serviceable condition, and all
useless material be removed and cleaned out.

Census on the day of inspection
Mon serving sentence
Men awalling action of the Grand Jury
(Serving sentence, jure admited)
Females serving sentence (colored)
Fernie, awaiting cil

‘The new sheriff has been in office since January first Mr
‘McDowell is acting as matron. This is a considerable improveme:
over the previous state of affairs when the wife of the deputy-

pen Tie Prisox Assoctarrox of New Yorx

sheriff acted as matron, although technically the office devolved on
the wife of the sheriff. ‘Mr. McDowell has taken up his duties at the
jail with interest and a sincere desire for continuing good conditions
land improving where that can be done. The jail as a whole was
clean, especially the newly painted portions. The painting is making
slow progress. Only a few of the sections, the hospital rooms and
the basement, have been painted. The storage and preparation of
food was satisfactory. One section of the jail used previously as
reception department was found still in use as such. At the time of
inspection an important manslaughter trial was going on in which
the accused and most of the witnestes were women, This accounted
for the unusually large proportion of women in the population, The
necessity of keeping those concemed in the case separate, resulted
in a somewhat undesirable assignment of one of the witnesses to the
same corridor with two colored women serving sentence. Attention
of the matron was called to this violation of the county law and she
promised to rectify it, Of the men serving sentence, a few are
employed at domestic Iabor, sich as tending the furnace, helping in
the kitchen and cleaning. Some of the rest are employed at occa
sional painting. Apparently, no successful efforts have as yet been
made, despite frequent recommendations, towards the permanent
employment of sentenced male prisoners. The county poor farm
and town highways in the vicinity of the jail offer sufficient labor.
Resolutions to £0 employ prisoners have been passed by the Board
of Supervisors repeatedly. No efficient effort has been made to
carry the resolutions out, The usual stone-breaking has also been
discontinued, and the building previously erected for that purpose
has heen filled with office furniture removed from various county
offices. This is 2 most deplorable stagnation of efforts for remedy.
ing the greatest of jail evils, the idleness of inmates,

Tn contrast to the general cleanliness of the jail the condition of
the cellar was found still’ tHie sarie as on previous occasions.
The floor is all knocked to pieces, and debris is lying abost. The
installation of a latindry so often recommended is still unaccom-
plished, Neither the electric fans nor the fumigator installed at the
building of the jail have as yet been operated.

On June 13, 1016, at the request of the Prison Association, the
Committee on Correction and Reformation of the Board of Super
visors of Orange County submitted to the Board the following
resolution which was passed at the same session

evolved, That the Sherif of Orange County be, and he hereby i author-
lued and directed to caute suck of the prisoners confined under sentence in

Inspections 425

th jot of sd county, that are capable of Sard aber 10 be employed i he
SE SNar as may be approved bythe Superintendent ofthe Poo;
Fim, Qigteey labor or other plc wort forthe County of Oraute ov ey
Sra fee lace rei, won rms Be soreness
reesei Boon asin the case of highway labor bythe Sherif and
eect Highwaye of the. Boted of Saperisors; and. father

soc prisoners when so empoyed, and t=

therefor,
"Resolved, That the several magistrates within the County of Orange, who

ie euthovieed to hold courte of apedal sessions, and the County Judge, be
MGacsted to com all persons hereafter convicted before them, and who
ire sentenced to terms of imprisonment of mot exceeding one year, 10 be
"Rhenever suitable, eather than in the Kings

‘Couoty. Penitentiary 1 copy of this relation be mailed by the

ork of this Board to each justice of the peace and police justice within

the county

“Phe above resctution will supply the necessary legal power for
the establishment of a permanent plan of employing the county
jail prisoners, - It will depend henceforth upon the cooperation of
the sheriff, the Good Roads Committee of the Board of Super-
visors, the county and town superintendents of highways, the
Superintendent of the county farm and other county officials,
‘whether the resolution is to remain a dead letter or to constitute the
foundation of a reasonable system of employing convicted pris-
comers at the county jail

ORANGE COUNTY JAIL, NEWBURGH
InspecteD June 7, 1916, ny Pane Kuen
Sheriff, Fred S. McDowell
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The screens on the hospital windows should be removed and
attached to the outside instead of the inside of the windows.

2. Sereens should be attached to the cellar windows. The
ention of the administration to paint the screens white is

4 THe Prison Association of New York

approved if the painting is applied in such a manner as not to ob-
struct the light

3. The remainder of the jail should have a much needed coat
of paint,

4. The few parts where the conditions of cleanliness were not
satisfactory should be improved, and the standard found in the
rest of the jail maintained,

GENERAL REPORT
Census
Awaiting tial

There were na minors and no women present, the latter being Kept
exclusively in the Goshen jail, The new sheriff, Fred S, McDowell
has appointed Henry Hallock J, undersheriff in charge of the
Newburgh jail

In many respects there fave been important and commendable
changes since the advent of the new administration, A citizen chef
‘has been employed. The amount, quality and variety of the food
have been improved. The prisoners were unanimous in their expres-
sion of satisfaction in this respect.

A general cleaning has been given the jail. Conditions are very
much better than at any time within the last three years. The clean
up has been aided by the construction of a new storeroom in the
cellar, the application of a new coat of paint throughout the cella,
the installation of a cement floor in the cellar and the replacement of
an old storeroom by a dining room for the officers of the jail. The
several storerooms in the cellar have all been overhawled and
painted. The condition of the cellar is very important because food
3s now store! prepared, and in the case ofthe trstes and officers

‘There are a few parts of the jail where the cleanliness was not
quite up to the standard generally found in jails, The washbasins
in the southwest corridor of the first tier were niet clean. News
papers were found on many of the beds, and some of the comers
showed sweepings and other dirt. There were no refuse cans in the
upper tiers. The space between the window and the outside grill
work in the room on the ground floor in which a delirium tremens
patient was being kept at the time, was filled with pieces of bread

Inspectioxs a7

and refuse, All but one of the tiers are very badly in need of paint
‘The cellar and one of the tiers only have been painted so far. The
beds in vacant cells were properly stripped of bedding and other
equipment. Tt would be advisable in the course of the painting to
nove the steam pipes and radiators éo that there would be more
space between them and the walls.

"A visitor was found in cloge and unsupervised contact with one
of the prisoners, despite the fact that a visiting booth is provided.
While the prisoner in question had been detained in the jail for over
a year and therefore, to consistently separate him from his visitors
Would be cruel, at least the supervision, especially when the visitor
Jet woman, should be strict, The window sereens in the hospital
still open to the inside and were found open at the time of inspection,
thus destroying the preventive value of the screens. They should
be removed to the outside of the window.

Jn general the administration has shown admirable earnestness in
improving the conditions and has succeeded in doing so, to a large
extent.

ORLEANS COUNTY JAIL, ALBION
Insrecren June 26, 1916, nv E. R. Cass
Sheriff, C. M, Bartlett.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. Steps should be taken to render more fireproof the stairway
to the various floors of the jail. The seriousness of a condition of
this Kind is usually only realized and appreciated after some
misfortune.

'2. Receiving quarters in the tramp room in the basement should
be established. A fumigating apparatus which can be cheaply
constructed should be used to furnigate clothing. Overalls, shirts
fnd socks should be supplied to prisoners during their period of
detention.

"p. Prisoners serving sentence should be made to work, Under
Section 93 of the County Law and Section 7o of the State High-
way Law, the County Board of Supervisors are authorized to
‘employ prisoners. The employment of prisoners does not mean
§ large increase in the jail staff or the establishment of additional
County jobs. In some of the counties, the best results are being:
Obtained where the jail staff is very small and low salaries are
paid, as for instance, in St. Lawrence County, which undoubtedly
hhas the banner jail farm in the State.

8 Tae Prison’ Association or New York

4. The standard of cleanliness should be the same, whether the
jail is fully occupied or not. If there are no prisoners available
to clean the jail in every detail, members of the jail staff who are
being paid by the county for the care of the jail should look after
this work,

GENERAL REPORT
The staff consists of an under-sherif, jailer and a matron,
Population 3
1 adalt male awaiting Grand Jury
3 adult miles serving sentence

During the winter months the population numbered at times as
‘many as 35 prisoners and as few as 3. The sentences imposed vary
from 5 days to Go days. Many prisoners are rent from the County
to the Monroe County Penitentiary at Rochester. This practice
necessitates an expenditure for the transportation of prisoners and
guards, and also for the board of prisoners while at the penitentiary

‘The general cleanliness throughout the jail was fair. Many of
the mattresses are unclean and worn, and should be replaced by new
‘ones. When the cells are tnocenpied, the bedding, excepting the
mattress, should be removed and the iron hinged bed folded up
Against the side walls of the cell. The cell doors should be locked,
[At the time of inspection some beds in the unused cells were neatly
made up with clean sheets and pillow cases and clean blankets, It
‘was pointed out to the sheriff that while this arrangement made
good appearance, it was nevertheless unsatisfactory, because in a
short time the bed linen and blankets become soiled and snfit for
tase by new prisoners,

‘There are no receiving quarters, and their absence makes it dif
cult to keep the jail and equipment free from vermin. In many
jails, parts of the equipment consist of a fumigating apparatus to
‘leanse the clothes of new prisoners, also lockers to keep their
clothes in while in the jail.

fn some of the cells the side walls were pencil-marked with draw-
ings, some of them obscene, If a daily tour of the cells had heen
tade by one of the two assistants of the sheriff, these would prab-
ably not have remained for any length of time

‘There is no form of employment for sentenced prisoners. There-
fore, those who are sent to the jail ive in idleness at the expense of
the law-abiding inhabitants of the county. Those who are sent from
Orleans Cotinty to the Monroe County Penitentiary do likewise,

except at a greater expense to the taxpayers. If mére prisoners

Inspections, 29

were retained at the jail instead of being sent to the penitentiary,

zi tory working wnit
Copecally during the simmer months, a satisfactory a
Sould be developed for work on a county jail farm or on the county
highways. The analysis of the sheriffs report in St, Lawrence
County proves conclusively that jail labor éan be utilized om a farm
to the advantage of the county taxpayers.

Farm work is done also in the following counties: Oswego,
Naseau, Onondaga, Monroe, Madison, Essex, Erie, Franklin, In
Tioge, Genesee, Chenango and Livingston counties, prisoners are
satisfactorily employed on the county poorhouse farms, In Warren,
Suffolk, Fvanklin, Erie, Onondaga, Tioga and Niagara counties,
prisoners are employed either on the town highways or at improving
The land purchased by the county for the construction of county
institutions.

The above clearly shows that the boards of supervisors in many:
counties are no longer willing to permit sentenced prisoners to be a
Gead barden to the taxpayers, These forms of employment have
see established because idleness does not help men, but,
Jnstead, does them physical and moral injury. Men who are serving
arstence should not become county charges, but instead should be
weade to realize that in order to live one must work for his food.

OSWEGO COUNTY JAIL, OSWEGO
Inseecten ny E.R. Cass, Avcusr §, 1916

Sheriff, W. 1. Buck,

RECOMMENDATIONS

The jal yard was built fr the exercising of prisoners in the
ope tt Zhovid be ued eopeially for those nating the ction
OF Gand Jury or for tia. Exercise io necessary for the pre-
of ane th Im countien where prisoners ace given this
Teer clinty, sherife find that ft minimizes the problem of
iscipline.

win present plan of allowing a definite per weekly rate for
ec toena sr uitoners should be abolished, and the ayer used
A rhs counts established. ‘The neceeery food
ine Goud be purchased by a committe appointed by the
seer ne aherif, and the bills should be submitted tothe
aoa aera at Supervisors at frequent intervals for payment.

on Ff the bavoment should Be wed aa mesa

430 Tue Paisow Association of Naw Yo

should be undertaken
6. The matron should be present
snate peegenatTon should be present in the female section when
GENERAL REPORT
nat the time of insp
2 sl ales forthe Grad Jos
4 dat males serving senenee

Popula
pul ection 38, classified as follows:

The above pops :
te above poption is est than that ofthe corresponding pvad

Skate Previous year. At that time it averaged between sec @y

proners a day. During the past winter the maximum ramber oo

A good standard of
There is every evidence
their day to this end
? were properly classified in sccordance with
juirements of the law. T atped wa cant
vs the law. The beds were well equipped wilt mene
TE was pleas
Iron hinged beds con.

le
es prevailed inal parts of the ja
tat the shel and his staf cndaovae es

female section,
female section ted that she received

the matron is not always

‘sed that the matron
to the female section

Ixspncrions 431

are unlocked. Experience in other counties in the State proved that
such precautions are judicious. Many sheriffs make it a rule that
only the matron shall carry keys to the female section,

The jail farm is successfully operated, and provides work for
Some of the prisoners during the spring and summer months. How-
ever, the problem of idleness in the jail is not solved. During the
‘winter months, when there is asually a maximum population, there
js not very much work on the farm, and even with much janitor
work there is insufficient employment for a reasonable number of
the inmates, Wark on the highways during the late fall, and the
preparation of material for the roads during the winter, will greatly
aid in eliminating the undesirable idleness. The present stone shed
should be put into use. Most counties are rapidly adopting methods
‘of employing the jail prisoners. Many are discontinuing sending
their prisoners to the county penitentiaries and instead, are using the
labor of these prisoners for the direct benefit of the taxpayers of
the counties.

The system continues of paying the sheriff a definite sum per
weeks for the board of prisoners. This, a8 pointed out in our previ
‘ous reports, is in part a survival of the Fee system, which because of
the many abuses it made possible, has been discontinued in every
‘county of the State except one, With a sheriff who is content with
his salary, and not willing to add to it by providing the prisoners
with food at less cost than allowed by the county, the undesirable
Features of this system are not safficiently realized, |The system has
been discontinued by county authorities in all but nine jails of the
State, which is conclusive evidence that a better system has been
found, The amouat allowed the sheriff for the board. of prisoners
for Oswego County is $2.00 per week; but in 39 counties of the
State out of a total of more than Go, dung the year 1915, the pris:
toners were boarded for less than $2.00 per week. With the present
system in Oswego County, there is no record enabling the county
authorities to determine just how much is spent on the individual
foodstuffs; but with the system in the other counties, the county
authorities are able at any time to tell the quantity and cost of the
various foodstuffs

Recently, in several counties the sheriffs have ited up part of the
basement as a messhall Sheriffs who have tried this unanimously
hhold that it facilitates the feeding of prisoners and helps to keep the
jail clean, The messhalls are usually supplied with collapsible
tables, with one end resting on the legs and the other attached to the
walls or Tong wooden tables

‘Tur Parson Association of New York

OTSEGO COUNTY JAIL, COOPERSTOWN
Insrecrep Max 19, 196, nv BRC
Sherif, J, Brown
RECOMMENDATIONS

+. tego County is ow the only county in this State compen
sating ie sherif wholly by fees, That over sixty counties have
dccmed ft advisable to discontinue this system, fa evidence that
ivi undesirable, It is not intended to reflect upon the integrity
ot the present incumbent im Otsego County, but the fee system
open the way for mich abuse, To taake definitely known tie
Actual cost of feeding the prisoners and aio to satily the publi
tind, it sould be discontinued, “The eystem in practice in almost
ail other counties of thie State should be adopted. Tt is as fle
lovee mec ors coniteeepaied bY we Boo

pervisors, i authorized to purchase the necessary food suppl,
Bills ore then submited toa aheriscomitce, ot te Cre
ima of the Bor fo approval and are hen rid by she couty

A padded cells a necesity in every jail, Such a cell pro-
secs the inmate agains his own Wolncy and selene the tan
agement (rom envarranted suypcions of bral,

@ Opportunity should be given prisoners to everciae outof-
doors and in the corridor, Tein a grave injustice to keep them i
tich close confinement thereby jeopardizing tts health,

‘e The County Board of Sopervieors are urged to ue the
authority given them by Section 93 of the County Lavw, and also
Section 70. of the Highway Lav, 10 estublish some form of
employment for prisoners either on the highways ce jail farm.
{in tne summer, when the population is igh, there fs work on the
farm; Ukewise in the spring and fll. During the winter months
Prisoners can be employed at preparing atone for highways
Gags Ge pepe oem cece coal os the Ge of
inepection, it wil ot always be eo au the population in eno of
the alsin th State thie year i esa than doring the correspond:
Ing periods of previous years

S. The leaking tllet valves should be repaired, in order to pre-
vent an unnecessary noise during the Gay and night and also to

save the toilet equipment from further unnecessary wear and

Inspections
GENERAL REPORT

‘The jail staff consists of a turnkey and a matron,
Popitlation 11

2 adult females serving sentence
5 minor male for the Grand Jury
1 adult male for the Grand Jury
5 Sill mates serving sentence

Section 92 of the County Law, requiring the separation of adults
and minors, was violated in the case of a 16-year old boy confined in
ihe east side section on the frst floor with a man 37 years old. The
jailer stated as his reason for not segregating the young boy the fact
that two female prisoners were confined in the rear or hospital see
tion of the second floor east side, and that if a male prisoner were
fssigned to this floor, it would be easy for the male and female pris-
sners to converse. There is a possibility of this, but the future of @
Tovyear old boy should be safeguarded, especially while he is in a
County institution. Tt would have been better to confine the boy on
the west side of the second floor and keep the two female prisoners
locked in the hospital room. The man and boy in question occupied
Separate cells at night and it was stated by both that their cell doors
are locked.

‘A satisfactory condition of cleanliness prevailed throughout all
parts of the jail. ‘The female section was not so tidy and orderly as
Rust female quarters in our jails. Female prisoners should keep
{heir quarters in as good a condition of order and cleanliness as the
‘male prisoners.

"The prisoners had no complaints to offer about the treatment
accorded them by the sheriff and the jailer, and were evidently sat-
isfied with the food.

"The valves of the toilet bowls, especially on the first floor, west
side, leaked freely, making at times much noise. ‘Two of the pris-
ners stated that‘this disturbs them at night

‘Taleness among sentenced prisoners still exists in this jail as a
serious defect in the daily routine, The Board of Supervisors
Should not be satisfied to have prisoners serve their period of sen
tence in idleness, entirely at the expense of the taxpayers. It is not
baly an injustice to the convicted man but also to the law-abiding
Ghisen and taxpayer outside of the jail. The activities in other
chuaties, in employing prisoners in quarries, on the highways, and
on the county farms, should be studied by the Board of Supervisors

434 THE Patson Associavion of New Yor

in this county. The statement of the far
Lawrence County demonstrates that sentenced geioncee con
employed tothe advantage of the county. Many cosotes aca ng’
Undertaking farm work

QUEENS COUNTY JATL FOR CIVIL. PRISONERS
Insrecteo ay Pruuir Kuery, Seprexsee 13, 1916
Sheriff, Paul Stier (deceased.)

RECOMMENDATION

+. Legislative action should be taken to allow the detention of
Queens County civil prisoners in a neighboring county's jail; and
the Queens County civil jail should be abandoned.

GENERAL REPORT

adjoining the City Prion of Ooms, No improvements oy alee
tons inthe apartment ave akon place There was oe sale een
one at the tine of inspection, Warden Schulte was ee See

The record of census for the fiscal year up tothe date of ee:
toa tan as foes

Prisoner's Keeper's
ms wesls Total
m8

Prisoner

Mare, April, May, June, Joly
Avaust

The above figures flly emphasize the reasonableness of secon
mendations heretofore made, that legiataion be eared eee
detention of prisoners, committed to the neces Coast ai ne
tome other insititon, preferably the Kings County ge ana nn
save for the ely the sais of the maintoeee say cs

‘upkeep of the Queens County jail

Inspections 438

PUTNAM COUNTY JAIL, CARMEL, NEW YORK
Inseeeren Manet

Sheriff, Charles E. Nichols, formerly under-sheriff, who suc
ceeded Mr, Winship on January 1, 1916.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1, The county law requiring the separation of adults and
minors, prisoners serving sentence and those held for court action,
should be observed at all times. It is especially undesirable to
allow adults and minors to occupy the same cell (as was found to
be the case in one instance,

‘2. The aystem of paying the sheriff $3.50 per prisoner per weele
for board is still maintained. It should be discontinued. This
survival of the old fee system is still open to much abuse. ‘The
system adopted by almost all counties of the State provides for
the purchase by the sheriff of all materiale necessary for the
maintenance of the jail, and his presentation of bills incurred to
the proper auditing authorities of the county for payment by the
county treasurer. ‘This is the only system that has been found
satisfactory.

3. Laundry facilities have not yet been improved. A laundry
should be installed in some convenient part of the jail, preferably
in the basement.

4 The Board of Supervisors should empower the sheriff to
arrange for the utilization of the labor of the sentenced prisoners
fon town or county work, by suitable arrangements with the town
for county authorities. A special Committee of the Board of
Supervisors could design a satisfactory plan for this purpose.

5 A door to shut off the upper floor of the jail should be
installed; i¢ can be made in part of fireproof glass, so as to allow
passage of light. If the atairway and hall are painted white in
addition, the problem of light will be solved

6, Strenuous means should be employed for the extermination
of vermin in the cells, before the summer heat makes the situation
too difficult to handle

‘7. The jail should receive a new coat of paint, and consistent
efforts should be made to keep corners and spaces behind radi-
ators clean,

1916, ay Primar Kien

GENERAL REPORT.

‘The sheriff's wife acts as matron, but receives no special renumer-
ation for her services. She also supervises in a general way the
cooking and cleaning for the jail

435 THe Prisow Assocrarton of New Yori

The census on the day of inspection

3 adie nesting Grand Tory

14 ae sri fees

In th distribution ofthe prisoners through the jal violations of
the law were Found in several instances. The two minor pramners
Siting the grand jury wer in the sme section asthe adults at
ing the grad jury; and one of then, nineteen years of age, was ton
fined inthe same cell witha prisoner thirty-seven years of ages Tn
adkition, one of the men serving sentence for non-support was ae
kept in the same section as the grand jary prisoners Also al the
doors oF the exls and corridors were open, 0 that an inserts
commingling of adelts and minors, court prisoners and thone serving
sentences was taking place. It was urgently recommended fo the
sheriff thatthe minors be separated and teat no inter communes

The jail 35 a whole was found fant clean, except for the grand
jary settion, where all the beds were infected with bed bug and
for some accumlations of refuse and dirt in some of the corners,
especialy Behind the seam radiators. The whale al nade cat
f paint. The sheriff stated tat the jl spanted every tring a
that he would begin painting itn the near future, eM

as stated that im accordance with recommendations previously

rade, screens had heen placed the winoits of the fst foo ef
the jal, but that a door to shutoff the upper foo Tron the loner
could not be installed because it would algo shut of the fight fon
the tarway. This objection doce not seem serious, in that she sare
vay and hall can be painted white and the separating door can be
made at last in part of fireproof glass Moreover the stirnay
should not be used with suficent frequency to mae ts arte!
lighting seriously objectionable

The water supplied atthe jail comes from a-well and is pumped
by an electric pamp stated fn the basement. ‘The sappy oe au
cient and of good quality >

Putnam County is one of nine counties of the State where the
method of feeding prisoners bythe payment of a Axed samy pos
Capita tothe sheriff sil btaine, "The rate at his fall's Suse for
capita per week, ‘The sheriffs wife supervises the cooking set oees
inmate help. Criticism of the food on the part ofthe prisoners wae
not serious, except in the matter of variety and seasoning but the
smethod of maintenance, s remiant ofthe old fee sytem, open to

Inspections 437

abuse, and may at any time become serious should a careless or
uunserupulous sheriff obtain offic.

OF the fourteen prisoners serving sentence, only one had a sen-
tence of six months, the others being for twenty and thirty days.
No effort whatsoever has been made to put these prisoners to work
‘The unusually heavy snowfall during this winter had exhausted the
funds for ssow removal of the town in which the jail 3s situated.
Asa result of the high snow drifts on the streets of the village,
horse fell. and was killed the day before inspection. ‘The town is
responsible for the damage. It would have been a very simple thing
10 tum the jail population on to the snow and keep the whole town
in perfect condition throughout the winter. This would have been a

saving of money and would have had the invaluable effect of shak-
ing the prisoners out of their continual idleness, Yet, despite the
simplicity of the plan, there had been no effort to utilize prison labor
for that purpose, and all the prisoners were found in complete idle-

ness by the inspector. In this connection, it must be remarked also
that the system of short sentences has been universally acknowledged
to be demoralizing. Jt is therefore urged that the justices of the
peace refrain from sentencing prisoners to jail altogether when not
absolutely'necessary, and that sentences be made considerably longer
when stich commitment is unavoidable

RENSSELAER COUNTY JAIL
Ivsrecrsp Ava 11, 1916, py E.R. Cass
Sheriff of the county, William P. Powers,
RECOMMENDATIONS
1, There should be a regular system of exercise in the jail yard.
‘There is sufficient help attached to the jail staff to make it poasi-
ble to allow certain days for the different members of the popult
tion. Some of the prisoners are now permitted to exercise in the
yard. ‘The yard was built for this purpose and should be used
for all.
2, There should be a closer supervision and searching of visitors
to prisoners in the jal
3. The board of supervisors of the county are again urged to
utilize the labor of the prisoners in the jail on the county poor-
house farm, as is satisfactorily done in Broome, Genesee and
‘Tioga Counties, or on the county highways, as is done in num-
erous counties such as Erie, Onondaga, Franklin, ete.

438 we Prison Association of New York

PROGRESS MADE
2. The iron work on the second and third floors has been
painted. In our previous reports this was recommended.
‘2. The night watchman does not enter the female section to
ring his clock at night. In our previous report this change was
recommended.

GENERAL REPORT

‘Total population on date of inspection was 79, classified ss
follows

alt males bed for Grand Ju
Jr ed temas serving sete

OF those serving sentence the following were the respective
periods of sentences days 1510 days 7; 30 days 263 2 months 73
months 5; 6 months ¥3; 1 year 23 2 years and 9 months 1. Sen
ences of more than one year ina sonny jail wnder conditions of
Clove confcement, idleness, etc, are too evere. Cases ofthis kind
Should be commited to 2 cotiny penitentiary, refommatory or a
State prison. -

‘The condition of cleanness throwghowt all parts ofthe jail was
satisfactory. The bedding was clean and arranged properiy on the
tnd ofeach bed. ‘The majority of the prisoners stated that the food
tras suisfactcy in quantity and tality. ‘Some of the Grand Jw
prisoners were dissatisfied. * fey

“The idleness among sentenced prisoners sill prevails. At the time
of inapecion, there Were fn toe 6 looms 4 for meting blankets aad
2 for toweling. As ustal, the industries are operated at a financial
loss tothe county and do not begin to employ satisfactorily safe
cient number of prisoners. The shes fels that industries cannot
be placed on & paying basis

RICHMOND COUNTY JAIL, RICHMOND
Insescren ny Puriir Kisiy, Seerewner 28, 1016
Sheriff, Spire Pitou, Jr
RECOMMENDATIONS

‘There has not yet been any attempt, apparently, to follow out
the recommendations previously made by us and agnin earnestly
surged:

Inspections 439

+, A-wall should be erected around the jail yard, so as to make
outdoor exercise possible.

The door should be removed from the niches and in the cell
toilets

“The basement windows should be adequately screened, and

fy sereens should be supplied wherever necessary.

hn additional Grand Jury session should be called about the
middle of the summer.

is An adequate water heater should be installed.

PROGRESS MADE
1. A new and cheerful coat of paint has been applied.
1 The toilet seats have been covered with cement, as recom-
mended, and the fronts of the seats been painted.

GENERAL REPORT
Jailer, John F. Bennett.
Census on the day of inspection was as fotlows

Men
37 adalte, awaiting Gand Jury trial or examination

Worse

Ta 39

‘The segregation of the different groups of prisoners enumerated
was satiefactory, except that in several cases court prisoners were
THowed to vemain with prisoners serving sentence. In each case, the
jailer stated it was because of special reasons, as, for example, the
Prccssity of observation and protection during epileptic attacks,
The Feleral boy prisoner is kept in the same room with the farm
ana employed by the jail.‘The to witnesses, both colored, are in
the foom kept for that purpose. ‘The male minors oceupied a epa-
fate section, In the case of the women, it was found that one was
Maes SSparniely! while the ther two, one of them colored, occupied
Uigeceut cells in the samme section, Experience in women’s insti-
suiens shows that itis umwise to allow colored and white women
were yo each other, The jaller was advised to separate them, and
he said he would do s.

4§0 Tue Prison Association oF New York

‘The interior of the prison was found as a whole in a very satis-
factory condition of cleanliness. Two of the colored prisoners
awaiting the Grand Jury were kept separate in the basement section
for the reason, given by the jailer, that they were unable to keep 3p
the standard of cleantiness required of the prisoners in general. To
the objection made by the inspector that these two prisoners had
direct access to the windows and could obtain contraband material
from the outside, the jailer replied that he knew both men ssiciently
well fom before their commitment, to feel safe from any such
danger. The only part of the institution that was not up to the gen:
eral standard of cleapliness was a portion of the Kitchen and a part
Of the basement adjoining the kitchen. Recesses behind boilers and
under the sinks were allowed {© accumulate a simall amount of dirt
and rags

‘Sheets and pillow cases were found clean, and bedding in good
order. The toilet seats had been painted in front, and had be
given an application of cement on top, as previously recommended
The supply of toilet paper and towels was good, and the cells were
well kept, ‘Towels are given daily; sheets and pillow cases laundered
weekly. The wtility corridor was elean, the garret and ventilating
system in good order, One of the two visting booths was being se
‘8 a temporary store room for sailed clothing and discarded hooks.
‘A new coat of paint was applied (0 most parts of the jail last fll
with very good results, The general maragement of the institution,

nder the present jailer has been highly commendable,

There has not yet been supplied the necessary amount of Ay
screens for the basement. It was stated that. the heavy protective
sereens have been ordered, to be applied to all windows of the jail
building. The stove for the drier in the laundry situated in the base
ment was temporarily out of order. ‘The doars covering the niches
in which the toilets in the cells are sittated should be removed.
‘The supply of hot water is instfficient. A satisfactory and adequate
water heater should be installed. The supply of books obtained
From the Public Library tcemed adequate and well appreciated by
the inmates,

‘Several of the men awaiting Grand Jury had been in confinement
most of the summer. Aé there is no Grand Jory between June and
(October, this is unfair and can easily be remedied in a county of the
size of Richmond where attendance of grand jurors is simple and
comparatively inexpensive

Tin the estimate of the New York City Budget for the ensuing
‘year, sequest is made for the increase of the jailer’ salary from

Inspections “at

{ope to $1380, The present salary had been established by laws
ht a bill passed during the legislature of 1016 has made possible the
determination of the salary by the Board of Estimate and Apportion:
mnent. The amouint requested, namely $1.38, is reasonable, and
should be granted onder any circumstances, but especially now that
the jailer has had to withdraw from the apartment, the use of which
had been previously given him by the county, but which is now
occupied by the sherif.

ROCKLAND COUNTY JAIL, NEW CITY
Teepecren Avmita tt, 1946, ay Pune Kurs
Sheriff, Hudson Hurd

RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. Toilets should be installed in all the cells, and the bucket
system be discontinued.

‘2. Until such time all buckets should be supplied with covers,
and should be emptied early in the morning.

3. A constant supply of water for the toilet Gushes is necessary.

4. Fresh bedding should be given to prisoners on thelr admis-
son, aad beds should not be made up until the prisoner is
admitted

‘5. Wash tubs and a washing machine should be supplied.

6 The Board of Supervisors thould make plans, perferably
through the appointment of a committee, for the permanent sup-
ply of employment to the prisoners of the jail. Losing such
opportunities for working the prisoners as were presented by the
construction of a sewage disposal plant in the summer of 1915,
and the repair of roads in the nefghborhood, is both economically
wasteful to the county and morally detrimental to the prisoners.
I ig unwise and unfair to keep prisoners for months at a time in
practically total idleness,

17. There should be a jail yard, to make po

aed.
GENERAL REPORT
‘The Rockland County jail has been under the supervi
new sheriff since Jantary t, 19:6. The census on April 1x eon
Ssted of 17 men and 4 women. Of the men, 15-were serving sen

442 Tur Prisow Assoctatton of New Yous

tence, one was awaiting indictment by the Grand Jury, and one was
awaiting examination. The women were all serving sentence. Six
ff the men had sentences of thirty days or less; five of three months
or more. Tn other words, there was a good working foree of ove
fone dozen men going to waste in complete idleness, while on the
roads in the neighborhood civilian labor was represented by 1wo or
three men who were repairing the roads which were in bad condi
tion on account of the rains and thaws. Why a force of aver twelve
able-bodied prisoners could not earn thet living in the jail by works
ing for the town or eounty, itis impossible to see

‘The prisoner awaiting action of the Grand Jury was kept with
prisoners serving sentence. ‘The sheriff stated that the prisoner in
question had been there for seven months, and could not for such
2 long period he kept entirely segregated ; moreover, the only room
available for separate detention is not considered safe

‘The jail proper was in a very satisfactory condition of cleanliness
In the main part of the jail the bucket system still obtains, Most
Of the buckets were found without covers and with contents stil in
some of them as late as noon. There is a toilet and bathraom on
the frst Foor of the main jail, and two toilets in the corridor of th
second floor. The flushes for these toilets were not in operat
‘There was no water in the flush boxes, Several minor items of
tuncleanliness were in striking contrast to the general cleanliness
the corridors, cells, grounds, sheets and pillow cases and kitchen,
etc. Beds were made up with clean sheets and pillow cases, and
kept ready for the admission of inmates, It 4 safer and more sat
isfactory method to allow no bediding to be in emoceupied cells, even
though the cells are kept locked, and to supply every inmate with a
sheet and pillow case on admission,

‘The food was satisfactory in amount and quality
were offered by the prisoners, The very necessary improvemen
frequently recommended, of increasing the staff has taken place
With the accession of the new sheriff, The staff now consists,
besides the sheriff snd his wife who live at the jail, of the jailer,
Edward W. Miller and his wife, receiving respectively $50 and $25
per month, in addition to beard and rooms at the jail. A night
watchman has been added to the staff, to relieve the jailer from
night daty

‘The supply of bedding has been increased
have been repaired and improved.

‘As a whole, the administration ecems to have taken up its duties
with eficiency and with benevolent regard for the prisoners,

No complaints

‘The sherif’s quarters

Inserctrons

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY JAIL, CANTON
Insrscrep ny E, R. Cass Joey 22, 1916
Sheriff, H. M. Farmer,
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The present jail should be enlarged and renovated along.
modern lines, There should be provided a cell for each prisoner,
and separate quarters for juveniles. ‘The enlargement of the jail
by building on to the east end as far as the ‘three trees,” and
also on the south side for about 8 or ro feet, should be considered.

2, More adequate toilet, bathing and washing accommodations
should be provided.

+3. Provision should be made in the bar work of the Grand Jury
section on the first floor so that food can be passed in without
‘opening the door of the section,

‘4. The cell cage in the room in the basement, formerly used as
a village lockup, should be removed

5. Better arrangement of beds, bedding, ete., should be had.

6, Better cleanliness should prevail on ‘both sides of the first

for.
7. The ball and chain should not be used.

GENERAL REPORT

‘There have been no changes in the jail staf.
‘Total population at the time of inspection, 39 classified as follows

1 adalt female serving remtence

For the 9 months between September, 1915 and July, 1916, the
average daily population has been approximately 40. As stated in
previous reports, the congestion till continues ia this. jail. It is
necessary facticaly all the time to place more than one prisoner in
4 cell; sometimes prisoners must sleep in the corridors. It is not
possible to properly segregate adults and minors, This allows the
Yvoung and old, and the first offender and the experienced criminal
te come in close contact, particularly in the section reserved for
grand jury and court prisoners.

444 Tue Paisox Assocrarion of New Yorx

(On the first foor, north side, there are 7 cells, to whieh 12 pris.
loners were assigned. On the same floor, south side, there are 7 cell
available and to these were assigned 8 prisoners, all awaiting the
grand jury. ‘The south side, second floor, consists of 7 cells, which
were occupied by 13 prisoners. The same floor, north side also con:
sists of 7 cells, to which 6 prisoners were assigned. Some of the
prisoners on the south side should have been transferred to the
north side on the second floor, to " even up" the assignment of pris
ners. Even with this, the unsatisfactory doubling-up of prisoners
in small, inadequately lighted and il-ventilated cells could not be
prevented. There is a better supply of light for the corridor and
Cells on the second floor, sot side, than for any of the other three
sections in the jail proper,

‘The cleanliness on the second floor, both sides, was better than

that on the two sides of the first loor. The north side of the first
floor, in particular, was not as clean and orderly as it should have
been, partly becattse many of the men had been employed on the
farm duting the day, and had not had opportunity to do cleaning
However, in the Grand Jury section on the south side, there was
tno excuse for the wncleanliness and disarrangement of the cel
equipment. Papers, cigarette ends, matches and dirt were scattered
bout the section, ‘The beds were unmade and the ticks of the mat
tresses were not clean, The female quarters were under the super
vision of the matron, and were clean and orderly. The prisoners
had no complaints to offer as to food and treatment

‘The employment of the prisoners on the jail farm still continues
with great success, On the date of inspection, a very short time
before the inspector arrived at the jail, 25 men had returned from
the farm. As the inspector passed through the jail and conversed
with these men, it was evident that they had been busily engaged in
hhard manual Tabor, They felt mich better for it, both from the
‘mental and physical standpoints.

‘From January 1, 1916 to June 30, the men worked a total of
2,082 days on the stone pile and 133 days on the farm,

Ror the fret week of July. 1916 tae

For the second week of ly, 106, 984 days

Por the thied week of July, 1916 a dae
Prisoners work five daye a wee

(On the basis of the above figures, there were employed, on an
average, 13 men a day between January 1 and June 3o at stone
wwork, and 2 men on the farm. For the month of July’an average
(or 38 men a day on the farm. ‘The employment of the prisoners on

Inspections 445

the farm and at stone-breaking sil continues to reduce the per
pita cost of maintaining the prisoners. The financial report from
capi

‘he statement of the chairman of the Jail Committee of the Board
ii Supervisors, as 10 the cost of maintaining the jail for the 9
tnonths prior to June 30, 19:6, is as follows:

Piha there have been credited receipts amounting ©:

S004 64
140 8

svg ne to mii as
Shuts Yor the same. period amosste
Ag ded to the Saou makes the fra cost of board pet
For the previous fiscal year ending September 30, 1985 the board
of prisoners per week, including salaries, was $2.46 with the aid of
the value of the farm products, and $2.85 without it

SARATOGA COUNTY JAIL, BALLSTON SPA
Inseecren ny FB. R. Cass, Jury 27, 1916
‘Sherif, W. J. Dodge.

secoummioanets
sean psec ae aes le
di and etre an ate te
nhl ere oe es tl
ory an it ie Cle ery ween
cone, Searing th rites oy ang ae ame
tie wa ta ou be ere ide Boe
sspears he ee ee oe ae
Shen Tl eae i er poms The

449 Ta Prisox Association or New York

because a serious fire in the court house would probably cut off
escape. This situation may sometime be desperately realized by
‘the county officials, if they are called upon to answer for the harm
or loss of life coming to some of the inmates as a result of a fre
It is urgently recommended that an iron sheeting be erected on
‘the bars dicectly in front of the entrance to the jail on the first
floor and in the corridor of the second floor. The object of the
sheeting will be to retard the progress of fire, so as to give more
time for the opening of the doors and for the exit of the prisoners.
Ifa fire destroys the stairway in the court house, there will be
practically no chance of getting the prisoners out of the upper
story of this wing, situated to the right of the jail proper. It is
‘therefore necessary to provide an entrance to the alleyway from
‘the second floor, and a portable stairway or ladder, s0 as to give
‘exit from the second floor into the alley. A stationary stairway,
which will naturally reduce the already insufficient amount of
Tight for the fret floor section on the east side, is not the proper
way to relieve the fire danger.

'3. A jail uniform, consisting of overalls and jumper, should be
provided, When a prisoner is received at the jail, after being
‘made fo thoroughly bathe, his clothes should be placed in the new
fumigator and ke should be provided with overalls and a jumper,
to be worn while inthe jail. After hig clothes are fumigated, they
should be placed in a closet or box and given to the prisoner at
the time of his release. This new system has been started in
many jails of the State, and the sheriffs are unanimous in their
opinion that it should have been started long ago and that it is
the only means of keeping the jail free from vermin.

‘4 The imitation padded cell in the basement, which has pre-
viously been used for storing vegetables, should be removed. The
basement, which is damp practically throughout the year except
for a few months during the winter season, is no fit place for the
detention of human beings.

‘5 Prisoners serving sentence, who are trusties about the jail,
should not be permitted to sleep in the basement, because of the
dampness. At the time of this inspection, one man was using @
room in the basement below the ground level. ‘The dampness
made this room more unhealthful than a cell on the east side of
the jail, Te was stated that this prisoner slept under these condi-
tons voluntarily, and had been told by the jailer to change his
quarters.

Insezcrons “7

athe pues shld eglyed oma fr 08 eMe=
bpm won be tle ase
ivy ooming a ne ee, rane i Setogh
sor emg, a any are
oe ey Teepe
cy Ta yo ely
i a ate oy a ep
fe ee cele coin te Sane
seem, Pe ln ae we Oman, Ne
Bans, S Lawrence od

wn the highways and at stone-break-

PROGRESS MADE
i so that now mat
1. A famigating apparatus has been installed, so
raja et Stanketn are fumigated, and each prisoner receives a
SRE Ra fresh supply of bedding, The fumigator was built
tinder the direction of the undersherif.
sae locks have been repaired on the lower floor, east side,
dor itne owt prisoners can be tocked In their cells, This is due to
ne initiative of the undersheriff -
7 3. A new room has been supplied for ‘the keeping of drugs.
rile et good change, for’ which the undersheriff is also

responsible

“The shesiff is assisted by J. T, Betts, under-shesiffy Mrs. J. T
etts, matron, and Clarence Hovey, janitor. :

Population at the time of inspection was 24, classified as follows:

r omia female for the Grand Jury

4 Sate wes forthe Grand Jat

J haul rales serving eaten i

‘While the plan of this jail is comparatively moder, the chef
criticism je the continual necessity of placing two prisoners in a cell,
Stpecially on the eastside of the first floor. This condition has been

448 Tae Prisos Association or New Yors

repeatedly criticised in our reports, During the past winter, the
jail population reached maximum of 8, with only 30 cells avail.
fable. Because of the instficient namber of cells, inmates slept two
in a eell, and also on the floors of the corridors. On the east side,
ower floor, commonly known as the “ tramp section,” as many at
430 men have been held. The accommodations in this section, with
two prisoners in a cell, provide for only 20. The cells on the east
side, lower oor, are very dark, the corridors also, and there is
usually a damp atmosphere, The absence of adequate light and air
for thie section alone is stificient argoment for an immediate
improvement
(On the west side of the first floor, and also on both sides of the
second floor, where there is frequently need of placing more than
fone prisoner in a cell, there is a better supply of natural light and
nit, thus making it superior to the east side of the first foor
‘The under-sheriff is trying to maintain a satisfactory standard of
leantiness and order throughout the jail
The prisoners, with the exception of one, had no complaints to
offer about the food which they received or their treatment. The
complaint offered by one prisoner related to the lack of opportinity
for exercise. This prisoner was one of the number confined in the
feast side of the lower floor and in the opinion of the inspector, his
criticism in general was justified. However, the manner in which he
made his complaine and his general attitude at the time of inspection,
were improper, The Prison Association has always recommended
that prisoners Keld in confinement for periods of more than 24 hours
should receive opportunity for exercise either out of doors or in the
outside corridors of the jail. This is recommended as s mean of
safeguarding the health of inmates and also as a means of breaking
‘the monotony and harmful reaction of the daily idleness. The mat
ter of exercise was taken up with the under-sheriff and it was stg-
gested chat as often as possible, that is, every day or two, oF three
times a week, the prisoners be allowed to exercise in the outside cor
ridors. Unfortunately, there is no jail yard, so that until one is
provided, indoor exercise is the only means available
‘The female section was clean and orderly. ‘The keys to this sec-
tion are leept in a chest to which Mr, Betts and Mr. Hovey have
access, At the time of inspection there was one female prisoner.
‘The matron is not always present when the door to the female sec
tion is opened, The danger of male officers taking the responsibility
of entering the female section alone without the matron was dis-
citseed with the under-sheriff and the experiences in ather counties

InspnerioNs 449

, cussed merely in am advisory
gre pointed out, This matter was diseused meray 7
Te ie oat the last refcetion on we characer of the ji
aan ernst prisoner ae best protected when thy are Super
wi iy the matron Als by auch a practic, the male me
vied itt are reeved from posible accsations of mis
conic

some chains with

Tee toreoom of the jal there were noticed

eet tense was sted by the under seri that
icon a ad andere merely kept as Flex They sould be
wrongly removed ror he Sal

ENECTADY COUNTY JAIL, SCHENECTADY
Insrncreo JULY 20, 1916, a¥ B. R. Cass
Sheriff, L. A. Welsh.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
‘The jail yard should be made safe againat escape, and should
bbe frequently used for outdoor exercising of prisoners, p
lavly those awaiting the Grand Jury or examination.
D Part of the basement should be used as a messhal
3 Three meals a day should be provided for all prisoners,

& Scienectady County should continue its progressivencss by
clifsinating the undesirable idleness in the county jail
'y Postal regulations relative to mail sent to prisoners shou

bbe observed,
GENERAL REPORT
jed as follows

Popilation at the time of inspection 29, classi
2 adult males held for tke Grand Jury

1 adult ferle forthe Grand

$ adult male for examination

3 Sanit ferale for examination,

22 2Gin maser serving sentence

‘The cleanliness and order throughout the jail,

particularly in the

female department, was above criticiam, The present administra

fonts to be commended for this.
"The syste of providing only two med
Mans are piven at9 o'clock in the morning and 2
wee as interval between 2.3. and 9. the following mom
too long fora person to go without food. Tes 2 pity shat
Seitecaee ny respects relative to jail
SSccady County, which aow in many respe :
Scene dmavistaton ranks among the best in the State,

Js a day is still continued.
in the after-

450 Tu Prison Assoctarion oF New Yous

should not fall in line with practically every county in the State, and
provide three meals daily. The ususl practice isto give a light meal
In the morning, a substantial meal at noontime and again a light
‘meal in the evening. The contemplated plans for a mesthall in the
basement have not as yet heen carried out, This has been done in
several counties and the remilts are most satisfactory t0 the jail
authorities,

SCHOHARIE COUNTY JAM

Iysereren Mav 18, 1916, ny E.R. Cass
Sheriff, David Boynton,

Prisoners complained about having their mail opened in the SECOMMENDA TIONS
sheriff's offce. In accordance with section Go! of the Postal Lave
and Regulations of 193

ier addrevacd to peron to awat tral upon indietvent of pending
Moree sane may be deere te
terior offer having charge af te prisoner

1. A new jail, built along modern lines, should be provided t0
furaish healthful living quarters for prisoners, and also to give
better facilities for the proper detention of prisoners, especially
minors and females, ‘The present jail is unique when compared
with most of the other jails throughout the State.

2, Additional mattresses are most urgently needed.

3. Additional electric lights should be installed on the east side
of the jail,

‘4. An extra session of the Grand Jury should be held each year.
‘There are now only three sessions yearly.

eS

‘This does not authorize the sheriff to open the mail except by an
order. The matter was brought to the attention of the sheriff, and
it was suggested that he make a practice of getting an order from
the prisoner for opening mail or of apening incoming mail only in
the presence of the prisoner. The sheriff ssid that he would do this
in the future

ae

i
H
.

At the time of inspection, the population was very low. This con:
dition has been characteristic of most of the jails during the past
year. The problem of idleness among the sentenced. prisoners
remains unsalved in Schenectady County. The possibilities of
employing the prisoners on highways, or on a county jail farm or on
the poothouse farm or in quarries, are steadily being demonstrated
in other counties in the State. Erie County now employs its pris
ners at farm work and also on the highways. For those working
on the highvrays, compensation of 10 cents a day is given for satis
factory work, The results of the highway work are satisfactory to
the officials, and much money is saved for the county. Onondaga
County is doing similar work, except that prisoners are not paid
Prisoners in Niagara County are employed at roadwork and stone
breaking. Essex County has recently purehased 257 acres of farm
land, and ig using jal labor to advantage. Franklin County is using
its go-acre jail farm, and St. Lawrence is showing, as neta, splendid
results with its jail farm, Genesee, Livingston, Tioga and Broome
Counties are now sising jail labor on the county poorhonse farms
and also on the highways, In past years the utilization of jail Iabor
amounted to practically nothing? but at present most of the coxnty
authorities agree that prisoners should work, and as a result of this,
heretofore idle units in the jails are now employed daily and made
to contribute to some extent toward their cost of maintenance,

'5, The system of paying the sheriff 2 per capita weekly sum
for the board of prisoners is a qurvival in part of the fee system.
Many abuses connected with this system finally brought about
its discontinuance throughout the State, excepting in one county.
‘The plan now practised in practically every county in the State
in defraying the cost of feeding the prisoners is simple and highly
‘satisfactory, Tn some instances, the Board of Supervisors
eppoints a purchasing committee, and they buy the necessary sup-
plies for the jail, including the foodstuffs, the bills being sub-
mitted to the county auditor for inspection and then submitted
to the county treasurer for payment. In most of the counties the
sheriff buys the necessary-supplies, and submits the bills in the
Sbove manner. A procedure of this kind not only relieves the
Sheriff from suspicion as to the amount he may be making from
the board of the prisoners, but brings about in general a better
situation.

6, ‘The county authorities should not tolerate a condition such
‘as was found at the time of this inspection. A well managed jail
Ghould be ready for inspection at any time of the day or night.
‘Whether the jail is occupied or not, it should always be in a satio-
factory condition of cleanliness,

‘Tue Prisow Association oP New York

GENERAL REPORT

Population: No prisoners occupied the jail atthe time of inspec
tion. The last prisoner left the jail on May 10, 1916 for the Albany
penitentiary.

‘The corridors of the lower floor of the jail were dirty and many
burnt matches were thrown about. There was much dust on the
bar work. Soiled blankets were thrown on the floors of the cells;
and in several cells, were carelessly thrown on the beds. The mat
testes in the cells om the first foor were in an tnclean and extremely
‘worn condition. Some new mattresses have been purchased, but
these were placed in the cells on the second floor.

(On the second loos, the cells and corridors were likewise unclean,
land the blankets thrown about in the cells and corridors. The
was ar extraordinary amount of paper stuffed between the bars
the eells, and many tndesirable pictures were on the cell walls. The
ize arrangement over the top of the cage was broken on one end,
cnabling the prisoners to throw papers and short pieces of blanicet
‘upon the top of the steel cage.

"The women's section was in a most unclean and disordered con-
dition. The small tables were stacked with magazines; blankets
were thrown in piles on the beds; magazines were scattered on the
oor, and papers were strfed between the bar work of the cells,
Used eating utensils were on the floor, and an a table, alsa portions
of uneaten food. These had been in the section undoubtedly for at
Teast a week,

‘The general uncleanliness and disorder of the first and second
foors of this jal were perhaps the worst the inspector has abserved
in any jail for some time. The management deserves to be severely
criticised for not having the jail eesn, a weele after the last prisoner
was released. Uncleanliness is unpardonable, When the inspector
arrived at the jail, the wnder sheriff was getting ready to mow the
lawn in front of the eourt house or one of the county buildings
While this no doubt is important for the appearance of the cotinty
grounds, i is nevertheless very important that the dignity of the
county be upheld by preserving a satisfactory condition of cleanl
ness inside the jail, Tf all the prisoners had been released on the
morning of the inspection, there might have heen some excuse for
the condition; but vith a whole wel between the time of release
of the last prisoner and the time of inspection, there seems na good
‘excuse for the disordered and dirty condition of the jal

Inspections

SCHUYLER COUNTY JAIL, WATKL
Ixseecren May 23, 1916, ay E.R. Cass
Sheriff, D. F. Thompson.

RECOMMENDATIONS

+. The renovation and enlargement of the present al is most
savinable “The present location of the jal commplientes the prob
itm ot erapoying sentenced prisoners. "The present tendency in
‘Sty countes isto locate the fall the outlying districts in con-
Section with a farm. Ifthe authorities of Schuyler County ean-
‘ot arange fora new jail and a farm, provision should be made
Tor dhe rental or purchase of farm land near the present jal Tn
Sx Lawrence County, prsoness work every day Goring the open
seagon om s farm one rile fom she jal. The statement of that
Stay shows he possibilty of employing sentenced pisoners to
fhe advantage of the county taxpayers

"screen should be constricted around the bathtub

5. Tere shouldbe oe more session arn of the Grand
sy whenever te population inthe jalljusties it Such pro-
Uiebathas eecently hewn made in thee counties in the State, thus
Sholthing che unjost hardship imposed on Grand Jury prisoners
String the long peseds between the Infrequent regula sessions.

nfo prevent repetition of a misunderstanding between the
uli abe hs subordinates in the all relative to compensation
for cervlees, the Board of Supervisors should definitely state how
the money appropriated for she maintenance of the jails to be
seca nie fe noe best that the sherif make & contract with his
TeiMloycer ‘However, i contract is made between the sherl
Siac crpoyes for service in he jal the contract should befor
ihe amount specified by the Bonrd of Supervisor.

PROGRESS MADE

1. Ttwas stated that the Board of Supervisors were considering
the renovation and enlargement of the present all Tn our pre-
‘lous report we have eitcied the inadequate accommodations
Irie ja and the antiquated {pe of constracton, and recor
smended that a new jal be ble

GENERAL REPORT

The jail was unoceupied atthe time of ingpection. The jail staf
as per the Boned of Superszors budget, consists of a tarnkey, a
janitor, a matron and a cook and laundres.

454 THE Pason Association of New York

AA satisfactory condition of cleanliness and order existed in all
parts of this very small jail, Much care is exercised to keep the jail
clean. ‘The jail is ustally inadequate far the needs of the county

SENECA COUNTY JAIL, WATERLOO,
Iwspecen May 22, 1916, wy E.R. Cass
Sheriff, James O'Connor, since January 1

RECOMMENDATIONS
a il amine hold be roid for the seri. To com
duct the new jail properly zequres more work than in the old
jill. ‘The aheri is now bound by a twenty-four-houra-day
Tostine in the jail, He does much of the outside wor, making it
ecenary a ine for ht go mien om the land eve
in charge of his wile or pecheps a trusty. Tle ts improper, and
an unfair burden upon the sheriff. zs ities

2. The fixed sum per capita per meal forthe board of prisoners
should be discontinued. The system in vogue in over of cites
of tis Staten an follows: ‘The serif or committe is authorized

1916

by the Board of Supervisors to purchase th c
: sto purchage the necessary (00d 5
plies, and the bills are then submitted by the sheriff to a com:

Eitoe for approra and payeent This plan
: ent "This plan gives the county
tutors un opperumigy to learn just ow each fe actoaly
tapered forthe board of prisoner, and at the same time removes
Tel psegon ou fe shea tay beni oes Py Soa
ony atom
GENERAL. REFORT

Drs O'Connor stan eatron

Poe
Tish leon fl Tp ed
oer tna see County oe ban cetera
‘equipped jail, of its type. . —

Te Foes ond sed eigen of J ane er
Jommenditis fate se catied ot Contg psoas, “oe
ee

Ivsreerions 455

enced, oF committed to await the action of the Grand Jury. ‘Then
they ate brought from this room upstairs, and after removing their
Uoshing ave sprayed with disinfectant and then made to bathe,
They are deprived of their own clothing and are given 2 pair of
Gveralls, «shirt, » jumper and socks, and are then assigned to a cel
Chher in the Grand Jury section, or one in the part reserved for
Sentenced prisoners, In another part of the basement is @ compatt-
rent built by the sheriff at little expense, for fumigating the cloth
jhe of prisoners. After the clothing has been disinfected by form-
sidehyde for a day or $0, it is removed another section and
apt there unt the prisoner is discharged. This practice keeps the
fall free from vermin. While in the jail, bathing once a week is
Mrindatory for each prisoner. Sheets and pillow cases are washed
fonce a week.

The prisoners do not receive their meats in the corridors or eels,
tout instead in & messhall in the basement, This also facilitates the
recat keeping the jail clean, and makes Wife within the jail more
normal,

Fhe bells are equipped with one iron hinged bed, an iron shelf, ant
jron hinged seat, and a wooden cabinet, The usual cel-block plan
iiss been installed. The backs of the cells ate separated by a utility
Coreidor, and the fronts face the prisoners’ corridor, which is sepa-
Jered from the side walls of the building by a corridor designed for
the tse of the jail staf. The three floors of the
erate. The first and second Moors are similar in design, and on
he third floor there is small cell-block with three cells on each side
ie two hospital rooms. One of these hospital rooms is equipped
wvith an operating table and two small instrament tables.

Tn ihe basement, adequate provision is made to do the laundry
work. ‘There is 2 separate Water power washing machine for the
peiconers' street clothing, and an clectric-powser washing machine for
rer uniforms, the sheets, pillow eases and blankets. There is also
fan electric mangle.

in the sherif's office there isa steel visiting-booth, making it pos-
tle for a prisoner to converse with a visitor without contact. Aa
Snprovement could be made if the door to the prisoners’ compart=
it opened snto the hallway, which divides the sherif’s residence
Trant the jail. “This would permit the bringing of a prisoner to his
Coinpartiment without confusion, and the possible meeting of visitors
Soho might be in the sherif’s office.

"The jail yard is not used, Tt is stated by the sheriff that he does
not feet it i safe against escape, inasmuch as it would be easy for

ase ee

i

456 ‘Tae Paisow Assoctario of New York

Toles eal Tus le cay lie coos Shay Soy fs
have been built. .
By legislation in 1915, the Board of Supervisors are now author
ized to't the rate of board for prisoners. They have raised the
tlowance per meal per prisoner fom 8 12 cena The wile af
Waterloo pays ts cents por meal yer brisoner forthe inmates ofthe
tramp son, The shee submis to the Board of Superior the
amber of days of detention of pisoers, the number of meal pro
Vide, aod th commitment Aithoug hi ie nota fe often, the
very fac thatthe serif is alowed a fixed per capita of 12 cents pet
Ihe for the board of prisoners indicates feat» Prt of the ed fee
tpetem of paying thers sll prevala. This statement ts not
Intended o reflect upon the integrity of the present shri of tis
Sou. ‘Theaenton of the ard call the fact a te
Sherif is not obliged to submit ils showing the actual expenditure
for foodstuff. * osm

STEUBEN COUNTY JAIL, BATH
Inerecren JONE 30, 936, a E.R. Case
Sherif, F. 0. Gay, from Janoary #, 1912
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Sheets and pillow cases shouldbe provided for the prisoners.
‘This is not a lonury, but a meane not only of anfoguatding the
inmates and the commonity from infectious Gaeases, but of tain-
taining cleanliness

2: The committee on cotity buildings has expressed ita
approval of our recommendation that the separation ofthe Grand
ary ection from the section in which prisoners serving sentence
are kept, be made more complete, "Tle sceme ta be ae far au the
matter has gone.” Some action othe then simple approval shou
be taken. eer owl

2 A system of records should be kept, showing the number of
prisoners in the jail each day serving sentence, held for Grand
Jury, ete. Also showing how the population js distributed with
Zeapet to labor! that iy how many are employed im the Kitchen,
Inte rtonesne, et

{A paid cell shouldbe pat ofthe equipment ofthis jin
order that caace of violence can be properly deat with and that
the reputation of the jall staff can be protected against tnwar-
Tanted surpcions of brutality

nsrreri0n

5. Many jails have established receiving quarters for new pris
oneis, usually consisting of some part of the basement, or one side
Of the first Aoor of the jail. A bathing and fumigating apparatus
fe necessary. The fumigating apparatus need not be expensive.
‘An ordinary large packing case ot a homemade wooden cabinet
fined with tin will serve, Prisoners when admitted are examined
preferably by a physician, or the jailer to determine whether they
ere affected with a contagious disease or have dangerous physical
Jetects, ‘They are made to bathe and surrender their clothing.
iifeer bathing the prisoners are supplied with a jail uniform
eually consisting of overalla, a shirt and socks. This uniform
aworn by the inmate while in the jail. His own clothing is fumi-
fated and stored away until the time of his release. A system
eetthis kind is the only sensible means of keeping the jail clean
ghd frce from vermin. Tn jails where it is now established, the
Shevffe and jaiiers speak very highly of it and wonder why they
hhad not done it before.

's. The matron, who is a salaried officer of the jail, should be
she only jail officer to come in contact with the female prisoners.

She’ insanitary iron toilets should be displaced by Reavy
porcelain toilet bowls, ‘These bowls are more expensive than the
pore ones, but give longer and better service and can easily be
kept clean. ‘They are specially constructed, being very heavy, and
are without wooden seats.

is The iron chain and leg irons which have at some time been
used on the prisoners should be absol
Their presence is unnecessary, and their use not in ac
with humane and sensible methods of dealing with

iy The jail physician should visit the jail frequently. In many
jails in the State the physicians, who also receive a very small
Hat’ from the county, call every morning or every other morning
to see if their services are needed.

se Ficeares, eapecially those of questionable character, should
not be pasted on the walls of the cell,

TP erbe present unprofitable and burdensome form of employ-
ment, though better than nothing, should be improved. The
Miterion, set by other cotinties, of working their prisoners on
cSunty jail farms and on the highways should be followed. ‘The
seulyuie of the St. Lawrence County sheri's report for 1015
spews that the Tabor of the prisoners on the county jail farm
cared the cost of maintenance during the year 38 cents per weele
per prisoner.

458 THE Prison Assoctation oF New York

siege hluminum ware or crockery eating utensils should be sub
usted for the present agatevrare equipment. Monroe County

jsil has experimented with aluminum ware, also Jelfersey

County, and in both the results have been satisfactory

PROGRESS MADE
x. (A screen has been placed around the bar work in the jail

office so as to prevent visitors from passing cont
sito passing contraband articles 10

2 ‘The keys to the female department have been removed from

the jll ofc and deposited with the
ed with the matron. ‘The need of the
was pointed out at the time of this inspection. a
3, Some ofthe Horry books have Dees raver
tothe cre ofthe new sharif Hic hus neknooio
of th same, and promised to carefully supeevieg
tribution of the books, sea

ed and entrusted
sdged the receipt
the frequent dis-

GENERAL REPORT
‘The sheriff is assisted in the jail by

matron. There are also two seaeeNet, ae

guards to supervise the men breaking,

2 ata males forthe Gent Jory
alt mite serving sents

2% Sentence. The floors of the cells and corridors were clean, <a
sane of the calls the iron workin the fs ea eee te an
especially in the rear of the toilets. The steel Hoor in this secrey
‘pombe ee clan The vee too ag td sim
the frequent application of kerosene oil after the fonts we yeas

Gite il makes the floors slippety and stimv, and the odor Ts

Grand Jury section — In previous reports, the easy opportunities

{fr eomninication by voice or otherwise between Grand Jury yee
ners and prisoners serving sentence bave been pointed out) The
law requires that these prisoners be kept separate, “Thi Inw aoa
fraimed to protect not only prisoners inthe jai, bat alae
interests of the county. The general cleanliness af
satisfactory. On some of the walls, we

the ultimate
ss of this section was
pictures were pasted,

Inspections 459

some of undesirable character. This practice allows dirt to aceum-
tfate, and also mars the appesrance of the walls after the pictures
have been removed. There being only two grand jury prisoners,
most of the cells were unoccupied, but the beds were equipped with
bedding.

‘The various rooms located in the section directly above the jail
office were clean. One was occupied by a female prisoner. This
prisoner was received by the under-sheriff and assigned to a room
She was not searched, nor examined as to her cleanliness or physical
Condition, The matron had not visited this woman while she was in
the jail, and on several occasions food was served to her by male
employees. It was also found that the Keys to the female section
were kept in a cabinet in the jail office, Each male employee had
ree access to this cabinet and therefore to the Key's of the female
section. Tt was'stated by the sheriff and jailer before the inspector
left the jail that the keys to the female section had been given to the
‘mateon, with instruetions that only she is to have them in her pos-

so that in future the matron can be held directly responsible
latever occurs in the female section.

Tn the “pit section ” 2 sick prisoner was in his eell. This pris
foner was formerly an inmate of a county home, and was old and
feeble. He had been visited by the doctor only once dusing two
reeks, It was stated that the regular doctor is on his vacation and
that his responsibilities are assumed by a substtate, The prisoner
in question needed mote frequent visits Srom a physician

The prisoners were well satisfied with the food served them, and
also with the treatment shown them by the sheriff and his assistants,
‘The condition of order and cleanliness in the kitchen was good.
The agate-ware eating pans and cups were badly chipped, and in
some instances rusted. Even with great care, agateware will chip
and is therefore undesirable. After the enamel wears off, a rough
iron surface is exposed, and it is impossible to keep the ssme clean
and free from rust. The bedding consists of straw mattresses and
blankets. The mattresses are not refilled at regular intervals, The
practice i, to fil a few every two weeks, Tt was stated though, that
a Fresh mattress, together with clean blankets, are available for every

new prisoner. ‘The good standard of other jails in the State with
respect 10 sheets and pillow cases, does not exist in this jail

Stone-brealting is still the chief means of employing sentenced
prisoners. Tn previous reports, it has been pointed ont that this isa
twioney burden to the county, and results in no material good. At
the time of inspection there were 12 men breaking stone,'2 men

460 ‘Tite Prasow Association or New Yori

Wheeling stone, 3 washing blankets, 3 assisting in the kitchen, one
acting a8 a janitor in the " pit,” and 2 were sick. The stone is pur
chased for 50 cents a cubic yard, and sold for 60 cents. However,
there is practically no demand for it, so that there are always large
‘quantities on hand. Aside from the cost of the stone and deliveries,
there are also the salaries of two guards who supervise the men,
‘The work not only is unprafitable to the county, bat also works an
injustice directly tothe prisoners. They are not supolied with over.
alls or shirts, and must therefore break stone while wearing their
‘own clothes, which in most instances are yery badly worn when the
prisoners are received. The dist and dirt from broken stone rsins
Whatever is left of the prisoners’ garments

‘Stone-breaking as the only means of employment is a failure
tunless it can be correlated with work on the highways, or a sati
factory arrangement can be made for the distribution of the broken
stone.  Stetben County is one of the very few, still employing its
prisoners in this way, More progressive methods of employment
place the prisoners on the cown highways, on a county jail farm, or
fon a county home farm. In Franklin, Suffolk, Onondaga, Evie,
Nassau, Niagara and Tioga Counties, prisoners are employed satis
factorily on the highways, In Chenango, Tioga, Genesee and Liv-
ingston Counties, arrangements have been made for the employment
fof the prisoners on the cotnty poorhouse farm. The following
counties are now operating profitably jail farms: St. Lawrence
Oswego, Madison, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Frie, Onondage
Monzoe, Nassau,

Numerous leg irons and chains were found in one of the rooms
ff the jail and also in a case in the jail office. These were rusted
and did not show evidence of recent use. It was stated by the under
sheriff that he could not ise them because there are no keys avail
lable. These instruments are relics of the past, and should be abso-
Iately eliminated from the jal

Abit Jtine, ror5, 50 books were donated by the Jail Library
Committee for the we of the prisoners in the Steuben’ County jail
‘These hoolss were to be the property of the jail. When the present
sheriff came inta office, ke was comminicated with by the inspectar
regarding the condition af the library books. The inspector was
informed that there were no library books in the jail. At the time
Of this inspection, the inspector made ita special point to gain some
{information concerning the whereabouts of the library books and to
‘recover them if possible.

SUFFOLK COUNTY JAIL, RIVERHEAD
Ixspxcren ay E. R. Cass, Serrintner 26, 1916
Sheriff, Charles J. Odell

RECOMMENDATIONS

t. The county authorities should continue to utilize the labor
at prience aezeing sentence in the jal.” The employment of
Soaenetts in the past hay been most satisfactory but bas been
se Pectborary. ‘The present highorey activities should be fur
aoe eer and prisoners should be employed on # county
farm, ;

Te jl yd ah be ned forte este of
cspcilly howe ating he Grand Jy.

ests and pillow cases should be provided.

& SSatron shouldbe appointed and paid by se county

PROGRESS MADE
1. ‘The jail yard is no longer used for the storage of coal.

prisoners,

our

Ihave urged that this objectionable practice be

previous reports
discontinued.
GENERAL REPORT

Popislation at the time of inspection numbered:

7 females serving sentence.

The entire jail was clean and orderly.

The laws relative tothe classification and separation of
were satisfactorily observed

“The inmates had no complaint
the sheriff and his subordinates

The a yard i no fonger toed for the storage of al
should be used regularly for the outdoor exercising of prisoners

sa the physial standpoint and that of general equipment, this
ait jaan of the best in the State. In the matter of sheets and pil-
Fae eee Ft docs not come upto the standard of most of the other
"This addition could be made to the bedding equipment

prisoners

s to offer as fo their treatment by

but it

aan uae expendicare to the county, and am
bute provided —

‘No appropriation fas been made :
she ee wife now docs some of the matron’s work gra

for the salary of matron, so that
¢ for the

462 Tae Paison Assoctatiow of New York

county. Its most important that a salaried matron be provide for
ever county ja, Past experiences ints and oer cone en
shown that fle prisoners nel 0 he sey supervised el con
Bom decency resures thatthe genes put ofthis erento ton
bbe in the hands of a daly appointed matron, Z S
‘The purchase of jl farm hasbeen Uoroughly discussed in thi
county, bat as yet no fro han been purchae he bee rns
jail iomates in the past yar has been acd prancipale here
yon the high
ways. Fro January 1, 1916 to September po cere on a
ity days of labor ave credited to jal ime

SULLIVAN COUNTY JAIL, MONTICELLO
Ixsracten py Punta Kiam, Juve 7, 1936
Sheriff, Eimer Winer,

RECOMMENDATIONS

The frat er shoud ective an enticely ew cost of pint

2 The doors shuting ot the niches inthe cols comets the
tilts should be removed

& A‘sgnal system connecting the fall withthe sherit’s offce
sould be isa oe eee Oe eso

‘The epster: of por capita payment othe shri formainten
ance of prisoners should be discontinued esmeee bead a a
wrong principe, despite the fact that at presenti aceon te ek
ut with ne diedvastage to anybody concerned teehee ae
{es the apna has at dimes been abucedy and there ene aay
ance that under another shri en scrpulaus, condone i bor
ivan County nay oo any dnote

GENERAL REPORT
The shes’ wife aets as matron; Hobart Hill s under-aheri
Joln‘GLeanon ts depatyher The tele Saeeeee

anu night service atthe jl

‘There were five prisoners atthe time of inspection, three of them
awaiting tral, one serving sentence and one a chil prisones, At ine
time the inspector arrived a the jail no employes was inde te fon
and the electric bell was out of order. The inspector had to ea 1G
the sherif’sofice in the court house in order to find the jaiet ond
obtain access tothe building. Te has been stated in a previone tence
tion report that the present sheriff has discontinued the practcg of

Ivsrections 463

leaving the jail open and in charge of the trusty; but the practice of
tot baying any employee at the jail is also bad, especially when
there is no signal connection between the sheriff's office and the jai
so that in case of trouble the inmates cannot call the jailer

The condition of the jail as a whole was found very good. The
five prisoners awaiting trial and serving sentence were on the frst
Her. Sheets and pillow cases were found clean and properly distri-
buted, Some of the prisoners were reading book provided by the
New York Jail Library Committee. The prisoner serving sentence
was at the time of inspection at the sherif’s house, helping Mrs.
Winner in the preparation of food. The vacant eells were in proper
concltion (without any bedding). ‘The doors shutting off the niches
in the cells worked only partially. They should be removed entirely

¢ frst tier should have a new eoat of paint as soon as possible.
This is practically the only tier really used and subject to wear, and
wherefore should be painted at fairly frequent intervals. The second

1d third ters are hardly ever used, and their condition is practic
ally perfect. There was one civil prisoner on the second tier. The
key to the female department, although there was no woman
detained at the time of inspection, was very properly at the office,
snd not together with the other keys. In the basement the hot water

poaratus was found in running order: the kitchen, laundry, tramp

oom and store room were found in a very satisfactory condition
af cleanliness. The laundry is used only for heavy material, like
blankets. Sheets and pillow cases are washed o
There is hardly any justification for this, however
lo this Tight work if they are capable of washing Mankets.

There ie never a suficently large number of prisoners to make the
establishment of a permanent system of Sabor desirable. Prisoners
are used For cleaning sp the jail and court house, and occasionally
about the grounds, Prisoners awaiting trial are also allowed to
‘worl about the grounds.

Two steel doors have arrived at the jail to be installed at she first
floor and basement entrances, as frequently recommended by us.
fone of the doors in the basement is bricked up, as the administra
tion intends it to be, the two steel doors will sfc,

The prisoness were quite content with the amotint and quality of
food. Te was stated that brealefast consisted of cereal, mill, bread
and coffee; dinner of meat and vegetables, and supper of cold meat,
vegetables and bread and tea with occasional dessert. On the day of
inspection, dinner had consisted of frankfurters and sourkraut,
potatoes, beets, bread, tea. Evidently the system of per capita pay-

464 Tre Prisox Assoctation of New York

rent to the sheriff for the maintenance of prisoners works out wel
in this jail so far as the nature of the food served is concerned,
The system, however, is objectionable and subject to abuse and
should be shotished.

‘The fence around the jail has been painted since last inspection,
‘The food is caoked in the sherif?'s house by the sheriff's wife, with
aid of a prisoner when available, As a whole, the general standard
‘of administration is excelent.

TIOGA COUNTY JAIL, OWEGO
Ixsrecrep May 24, 1916, a¥ E, R Cass
Sherif, W. E, Allen,

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. An exact accounting should be kept with the Poor Farm of
the amount of labor performed for it by the jail prisoners, as well
1 of any other labor performed by them. The Poor Farm should
make some return to the jal for the labor of prisoners, in form of
vegetables grown upon the farm.

12. The present system of defraying the cost of feeding the pris-
ners should be discontinued. This is in part a survival of the
unsatisfactory fee system now abolished in all but one county.
‘The integrity of the present sheriff is not questioned, but the sys-
tem as it stands makes abuse possible, The fact that this system
cor similar systems have been discontinued in practically all the
other counties, proves beyond doubt that it is a wrong basis upon
which to meet the cost and preparation of food. ‘The practice in
other counties is as follows: ‘The sherif, or a committee, pur-
chases the necessary food supplies and submits the bills to the
sherif’s committee, or to the chairman of the Board of Super-
visors, for approval and payment, In the year 1975, 39 counties
‘out of a total of 63 in this State boarded their prisoners satisfac-
torily for $2.00 per week or less per capita

3. A rotary washing machine should be added to the laundry
equipment,

‘4. A matron should be employed. ‘The sherif’s wife should not
have to serve as matron without pay.

PROGRESS MADE
2. More attention is now given to the cleanliness of the police
lockup. ‘The need for this was pointed out in our previous report.

Inspections 465

GENERAL REPORT
0 Phere are ws
The jail staf consists of a jailer and one guard.
of
ally trp guards but now only one Deeatoe of the small umber
SMloncre serving sentence. Only 32 prisoners have been commited

to the jail so far this year,
Population 6:
1 eat tale for the Grand Jers
The jail was clean; also the police lockup section in the basement
Ail the beds were not carefully mace up. This should be remedied,
‘Since the frst of the year the absence of a suiicient number of
jeoners serving sentence has made it impossible to do work on the
Figiways, and very Tittle work has been done on the county poor
house farm, On the date of inspection only one man was working
‘on the farm.

TOMPKINS COUNTY JAIL, ITHACA
Iusrectm May 24, 1916, ay E.R. Cass
Sheriff, Charles Mackey

RECOMMENDATIONS

s. The jall needs a modern laundry equipment.

5 Reser prisoners should be tent to the Onondaga County
Penitentiary This practice incurs considerable expense fr the
canfottadon of psoners and guards, and also forthe board of
SAR Ina the county getr no benest fom the soney
creeraeg, Several counties have discontinued sending their prs
Sree Cane county peniteniries, and are employing them on
She highways in eels own counties or on a jl farm

PROGRESS MADE

“The Board of Supervisors of the county have passed a resli-
sick Sutnorsing the employment of sentenced jail prisoners im
the county jl on town highways.

GENERAL REPORT

“The ji sta consists of a ile, a of matron who divides her
sie battece the police hendquariet’ lockup and the jail Tt was
see Pi ine sherifthae Mf Shaw and his wie (Whe matron) are
‘heen persons who have eys tothe eral section, and that Mrs
SR est hen te female prisoners receive thei food

406 Tu Prison Assoctation oF New York

Population 13: 1 adult female serving sentence; 4 adult mates
Jor the grand jury; 8 adult males serving sentence. There have
been 126 persons committed t0 the jail since the first of January
1936, and the daly average popsilation has been aboot 13.
The periods of sentence for those inthe jail at the time of inspe
tion were as follows: For 3 days, 2; 5 days, 25 15 days, 1; 20 days,
190 days, 2

ULSTER COUNTY JAIL, KINGSTON

Insercrep Fenwany 24 sb May 16, 1916, ny E. R. Cass

Sheriff, E. T. Schultis,

RECOMMENDATIONS,

1. Increased bathing facilities and a better hot water supply
should be provided. This need has undoubtedly been misunder-
stood by the residents of Ulster County. Tt matters little whether
the men bathe by means of an ordinary bath tub or 2 shower bath,
‘The point is, that they should be made to bathe at least once 2
week, in order that the cleanliness of the jail can be preserved,
land that they themselves can he made to live up to the standards
fof civilized beings, ‘The present equipment consists of two
shower baths, which are inadequately supplied with hot water
from a 40 oF 50 gallon boiler located in the basement. Because
of the inadequate supply of hot water, prisoners are reluctant #0
ture the shower baths with only cold water. There is no reason
‘why they should not decline to do so. Warm water is necessary
for the cleansing of the skin. A hot water heater needs to be
located in the basement, This will give at very small cost a satis
factory supply of hot water throughout the jail. Any equipment
which will promote the perional cleanliness of human beings
should not be looked upon as an unnecessary Tuxury.

2, The unsatisfactory condition of the bases of the toilet niches
should be remedied, ‘The members of the Board are cautioned
against the use of enamel ware toilet equipment. A heavy porce:
Tain toilet bow! in one corner of the cell will permanently remedy
the unsatisfactory existing condition,

3. A matron should be employed, first to ensure the protection
‘of female prisoners, and secondly, to protect the management
from embarrassing ‘allegations, Unless in the company of the
jailer's wife, female prisoners should always be keot under lock
land key so that male persons cannot have easy access to the
female quarters.

Inspections 497

“The system of paying the serif twenty-five cente perder
tol che bowtd of ech inmate should be dlacontinued, This wde-
forte board ce bee dacomtnued ia practically every COUMtY
i isfactory system has replaced it. The

pied should Be

in pald by the county treasurer
Fae a ey atca should be regulary exercised in the outside
cota Pete ai This practice wil Belp to work off he au.
ardor oy of men living under vanatural conditions and thus
re eon veatcny, and thereby minnize the problem of dis
Spline and order

PROGRESS MADE,
i in remedying the unsatisfactory
+. A beginning has been made in remedying the unsat
toilet conditions, In our reports these conditions have been
always severely criticised.
wa the labor of 2ome of the sentenced prisoners is used to the
advantage of the county. Our reports have always advocated the

GENERAL REPORT

Population on May 16, 1916 was 14,

468° Tue Prison Association or New York

The unsatisfactory condition af the filet niches sill emai
it was encouraging find that in one of the toilet niches in the bate
‘ent an enameled ware base has been installed for tia. The atten
Son the Boar of Servis eal he fet that eal
which eally musts and thereby repeat the previous tnstefatory
Condition In Catarangus County the authorities have abellhed the
niche type of tole and are installing in one corner ofeach call 8
heavy porcelain bow. "While the porcelain howl cost more money
in the beginning, they give much beter service than any other Tor
oF tller equipment now in ase

‘There is no cotabished form of employment for the prinoers
The sherift has ben using them in grading some of the cooniy
rounds adjacent tothe jal The mimber of prizonere serving sem
fence usally averages betveentoand ts thus making a small work
ing unt, "However many of thew prisoners are settenced for long
periods, and therefore an extreme hardaip i imposed upon tern
tren they must spend days and imenthe within the cose confine
Bent of the jal without an opportunity for physieal exercise
Other counties throughout the Slate have satisfactorily employed
their prconers on highways and on county fal farms. If Ulster

County does not see its way clear to follow the example set by these
‘it should not be willing to confine Tong-term prisoners in

its jail under abnormal conditions. It would be preferable of course
ment, but if this cannot be done,

WARREN COUNTY JAIL, LAKE GEORGE
Iysrectep Jury 26, 1916, wy E.R. Cass
Sheriff, Charles H, Baler,
RECOMMENDATIONS.
1. A padded cell should be installed in the jail
2, The county authorities are urged to adopt stonebreaking as
‘a means of employing sentenced prisoners at times when it is not
practicable to use them on the highways
GENERAL REPORT
‘The under-sheriff is M. R, Smith; matron, Mrs..C. H. Baker,
Population 6, classified as follows

3 adult males lr the Grand Jay

Inspections 469,

trae jail was very clean in all parts, and the equipment and fur
sishings were in good order. ‘The new sheriff has provided a hospital
type of cot bed for each cell, to take the place of the iron hinged
Fee The latter are still in the cells, but not used. The beds have
teen painted white, A new supply of mattresses has been installed,
wad extra outside covers for same provided. The iron work on the
fist and second flours has been painted with aluminam paint

No work has been done this spring or summer on he highways
because of the small jail population. However, during the winter
the population reached a maximum of 3t at one time, but there was
we work available. -A small popitlation is characteristic of this jail;
Rat to meet such conditions as were experienced during the past
enter, stone breaking should be provided as a means of employ
Mant,” Prisoners were satisfactorily employed last year in this
County, and in the future every effort should be made to continge
such good work.

‘The inmates, were well pleased with the food and treatment
accorded them at the hands of the sheriff.

WASHINGTON COUNTY JAIL, SAL
Insrecten Seoreacnen 28, 1916, wr E.R Cass
Sheriff, Robert J. McClarty.
RECOMMENDATIONS,

1. The county Board of Supervitors is strongly urged to use its
authority under Section 93 of the County Law and Section 70 of
the State Highway Law to employ the jail prisoners either on a
County farm or on the highways, An expensive farm need not be
Qurchased but instead, one partly run down which could be
Jmproved and on which good erops could be raised.

Pn padded cell should be provided. A cell of this kind not
only protects an inmate from his own violence, but also safe-
fguarde the management from unwarranted suspicion of brutality.

sy Three meals a day should be provided for all prisoners.

& Sheets and pillow cases should be provided for all prisoners.

£ An opportunity for outdoor exercise should be granted to
she prisoners, especially to those awaiting the action of the Grand
jury.

A famigating, apparatus should be installed in the base-

‘uniforms should be provided (no stripes)

470 Ta Paisow Assoctarion or New York

Upon admission the prisoner should bathe thoroughly and be
given a jail uniform before being assigned to the jail proper. His
Slotnes ahold be fumigated and stored away wal the tin of
his release. With a system of this kind good sanitation can be
asstured, and the task of keeping the jail clean greatly facilitated,

PROGRESS MADE
“The sheriff expressed his intention, at the time of this inspec-
tion, of providing three menle a Gay to all prisoners, This has
always Deen urged in our reports.
GENERAL REPORT
The undersherif, J. W. Arnot, and Jailer O'Brien have been
Leptin fice by the new sherif
“The population at the time of inspection was 19, classified as
follows: me
6 ada males fort
{oer als fo a
Tier Fences under temporary commitment awaiting ef,
to adult males serving sentence. me
‘This inspection was made at any early hour in the morniog, and
the inspector is glad t0 report that & highly satisfactory condition
of cleanliness prevailed in all parts of the jail, The jailer seems

Aways desirous of maintaining satisfactory order and cleanness

‘Sheets and pillow cases are lacking in this jal, except for the
women.” Sheets and pillow cases are as necessary for a complete

Bedding outht inva jail as inva private home. They add to the

appearance of the jal equipment; and f properly used prevent pris

teers from coming in divect contact with the mattresses which mus
be used by inany diferent prisoners. This addition ould Be made
the bedding eqtiprient without much cost tothe cout

The practice of giving the prisoners only fo meals day has not
yet been changed. Thin matter was taken up with the seri by the

Jnopector and the method employed in other counties of the State

trat pointed out ‘The sheriff finaly stated that he was wing

Tnerease the number of meals to three a day; that i, the morning

trea! would consist of coffee and bread or a cereal or pethops some

{eed potatoes. ‘The noonday meal would be a substantial one, and

Aguin inthe evening alight meal consisting of tea and bread or milk

thd bread would he given. For men held in ch close confnement

itis considered advisable to provide fruit of some kind frequent
On the third floor, in the female section, a young git of about 19
and a oll younger girl were confined. “The former had’ been

Insrecrtows

returned from the Hudson Training School because in the opinion
Uf the authorities of that institution she did not favorably respond

ty the methods employed for the reformation of the inmates. The
younger git! was awaiting transfer to an orphanage. It was learned
Ty'the inapector that the character of the girl retuned from the
raining Schoo! was such that it would be strongly advisable to
“keep her separated as much as possible from the younger girl. ‘This
wheel be done regardiess of the fact that the younger girl's life may

have been blighted because of the character of her parents ot other

Wines. The jail, as an institution, should stand for al that is reform

ive, and in working out reformation it is most essential that the
cnvironment and companionship be most favorable. The case of the
Soyear old gisl emphasizes the need for an institution to care for
the girls who cannot be kept in our reformatories, and for whom
there are usually no accommodations in our civil institutions. Not
‘nfrequently the inspector finds girls in county jails who have been
feturned from reformatory institutions because they were not com:

dered fit subjects for the treatment eo»ployed,

The problem of idleness is sill unsolved in this county. This com
dition imposes an unfair financial burden upon the law-abiding cit
capa slge works an injustice toward the prisoner, because daily
Jaleness is detrimental to the health and handicaps probable reform:
seen As pointed out in previous reports, the jail fs at certain sea:
see of the year in reality a lodging-house. Many of the “old
ch ignove that their meals are forthcoming, and that they wit!
Petite to get a wholesome and clean place in which to sleep. Many
PF them have passed the stage where a jail sentence causes hu:
Sea While confined in the jail they are relieved of the responsibil.
wien of carming their daily bread, and in many instances innocent
owen and children are made to suffer for their failings.

Tee within the power of the County Board of Supervisors to
remedy this unsatisfactory condition. About three years ago, most
Sake counties thraughout the State were not providing employment
for thelr prisoners, However, things have gracually changed so that
tery those counties that are nat employing their sentenced jail pris-
sews are greatly in the minority,  Tdleness has been replaced by
Ciploymenr on county and town highways, in quarries, on county
Ratchets farms, on county jail farms and on county tuberealosis
Pespita sites, In practically every coanty where prisoners have been
intoyed on the fares, highways, et. it has een shown that the
Prcduct of ther labor reduces materially their cost of maintenance

resect striking example of this is St. Lawrence County, Where

472 Tue Piso Association of New York
we value of the produets raised on the farm for the fiscal year end.
ing September, 1915 reduced the per capita cost of maintenance 38

‘ents per week per prisoner

WAYNE COUNTY JAIL, LYONS

Insrrote June 23, 1976, ny E.R. Cass
Sheriff, B. E, Valentine

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The use of the old jail in its present form should not be con-
tinued. ‘The county authorities are urged to enlarge and equip
in modern fashion the present one, or construct a new jail

‘2, Sheets and pillow cates should be provided. ‘These are sup-
plied as a part of the bedding equipment in practically all jails in
the State,

GENERAL REPORT

Under-sheriff, J. Collins; matron, Mrs. Valentine

Population 4:

3 ult males serving sentence

1 adat mate aeiting Grane Jary

‘The sheriff and under-sheriff were not at the jail at the time of
inspection. The sherif’s wife was in charge, and because she did
not have the keys to the south side, aecess to the cells on this side
could not be bad. Two of the prisoners were on the south side
(One was in the barn and the other in the eorridar between the jail
and the sheriffs residence. ‘The last mentioned prisoners were
trusties, and one in particular acted-as an assistant to the sherif's
wife during his absence.

‘Since the first of the year only 33 prisoners have been committed
to the jail, 3 of whom were women. The form of record book is
different from that usually found at the jails. The front part of the
book contains an alphabetical index and the main part contains blank
forms of commitments. A copy of the commitment signed by the
committing justice is made in one of the blank commitment forme
‘embodied in the book. In the index part, the page on which this
copy is made is recorded. Aside from keeping the commitment and
the registration ina compact form, it also facilitates tracing the nm:
ber of yearly commitments and the nature of a prisoner's detention
in the jail.

inspections 473

‘The antiquated jail is still in use. ‘The construction of a new one
or renovation and enlargement of the present one has been delayed
because of work on the new sewage disposal plant, It was stated
that this plant is now completed, and therefore the present jail condi

tion should be changed.

"A satisfactory condition of order and cleanliness prevailed,
‘Though not possible to enter the cells on the south side, the inspector
‘could see the clean corridor. ‘The prisoners om the south side were
conversed with, and they together with the others expressed satis
faction with the food and treatment.

The advisability of leaving the jail in charge of the matron with-
out allowing her to have keys to all parts of the jail, is questionable.
1 itis the fear that the keys might be taken from the matron when
the sheriff and under-sherif are away and that the prisoners might
then be released, arrangements should be made for a deputy to be
present on such oceasions. For instance, f on the day of inspection
the sheriff's residence took fire, there would be no way of releasing
the prisoners from the small stone jail which would have become
2 veritable oven.

‘The ase of the off jal im its present form is undesirable because
of its general structure and inadequate equipment. The old dark,
poorly ventilated stone vault cells are things of the past. The use
Df the bucket system is entirely unsatisfactory, even with the best
precautions. The absence of proper bathing facilities is also a draw-
back to the proper care and handling of prisoners.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY JAIL, WHITE PLAINS

Issrecrep sy Prnr Kreis, May 11, 1916, 11:30 am. 50 1:30

Sheriff, Ulrich Wiesendanger; Warden, John H. Hill

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. A thorough reorganization of the feeding system should be
undertaken in accordance with the standards contained in the
present report.

‘2, Records should be kept of the cost of feeding employees sep:
araicly from the cost of feeding prisoners, Under the present
system a possibility of unfairness to the prisoner exists

3. One of the children detained with a witness is three years
‘old, and must according to law be removed from the jail.

8

474 Tim Prisox Association of New Yous

4 Bedding used by any prisoner should be removed from his
cell upon his discharge, the sheets and pillow cases should be
Iaundered, and blankets sterilized before their use by any other
prisoner. Incoming prisoners should be given clean bedding upon
their admission.

‘5. The bucket system should be abolished; toilet facilities
should be installed in each eel

GENERAL REPORT

Census on the day of inspection was as follows:

Adults Maoee
Mea awaiting court aston.
Men serving ime 3
Men witnesres (from Sing Sing) : 4

Women awaiting court action $
Women sritness s 5
Childeen with mother. °

sos

Tota ‘ a
‘The census on the day of inspection represents a fair average

The number of admissions during the month of April were:

Male (adults)

Female (adults)

Male (minors)

female (nino)

Total
‘The average daily admissions for the Inst calender year were @
title over 7.

mendable state of cleanliness.
prisoners were satisfactory. The bedding in the cells was clea

‘few cells, it was found that the bedding was left over after
the discharge of the prisoners who had used them, The bedding is
changed on a set day of the week, generally Wednesdays. Within
the week, incoming prisoners are required to use whatever bedding
hhas remained in the cell after the discharge of the previous accu
‘pant, unless they happen to come in oa a Wednesday morning, The
blankets are not sterilized. Toilet paper was found well distributed
in all cells. ‘The buckets contained chloride of lime. No complaints
were received from prisoners in the matter of their treatment by the
Keepers.

Issezctions 478

This jail is one of the very few in the State, that has running loot
and cold water and basin in every cell. This fact malces so much
more striking the inadequate system of cell buckets. There is no
reason, apparently, why toilet focuses cannot be introduced into all
the cells, Even under the best sanitary conditions the butcleet system
is abominable. Cleanliness prevailed in the female department, th
departinent for wit and the so-called hospital room used at
present for witnesses, the kitchen, laundry and cellar. It is deplor-
able that in the departments for women and for witnesses, a number
of cells having very poor light and ventilation must be used of the
two rows of cells in these departments only one faces the wall with
windovrs

There is no occupation for the prisoners of the jail, other than in
the kitchen and laundry on the top floor; the “ tier men” for clean-
ing the cells and corridors and for general service on their respective
tiers, are chosen from among both prisoners serving sentence and
those awaiting action. While the latier according to law eannot be
forced to work, it is a very commendable practise to allow them to
do whatever work is available, but compulsion must not be used.
‘The practise of employing court prisoners at cleaning and the like is
00d.

‘Numerous complaints were received in the matter of food, both
fs to quantity and vaviety, Codfish and beans are given three
times & week; meat stew with erust, once a wee; ordinary meat
stow once a week; hash on Saturday ;frankfurters, mashed potatoes
and vegetable on Sunday, Breakfast and supper consist of coffee
and bread only. The complaints were chiefly against the service of
codfish and beans three times a week but also against che quality of
che coffee, referred to by the prisoners as “bootleg.” Only the
women are given cereal in the morning; otherwise both breakfast
and supper consist of bread and coffee,

(On inquiry as to the rations allowed per prisoner, the following
information was obtained: For codfish and beans, % Ib. fish and
14 I beans

"For other food, no definite rations were stated. Tn the prepara
tion of coffee for approximately 70 prisoners, the chef stated that
14 ta 114 Ibs, of coffee and two eans of condensed milk are nsed.
No sugar is added, the only sweetening being contained in the con
ensed milk, The above bill of fare and rations are inadequate, even
§f they were always well prepared. Some prisoners claim that the
hheans and potatoes are not always well cooked. A comparison with
the rations allowed ia the Department of Correction of New York

476 ‘Tae Patson Association ov New York

City as given below, will show the extent of the inadequacy of the
dietary in this institution
Dept. of Correction New
Breakfast White Phoine ork City
eres} . sone 1 oe per capita
ile De Ye pine per capita
Corned beef ate". fone

‘real and coffee
Potatoes for corned beet

Bes per capita... Boe

2 tom br toe, a om
‘Saar, i coee or ea.” none Sh oe per capita
Condensed ile Test than 92 on per

‘agita SH on. per capita
Supper

one Hon per capi
fone | luiviutatine 2-ea8 pet capita
i one som per capita,
[evaporated fruit += none ©2200 sf oh per apita
Jelly nome

Teese wie

8 oes for 70 inmates,

Catfee same as Deeskfaet... same ag breakfast
‘Sonar (in coffee tea) mone Ho on per capita
Bread - Som Som
Condensed tie 0. ys oe. on
‘As to the cost of sustenance, the warden's records showed f
month of April
Total cost vtseserinieeors coe
‘Average ser capita ost so 243
In the above cost, everything is included except kitchen utensils,
furniture, repairs and salaries of employees. On the basis of the
bilf of fare as considered above, it seemed advisable to examine more
closely into the cost of sustenance. The total expenditure for food

Insercrions 47

during the month of April was $56863. This would indicate a per
capita cost for sustenance alone of 1939. The total amount
expended for food consumed in April was, however, not con-
sumed by prisoners alone. Keepers are entilled to one meal per
day. This makes 13 meals on ordinary days, 10 meals on Sundays
or a total for the month of April, 375 meats. Considering the differ
fence between the keepers’ meale and the prisoners’ meals, and con
sidering the fact that the morning and evening meals for the pris
loners consist of bread and eoffce only, itis reasonableo asstune that
each keeper's meal costs about two days of a prisoner's sustenance.
(The estimates here given have been submitted to and approved by
an expert dietitian). Making the necessary allowance for the dif-
ference of 375 meals, counted as 750 units of prisoners’ daily suste-
nance, the cost of feeding prisoners is reduced to S.1s44 per capita
per day. The Department of Correction of New York Gity, with
daily average of over 5,000 prisoners, despite the great saving poss

ble when purchases are made in great bull, allows a per capita of
16 cents per prisoner. If, in a jail averaging only about 70, the
daily per capita for sustenance is less than 76 cents, the standard of
feediag must be unsatisfactory. In this respect, the complaints of
the prisoners are borne out, It's strongly urged that the bill of fare
and rations indicated in the table given above be accepted as a stand-
ard and the food served improved accordingly

WESTCHESTER COUNTY JAIL ANNEX, PEEKSKILL,
NEW YORK
Lxsvecte May 12, 1916, av Prrtre Kea
Jailer, Louis B. Travis,
RECOMMENDATIONS:

2, The jailer should be placed on a salary basis, his salary to be
in proportion to the resporsibilities of his office. All necessary
expenditures for food should be made and charged to the county,
a is done in the jail at White Plains, The remnant of the fee
system in vogue in this institution should be abolished.

‘2, Sheets and pillow cases ehould be supplied to every prisoner,
and a sufficient number of blankets should be provided to insure
reasonable comfort and cleanliness.

3. Wire sereens should be attached to the windows, so as to pre-
vent both communication with the outside and the introduction
of contraband goods.

478 Tu Prison Association of New York,

4 The lighting equipment in the cells should be repaired and
‘modified so as to prevent tampering by the prisoners.

‘5. The hinges and locks on the doors leading to the utility cor-
ridors should be changed go as to make them more secure.

6. When the Westchester County Penitentiary is organized, no
inmates serving sentence should be retained at this institution,
but should he transferred to the Penitentiary, and this jail should
be used only for court prisoners.

GENERAL REPORT

This jail was built, and as a plant is being maintained, by the vi
lage of Peekskill. The jailer, Louis B. Travis, is a County employee
and responsible for the maintenance of the prisoners to the county.
The physical conditions of the jal, its cleanliness and the general
management of Mr. Travis are excellent. Some vermin was found
fon one ter, but the jailer seemed anxiots to cooperate in exterminat
ing the sime. There were only three inmates in the jail at the time
of inspection. Two of them were serving sentence of five days each,
land one was awaiting examination, AM! the cella, corridors, the
rooms in the basement, the kitchen, storerooms and dishes, were
clean and well kept. The arrangement for protecting the Tights in
the cells has proved a failure; prisoners have been able to. reach
through the bars, remove the heavy glass and tamper with the
lectric lights. Practically al the lights were found disturbed, On
fone tier no fights were available; it was stated that the fuse had
blown out, The vermin referred to apparently travels up from the
tramp room in the basement where lodgers are allowed to remain
overnight by the police department. The prisoners appeared satis-
fied with the treatment and food.

‘No sheets or pillow cases are given prisoners, and the blankets
on hand are inadequate

No screens have as yet been attached to the windows as recom:
mended in the previous report. ‘This makes serious the possibilty
of communication with the outside, and of the introduction of cor
traband goods. Plain doors with plain locks lead to the utility cor
Fidors; not the kind considered necessary in jail construction. The
pins had been removed from the hinges of one of these doors. Con
Sidering the opportunity for introducing fles aad the f
jiler is not always inside the prison, it would be very easy
prisoner to saw his way through the few bars ia the window of the
utility corridor, and thus gain freedom. The removal of the pins
may have been preparatory to some such scheme.

Ixseecrions 479

‘The maintenance of prisoners by payment of fees to the jailer
must be condeshned. A less serupulous jailer than: Mr. Travis,
ppeinted wader the same systero, might be a very bad investment
for the health of the prisoners and the cleanliness of the institution.

"The jailer is entitled, itis stated, to 15 cents per meal per prisoner
and receives no salary, He sends his bill to the county authorities
nd receives payment on that basis, More truly, however, the fee is
{fs cents per day, for charges are made for every prisoner regardless
3f the number of meals he has taken. No fractions of a day are com-
Gidered. For the 9 months between June 16, tors and March 15,
2916 the following amounts were paid to the jailer for maintenance
of prisoners:

For the month ending July 15,

For the month ending October 15, 1015

the month ending Nover

For the month ending Blareh 15.1916

an verge oer day of 82
The average daily census for that period was 1895. Because of
the move generous allowance made by Me, Travis as compated with
the food 4 White Pains, we may assure a per capita cost for food
tao cents as compared wih S+5aq at White Pains. On this Basis
Shc tay eovenditure for food ayuid be $380 Teaving a net dally
profit of $473 or an anneal profit of $1727.98
Shove etsaton duet ot cating he ont Beye March
Pee june ig. (lor whieh records were not available), dating
no s,m is pretmably tones contrbalanced by the
Tact that no factions of 2 day are considered inthe bills, ful day
fees beng charged regardless of the number of meals served. T
‘ere then tt te county can afford to disontie the fee 97
Cerf he Ps nd intend ay generous salary fo the
Se This is urged not so much for the saving posible, bat in
Be so abolish system that bas posites for evil and has
oved iat! din many other jails m the State.
x The county cannot afford to risk the condition of its wards on
the Nsanption of alvays obtaining conscientious and serapslous
aces The fee aystem is bad in ite possbilies and should be
lished.

480 Tue Prison Assoctarion oF New York

WYOMING COUNTY JAIL, WARSAW
Iwsrecten mr E.R. Cass, Juste 29, 1916
Sheriff, W. A. MacRae,
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The general uncleanliness and disorder throughout the jail
should not be allowed. At the time of a previous inspection,
similar conditions existed, demonstrating that there is careless.
ness and indifference on the part of the administration, The
Jailer should be instructed to first give his attention each day to
‘the cleanliness of the jail and then to other matters.

2. The bar work, especially on the lower floor, should be painted
a bright cotor.

3. Toilet paper should be provided.

4% Magazines and books should not be scattered through the
jail

5. New iron beds should be purchased for the rooms on the
second floor.

‘8. New washtubs should be installed in the laundry.

7. The shed should be removed from the north side of the jail
‘The condition caused in the jail by the presence of this shed
results in unfit living acommodations for prisoners, and should
not be allowed.

8, Prisoners serving sentence should be employed on the town
highways or on the County Poorhouse Ferm. This is being done
in many counties of the State. ‘The County Board of Supervisors
hhave authority to establish such employment.

PROGRESS MADE

1, The village of Warsaw now has a police lockup of its own.
‘Recommendations to this effect have been made in our previous
reports

GENERAL REPORT

“The sherif’s wise dets as matron. ‘There is also a jailer. Popula
tion on day of inspection 8:

44 minor males serving sentence

2 adult rales serving sentence,

2 adalt nists for the Grand Jory

The lower foor, south side, is generally used for grand jury pris
ners, Th

cleanliness of this section was most tinsatisfactory
Loose paper and pieces of bread were scattered in the cells. In some
cells, bread was scattered on the bedding. On one bed without bed-

Ivsrnerions a
ding, large sumber of magazines and pieces of paper were seat
cers.” The beds in some of the unused ell were supplied with
Ting "his practice fs undesirable. When a cell notin use,
tithe bedding excrptng the mattress shoald be removed. The beds
ahd wsattress should be strapped up against the Side ofthe wall nd
the cll Joor shouldbe locked

‘Oa the lower oor, north sid, the shamefal condition duc tothe
ancence of natural ight remains. Ip oe previous reports this eon-
Sioa hac boon severely ericsed, ‘The cll and corridors are very
dott being nccesnry to burn gue dutng the day in order to see
itcenty move about, "The clesafiness of the corridors and the
Sais us unaatntactory. Loose paper, sweepings and other refuse
tgp about. ‘The beds were not made up and many of the mattresses
were sited *

Sper Boor, north side, was occupied by four minors het for

rain nding. The cleanliness and order of the cals occupied by
floor. Phe ‘air in a room in the rear of this section was so vile and
eee thatthe inapector found it necessary to immediatly open
saerere co as to make it tolerable for him to remain inthe om.
see belding was eattered about the Moor, alo papers and mage

‘Oe ane south sie, second floor, the room reserved or female pris
overs was satintoriy clean. The othe rom, which is now wae
see eens in a generally disordered condition. The general
so eee undlesnfiness and disorder throughout the jails due
ear pe fact thatthe jer has too much work to do oF that he
fives athanging bis duties satisfactorily. When the inspector
1 ret Stach, trusty was sweeping a stairway and another
ariet  ausigved to work in the county buildings, The jailer was
Le ie abealPs horee. The jallers sesponstiities should first
ai IS jt work and after te has been thoroughly done, per
Sorel matters ofthe sheriff ray then recive attention

YATES COUNTY JAIL, PENN YAN
srecren Mav 23, 1916, av B, R. Cass
Sheriff, Miton Ayres, from January 1, 1916,
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Fewer sentenced prisoners should be sent to the County

‘ ‘should be sent to the
pebitentary Tostend 2 nuficient number shou
Pier ayed on the highways or on a county farm. The

482 THE Parson Association or Naw York

large garden maintained by the sheriff has demonstrated that a
Jail farm can be helpful to the county, ‘The sheriff and his stall
are relieved of the trouble of caring for prisoners when sent tothe
penitentiary — but the county must pay the prisoners’ board and
the cost of transportation of prisoners and guards. In some coun-
tes, this is a considerable expense and has prompted the county
authorities to use this money in employing the prisoners and
thereby obtaining direct benefit from their labor.

2, If the jail population warrants, an additional Grand Jury
meeting during the year should certainly be held. Only two
‘meetings a year imposes much hardship. Ie is a question whether
the county authorities are justified in permitting a system to exist,
which, even with the best jail conditions, holds for long periods
‘men unconvicted of crime, under circumstances tending to bring
about moral and physical deterioration,

‘3 The wooden stairway providing the only means of access
from floor to floor presents a serious condition in the event of fire,
and should be replaced by an iron one.

4 One iron partition in the corridor in the north end of the
first floor, and two iron partitions in the corridor in the south end,
‘with a doorway in each, would make it possible to keep the Grand
Jury prisoners separate from prisoners serving sentence. It
would further allow the sheriff to permit the trustworthy pris-
ners the use of the outside corridor on each side of the cellblock,
without violating Section 92 of the County Law.

5. The insanitary and possibly dangerous condition caused by
the unused sewer line in the basement beneath the stairway lead-
ing to the Grst floor should be remedied. ‘The top of the stair-
‘way leading from the basement should be partitioned off so as to
prevent draught into the sherif's office, and also the passage of
foul gas from the sewer line in question up into the hallway
separating the sheriffs residence from the jail.

GENERAL REPORT

“The jail staff consists of a turnkey and a matron,

Popalation 6:

1 minor male for the Grand Jury

2 halt ates for the Grand Jury

2 adult female serving centence

2 nigh: lodgers inthe tmp room,

Since January frst, only 12 prisoners have been committed to the
jail, A satisfactory ‘condition of cleanliness and order prevailed
‘throughout the jail, and the prisoners were satisfied with the treat-
ment accorded them by the sheriff, and the food provided,

vsprerios 485

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION, CITY OF NEW YORK
Inspections uv Panar Kuen

Practically all institutions of the Department of Correction were
inspected more then once during the year and many of them were,
in sddition, frequently visited, For the sake of convenience and
brevity, the inspection report for a specific date is generally given,
bat among the items under “Progress Made and Recommends
Hons” there is included, in addition to what appeared on the original
inspection reports, such other material as may have been gathered at
ines inspections Or visits, In some cases it has been deemed advis-
Shje to modify parts of the reports, so as to bring them more nearly
ap to date

CITY PRISON, MANHATTAN (TOMBS)
Inesrecrep APRIL 20 AND 24, 1916
Warden, John J. Hanley,

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The toilet bowls and plumbing in the male annex shoud be
sepiacod by modern tolet fares

rn ae Sone clla of the fale prion forthe wor
age of paint in any form should be probibited.

etal napervision should be exercised in the cellar under
tna rate eaves to prevent accumelations of rubbish and paper:
(85 Sunaustion of che cellar should be improved if prisoners are
requised to work init

Gute ey food supply should be rediatibuted so a8 to pro-
vide a more substantial breakfast.

ae se pace between the bed spfings and bed frames should
need ith vaator brushes, o remove all accumulations of
dust and bre mv

Swe er beper should be supplied to al prisoners

§ Tee etal practice of giving clean bedding tothe prisoners
urge nariotion instead of placing such bedding i the ells, i
weer ads all keepers should follow the rules strictly.

PROGRESS MADE

«, The new facilities for visiting were made available during the
Visitors now are admitted by a special entrance and con-
x friends through a double sereen. This

year.
verse with their prisone

484 "me Prison Association oF New Your

new method has made postble better supervision to prevent
Enuggling inof contrabrnd goods; hae increased possibilities of
{eatliness reduced congestion in the prison and incensed the
‘timber of visits permite
2 Cleanliness inthe institution as a whole bas improved con:
siderably. ei
@ The old clectic lighting fixture in the corridors of the main
pricon have been replaced, andthe lighting in general improved
{The leverlocking system is being overhauled. Ax sera
ot tlnot successful attempts of escape by meana of cleverly made
Srooden keys, was found neceatary to restore the tae of the
lever system, which was abandoned shortly after the erection of
the prison
GENERAL REPORT
“The mast stiking difference between the general character of the
ication ea previous Inopection ned ut ts tine, wee the pret
Comparative quiet and orderliness throught, duc to the abliton
te forme ising ute. he the ato pig hs ben
Ibereased to bo vals per day every day ithe Week, Sucept Sew
apa agaist thee vine» wok reve te seta day
of woitrs has Temained approsinate, the same, averaging
i ae
fetween 290 and goo, All visors now enter throngh a special door
tt trough the tide wall surrounding the prison sd comma
‘ating wth the vistors building, Vistors are allowed to rena for
half hour.”‘Prsoners are brought from the eels to ther aide of
the visting honue at half hour intervals between igo and 3.3
This makes eight sits of prisoners and visio ght Keeper are
detailed to ths duty. There are gu visting booths, available on
fires loors, ‘Teo Lempert are teboned St Ue thin tectving
intra, assigning them fo bots and arranging for elie the pr
rer wanted, Thee Kepers are stationed on the floors and three
Leeper fetch the prisoners to the yisiing house. All the ofals
Stated tha the new system was an absolute sucess.
Stes the neste of iting iigen wh in ai an
improvement, the general Cleanliness of the isttation has protted
Comdeably by iis ayetan, Als, Ue excessive congeotn atthe
recivng des, the poses of itrodicton of contraband
' of contraband goods,
ted of tor ti, ave no prasad whe
Recontionaace ofthe peratecin 0 visors se riaoocr at ee
di Prisoners at th
“The improved cleanliness extends to all pats oft
isto all parts of the prison. Only
a few of the sclleren on the ters of the main prion were found

Inspections 48

infested by roaches, and that to a considerably less degree than at
brevious inspections. "The beds were mostly free from vermin The
Polls used for storage purposes, and those intended for padded cells,

\ihich on previous occasions were found overrun with vermin, were
how practically clear of them.

N nost satisfactory system obtains ia the cells and equipment
upon the discharge of prisonert. All che bedding and equipment or
tach prisoner occupying a cell is removed immediately upon his dis
Charge, The eell is then thorowghly cleaned and disinfecting liquid
Spplied. The sheets and pillow cases are sent directly to the laundry,
the blankets frst to the sterilizer. Every newly admitted prisoner
is given clean bedding and cup upon his assignment to his cell. The
‘Suitary precautions in this way appear completely satisfactory.
Tnepection of all vacant cells showed that practically in every ease
the cells were bare of any equipment. ‘This condition proves that the
stem just describel is being strictly enforced, There were only a
few exceptions in this respect, in which clean bedding was placed in
the cell Delove the admission of prisoners. AIl keepers should be
Appised of the exact duties involved in the discharye and admission
Ofiprisoners, from the standpoint of the care of cell equipment

Th cleaning the beds it is suggested that thin radiator brushes be

i for the space between the springs and bed frames so as to pre
Vent the accumulation of dust and fibers. Such accumulations were
ound in some beds, though not as generally as in some of the other
prisons of the Department

‘The cleanest sculleries were found on the four tier of #he main
prison, and here there were neither roaches nor any dit

‘The:dormitory was, a5 usual, in satisfactory condition. The
kktchen was clean. ‘The distribution ef food has been much
improved. The food is served in two or three dishes, according to
the requirements of the meal, and in steaming het condition. The
Gly complaints in reference to food were, that while the total
maunt of food sctved was satisfactory, the morning rations were
sa sinall, Considering the fact that the evening meal is served at
Shout four o'clock and that dinner is served at noon, it would be
Feasonable to serve a fairly substantial breakfast in the morning, Tt
Fotather a long wait from 4 7, until 12 noon of the next day with
only & light breakfast.

“Ene condition of the cells and corridors in the mate annex has
also considerably improved. However, the accumulations of dirt
Tone the pipes in the cells on the lowest tier North (Elmira cells),
sad in a few of the seulleries, especially on the third tier south, are

486 Tur: Parsow Assoczariow op New York.

objectionable. It ig true that the plumbing and the toilet bow!s in
this annex ave antiquated in kind and arrangement, and ought to be
repluced as soon as possible. Nevertheless, with a reasonable
amount of supervision the accumulations of filth referred to should

Toilet paper should be supplied to prisoners.

The painting of cells is a regular occurrence, but at this time the
corridor and bars were being painted. This should result in ci
siderable improvement in appearance. The new elecirie Tights and
reflectors recently installed, also add to the light and appearance
Recently the paint was removed from the cellar below the female
annex, to a shed in the jal specially consteucted. ‘The abolition of
this serious fire danger recommended by the Prison Association
since 1913 is highly commended. A considerable amount of paint
was, however, still found in the cellar. All of this should be
removed. In other respects, the condition of the cellar was
improved. The walls and ceiling had been newly painted. In the
cellar of the male annex, there were some accumulations of paper
and filth found, in some eases constituting fire danger. Stricter
supervision shotld be exercised over the condition in the cellar
‘This cellar is used during the winter for peeling potatoes and vege
tables for the kitchen; generally about nine men are so employed:
the ventilation is not adequate for such use,

The outdoor exercise allowed prisoners has been extended to the
winter months

‘Separation of drug addicts in the segregated tiers in the male
annex is continued. Some 18 drug addicts were assigned there at
the time of inspection. ‘That represents the average. Drug sellers
are alsa segregated, but no record of their cases is kept hy the
plpsiclin, “A lbeok for tha entry. of all cae oP Sotestions dlaeaies
supplied by the Department of Health is kept by the medical offer
and inspected weekly by an official of the Department of Health
Tn about 214 months, some 23. pronounced cases of tberciosis
were admiited and so entered. Cases of venereal diseases are being
admitted practically every day.

‘The medical officers of the Tombs, Dr. MeGuive and Dr. Lichten
stein, have been paying especial attention to drug addiction both as
affecting the institutions and as a general evil. In one of the acticles
contributed to a medical journal by Dz, Lichtenstein, very import
ant stggestions were made for constructive legislation against the
drug evil

Inspections,

CITY PRISON BROOKLYN
(Raymond Street Jail)

Apri 18 20 19, 1916
i Warden, John Hayes.

masts on the second day of inspection was as follows
Male Female

transterted from she Workhouse
 traneferred from Pesitentiary
States prisoners

RECOMMENDATIONS
1 If possible the plumbing system in the male prison should
be overhauled so 08 to prevent back-fows
2 The windows in the outside walls of the cll house in the
mate Uegatinene are so placed that when open they slant fn and
aan eee tney ahotld be altered. so as to slant in and
pwards.  eecih ats
ene padded cells shouldbe removed or altered in accordance
wl plane ouggerted by the warden, or supplied with removable
wey Unat tan be replaced upon thelr destruction by violent
Heetees tot cat of al, be entirely discontinued, and prisoners
saree conn shuld befamediaelyWansfered to the proper
ospital
MHERT prisoners should be supplied with tlle papers
 ereeece signed as" help” should receive the same priv
we Feet exeriv a i given the coUre prisoners, or ae the
eee age at the Cty Privo, Manhattan, or atthe work:
se wry beteendary.” Numerous complains on this scare sre
ie ceased of cleanliness fn the cells of the male depart
ment cho be equal to tat ofthe coreidors of the prion. The
ent eed be cleaned with radiator Brushes, and hot water
ea Md ae often a neveneary. ‘The unc of the gasoline

488 Tus Parson Association or New You

torch is recommended in some cases. The floors of the cells
should always be mopped dry alter the morning cleaning,

Methods here suggested, with a generous use of exterminator at

frequent intervals, are the only way to rid the cells of the vermin

pest

7. Blankets should be removed from every cell upon discharge
of the inmate oceupying it and should be sterilized and laundered,
then handed to the newly admitted prisoner (and not placed in
the cell beforehand).

8, Sheets should be supplied for all prisoners and laundered
regularly.

9. The toilet bowls in cells ought not to cause the very dis:
agreeable odor found in a number of cells at the time of inspec-
tion; particularly, all tollet bowls should be kept properly flushed
bby tiermen of each tier.

10. Soup bowls should not be left or kept in the cells, but dis-
‘tributed at meal time; spoons should not be left in the cells from
fone prisoner to his successor, but should be removed and thor-
‘oughly washed upon the discharge of the prisoners using them,
In the distribution of food at least two dishes should be used
instead of one soup bow!, in addition to the tea cup.

11, The cleaning fluid, rendering the cell gates sticky, should
not be used,

12, The recommendation of the Warden for the fitting out of
‘a messhall so that prisoners may eat outside of their cells, should
be carried out.

‘The oft-repeated request of the visiting physician for an
institutional apothecary should be granted, for the sake of the
safety of the prisoners.

14. Hospital facilities should be provided, if necessary, by the
remodeling of the part previously used as the jail for civil
prisoners.

25. A double-gate should be constructed, to eliminate the pos:
sibility of escape of prisoners during the movement of vans in and
out of the yard, and to make possible greater liberties in the yard
to the prisoners, who would thus be more effectually prevented
from attempts to escape.

Practically all the above recommendations in respect to the
cells, bedding, eating utensils, service of food, sterilization of
Dlankets and exercise for “help” are at present part of the nor-
imal system of procedure in the City Prison Manhattan, and there
is no reason why the same cannot be done at the City Prison
Brooklyn,

Insprerioss 489

PROGRESS MADE

tA garage for the auto vans used for the transportation of
leone between cours and prisons has beea erect

sen eeprof gosline tank Hae slso been constructed near the
eorege

ee. angements have been made and facies provided for a
clare to ipply food tothe prisoners at prices approved by the
saeiSlaioner’ “The catering service has been organized and is
srorking satisfactorily.

GENERAL REFORT

“The general appearance of the whole prison, eelibloek, eoeridors
sod nos was very good. The Boors of the corridors, even behind
sre tien were sotesy clea. The interior of the cls; how
ent caus, presented a different aspect. Most of the cel
See nae icky, apperenty from cleaning fd applied to ten,
SIM abess from the dasing Tags have gotten ino this sticky
sett Most ofthe beds onthe fst er visited (North 1) were
er ith vermin. Many ofthe cells not have eetse bubs
eR ted that mere was a shortage of sch bubs in the ptm
Te donts a al these cells were clean. ‘The walls im many eases
se persitmarkeds andthe paint was in very bad condition. OF
We sd Gore im the mate pruon te ells om only one tier, and part
western have been panied recent. Alte el aren great
teed of anew coat of paint

woke cameron the lowest lew), the two Gers designated as

Novis and "South 1" face each other. These two tiers are
eal ee Stetivation coset. Among these sup are two padded cells
weet Ae dlcplionry cell” One of these ers i also generally sed
Fae ect vetnion of cases of itoxention and the ke. A
ere aa hee bad « very disagrecatle odor. The toilet bowls
see chiffon apparently of some days standing. The beds
sae eclitaasy dirty, On the ors ofa numberof the calls the
we eT Tenaied wemopped since te rorsing’s cleaning
Talay, te supervision bythe Keeper of the work of the inmate
seat, toe see been vety saperical tallow such water to
wee crinourt Practically afl the eds on this and most of the
aa Jer Rau aecsmtatons of dist and Bante nthe spaces
oa ea de the ed where the spring Is fastened to the bed
Ft ce et plas ase of a radiator brash would make it sme
ea oeceeced keep dean these paces which now serve both
ae at breeding page for vermin, and as material to soak

490 Tae Pruso’ Association or New York

in th@'disinfecting uid and retain the disinfecting odor. For an
inital thorough cleaning, the gatoline torch should be used as a
auxiliary

‘The bathing compartments in one of these central tiers have been
transformed into a barber shop. The other bathing compartment
has also heen ripped out and is to be used as an additional detention
pen for prisoners returned from court. There are two padded cells
fon tier * North 5," both in wretched condition The pads are all
tom and the padding exposed and strewn over the floor, If padded
cells ate to be used at all, there should be sufficient supply of remo
able padding in sections fo take the place of any destroyed by violent

Ir is however, deplorable'that such cells should at all be
Prisoners showing any_siga of violence should be imme
diately transferved t0 a hospital

The plumbing in the cells of the whole male department is so
arranged that the sewage from the toilet bowls often causes a back
ow into the toilet bowls of adjacent ceils. Apparently itis impos
sible to obviate this without a complete and probably expensive over
hauling of the whole plumbing system,

‘An abundance of vermin was found to exist on all but the top
ters, and there were some on all but three of the top tiers

In contrast to conditions at some of the other prisons where cells
occupied ly the “help” are considerably cleaner than the cells
‘occupied by court prisoners, some of the dirtiest cells here were
Found occupied by the “help.” In one of the cells a pair of shoes
‘was found stuck behind the toilet boy, that had been there accord-
{ng to the statement made by the occupant, since he had entered the
call some weeks before. The shoes were covered with mildew at
the time of inspection, and the spaces were filled with dirt. In gen-
eral, the corners were very superficially cleaned,

‘No sheets are supplied to any of the prisoners at this prison,
although sheets have been supplied for years at the corresponding
City Prison in Manhattan. Blankets are not taken out of the cell
and sterilized after the discharge of each prisoner, 30 that those
newly admitted receive the bedding used by their predecessors. In
this respect the City Prison in Manbattan has for a long time been
in advanes. ‘There, all the bedding is removed immediately upon
the discharge of the prisoner and-every blanket is stecilized and
laumdered. In fact, at the Tombs each cell is given a thorough
cleaning after each occupancy. Moreover, the soup bowls and
spoons are also considered cell equipment and are left permanently
fn the coll instead of being retained at a central place and given to

Inspections aot

och ninat the ime of meats; on seapect to the spon, eer
Sey adted pate —
Teor aed cores are moped eis every dp. Money
ener bing day, when te ol, gates P62
a vein extertinator. ‘The traces ofthe
2 terminator were clearly visible, but either because of the inferior
weer or beemuse of the fact that the beds are not thoroughly
sao een and hor water, the effect seems to he neglgbe

‘Tonels are supplied every afternoon, clean pillow cases every Mon—

fe Therein
sete help” reoive lean closing on Thtrsday
Bone peed to cach Ver, making 16 3p al. "Thetieeman is
er ee goeral cleanliness of bis tier. He is assisted

ue or men eer
Se tag andsnepig by 0 of —

Fr nea tain need of ne cost of ant

Fae ne ety om te round, causing Pe
oe ne eth inant one at of ie Pos
cares dl ck, ‘There nan entrance othe
er ee tS cepted ty Worktouse “Da” 1s th
cellar are kept old shoes, beds, mops, brooms, ete. Here also is 4
cee een the Hindi woe throughot the Department of
ee eo ener comple ofthe ea ad ad
Corti a ering slat and pectin ist Wl
er a cee goor cmditon of ann 2
Bans me mia ite wal eating itty
Oe ae eal be ie ii! veinion to
1 oe tn othe warden fr cing offre mado
Sona be ae ton

mid Ue ate Og aly nec in the conor, and

ser o,Se‘aflegovcraly cxree ert

tome tea Wires Shel exces empoyed
None of te 75. 20 aiing ae evr allow ne Jr
privilege being given to court prisoners only. This is not only
orgs ne rat rom the ri or see
mfr a mer ann the ten ae awed
doors at the same time as the court prisoners of their respective
oh f 1s found much the same as ust
oe a pe day of hope) coe st
para ee (ya noucton occuring the sper
invention (50 eof abrelsesegrerted at the Se
Be rae TC dchen and sorhoane were in exalt oP-

492 THe Prasox Associatioy or New York

dition, clean and welt kept. Dishes, cosets, comers, floors, walls —

‘everything was perfectly Satisfactory, A new employee designated
a stores foreman has had charge of the storehouse during the last
‘month or so, In some parts of the storehouse, there were traces of
roaches and mice, but to the extent only of requiring one ¢horottgh
leaning. The preparation of the food was clean, No complaints
were received as to the quantity and quality of food served. There
i a caterer within the prison who serves either regular dinners ox
food a la carte, at reasonable outside rates approved by the Commis:
sioner of Correction. No outside food is allowed.

All but the “help” eat in their cells. The “help” eat at tables
in various parts of the prison or in the kitchen. The warden sug
ests that a mess hall be provided by some alterations on the top of
the two cellblocks. That the feeding of prisoners in the messhall
instead of in their own cells s both desirable and practicable even
in a detention prison, has been demonstrated in the City Prison,
‘Queens, where that system has been in vogue for somewhat over
year.

Besides the male prison proper, there is one building containing
the women's prison, warden’s quarters and some offices, and another
central building, adjbining the above and coptaining a chapel, the
former civil prison, the dining-raom and matron” rooms and
some spare rooms connected with the women's prison, There is a9
outside fre tower leading from the chapel to the lower Roors, The
design of the two buildings just referred 10 is so complicated that
a detailed description of them would be entirely too tedious. All
but the mate prison are included in these two bil
‘connecting parts.

The female prison was found clean throughout. None of the
punishment cells were in use at the time of inspection. Bathing
facilities for the women are plentiful; also dining-room space and
other necessities. An excellently equipped lundry is situated above
the female prisom, where all the work For the institution is done by
the women, The Kitchens ought to be ox the top Bors. From the
present location of the kitchen, the fumes and odors spread over
the entire prison

Tn the yard, a large number of blankets were hung for airing on
the iron ‘railings. The old scales for weighing coal have heen
remaved and replaced by new scales with capacity for 20 tons. The
building of the garage for the protection of vans and auto vans has
been proceeding very slowly, and is nat yet completed. A new half
subterranean gasoline storage room is in use. The stables were
found clean and in good order. ‘The cellar below the civil prison

ngs and their

Inspections 493

at princi fo veetalesoage nd for he pag of ee
seo rnc fo wg py tne cok was fom 8 Ye?
a i te dose ge requety om
Ea oe et oa by ispecsof tvs Axo
mended bythe ware at reat the gates are Tt ODER
ave ot et ee ints ia mes the eenton of Prone
wie Tore ieee "
she ard sme eas heen nual inthe pion and
Rey 2 freshen hg a0
feed over er andes ve ae te Be
The fie ing fort a er pune ten asta n Many,
ie eae, Tine engi he rats previously oceiel
say ers of the ton Peters ae om can TOY
by is for Worktoare “he
netted as orm aged fo the a, despite Free
= dations and references to the danger to ‘the lives of pris-
recomend eres ats a '
ra wi eo changed Vitro ng
angie Tae carnage has bee ed
the al of th ne ee entrance Visors se the Ps,
ima ong coor bind Oe Sle the cree sal eed
one aly gh rin ey ping dss 9
gs throu, The ony a Spaunn of Queens and Naan
L apeaoles ween 30 and 40. Visitors are
seen Oy areca a, Vito a2
he nao eng, Over even a coe
gre Fmt em Te poem vite rom
asic en Poms Retort made oe
ery days Beet the. days. of inspection, the number of Pe
aera °
the physi avo heupe a rcord ofall ection ext i 8
sci phasic se erenent of Health, Following a bre
ask a ree up 8 de
safe
Te a

Since sicher 7 19h hen the ft ee
Was entered, t0 date bes
smtcred since December 25, 1015 os
From September 26 1914 10 dR,

s

494 Tue Patsow Association ox New Yorn

Other cases, 5 Five of the venereal ease
case of the latter, however, ex: ms

latter, examination cannot be a completa
case of male prisoners, so that the récord of fe : <b
dloes not represent the aetaal total

The dificulty of disposing

8 were female. In the

smale cases probably

sft cee Me te
Prisoners needing hospital treatment to the Pt stn alors
dite arose aad the trnaer tg Bele Fae
Fe ie Tt has been so difficult, however, to get ambulanc sete,

tat a large number of cases are still detained in the io hae

entered into to insure the prompt ambulane fe
tetrad at in Prompt ambulance service for the prison

CITY PRISON, QUE!
Tvsreeren Jory 13, 1916
Head Keeper Joseph McCann in change.*

"Succeeded Depoty Warden Hart, who was transferred to Rikers Inland

sega, RECOMMENDATIONS
X Appropriations should be allowed fer the cox
this prison of a building, to include at least she
hal laundry, chapel a
2: On each of the three
should be a shel suppliea
Siok for comfortably washing then,

Insrecrions 495

' 3, Mach cell should be supplied with a stool, or chair, and with
a fair-sized shelf,

4A deputy warden and some additional keepers should be
added to the staff.

5. The matter of water pressure in the toilets of the female
cells should be given careful attention

6. The system of supplying individual towels to each prisoner
every morning, as conducted in some of the other institutions of
the Department of Correction, should be installed here. Sheets
should be supplied for all the beds, and should be laundered
weekly. All pillow cases should be laundered regularly by the

7. Systematic application of the gasoline torch and other means
of cleaning vermin and dust should be installed on a regular
time-schedule basis.

8. Fly screens should be supplied throughout the institution,
and especially in the kitchen and stereroom.

9. A room should be fitted up as a retiring room for matrons,
and should be equipped with bathing facilities,

120, Toilet paper should be supplied to all prisoners.

11, Proper arrangement should be made for careful examina-
tion of prisoners at the workhouse before their transfer to this
institution in order to obviate the necessity of returning sick and
physically unét prisoners.

1x2, There should be a caterer for this prison, who would sup-
ply the inmates with food and other necessaries, at just prices,

13. For the proper distribution and treatment of the women
prisoners the plant of the Commissioner of Correction for the
purchase of a prison farm for women are urged.

PROGRESS MADE

1. A bridge connecting the two sides of the fourth tier has been
constructed to facilitate the work of the administration.

2. A fice exit has been cut from the prison to the connecting
part between the court house and the prison building. %

‘3. A chapel, well situated and pleasingly finished and equipped
has been constructed.

4. New quarters and increased equipment have been cbtained
for the sewing class and it has become easier to turn out more
work and keep more inmates engaged.

45. The method of visiting has been perfected in both male and
female departments.

496 Tu Parson Associartox or Nuw York

6. Individual Hights have been supp

ok ini plied forall the cells inthe
7. The facilities forthe library service su

boro Public Library have pat raved. RELY ie oe
& Doubling up has been discontinued because

cating because of the decrease
5. The ovtside wall surround

‘ ssrrounding the jell yard. has be.

fnerensed in height, and Te haa becone aa a

inmates daily outdoor exercise. soe Selena

GENERAL REPORT
Census on the day of inspection was as follows.
Mate:
‘Avetiting exami

Awaiting tin, Speci Seesions Court
Awaling cial, County: Court

Total
Female.
Awaiting trial, Special Sessions Court

oral
a

Separation in a satisfactory manner is at present in i

The above represents a reduction of
tine months, The reduction is e9
i

Grand total

50 per cent. in the census in

sat of the decrease, 1 eliniate a
4 number of calls were vacant and one whale
re ot of ie or 4 consider tine

ait condition ofthe male ell allway, on the whole see, bat
Yeemin wat found ina considerable numberof the ell; estat
where the joints bteen the Srames an span of

allowed to accumulate large quantities of dust and fibr eres
Tiness of the toilet bowls, bars an¢ na meh la oe
nse» ars and floors was much more sate

Inspections 497

‘The uuility corridors were clean and in all but one instance, the
handling of the garbage and of cleaning utensils was satisfactory;
cate should be taken, however, to prevent any accumulation of un
lean tensile in comers of utility corridors. The application of
the gasoline toreh for burning out of vermin seems to have been
intermittent. Some prisoners said they burned newspapers to
clean out vermin. There should be systematic cleaning of vermin,
nat dependent upon complaints by inmates,

‘The cell locks have not yet been repaired. ‘There are only a few
cells in the whole male department that lock properly.

‘There are no fly sercens on the windows anywhere in the whole
male department for pratection from flies or mosquitoes, ATL win-
dows should have screens, The kitchen and storehouse have sereens
fon the windows but none on the doors. Multitudes of fies were
found on the food and cooking utensils in the kitchen and store
room, Three screen doors would remedy the situation completely
In other respects, the kitchen and storehouse were clean, There
were few insects found. A new bread box and new ice box have
added considerably to the standard of this department.

Since the last inspection a bridge has been constructed connecting
the two parts of the 4th tier. Electric lights have been installed in
all the cells. The walls of the prison yard have been raised by some
Sic feet, so that now it is possible to give daily outdoor exercise to
fll prisoners. Women take their exercise between 7:30 and 9 A. ¥
and men between T and 3:30» ., Sundays included. This again
represents a great improvement for the health and comfort of the
inmates. ‘There are generally 3 keepers im the yard to supervise the
prisoners. They are supplied with firearms while on duty in the
yard. The “flats” are still used as messhall for the male poptla-
lion. Because of the absence of screens, a very large number of
flies in the cell hall were attracted by the service of three meals
daily. On the top floor of the female department also, the fly
nuisance was very serious.

No complaints about food were offered by any of the prisoners
except the oft-repeated one that suppers were not sufficiently sub-
stantial. Also, some prisoners maintain that they were overcharged
{or extras obtained through ronners from the outside, There is no
commissary at the City Prison Queens fke that at the City Prisons,
Manhattan and Brooklyn,

t yet adequately supplied in

The supply is satisfactory

in the female department. Individual shelves for the cells have not
‘yet been installed,

498 ‘Tu Prison Assoctavion or New Yori

The medical attention appeared satisfactory, The visiting physi

cian) makes daily visits and keeps a good record of his activities,
He also visits men under disciptine, and records such visits. On the
day of inspection (wo men were confined in their cells on the sth
ier for fighting. They offered to the inspector no complaint of
injustice, ‘They received the regular midday meal and bread and
water for the other two meals daily. The affice of insiivution phar:
racist has not been filled since the last incumbent. The physician
now looks aiter the work ly performed by the druggist. A
drug room and pliysician’s office has been fitted up recently, The
medical record showed a large number of re-transfers from this
institution to the workhouse becasse of ill-health or ather physical
incapacity. This seems inelicient and wasteful, especially since
medical examinations are made of all women inmates at the worke
house, and the records of such exaininations could be consulted
‘before making the transfer, Special examinations should be made
of women at the workhouse before their transfer to any other insti-
tiition. Wassermann tests should be performed on all inmates trans
ferred from the Workhouse or Penitentiary to this or other inst
tutions of the department, and the results of stich tests should
bbe communicated to the physician at the institation to which such
transfers are made

Tt is gratifying to report, algo, the completion of the chapel,
erected in the place formerly occupied hy miscellaneous storerooms,
and also the equipment of a large sewing room accommodating
ahout 30 women ata time. Ten sewing machines are in use morning
and afternoon. The women in the sewing class have sewed, among
other things, a large number of sheets and pillow cases, all the night
shirts for the Reformatory, a large number of pieces of women’s
underwear, and are about to manufacture khaki suits for the City
Reformatory. Light, ventilation and security of the sewing root
seemed satisfactory. It is suggested, however, that all the windows
bbe supplied with sereens, The visiting screens for the female
department were almost completed at the time of inspection,

Tin the female department cleanliness and order were, a8 ustal,
of a high order. ‘The discipline and labor problem in the women’s
department is, of course, very’ dificult; because of the close
quarters, and the danger of constant intermingling between groups,
classified and segregated in the different tiers and sections.

‘The supply of bedding, Finen, towels, toilet paper, ete,, 8 satis-
factory, a contrast in this respect to the male department. Tt was
stated that there was some difficulty in keeping out vermin because

Iwsrections 499

she gaotne torch could be aed by men ony, ad the admision of
ihe naling fore yet to te female depart snot desirable
aan ery neenary. No attempt hs apparent een
Tt a ery reasonable request ofthe matrons FoF
rnd a fo ein Cote expel after adn some
2 TO oO Tay poner), for snk ad Hydrants and. di
Ce ters, ad for atbesto cover
ne ghich case nich incon
hs Roding the soar, Former
sng tin epee, but it has Bot
= ae in the toilets of the

closets in central by
jng of the pipes in the util
wvenience by sweating and
Warden Barr has made 2
Sree been continued, The water pressure
Semale department Was very POT

PENITENTIARY, BLACKWELL'S ISLAND

‘Warden, Henry Q. Schleth,
RECOMMENDATIONS
‘As soon as possible a complete plan should be devised and

se dncntnry a dlesiog howe in the are
n vs in the use of the various

importance, both
scientific purposes of the insti
improved administration, that i

anyother pla ; -
at erat improvements of the penitentiary shoulda

be expedited especially in the following respects.
2 The renovation and reeguipment of the bakery,
Ie location of a new

ie should take precedence over

bb The construction at a more reasonabl
‘bathhouse,
‘c. The construction of a receiving depai

tment, ot remodel
inoue, wth
seem Soe port of the. exaing celhouse,
tng oom ees ender ita it receiving depart
ment

4 The sanetruetion and equipment ofa barbershop.

Te eorganzation of the Taundry methods, inclading
reoguipment co far a8 is necery

500 THE Prusow Association of New York

GENERAL REPORT

In our annual report for 1915, reference was made to our com
prehensive inspection and study of the Penitentiary, and the con
clusions and recommendations of the study were presented. ‘The
extensive improvements accomplished during 1915, especially duc
ing the first period of the wardenship of Mr. Murtha, were cited
Daring the past year the flourish with which those improvements
were introduced has somewhat subsided; especially the self-govern
ment system has remained undeveloped. The important changes
during the year are attributable largely, if not altogether, to the
effect of the general reorganization of the Department af Corres
tion for the purpose of constituting the Penitentiary a clearing
hhowse for the department. Mr. Murtha was replaced by Mr. Schleth
as Warten of the Penitentiary, and it has been Warden Sehleth's
task to organize the work of the Penitentiary on the new basis. In
the meanwhile, physicel improvements continie to be made. The
painting of the cells and cellhalls was continued, the new kitchen
completed and equipped.

‘An inspection of the industrial building at the Penitentiary made
by an inspector of the Department of Labor, at the request of the
Prison Association, disclosed a number of conditions violating
factory laws, No action was taken to improve these, however, since
the whole industrial department is to be transferred to Hart's
Island. Three shops, the shoe, clothing and one of the broom shops
have already heen so transferred, and in most cases, new machinery
installed. ‘The remainder of the industries is to be transferred at
aan early date, and the building then is to be transformed into a lab
oratory for psychological and psychiatric work in connection with
the clearing house. Some remodeling and rearrangement is to be
undertaken, 50 as to extend the office facilities and supply neces
sary room for the staff assigned to work in connection with the
parale commission

Tn regard to the establishment of the clearing house, two pur
poses have guided the immediate organization. One has heen to
make possible the complete and comprehensive study of every
inmate received in the Department for the purpose of the best dis
position to be made of him, for the sake of his own rehabilitation,
and the other, for his best utilization within the department. Tt is
the latter that has received mare attention during the past year
Most of the “clearing” co far done has been that of supplying
prisoners to be transferred to Hart's and Riker’s Islands and to
New Hampton Farms,

IyspretioNs gor

form
siaqnrs sentence 0 the Penitentiary orto the City Re
a ‘the Penitentiary and from there distri-
1 el to the, Workhosse are sent vety
M sanereed tothe Pententary for
weet, and ten, Any case ein
a ncn The indnaal employment of 2
Cleaeing oan Pare pon reduced to a minima, andthe number
atthe Fentenn ation has at fea been as IOW a8 $0, 28
of mate to far the year before. For example the mumber
against sme 1599 oy ad rock crsing glant had mbered a8
ee dimes bat within recent month it was hardy
ee ct clearing house, the
SS ine aitibuting aapect of the clearing i
sch pact oft hae ot bean developed 0 any conieabe
eaten Tay indicated in Pare I of his report page 142 called
i for a thorough-going clearing house for
tng house sould

a ene Penitentiary and submitted it to Warden Schleth, who
had charge of the organization. The matter has not, however, pro-
iations have been granted for the con~
eae a See a
form, No steps have been taken during the past year for the af
so Ne ner ecconal an indi taining of ina
Son Jor ation forte yar 1916 bas been fall of promise
rer
fect te afte New York Pble Libra
Agana Morhowt oO hes ben pevected, 0 cal
aa eh anes

the library has progressed very’ satis:
f the voluntary services of Miss

soe Taz Parison Assoctastox or New Yorx

planned to remove the library from its present quarters 10 a room
previously used as an additional messhall, located between the north
cellhall and the main messhall, This is an excellent location in
every respect, and will render the possibilities of library service
sreater than ever. ‘The room now used by the library is to be ress
signed to the hospital department,

WORKHOUSE BLACKWELL'S ISLAND

Insrncrep Mav 24, 29 AND Juve 20, 1916

Warden, Frank W. Fox

After our comprehensive report of the inspection of the Work
hhouse at Biackwell’s Island in June, 1915, a number of brief visits
were made, prior to the present inspection. ‘There have been a few
changes in the staf, but otherwise, very little is different af this time
from a year ago. Of the 27 recommendations made at that time,
the conditions calling for five have been practically remedied. The
improvements are the following *

1. The painting of the female prison,

2. Supply of mosquito sereens, xt least on the seithal kitchen and pert
of the middle hoate windows

4 Increase of faites for pressing clothing of ontgoing prisoners

1 Improved soppy of dietary allowauce for hospital patients

5. Improvement in the supply of leaning materiale and drug

One recommendation in regard to the improvement of hospital
records has been only in very small part followed out, ‘The other
‘matters in respect to which recommendations were made are
practically as they were a year ago. A few of them are not possi
ble until radical changes are made. A large number of them require
‘merely administrative measures, difficult in some cases buit-not
impossibie. Many require structural changes, for which appropria
tions must be asked and obtained. We refer to our Annual Report
for 101s, pages 443-446:

‘The following are special recommendations applying at the time
of the present inspection:

A recent special appropriation of $ymoco has been granted to remodel the

south wing of the Worktouse "and ‘convert it into a Clearing: hoase {08
‘women. Three hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars have Seen granted
for the purchase of a farm for women and the constriction of baldings
thereon: buch Tare to be eed for emale inmates of the Workloute,

Ixsprerioxs 503

i on both the
1, The cleanness of the cells should be improved on bat
ai and female siden On the female sie the former method
sale sping soap and water dally should be revived; on the male
eee ee the walls should be washed after mopping, to
fican off the spattering
sr iet paper should be supplied throughout the pritom,
4 Clothing shouldbe marked by the number or other identis-
alow tar the individual using i, expesaly in the cases o
determinate sentences
‘al window of cvs, as well as of other
@ should be undertaken a the

longer terms and of iné
ia The screening of
rooms, is of great importance an

tanent poss
cet ator arining water, with faucets, should be supplied

in every large cell or room so a8 to obviate the dipping of cups

into buckets. ;
‘@ The cleanliness of the kitchen should be materially

improved; especially the small rooms into which the dumb-

aaeree open are unatisiactory and contain insect.
ver Centrance tothe duusboster should be guarded £9 pre-

we injuries co penonere tang ther
TENG gto of records inthe sedical department should be
inacr e eenlal Moray supped, and the segular supply of
Toda! joumals obtained.
“The follwing seconmendations of the administration are alo
ged sins
"HOU: (g) The installation of fans in the kitchen windows.
(Bening and overhauling of the storevoom
(@ Ritowd ofthe hitchen fo the topmost fear
GENERAL REPORT

Census May

neater

gg Tu Prison Assoctation of New York

Mate cell hall—The general conditions in the male cell hall are
‘much the same as usual. The beds are nat always made ap, and the
condition of cleanliness varies considerably from cell to cell. The
springs of many of the cots are in very bad condition, Sheets have
ot yet been supplied. The pillow cases were quite soiled on mos
of the beds. The number of buckets per cell has not been increased
‘The floors were clean, on the whole, but many of the comers
showed the superficial methods characteristic of inmates with insu
ficiently strict supervision. The bases of the cell walls were in most
asa result of the spattering from the mopping of the
The washing off of the cell walls with soap and water is
not a regular routine matter. Vermin was foynd in a number of
beds in most of the cells, not to the extent found on some previous
inspections, but still excessive, The application of the system of
vermin cleaning is not thorough. No toilet paper is supplied to pris
‘ners in any of the eels. The dormitory, containing more than 40,
cots used ior old men on the first floor, was in somewhat better con
ition than the cells in general. The inmate in charge of distribut-
ing clothing stated that there was a shortage in underwear regularly
fon bath days. Tnmates' clothing is not marked with individuals
‘numbers, partly because so many of the commitments are for very
short terms. Tt would be possible, however, to mark the cloth
ing of those committed for longer terms. Such distinction between
“long-termers” and" shortstermers" is made for several other
purposes. The new bath room, constructed in part by inmate labor,
is now in use and represents a great improvement. ‘The room
formerly used as bath room is now used part of the time as barber
shop for inmates, and mornings for ablations.

Female Hall— The following more or less important changes are
to be recorded in this department. The superintendent of the
women’s side has converted two adjacent cells into an olice and
‘has equipped it simply but tastefully. Small as this change may
seem, it must eventually have a very beneficial effect in raising the
general standard of this pact of the institution, especially in entiane
ing the respectful attitude on the part of inmates towards the
superintendent, an aititude hard to establish when the executive is
deprived of the elementary material setting.

All the cells have been painted within the year, and look cheerful
and clean, The walls, however, were not quite so clean as formerly,
apparently because subsequent to the painting the custom of fre.
‘qent application of soap and water to the walls was suspended.

Ixsenctions 505

(On the Saturday preceding the day of inspection, the use of might
gowns for women vas introduced, This is an improvement and
Should be generally followed throughout the department. Further
improvements contemplated or in process, ace the building of a
toilet house adjoining one end of the female building (this is now
in process of construction) and a reception department providing
for all departments necessary in the proper routine of receiving
inmates. Minor improvements have taken place in the recreation
stockade and in the construetion of concrete gutters along the out-
side of the walls.

Ic is iflt fo keep the femate Ball clean because of the very
large mumber of sparrows nesting under the roof. The windows
through which the sparrows come should be screened,

Cinta ings — The wl "nde oss” sel pir
ally for living quarters for the warden, depity warden, physicians
Chaplains and incrnes, and the building containing the messhals
tchen sloreroom, landry, sewing soom and repairing room, con
Scute the center of the anstiation plant dividing the mate from
the female department, The clesnlness ofthe Kitchen feft nach to
te deareds particularly the room into which the duubowaters

‘open were found dirty, The kitchen floor was not clean. A consider-

Sbie umber of insets was foun io the dumb waiter compartment
‘The dimb-waiter doors are not sfelertly guarded fo protest from
injury Tamates ‘working at the dumb waiters, The floor ad
tatrance af the Glee box, nov dicarded ut not yet Temoved
Aree in ery bad condition and waclan. ‘The venation of the
Titer ara -whole was very poor The recommendations of the
Aisntstraon to atach fan 0 the windows shold e given very
fevoun conderation Screens have recently been attacked to the
STndows of the ttchen, but screen doors have nol as yet been put
Up sta one of the side fooms opening fom the kitchen, and sed
1s wenporaty storage reed nthe Kitchen, some of the food,
fecha cracker and prunes, were found without covers, Ta the

2 were salstaconly covered. Hl
Sito new Ice box has beta recently dnwalled, Ot i not Rept
uly clan in alls party, ‘The sorerwom as a whole needs a
Sey pein and material for tat purpose was sai to have een
seoaihioned by the administration. Ara whl the Kitchen and
Tetons where food is prepared ere nt ina commendable state
SFScatine The recommendation of the administration to move

°

Tue Parson Assoctation oF New York

the Kitchen to some part of the topmost floor
sible, be carried out
‘The sewing room for women has been neatly painted, is clean

ould, if at all pos

and well kept. The ironing room was clean and the mangle, though
fold, fairly protected against accidents, In the laundry, a drying
machine has been installed, The mending room opening from the
Taundry is conducted by Mrs. Abernethy in a most commendable
manner, Both the general order, and the amount and quality of
material produced in this department, are creditable,

“Much work has been done in the laying of concrete walks around
the institution and in building operations on a small scale. The
construction of the new disciplinary building recently begun bas
been abandoned. The messhall and storeroom, as well as the
ketchen, have been supplied with fly sereens.

General System — The insanitary method of supplying drinking
water for the cells in a bucket into which every prisoner dips his
own or a common cup, still continues in both male and female
departments, Bathing still takes place once 2 week. No attempt
is being made to increase the frequency of baths. Sanitary precau
tions recommended for shaving are not being carried out, The
bucket system prevails in its sta) form.

Comparatively litte discipline of an extreme form is applied. In
five months beginning with Janaary, 1914, 14 men and 9 women
have been assigned to punishment cells, In 25 cases out of this
total of 23, the cause stated is fighting. Of the 8 others, two were
for refusal to work and three for stealing. The periods of deten
tion in the dark cell are generally one or two days. Only in 4 cases
were the periods longer; approximately 3 days in one case, 4 days
in another, 4 days ia a third, and 3 in a fourth case, ‘The lighter
forms of discipline, such as deprivation of a meal and deprivation
Of privileges sich as tobacco and visitors, are the sstal methods
In cases of confinement in punishment cells, records are sent to the
Commissioner of Correction. Entry is made of the name, time of
admission to cell, time of release, and generally the nismber of cell to
Which assigned for punishment.” Visits to inmates under discipline
by the physician are recorded in the institstional record boos, but
these entries are neither made nor signed by the physician, and
sometimes are not correct

Special attention is given throughout the institution to the super
vision and to the records relating to inmates committed on indeter
‘inate sentences. The difference in standards between the treat

Insrxctions 507

nent ot these and the ordinary commitments shows a great gay
between approximately acceptable modern standards and those
that have been customary and subject to much criticism, heretofore,
generally throughout the Department

‘he labor sheets showing the distribution of officers and pris:
oners for work assignment shows the usual condition naturally fol-
rowing an abundance of prisoners in an institution having little work
to do. There is nothing in this respect to comment on. No
Improvement can be expected in this matter until the industrial sys-
fem in the whole Departinent has been thoroughly reorganized.

Medical Department—The Workhouse Hospital serves in many

says as the central hospital for the whole Department of Corres
tion, and isa unit of considerable size. In a sense the hospital may
be considered co-ordinate with the custodial part of the institution.
The conduct of the medical work, and especially of the hospital
proper at the Worlthouse, has been disorganized and inefficient, at
Teast during most of the past three years, and presumatly before
that #8 well, The conditions have been fully described and reported

on, ia previous inspections and in a special study made in 1914,

Recently very considerable improvement has taken place, though

hich sill remains to be done, especially as it has been found almost
Impossible to obtain the necessary medical staff. ‘The main func
tions of the medical department are:

“Medical supervision of the admission of Inmates to the inlteion,

2 General lineal treatment:

5 Hospital

‘The full staff, according to the present plans, calls for § men and
t woman physician. ‘The actual staff consists of 3 men and 1
(roman, The amount of work is stich that the present staff is
finable to cope with it, although no attempt is made to give any
thorough medieal examination on admission on the male side. ‘The
Organization of the staff is faulty, and the division of responsibility
prewvided in the rules at present in force is inexact and incomplete
There is one resident physician at $1,200 a year, and provision for
four internes at litde more than nominal salaries. ‘The wording of
the rules does not make clear in all cases whether supreme responsi:
bility reste with the resident physician or with the ranking officer
Cineng the internes bearing the title “ house surgeon.” The ambig~
ous designation in the rales is “house officer.” The whole staff is
Df course responsible to the medical board of visiting and consulting

hysiclans and. surgeons. The esprit de corps, the state of efit

508 Taz Prison Assoctarion or New York

ciency, nd the internal discipline of the staf, were very paren
below pat ot as ndividate tutus x group. ‘The vesident physician
a not seem tobe at all aster of the station, or seen tobe a
t> give weight snd authority to his posion.*

cope standards inn any sinalar wore in any ofthe istiatons of
the Department af Correttion, More detled exarncaton made
of inmates newly ated than in any other fneitation, with the
possle exception of th City Refornatory. More complete and
iets ere performal ao a mater of routine for all inmates. Syp-
tilde iunaies in the infectious stage are completely and. sit
factoly segregnted. ‘Those suffering with gonorrhea are als se
arated and assigned to cell No. 74s and thone suspected of eypis
dre ssiged to eat No 95,

‘The hovptal facies are approximately as stated in previous
inspection repos, New bea have been teaaled in sooe oF the
vrs, and adally the drug and observation wards tthe male
department are being pte. No satisfactory bathing Faiites are
a Fer in irom any of tee weeds @ ier mle or fetal
hooptals. Enpecaly the drug and venereal wards of the women’s
side should have ther bathing facilities improved, for there it can
be done with comparatively litle bor and expense. Totet epee
is aot yot supplied fn suficent quanti or regulary

The py of neal it ovina cme eter nd or
regular. Hospital records wore found sasfacory and. wel Kept
Be sees af cise ccabues kore woweies os fe beer es
diced, and the “bed theets” nthe hospital wards were found
tmany cases fo have been incompletely fled in ann some cases
fot at all “This die, no dou, largely tothe fact that the staff
i ot compete The visting statt appear earls in signing the
Boole of attendance. ‘The infection book provided by the Depart
tment of Health is incompletely led in, in reference to venereal
Giseases, and no statements signed by te physician were found on
record in reference t0 visits (0 punishment or observation cells
Such visits shouldbe cepored on, or at least signed for, ithe
handwriting of the physician making stich visits °

“Since the welling of this report, the whole medical sta with exception

the resent physician bas been raised to $
and $n for eath of the interne, Begining on the tame date

Iysrrertons 50

|A very sexious handicap is the absence of an observation ward
for women suspected of insanity, All efforts should be made to
provide such a ward and also to provide better quarters for the
Sbservation and drug wards of the male department.

Tt js a significant incidental proof of the fact chat the medical

department has not been treated with the care and generosity that

ite size justifies, that there are no medical library and no medical
journals. It is somewhat natural under the circumstances that the
eernes often forget that their position is a privilege to be appre-
Gated rather than a position to be paid for.

BRANCH PENITENTIARY, HART'S ISLAND
Tnspecren Jone 23, JUNE 29, AnD JULY 14, TOG
‘Warden, Henry O. Schleth

RECOMMENDATIONS

x. All the rooms in the industrial building shold be turned
into dormitories and wards, and such other dormitories should
be used as are necessary in order to reduce the congested condi
Hon in dormitories now occupied both in the main building and
in building No. 4.

2p there should be at Jesst x8 inches and, perferably more,
space between beds in all dormitories.

‘The recommendation of the warden to remove tubercular
patients to rooms in the industrial building to be tured into
wards, is strongly urged.

ot The walls in the dormitories in the admi
should be repaired without delay.

SA full supply of sheets, pillow cates and towels should be
attays available and regularly distributed in all parts of ‘the
institution.

‘G Every inmate should have a-locker in which he may safely
keep his personal belongings and clothing.

istration building

TSinwe the date of the shove inspection Warden Schleth fas been trans,
“Wondey Murtha was retransferred to his old

"He didnot acially resume his duties,

Tn the meanwhile, Me. Commings

charge.
“Tis recommendation has boen im part earied out.

10TH Ppusox Assocration or New Yous

1 sly at i tN
x 0 bs elothiog marked 40 thst be
ay receive his own clothing from the laundry. a

sas alee pmper shold be adequately supplied in al parts ofthe

1u2, tal gto ion toilet bowls shold be removed wherever
thy af ail in uae and new porcelain bowls subtituted in ther

WS. Mos of ling Mos prviowly oe x domstore
sen transformed into shops and f =
: for storage of raw rostral for
the indoatGeprtent ‘The sor shop, lthng shop o
one the rsh shops have aay bee ehlered rom Bice
was Ind ‘ow in operation fa building No. § 6
vr The tolet room in building No.2
os ding No. 2 described in the body of
wp tert the wore nary nie oh end hale
‘nt and its ase discontinued, In fect, noth:
ing better could be done than jemolish di
ing Bete oul be to demolish the whole building fa
7. Care shoul be taken to avold the sccumel
0 avoid the sccumtlaton of stag-
‘nant pools on the island, and in such hidder ma
nent poh mh Ss Maden parts of the island
1 Necessary eto shouldbe tak
: Je taken to prevent absolutely an
punish the toe of the sides of buildings for urnatng.

eer & remain outdoors while daylight lasts. nab

for expesteating” Sich Mander sould be burned after

ae ion at the time of inspection was extremely loose. .

7 spectable standard of food and sérvi

installed in the officers’ dining room, @ sevice should be

ioeupdlciig of ol ouee eau cmaeeucar
Substitution of new porcelain bowls ts gradually pr

“*The standard of foo ire
‘of inmates have largely disappeared. Batista

Insezctions st

so, When the new kitchen is complete, sufcieat space should
te tgwed for pantry and seullery
ae oe eee oe ahe disciplinary building, should be
remodeled and repite.
re oe of weighing food waste at the tables in messhalls
wn enced aaa check upon the quality and amount of
food served
od served jemale department a water heater should be
seein, Mtaitonal washing faites obtained and the baths
overhauled
ec cts ofthe whole institution should be thorouely MP
plied with ly sereens
it Seco wo Potters Feld the following recommenda-
tions ave made:
re mad ag showld be carefully constructed of tight Bt:
pee eoeed Turber with addtional stipe nailed
Sie the pieces of lumber ae joined.
b. Im tate down the lids of coffins competent tabor
ng se Mceds and those doing the work should be
Should be tibia forthe condition of the coffins
tesving the morgue
Come eta be incpected. by a responable officer
Ar ae ney leave the morgue, and their condition
Roald be cerined to in writing
a ey Satin ids should be secured by screws
tnatead of nails
“a Decne padies oF parts of bodies, especialy if wet
ayes ie) or other is, should be securely
ith re ucertght material before being placed
Inthe cof

as, Arrangeoentsthould be expedited for the complete bot
acct pomers Held on Hart's Island

Tt ann ahould be given an adcitional reliable clerk
anda anstactory ofc filing 36.

Sa Rem which ie entirely un for any purpone and
conritate bee danger, should be Gemalished

ree cguler fire drils should be organized.

28: Reel Bc dicplinay rouble eves to be de £0 at
eee estan tobacco, and since disciplinary date
Trae canon alg for tee cementation hav snes teen IY

cise ents ang orn Asati to the Dane
seed by te te apna for he consons Seed.

512 «Tue Prisow Assocrariox or New York

ances are partic econ mn intttion condi
Scetny plan, tho etfactny Geplnary cl secon:
dations, special efforts should be made by the central office 0
Se fer mre eds ort cd
ies Yad atrapectee 6
ich tobacco may be aupplied to the boys, as well ax fo the men,
since practically none of the boys are much below 20 years of age,
and ee them have smoked on the outside. °
or The numberof keepers suid be lncensd and pi
snouid gain be alowed outdoor reestion afer Pte
‘The teprovesents suggried bors, namely. groper ofc
equipment anda isn offce rales new tg butane Be
Slt andthe support af he Worden in coeying su hs pn of
eraansationinceing the matter ef ecrds, checks and Sante
pelamos or nigh, ene. biber shop removal of he
Tichon, cc shuld be isto thot Sly

PROGRESS MADE

oni te iss se ees eee
tiary which it will take a long time to exhaust. ‘
“ome en ih
SR any me en ceed
types ope
esha of supplies on the island. -
dln oo
building No. 5 has been almost completed. Hoon

. IxsPecri0ns, 313

rc. The time for supper has been changed from 4.t0 5 p.m"

Ta, Newpapers are allowed prisoners.

TE The construction of day-rooms for the women's prison by
the extension of passageways.

Sc "Conaiderable improvement of the Keepers! dining, 09m,
including painting, the installation of glass-top tables, ond better
chairs.

Te The installation of potato cookers in the Kitchen

1S The construction of a coal shed for the women's prison, by
which itis possible for the women to receive their coal in the Win
vey dlout having to go outtdoors at the badly exposed northern
end of the island.

athe beginning of a small library for the women, by a loan
from the New York Public Library

GENERAL REPORT

‘The census on Juine 29 was 608 adults and 5 babies. Of the adults
64g were men and 4g were women,

ower April 1, 19:6 there were two distinct institutions on Hart's
Island, namely, the New York City Reformatory for soale misée-
senate and. the Branch Penitentiary. On that date, the City
Fereetory was removed to New Hampton Farms, leaving Harts
serormaitrely to the Branch Penitentiary. That change was fol
saaee a partial re-distidbution of the uilization of the buildings
om the island,

The sew freproot administration and dormitory building and the
induc! building, both of which in addition to the large schaol
ialdine were previously used by the Reformatory, became avalabie
eae enc Workhouse. The four dormitories in the adminis-
Tree fuilding have been occupied by four divisions of inmates
sree iaion into groups is merely an administrative matter an
Fee eat upon extensive character classification, except that
docs not referred to in the institution as “‘blacks") conetitnting
rine Noe ge are kept separate, Similarly, the crippled “ rough
seen les jastitational parlance,) and the tuberetlar constitite
weer groups, The schoo! building isnot at present in use AR
sera erevpeing built 10 that building to contain a new kitchen,
Seon completion of which, part ofthe schoo! building is o be curne
into a central messhall

Tia ange was frst made for the purpose of allowing tates one Noor
oe Samm sees orks This pevlege was subsensentiy,wlihdrawn,
Of Fe aenue of the shortage in Keepers

514 Tue Pwisox. Association of New York

tonne bop ard tn thal bung, and bos have been ned
building No. is wsed at present for ordinary dormitory purpo _
Building No 5 no longer contig the howpial ward,
1as been an improvement not only to the Reformat a j
the Branch Penitentiary Bie pe Relaciones
‘The admicistration of the island’ as one instit
Penitentiary. oe
is not resulted a decrease of congestion. The dormit i
the administration building Soa
tated the assignment often of as many as too inmates to these dor -
sae of saute fm ce of sania os

‘The condidon ofthe wal te he dovaiares hay erained
ftion of the paint is very poor. The universal =i of shes for
SUhe Nicaea oa we ee

Iwseecrions 5158

ined in any of the four division dormitories in the administration
ieelding. "No individual lockers have as yet been supplied. Tn an
we nton housed on the darinitory plan, such lockers are absolutely
sratnnry, The spaces between the beds in several of the dorm,
saree yore Tess than 18 inches, the amount required by law, and
wey much less than what is considered advisable jn @ dormitory of
SS it institution. Where the moming work had been completed
aap pads were found properly made up. Toilet paper is not regu:
they supplied in the doxmitories. Tt was stated thatthe Keepers dis
rae eeeetet paper as needed, at night. It was further stated that
<eetnethod wat necessary because of the Tiited amount of tilet
paper allowed, 100 rolls per month per dormitory

rer dommal cenais in dormitories 1, 2 and 4 was 71, 98 and BO
respectively, ‘The basement of the building was in excellent cond

ean and orderly. In the'space adjoining the bath room in the

oh. Setration building, the inmates were engaged in the construc.
aang clothes bin to be weed in the distribution of laundry on
bath day’ 1p; the combined
darber shop, clothes bin and
vaveation department for the institution. The bathing of inmates is
weteteent done according to schedule, each shop or gang being
Sielgned for a bath on a given day between § and 7

sere astral boilding was vacant except for the part used as
hosnita, “An adjoining room to the hospital was being fitted up for
rare contagions pavilion. Its suggested that the overcrowding
See fe Goonitories in the administration building be relieved by ose
cee eer the vacant rooms in the industrial building. This could
Te aoe sa addition to the suggested removal of the tuberculosis ward
be dons Hiding No. $ t0 the industrial building. Roth of the new
Frcproot buildings would thas be used for dormitory and hospital
eettees, and the danger of using ilammable buildings for sich
perros be abviated, Te may not at all be necesary to have add
PuPoeespioyees to carry out this change. The storeroom in the
toa roar the industrial building, set up by the superintendent of
aaa ratory during his administration of the buildings i being
ae aed anid 14 kept in excellent shape. There is a store-keeper
cae complete charge of the storage and distribution of all art-
es used in the insttition,

sae been stated above, the Reformatory schoo! building is no
tonnes in use." ‘The extension fo contain the Kitchen i v0 be Go *75
Toner tp be hoped that ample provision will be made for seul:

eG, storage of vegetables, and space for pedling and cleaning of

516 Tite Prisow Assoctanron or New Yori

vegetabies, s0 as to obviate th
Sins inthe prs ofthe nstatontued forte, ae SO

Building Now 9 i
The general conditions ir topo Sey

Jarge dormitories,

shop, Teis impossibie

Slt om ints awe aug Nae aa hs
<sstiron or tome on tape oe eae ee Oe
3s fan 26 moderne wwe che Te ne
os ad shuld be expe by he ei
Batons to supplant all such old syle tulet ows The sage
ne sinall messhall adjoining the basement dormitory in buildi No
4 was dey Practical all he beds were hain fone NO
Bin. This is in striking contrast to doritries ind cine
ion eing which are practically free of vermin, This bu: ding
contains divisions 5, 6 and 7 of the population, number aie
and 23 inmates respectively. * . eee eS
Sang Ne Sas
win Thebeyr ce cain
ty, intense

Phases of the pi 1

type iron toilet bow, id jee
of sal sagnant pols of water and desing ce es name
was very bad. Thousands of fi s

unscreened windows, Al tis a

danger of syphoid epi

Sion wae further agra

adjoining shower room,
moreover, seep=

which received

tion of this part of the building,
attention of the inspector to the e

ateaion =xtremely serious conditions above

Inspzertons 57

Jt was found that the administration was aware in @ general way
of the conditions above described, but had takes! no action in the
avatier. The plumbing shop and storeroom situated in the basement
of the Duilding are being dismantled and removed to another build-
ing. This whole building ought to be tom down, as it is hardly
probable that any amount of patching would bring it into a state of
repair fit for perenanent sse

Building No. § has been abandoned for dormitory uses as stated
above. The “round house” previously used as pavilion for the
tubercular is now used as orderlies’ quarters. The shoe shop in
process of installment in two af the former dormitories was neat
and well painted. This bwtlding is sill sed for the assembly of the
adult male population of the Island, previous to meals, and most of
the population tales its meals in the messhall attached to this build
ing. The toilets in the corvider of the first Roor of the building are
inuse. They were in fair condition of cleanliness, but in very poor
condition of repair. Evidence was found of the use of chloride of
Time io the toilets, All the rooms of this building are being painted,
and many of them have already been painted in preparation for
their use as industrial shops. The supervision in the building, a8 in
most parts of the institution, is inadequate. The two tuberculosis
wards in building No. 5 have a normal capacity of approximately
450, and probably 6o to 70 could he housed under pressure. Such
pressure, however, is very undesirable, There were 49 patients
assigned to-the ward at the time of inspection, The lack of proper
equipment other than beds and bedding for the treatment of the
tuhereular patients, has been indicated in previous reports; condi-
tons in this respect have nit been improved. Inmates are not yet pro-
vided with the proper chairs and porch space or other covered and
protected outdoor space for the necessary rest and fresh air cure
Moreover, they are locked in dormitories at the same hour as the
other inmates of the institution, namely 4:30 F 3. It is important
that all inmates be allowed to remain in the open at least for an
hhour after the day's work; and it is absolutely essential that tuber
cular inmates be allowed to remain in the open the masximim possi
ble time. To shut them into the dormitories at 4:30 9. a¢. where
they are to remain until probably 7 a. a. the next morning, is a
practice that would be condemned by all physicians. Tubercalar
inmates receive butter three times a day; one quart of mill two
‘eggs; two olmnces of siigar; and about eight crackers per diem in
addition to the regular institution dict. ‘The sheets and'pillow eases
in the ward were satisfactory in condition and amount, ‘The win-

518° Tak Paison Association of Naw Yous

to the above 4p,
ing: ale and two inmate nurses

Very i Yet heen made toward the attainment of
f eaten and eave of taberular imstes
The hese bldg that has Den anda once ae
building No. § for a long period of time, is sti ie
Building Department hus declared the foundation imac foe
wo story building as originally planned. It is intended: nove ta

leave it at one-story, and complete i
es plete it on that basis as soon as poss),

transferred t0 this is

of

parts of the institution where inmates are fed. The ki is
found fairly clean, but the adjoining sculles canes oe

) was in very good condition as
The walls have been white:

for the storage of
he present store-keeper and
being lined with tim

‘The dishes are in very bad condition and inst ficient

Inspections, 519

The general standard of the service may be compared with a poor,
rough lunchroom. Tt is strongly urged that the food and service
for officers of an institution be not inferior to that obtained in a
respectable restaurant on the outside, ‘The screening of buildings
used for the preperation and service of foad is incomplete and
unsatisfactory

‘The condition of the laundry was good. A considerable amount
of worl is done. It was stated that 3,000 pieces of clothing aad 50
blankets are handled per week. The clothing of old men, the
Dlankels of men discharged and the clothing from the hospital and
tuberculosis wards and from the female department, were said to be
disinfected before they are turned into the general laundry. Women
nno longer work in the laundry together with the men. All labor
snow is performed by men only. The toilet zoom in the lavndry con
tains the old style bowls without traps:

Adjoining the laundry building towards the east, is an old dis:
carded boiler room in which stagnant pools of water were found,
‘This constitutes a sanitary danger and showld be cleaned out. On
the lawn near the laundiy were found a considerable aumber of
blankets being aired. No change was found in the general condition
of the frame shops and shanties along the easter shore of the
island. Tn the stone shed, old and crippled men are employed. No
officer was found supervising this group of men or those engaged in
‘odd jobs along a great part of the eastern sliore of the island. This
lack of supervision may be responsible for the additional sanitary
evil of the indiscriminate use as urinals of that shore and sides of
the building facing that shore, This is a practice that should be
severely condemned.

‘The disciplinary building was inspected on the 2oth at about 11:30
‘Am. There was a very large amount of chloride of lime found in
all the cells and in the corridors. The use of chloride of lime to the
excessive extent found at that time indicates the presence of
extremely poor sanitary conditions. The cleanliness in this build~
ing was poor. The condition of the ventilating windows in the cells
was bad; they were littered with rags and strips of cloth, Many of
the partition walls between cells had great holes, some of which had
been filled in with concrete, while others were still as they had been
left by the inmates who had broken them. Tt is evident that a very
rmiich stronger partition wall is needed between disciplinary cells
than that installed in this building. New buckets had been intro-
duced into the disciplinary cells, "They are made of papier mache,
fand are capable of sanitary treatment, while not affording wie as a

520 Tae Paiscis Assoctarton or New You
‘weapon by the inmate against the
Silty baiting shut he fee
Plans and more securely, —

A considerable
actale amount of outside work is being done on the

island in additi
addition to the partial outside
eee ae te ide work involved in stone

hospital at the
Potter’s Field a

‘The interior of the dis-
"don entirely different

tnsatisactory manner Ther

ties in regard to the Geenee

a care gant the ietment of tae fy

faba oe that inspection follows:

Ing the day. that the towing ae amen

The method of digging
ie
seemed aecitely stein

es, information wae
aril, from the heeper
iials of the institutfon
“d by observations der

absolely peta”

renches and
a covering layers of coffins
¥ each layer or part of a layer being

Ixsrrcrions ot

covered over with dirt and only uncovered to the minimum extent
necessary to put in additional coffins, In other words, the coffins
‘are not allowed to remain uncovered until the fall number, that is

50, arrives to fill the trench, Neither employees nor prisoners hac
any criticism of this part

In transferring claimed bodies that are exhumed from Potter's
Field, it fs required that such exhumed body be placed in a metal
lined coffin brought up hy the undertaker from the city for that pur-
pose. A metal cover is sealed to the metal lining hermetically and
the wooden top nailed on top of that. In other words, the body
Teaves the island in absolutely safe condition. All these precautions
are insisted upon,

At 2:30 in the afternoon, the steamer “ Fidelity” arrived at the
coal dock at Hart’s Island and unloaded 25 large boxes and 45 small
boxes shipped from the morgue. Of the large boxes, the lid of one
was altogether off and the body exposed, The lid was simply laid
fn the box and not nailed down, Another large box had one or two
nails loosely holding one narrow end of the lid. The rest was open
and the body exposed. At least six of the small boxes had the fids
so loosely placed that they came off in the handling. Two large
boxes had the Tide s0 loose that one kick used as a test by the
inmates, to see how secure the lid was, exposed the contents. At
least two of the boxes were so loosely joined that in the loading on
wagons when transferred from the dack to the trenches, a large
number of magyots were shaken through the cracks. Almost all
the lids were very imperfectly mailed down and only two were
fastened down with screws, \-number of the boxes were unsightly
frony the blood and body fuids oozing or spilling from some of the
boxes. Asa whole the shipment was, despite the above, considered
comparatively good by the inmates and official receiving it

The objections to this whole method of shipment are twofold
First, they constitute a sanitary danger, and secondly, they are 3
‘grewsome business and it is unfair to require prisoners to handle
sich disagreeable work aggravated by neglect

Tn order to correct conditions, the recommendations quoted
among the general recommendations above, were made.

‘Throughout the duration of the inspection, scares of prisoners
utilized every opportunity to complain to the inspector about the
insufficiency of the food. ‘The complaints were so persistent that the
inspector gained the impression that there must be some cause under
lying them. On the second day of inspection a carefel examination
was made of the food set out for dinner. The meat on a very large

522 THe Prison Assoct

proportion of the plates was almost raw. The meat on other plates
hhad a large amount of fat and gristle. The warden had stated
before the inspection that word had reached him that the meat was
rot satisfactory. Apparently, the Fatt lies with the lack of inspec-
tion of food before it leaves the kitchen for distribution in the mess
hall. If the chet had been careful to look at the meat before send
ing it to the messhall, he would have recognized its condition and
roasted it for a longer period, The manner of the distribution of
the soup was satisfactory in that each man would get the vegetables
as well as the juice, ‘There was a very considerable amount of
waste, Between 15 and 20 pails of soup, bread and meat waste
were collected from the tables after the meal, Food is not served
as hot as it should he. There are no arrangements at the messhll
for heating or keeping the food hot after its transfer from the
kitchen, which is in a separate building some distance away. A
system of weighing waste is not in practice in any institstion of the
Department of Correction. Such system might throw light upon
the provisioning. The kitchen eqiipment is imperfect. Among the
complaints from the prisoners in reference to food a number of
prisoners stated they were not able to get the amount of Salt for sea-
soning their food that they considered necessary
‘One of the chief difficulties of the administration of this instite
tion as a whole, is the insufficient number of officers and keepers
‘The peculiar nature of the plant and the number of posts to be
covered requires a large number of keepers both by day and’ at
night, Out of total of 32 keepers, 14 ace on night duty, leaving
18 keepers for day service, for a popallation of hetween Goa and
700 men or abot 1 to 38. The 3 prison orderlies, 6 prison artisans,
2 prison helpers, 3 hospital orderlies, 1 teacher and 1 clerk, do nat
sufficiently supplement the shortage in keepers
Female Deportment.— There were 36 women and 6 babies in the
female department of the Branch Workhouse on the second day of
inspection. OF these, 23 were workers assigned to halls 1 and 2,
Six women with babies were assigned to the baby ward, and 13
tubercular patients were assigned to the tubercular ward. One of
the most serious matters in the condition of the female department
is the lack of fly screens, Tn some instances, as in the hospital
ward, there were screens on the windows but none on, the doors,
and most screens were in imperfect condition,
‘Another most serious condition is the lack of proper toilet and
bathing facilities, The cleanliness on the whole was good. She
and pillow cases were found throughout, and the beds were sup:

Inspections, 523

oer fe ill No. 2 which is

pe ‘too small for 8 beds, and is

Sleeping porch for tubercilar patients is

aera ectly screened as to be practically unprotected.

NEW YORK CITY REFORMATORY FOR MALE, MISDE-

MEANANTS, NEW HAMPTON FARMS, NEW HAMP-
TON, ORANGE COUNTY

svecrsp ay Pinu Keer anp E. R. Cass, June 44, 1916
Louis E, Lawes, Superintendent.

RECOMMENDATIONS

ondtions found unats

ye recommendations for remedying :

et upon nara fall io sever
Sats fowe

ss

“1, Matters deoking with the general system in vagy

i: icra

_ainon utd be kept under ateet eupervii
vec te heuer aowing “bunk house” Bays %2
Ce ee ould be abled

‘Tue Prison Assoctation or New You

2. Only one toilet room on the construction side should be
used during the day, and that room should be under constant
supervision, The other tollet rooms should be locked.

3. Alter the bunk houses are cleaned up they should be locked
land no inmates should be allowed to enter.

4. Disciplinary quarters should be supplied for the detention
of inmates deemed to require separate confinement under
cipline; the handeulfing of inmates to the beds in the hospital is
an undesirable practice and should be discontinued.

5. The various practices pointed out in the body of thie
report, aa leading fo the breaking of windows, should be discon-
‘tinued, and in general, this tendency be very severely dealt with

B. Matters of plont and equipwent

6. The laundry should be equipped so that all washing can be
‘taken care of on the premises

7. Underwear and all other items of wearing apparel should be
marked with the number or other identifying mark of the wearer,
so that each inmate would continue to use his own clothing, and
‘the promiscuous distribution be prevented.

8. Some method of pumping water from the river in sufficient
quantities to supply both units of the institution, should be deter-
mined and carried out without delay. The shortage of water
should not be allowed ta continue to effect the sanitary condi-
tions of the institution when the river is so close and available.
‘The continuance of the present conditions can be considered
nothing short of neglect.

‘Where water pipes have been installed by order of the fire
authorities, hose should be made available. ‘The water pipe is of
very little value without hose attachment.

x, All vegetables should be removed from the cellar of the
farm house and be stored in a place especially provided for that
purpose. ‘The present storage of vegetables presents the double
evil of being subject to damage and of serving as an excuse for
not scrubbing the floors above.

1. Conerete floors should be laid throughout the cellar of the
farm house and in the mesehall of the floor above, at the earliest
possible time,

12. A pasteurizing plant should be installed for the treatment
of all mill obtained from the cows at the institution and used by
the institution. Boiling the mille in the kitchen ig too uncertsin
fa process and too difficult to supervise: there is no proof that it
is conscientiously done at all times,

Twspreri0ns 525

. Sonitory conditions ond cleanliness ;
apace beneath the bunk houses should be cleaned out.
tee dards of cleanliness should be lived up to

vveey much higher san wie
ee eset ede in the buildings and in the sheds thronghout th

cane Teese of the instition presenting sntsfacory com
ditions of cleanliness were fw. een

Ho ci potatoes and other vegetables should not be
on ae ee srrpand as wes found the case inthe barn build
cette eeutihe superintendent’ retin;

g Sou? ety ahold be eben every mooning sheets an pi
rot cacce should be supplied; night shirts should be i
inmates

6 Chloride of time should
cave, and should not be applied to Ws

bound to walk. cots
vy. Wooden bunks should be discontinued and only iron cot

eed. -
x “V8. New tables should be supplied for the messhall espe deny
cn te far side, They shouldbe 4 constructed 8-20 93
: nthe crad
he secumulation of decaying materi -_
cumulation oe present pig pen and adjacent grounds should
ai ¢hly disinfected and cleaned

Focoutased and te pace thoreu
be aeontinned an resented dnpracetalconitons of fh and
Soe

wa the conresction wo
acu as previously emphasiae?,
should Teor not ony in excavao

should be used on the floor with more
jet parts where people are

4k on the permanent building
whenever practicable be done
mn and foundation work,

PROGRESS MADE,

1. The reformatory has been definitely and finally removed to

ew Hampton Farms
New Hampton Zrrurtion sie the laundry bling bas been com
S jin use during most of the year.
jeted, equipped, and has been othe Ym.
pleted, equipped Ornament building, sewage sod water syste
Construction of Dmgldray. The rao spur has bee om:
ere etgerable work done on the FeservaiTs &
pleted consider op. bu, boardnals consis,
buildings for the tat Doge.
iets genera condition of clea
‘ok found on previous occasions

wsliness was much superior to

Tae Prison Association or New Yore

4. The new kitchen on the farm side has been completed an
whut ie ions deen bees oe ene,
5A building has been constructed over the well 8nd pomp 0
abst Gan abde fox the ne of the fare supecintendant and ts cars
penter shop and tool house. a

GENERAL REPORT
Population on the day of inspection was as follows:

‘Reformatory inmates: a

(47 of the Reformatory inmates were in other a a
|, Upon te rane ofthe Refonmstony proper fom Harts and
| 20 New Hampton Pans i Api ofthis yn, the dain of
| inmates at New Hampton Farms wat changed 4

iste a8 hanged. $0 that at present
the Pestenary mn aro the farm sie nd the Reloatory
Sei he aon The New Yo City Reformat fo ‘ale
Nicemenants i now finned st New Hampton Fo

ouis Z Lawes is Soperintendent i charge of the whole Yat.
tn ining men, ant fom the Penta Mimo
Changes in the nomber and dstition of employes have been
inade in accordance with the general change indicated.

tioned at each corner of the enclosure previous to meal a
is nearing completion, also the work on the head ke Susie.

Inspections, 327

started. Part of the concrete foundation for the permanent build:
sro Completed, on one side, the waterproof footings for the found
ie fave been laid. The work on the construction of the remain
rg part of the foundation on this side is delayed because tbe
+e rar forms are not ready. Apparently much work has been done
wort construction officals in charge stated that the work of the
and A as satisfactory. The railroad spar is completed, and mich
inmates wicen done on the reservoir. A blacksmith and carpenter
Tee ha an office forthe construction engineers; Mave een but
ae sarind near the entsance of the enclosure, Board walks have
autsides iructed ia parta of the enclosure so as to improve com
“he entrance of the enclostre to the messhall,

mttnication from
sree ply hall, and some of the other buildings especially in stormy

weather.

Bunk houses, hospital, loundry, efc—The equipment in these
punte'houses consists of iron cot beds, a few iron doublevdeckers
bank Rove wooden double-decker bunks. Bedding consists of
ae ar" No pillows or mattresses are provided. ‘The making-wp of
aoa cds is dene by groups of boys known as “ bunks house squads!
‘The squads work under the supervision of one Keeper. It was stated
cee peddling of cack bunk hose is aired once weekly. The

le house squads” had completed most of the work and were
tenting about on the beds before 10 o'dock in the morning, The
Haeee sy many instances were soiled with dirt. ‘This could have
teen improved if the members of the squad had been instructed fo
ee i plankets every moruing. It is inadvisable to permit the
aaa ao tounge on the beds of the houses, or to sit about after
ere AE is completed. ‘They should be kept out im the open
ase they can be anore easily observed. At the time of the fist
where oof the toilet rooms inthe bunk houses, the floors were Ii
inspection Olver paper and rubbish, Tater it was found that the
tere i been washed and boys were being instructed to sprinkle
for ea tune on the floors of the toilet soomis and in the corridors
cade them, "The advisability of doing this while the floors are

the Time becomes wet and slimy,

sill wet, is questionable becanse
thermore, the Wet, slimy mass

Gnd makes walking disagreeable.
is tracked inta the bunk houses.

rare oe bunke house No. t, the side walls were marked with
nent Green paint, apparently done for amusement, | Mach rob
Hee uoken glass and. small stones had collected under the bunk

Bish, rotinder buniehouse No. 2 there were a nummber of mattresses

‘Tae Paisow Associa7t0N of New Yous

id been there for seven days. It was stated that these are
to Be used on the beds after they have been thoroughly aired and
Cleaned. ts questionable whether much good can be aecomplished
when mrattreses are let in this way. They should be brought exe
into the open and not stacked one upon the other,

The laundry building is not sufficiently equipped to do all the
Mrashing for the Penitentiary and Reformatory inmates. The equin,
ment consists principally of small stone stationary tubs. Men ef
the clothing is sent to a laundry in Middletown, and paid for at
Practically regular prices. ‘The underwear is nat marked with cack
jpmate’s number, and a5 a resis distributed indiscriminately atte
its return from the laundry. The accepted standard in instieatonn
is to mark each inmate's underwear and other wearing apparel with
bis mumber or other means of identification, thus avoiding the
lundesirable practice referved to,

One could not help but notice the numerous broken window panes
in the various buildings. In some cases the whole window cosh ine
been demolished. It was explained that the boys have the habit af
playing ball with stones, and also of throwing stones with apparenthe
Het regard for the consequences. This condition is extraordinary
and should be stopped.

‘The cleanliness and order in the hospital was satisfactory. ‘The
Kitchen was clean and ordetly. A reftigerator located ins mail
Toom outside of the kitchen would be much improved as to alone
pes ifthe outside were well scrubbed. The cleanliness ef the savc,
hall and equipment was satisfactory. The improved conditing af
cleanliness of the scullery was especially noted

‘The cleantiness of part of the grounds adjacent to the barns, and
{he building in which the commissary is located and where vesce
ables such as potatoes are temporarily stored, ‘could be och
improved. With the large number of hoys available, there seem st
excuse for the neglect of stch detail,

Classification and supervision—‘The plans of the permanent
buildings of the Reformatory have been based on the principle tras
the chief necessity in an institution-of that kind is the clasewreaten
of its inmates and the separation ofthe several groups, with all pos,
sible safeguards against their commingling. If the importance of
that principle is sufficient to determine to a large extent the geneval
nature of the plans for the permanent buildings, one woud eopers
that so far as possible, the principle would be carried out even ig ake
temporary structures,

Ixspzerions 529

17 years old was
roup of boys were peling puatoes. A young lad 17 9
the object of vile suggestions and emacs fm older boys in the

ecto appended, Swat a wav prio othe te of apes
treme reee oom Coen ys ah wae ae sore
hh ic houses are not
amare bem hae tere ce
Sol ee dic caret oho 6 ere he boaters

Tue Paison Association of New Your

0
ch gang could be cut down sficienty,t keep them
ung the whole working day. IT more of ec fees Oo

‘kept busy, there would perhaps be fewer windows broken

pigisibline—There is no way of isolating cases requiring disc

ne. Most of the disciplining is done by Keeper Ryan she in
Sblinary officer. Special cases are looked after by the superintens
gat. In ase of a breach of discipline, a ship i filed seamen,

inmate with the disciplinary officer, who makes disposition of the

le since the last
commissary building isin
rushing plant has been set ip
and for ro2d building.
Farmhouse-— The farmhouse

during the last two years has sri

been patted and present wee
hon ins ben orto aad ma
ite ing aitel. There ft geod ne
prarenly too small. A woman cook isin charge of he ees
‘is conditions of leanne wee beter deere Ge th
stator. The oon day mel coos oh ee

Soup, roast beef, potatoes, a mixed vegetable and bread, “Tie fog
was served in a satisfactory manney

The rest of the building, consisting
ery, shower-room, toilet room, store
was considerably Below the accepted
floors were dicty and sticky,

of dormitory, messhall, seul:
room and keepers’ quarters,
tandard of cleanliness,

10 worse disposition could be made of it than that described. ‘The

and partly by

-Insrecrions 53

only water supplied for all purposes on this side of the institution
is obtained from one well from which water is pumped into the two
tanks in the attic. It was stated that the loors are washed once oF
twice a week, In the bunk hoses, the inmates assigned to cleaning
‘duty stated that frequently that was about once a month. Consider.

ing the shortage of water it is of course impossible to maintain
proper standards of cleanliness. That does not, however, alter the
Jnct that there was an excessive amount of filth on the floors,

‘The officers’ dining room occupying the space formerly used as
kitchen was very neat and clean. ‘The walls are ceited and stained.
‘The store room was aot in good condition, the plaster in several
places fad come off, and there were holes in the floors and walls,
Te was stated that it was impossible to keep anything in the store
room intact because of the rats, and that the broken plaster and
holes in the wall were also due to rats; that a number of attempts
hhad been made to eradicate them, but without success.

Bunk houses— The bunk houses were in good order, beds all
made up and the floors swept clean, However, it was evident that
the scrubbing and mopping of the floors is very infrequent, The
water pipe laid from the main hosse ta the bunk houses, by order
of the fire authorities, is completed, but the final communications
Ihave not been set up and there ie no hose attached, s0 that in ease
of fie the pipe would be useless.

No vermin was found on the beds.

‘There is a barber shop at one end of the bunk house and a sepa
rate room for night workers at the other end. ‘The wooden bunks
have been entirely removed. Almost all the beds are still double-
eckers. The total number of men sleeping in the bunk house is
too. A keeper is assigned to the ble house during the night. A.

number of ‘window panes in the bunk houses were out, causing
serious discomfort during the rainy week preceding inspection,
Material has been received for screening all the windows both in
the farm house and in the bile house, Flooring is being laid
adjacent to the bunle house for a large tent to house the excess pop-
slation, to be transferred to the farm dusing the pesiod when farm
hands will be needed in lnege numbers.

Bars, stables, ete.— A building used in part as office for the farm
superintendent, also as carpenter shop and tool house, has been
constructed above the well and pump. Extensive repairs have been

532 ‘Tue Prison Assoctation or New York

tuade to the Dams and stables. One ofthe bans has beer a
ally reconstructed, ~ uae

Sewage ond water supply. The serous cont
Aisosal pant hasbeen nrgely relieved "The gravel it hat bee
filled in and ate pipe drain a, connertng the reel to
Wall River. ‘There was practically no ators Gone een
made of chloride of ime hots about the esopoo and in te segs
inlet of the bun house The ltr, the sy conten eeceeg
catlier inthe report stil prevailed. ‘The plans for mienieg et
from the Waltkll River in stifcient amownts to give & plentiful stg,
bly for washing, bathing, and cleaning purposes have hese a ay
neglected and the effect ia very noticable, Work av tne aha
now going on, bt at foo slow 4 rte
‘The revling nature ofthe pg-pen and it snroandings has not
been improved. Conditions in tht respect ann be ae wae
criticised. a
Work on the farm was going on briskly, and the mien appear to
work earmeny and steaiy. ‘The offers ‘edarel tae Were
fal sae withthe work perfomed. “Asked whiner ty ee
fer Penta st Reforatry mats, they eid ia he
former were onthe whole moze relale and seady Gorka
Several oficers declared that the disciplinary prolee eas dif
cult—that Doth prisoners andthe afeers wece waived ee
oid system, and could not accominofatethemscees tthe Coches
of the farm and the lck ofthe pouty of deatie daar
iessures a a background: that asm conseence te keeper ain
themen ang tether and heen tke advantage af I The a
instructors apparently do. not experience the some. dieu
These have been to “gstauays™recemly. evan pated hat te
information as to the excapes fst reached the metnetnn
phone fom farmers who had sen the mea. Parse ee
by one of the automate truck and by the mounted esd seas
assigied to duty. "The escaped men were subeereenge near
the Penitentiary on Blackwell's Island. as
a ism operations hve heen somewist retarded becase of
rediced the acreage of eltivaion fom aprotic
too acres and that further reduction would have 10 be made if
‘eather conitons continued unfavorable,

Insprerions

BRANCH WORKHOUSE, RIKER'S ISLAND
Insrecrep NoveMaer 11, 1915
Deputy warden, Robert Barr, in charge.

RECOMMENDATIONS

x, The night staff should be increased from 6 to 8 keepers, 80
4 t0 supply one keeper for the supervision of each dormitory and
te for patrol duty, the latter to have all keys in his possession.

2 Sheets should be supplied for all beds and arrangements
hould be made for the sterilization of blankets at regular periods,
1nd immediately upon the discharge of the prisoners,

3 The disciplinary cells in the present “cooler” should be
sainted white and better ventilation afforded by cutting a large
ole in the ceiling of the hall

4 The use of antiseptic precautions for bathering should be
installed without delay.

‘5. Individual lockers shoul be constructed for the use of the
prisoners, and the beds should be marked with the name or nim-
ber of their occupants.

6. A clerk should be assigned to Riker’s Island in order to
relieve the Warden of the unreasonable amount of clerical work
he must now perform.

7. The construction work of the hospital for drug addicts
planned for this island should be begun as early as possible,
unless the plans for such hospital are to be abandoned.

PROGRESS MADE

1. The new unit of two dormitories (Nos. § and 6) has been
completed and is now in operation. ‘There is a satisfactory toilet
and shower room connecting the two dormitories

2. A new dormitory unit with toliet and showers is being con-
structed at present.

3. A new kitchen has been built and made ready for the instal
lation of modern kitchen equipment, It is to be connected
‘a large meashall which is also ready for the installation of tables
and other equipment.

‘A concrete extention to the cellar of the dormitory under
‘which the boilers are located has been constructed, and two new
boilers installed,

‘5. The construction of the disciplinary cellhouse has pro-
greased very satisfactorily. The large cement blocks used for the

534 ‘Tux Parson Assoctatiox or New York

‘extension are of a most pleasing appearance and look very much
like granite blocks. It is probably the most satisfactory use of
cement blocks that has yet been made in the Department of
Correction,

6, The messhall has been extended by the removal of the
keepers’ dining room to the house formerly occupied by the
Warden. ‘The eapacity of the messhall now is approximately 500,

7. A concrete mixer has been installed by transfer from
another department of the city.

8 Prisoners are now discharged directly from Riker's Island,
instead of being first returned to the institution on Blackowell’s
Island. Their clothing is pressed before discharge.

9. A considerable amount of grading has been done near the
buildings and at che water front. This has necessitated a great
amount of labor. ‘The work is to be extended indefinitely,

10. The double screen system for visitors has been installed in
the office building.

xx. A great deal of work has been performed in sifting of the
soll prior to its utilization for farm purposes.

22, A dock has been constructed at the foot of East 134th
Street.

13. Arrangements have been made for the co-operation of the
New York Public Library to supply books and organize library
service for the inmates of the island.

GENERAL REPORT

The double dormitory building under construction at the time of
the last inspection in May, 19t5, and the connecting toilet and
shower compartment, have been completed, and the dormitory is
nov occupied. Both dormitories constiteting this unit are supplied
with “ double-deckers.” The capacity of each af the dormitories was
said to be seventy-five beds, or 150 inmates. The two dormitories
‘of this unit are referred to as No. § and No. 6 respectively. In No.
6, the latest to be occupied, the bars have not yet been placed on all
the windows. They have been occupied for a considerable time
during the late summer and early fall without any bars on the

dows. Since the last inspection the steam-heating coils have been
installed in these dormitories. The other sleeping quarters, namely,
Nos. t to 4 t0 inclusive, are supplied with single beds as before. All
the beds have pillow-cases, but no sheets. Most of the beds are
supplied with three instead of two blankets, as is customary in the

Inspections 535

Individual towels are supplied once a week, are
s, and are kept by them on
fone dormitory at

Ire inmetiately removed and aire,
before they pallies ‘to the next occupant of the bed. The shower

4 ior to those of
aad toilet-toom of dormitories Nos, 3 and 4 are inferi
Jermitories Nos. 1 and 2, and much inferior to those in the new
Gormitories, “They should be extended and re-arranged.

‘Barbering is conducted in the old style without antiseptic precat

he food seed fr supper conned of acco an chews,
reel aed coffe ‘The macaroni was sed and aporared satis
sre Be tine for supper is agp, instead of 4 oon a here
a aa cen and 4-90 the pritoners are alloned to =o
sree Atte super te prisoners are conducted fo the dommitory,

Snore they are Rept unt 7 the next morning
Noone ths prisoners in the laundry there were noticed some
sed the deputyswarden sated that there were fur
sae rare Rikers Island altogether; two inthe laundry, snd to
aoe eee ene, He sated that they were nol transferred
wee Wolken er the Penitentiary, Because they had bess com-
vee er diet to Rikers Ind atthe time of the epidemic on
rane ulead. ‘Ae generat rue, i iz todestrable to have such
Thane went no prisoners inthe disifinary ells at the time of
ne ee ele aoc in number, are very poorly ventilated,
ieee agiheat st a. Recently the deputy-warden has white
ar ane Oe tor ot thee cell Teis generally acknowledged 10%
washed einer Senate and therefore i was suggested that
hat nig pony be used be painted white

lone oF two of the cell ;
Guvther, it was suggested that the roof ventilation of the hall

through which the individual cells are ventilated, be improved by
cotting a larger hole in the cel
"The census on the day of inspection was as follows
‘ames (building. containing storeroom)
Non

Dormitory No.
‘Total «

536 ‘Tun Prasow Assoctarion ov New York

Of these, 430 are transfers from the Workhouse and the’ others
from the Penitentiary. The latter are generally skilled mechanics.
The masionum namierhowsl daring the eter pat of the sum
mer was 663, This is a tremendous increase over two years ago,
when the average was about 200. =
There are == keepers and 4 ordrlics on the staff at Riker's Island,
in addition to the keeper in charge, Mr. McCann, andthe physician
1G keepers aren doy all day, distri as follows
2 Keper em comrction of inns el iting
eeer in esse
eeper,cosracton itches
1 keeper with tectonic
{tees pew da a a
OF the orderie, two are in the office, one in the laundry, and
cone in the cement shed, A very serious situation is prevented by

the fact that there are only five keepers on duty at nigh

in duty at night to cover
six dormitories. Four of these are under constant supervision at
night, each by one keeper. For the ather two dormitories there is
‘one Keeper, who also acts as general patrolman and holds the keys
for the other dormitories, His post #8 outside the dormitories
proper. As a result of this arrangement there is practically no night
supervision for two dormizories. .

(On the construction work there is 1 assistant engineer, 1 mason,
x bricklayer, 1 stoker and 3 carpenters

‘The physician is on duty all the time. There has been no arrange
iment made for his regular relief

‘OND DISTRICT PRISON, (JEFFERSON MARKET)
Head keeper, Charles White, in charge.
RECOMMENDATIONS.

1, Toilet paper should be supplied for the use of the prisoners.

2. A citizen chef should be employed.

43. The kitchen should be removed to the spacious, airy garret,
and an electric elevator should be installed to make such removal
possible.

Inspections.

4 Aarge sefoe en should be supplied fr the uo day house.”

4 Alegre cans should be supplied foreach cll, both to
op cli clean and fo prevent the rowing of Fefune into
the toilet bowls.

Seon oe ny faites should be obtained, or the sugges
oe eee eater fora centeal andy and sterling unt for
Stub prisons shouldbe eared out

Te a een plumbing, and tilt fixtures, bowls and
balioe of vitreous material should be wed

Sn ergy shouldbe insaed in te cela, 30 a8 to make
ceeaeaee a peubling-up, wen necetaar, Tess objectionable,

mth tse sould be transferred to the top aory, Kamen
diately unr the 00k

PROGRESS MADE

s. The roach pest has been eliminated.

re en Pin ene bed end cll haa bees cleaned out

aoe erect toe noted in the case of pat of the Bist
ee re ease Gepartsent where the frequent admission and
ee eigen in ver) bad piysical condition as made the
cee ree “hmtert and the condone very bad

ore apply of clean bedding has been improved.

Seen are pling of male and fernale convicted prisoner ia
thet has been scone

Ss Arangements have been made forthe rem
quote Momting and toilet fixtures of the cells

joval of the inade-

‘i teen granted for the remodeling of the
Tam eppropriaton of 39000 has been granted for sof he
1 eee of this priten, a0 38 10 make possible more saree

Of afferent types of inmates

GENERAL REPORT
Census on the day of inspection at 7 A. 3, 64 men, 35, women,
‘Total 99, Of these, 15 men and 9 women were “help.” | Twenty-
Fan of the above were removed during the day, as follows
‘9 men, 6 woinen to the Workhouse
2 mens women f0 City Prion, Manhattan

8 men to Court
 weman to the Honse of Good Shepherd

ce the last date of inspection has
‘he matter of general cleanliness,
foach pest as against the abund-

“The most important change sin
been the immense improvement in
‘especialy in the elimination of the r

10

538 ‘Tue Prison Assocrarion o New York

ance of vermin found some months ago, covering all parts of the
prison, especially the cellar in which the kitchen is situated. ‘There
‘was practically no trace ef vermin at this time.” ‘This has been the
‘most thorough cleanup within the inspector's memory. The beds
‘were also found thoroughly clean. In the extermination of ed
bugs, the gasoline torch, recommended previously, has been found
of greatest value. It is said now to be applied evety Monday, Not
only the vermin but also the dust and fibers have been burnt out of
the beds

Sheets and pillow eases are supplied. Tt was stated that these
are removed upon the discharge of the prisoner who has used then,
and regularly every Monday, Blankets are removed at irregular
intervals, and laundered in the cellar, ‘The substitution of steriliza-
tion for laundering is satisfactory from the standpoint of sanitation
Dut is not economical. The warden's request for a sterilizing
machine for this institution is justified.

All arrangements have been made for the removal of the anti-
quated plumbing, bowls and basins, and the substation in their
stead of entirely new cell equipment. Te is urged that when that is
done, bowls and basins of vitreous material be used instead of the
‘enamicled iron. The electric lighting system is also to be overhauled.
Because of the impending improvements refersed to, the painting of
the cells has been discontinted, as a good deal of the masonry will
have to be tom owt

he cells corridors, siairs, ete, both in the male and female
department, were clean. The hose is applied every Monday and the
stairs washed with oil as nearly as possible every day. The male
“help’s” dormitory on the first for was also clean and, as usual,
dark because both of its position and of the dark paint of the wall
The “10 day house” was clean, The toilet bows and plumbing are
‘of the same mature as in the cells and are, itis assumed, to be re-
placed. There is no refuse ean in the 10 day house,” consequently
Papers and refuse are still thrown on the flaor. A large refuse can
will greatly aid cleanliness in this part of the institution,

Another improvement has been the discontinuance of the
‘employment of women in the latndry, As pointed out in previous
reports, convicted men working in the kitchen and other parts of
the cellar, and the convicted women working in the latmdry, also in
the cellar, were not effectually separated. ‘The substitution of male
for female workers in the laundry solves the difculty

Inspections 539

‘THIRD DISTRICT PEN

‘This pen ia under the general supervision of the Warden, Mr
Peter Mallon.

RECOMMENDATION

2. It should be definitely ascertained how long the present
quarters will have to be occupied by the Third District Court
and Pen; and if this period is to exceed two years, an entirely new
pen should be constructed in accordance with modern standards,

GENERAL REPOR’

Since the last inspection the walls in the male pen that separate
it from a public toilet, accessible from the general staircase and
haa, have been lined with sheetiron so as to prevent a repetition
of a previous attempt to escape through these thin partitions. Tt
was suggested by the keeper in charge that one more wall of
kind be s0 lined, to prevent escape through a door in that wall, the
loci of which might be picked at any time.

Strong wire screens have been attached to:the two windows in
the male pen, one in the pen proper, and one in the toilet, also for
the purpose partly of safety from escape, and partly to prevent the
passing of contraband material in and ost. ‘The screen, however,
|has been placed inside, so that it will be impossible to open or close
the windows, It is intended to remove the screen to the outside of
the windows. The washbasin in the pen was leaking; otherwise
there has been practically no change. ‘The cleanliness of the latter
was satisfactory, butt the use of the pen for the purpose of tempor
ary detention is, a8 has been previously commented, entirely
‘unsmodern and unsatisfactory

‘The chances for the early construction of @ new district prison
and cout to take the place of this one, are now very remote and the
possibility of having the court and pen remain at the present loca
tion for an indefinite period must be reckoned with

‘The linoleum on the floors of the pens is worn and should be
replaced, The condition of cleanliness is often very poor. The
janitorial service evidently does not come sp to desired standards,

During the summer the door leading to the male pen was broken
through, but nobody escaped. The door has since been reinforced,
coveced with sheet iron and bolted.

‘Tus Prisow Assoctatios of New Yous

FOURTH DISTRICT PRISON MANHATTAN
John J. Lynch, Keeper in charge,
RECOMMENDATIONS

x, Steam heat should be introduced instead of the coal stoves
now in use. Connections for the supply of steam could be made
with the furnace supplying the Court House. If that furnace,
as itis stated, is too small, a larger one should be installed. ‘That
the Borough President's department is not expected to contribute
from its appropriations, to the service of the Department of Cot
rection, is no valid excuse for continuing a aystem which is both
expensive to the city and unsatisfactory for the institution,

2. Fly screens should be attached to the kitchen windows
before the summer season. If necessary, an electric fan should
be supplied for the Kitchen, the ventilation of which is very poor,

3. Sheets and pillow-cases should be supplied to all prisoners
held for more than one night.

4 Toilet paper should be supplied to all prisoners,

GENERAL REPORT.

Census at 7 a. x4. on the day of inspection was 54 males. OF
these, the following were transferred during the day

1g mien to the Workout,

 inan to the City Reforrastory.

‘There were admitted before 4 #. 11, 30 men and 2 women; of
these, two women and two men were transferred, 10 were dis-
charged on payment of fine, 3 on expiration of their term, leaving a

‘o'elodk of 48 men, including 8 help.”

The above figures are given principally to show the amount of
business done at this very small prison; more indeed, in numbers of
admissions and discharges, than in any other institution in the City
(not counting those held there for short periods en route from

the City prison). The conditions in general were

‘The accommodations are almost

incredibly below the requirements for the care of the immense mum
ber of persons deale with.

‘The repair and ovechauling of the water pipes for obtaining bet=
tee water pressure has been completed and is very satisfactory. All
the cells and the hall have been given a new light coat of paint. ‘The
back and side yard were clean and free of rubbish.

‘The condition of the food and its storage is good. The admin-
istration of the prison is very satisfactory.

Isrections

FIFTH DISTRICT PRISON, HARLEM
RECOMMENDATIONS

2. Additional cots should be supplied for each cell, s0 as to
abolish the present very objectionable form of * doubling-up,”
by which two persons must sleep on the same cot.

12. Toilet bowls of vitreous material should be substituted for
the present enameled iron bowls.

‘3 The new boards for the “20 day house” should be placed
singly so as to make their cleaning easier.

4 The elimination of the vermin, so successfully accomplished
fn the Second District prison, and in which euch good headway
has been made at this prison, should be followed out with the
same energy recently shown. ‘There are still parts under the sink,
in one of the closets of the kitchen, and at the water pipes in the
female department, that need attention,

5. The plaster in the “ro day house” needs repair, and the
whole room shouid be given a new coat of paint,

6. Toilet paper should be supplied to all prisoners in the male
‘as well as the female department.

y. Further attempts should be made to have the wall of the
Cowperthwait Furniture Co,, facing the side of the prison,
painted white,

&. A citizen chef should be employed,

9. Large refuse cans should be stipplied in the “ro day house.”

x0, Small refuse cans should be supplied for each cell

zx, The general system of giving every newly admitted pris-
coner clean sheets and pillow-cases should be strictly enforced in
the female as well as in the male department, in addition to the
‘weekly change.

PROGRESS MADE

3. On the whole, the cleanliness of the institution and its
freedom from vermin of both kinds were found vastly superior to
conditions on the previous inspections,

2, New boards have been placed in the “10 day house ” to
replace the old worn-out ones. Units of three boards have been
nailed together, which makes the cleaning somewhat more difi-
cult, Itis suggested that they be separated so that single boards
may be removed as before,

'g. The condition of the beds in respect to cleanliness and ver-
min has been very much improved.

2 Tus Parson Association or New York:

4. The elimination ofthe roach pest has progressed very stis-
factoily, though not with quite as much suecene ay at the Second
District prison

5. The female “help” employed in the laundry fas. been
replaced by male “help” thot removing the dangers fram this
coraminglng.

For the better safety of the prison, a fireproof storage for
paints was constructed in the place provided forthe loading and
loading of prisoners from vans

7. Toilet paper has been supplied tothe prisones in the female
department of the prison. ‘This isthe frst instance of fe found
fn any ofthe district or city prisons im Manattan or Brook

2: Additional cots have been obtained and ate tobe installed in
the cell, in order to digcontinue the, dgracefal method. of
oubling-up hitherto practiced,

GENERAL REPORT

‘Census on one of the days of inspection was 39 men, 7 women of
whom 14 men and 3 women were " help.”

SIXTH DISTRICT PEN

16rst Steeet near Third Avenue

‘The keeper in charge is A. Camp.

RECOMMENDATIONS
‘The following recommendations have beer repe
nmendations have been repeatedly urged

, Instead of the present pen eystem, small single compart
‘ments should be provided, if possible in an upper part of the
building.

2. Until guch time, a complete coat of white paint should be
applied to the walls and ceiling.

3. The plumbing trap should be repaired,

4 Blectric lights should be installed,

5. Mosquito netting on hinges should be attached to the win-
dows, to prevent the throwing in of “ dope,” and to keep out part
of the immense amount of dirt and dust that is blown in by the
wind. .

6, Prisoners not to be taken handcuffed through the streets,

Inspections

GENERAL REPORT

“The only improvement in the physical conditions of #his pen dur
ing the year has been the installation of electric lights

“Fhe pen is no longer cleaned by a prisoner, but is left to the jani-
torial services of the building ; the change has not been beneficial,
‘An abundance of dirt and litter was to be found at all times. Some
“Structural changes have been tindertaken so as to make access to the
‘court aad complaint room more convenient. Only such prisoners
fs are fined or sentenced to the Workhouse are handled by the
Officer of the Department of Correction located at this pen. All
Srisoners held for examination or trial are in charge of the sheriff
Bf Bronx County, and are transferred to the Brom County jail at

ah Street

EVENTH DISTRICT PRISON, NEW-YORK CITY
Iysrecruo Juty 11, 1916

RECOMMENDATIONS

1, Ft appears that House of Detention prisoners are entitled to
and have been granted a standard of feeding far superior to that
of the other prisoners in the department. ‘That they were not
receiving all that they were entitled to was admitted by the War-
‘den, who stated that he did not receive the provisions regularly.
‘The proper machinery should be provided for supplying the pro~
visions needed for this purpose regularly.

a, Te appears also that the preparation of the food is faulty.
‘There are only inmate cooks used at this as at other district
prisons. The employment of citizen cooks has been repeatedly
Fecommended, Tt is again urged especially for this prison, 2s.
ong as witnesses are also detained.

‘S The general condition of cleanliness, especially in, the
kitchen, should be improved. In the cells and corridors the clean
Tiness was very much more satisfactory.

ig. Arrangements should be made with the office of the Presi-
dent of the Borough of Manhattan for the supply of hot water
throughout the year, If such arrangements cannot be made =
water heating plant ehould be installed in the prison.

'S. The keeper in charge should exercise careful supervision:
over the prices and conditions of the sale of food by outside
restaurant keepers.

sat Tue Prison Association oF New York

__SySomemetiod shold be devised for ving outdoor exer
to all prisoners or witnesses detained for more than one week. -

. PROGRESS MADE

2. New quarters are being prepared forthe housing of wi

inte top ry of bling t 4 Layette eonpieors
‘the City of New York. Those quarters will, however, hardly bf
available before the end of the present ‘year, ety Ne

GENERAL REPORT
Census: Male 41, divided as follows:

“Witnesses from House of Detention
Menener om Sing Sin

There were 6 wounen temporarily detained in the

sil epee stl pts densi
he transfer of inmates formerly detained in the House

ff Detention for wien E

of Detuton for witness hs inttution, eubeequnt 1 eg
an 16 transferring the custody of such witnesses
from the Police Department to the Department of Correction
Such transfer was advocated by the Prison Association and the law

drawn by

‘the office of Commissioner ci
de fof Accounts of the City of

‘uvaiganwat wonliand Wa ieepect 10's i mially

to be no sufficient reason for the continuance of a separate stadia

‘unit for the detention of such witnesses, emaas
In addition to the ab d the no

Sing Sing held as witnesses by the District Attorney sae

‘ous har‘ detained in distric se re

St tad ee

‘InsPECTIONS 345

“The Sing Sing en complained of the excessive prices charmed
by ihe outlde caterer and gave, a6 a particular instance, = c%eFe
By roe oat far steak or chops, This matter was Drought to "be
Fook the authorities, who promised to Yoke into it. APIEE
are pad not been Drought 10 their atenton previous 1, 784
cay en on other respects the Sing Sing men seemed sasfed
with the treatment,

A eof material witnesses formerly kept in the House 9f
de oer pied the upper section of the jal previously used! DY
Daten” They are entirely separate from the rest of the PS
som eee mot as clean as those of the Sing Sing men and had
The can. The Sing Sing men, kept their own cells ocehy

nage required the prison “belp” to do
the lack of variety in the
Food, espe aid, consisted
‘of oatmeal and milk ev
of catmea gugh fresh vegetables. They received more. and bets!
wae ree ens than the other prisoners in the Duildiigs 50, (OF
food te hey ae allowed butter, ketchup, sugar, °GE* and SE
example, pe On the day of inspection there was comed beet
ea areca pea soup, all of excellent quality and suficient in
‘quantity

anti go hot water for any of the prisoners during the sum:
mo Tuc not water supply is obtained from the court Duiding °
Ter sivect, During the sommer, when de boilers oe not operated,
ath Stee ctoyater. This ix 2 very serous condition and can 5°
there ed only by the cooperation of the Department of Correction
lind the Borough President of Manhattan.

Se ref Detention micn eat their meals at rough tbles 0
thane eenent, While this is better than their cells, it i #9 no sents
the basement as stated by many of the men that because of te
satisfac «food served at this prison in comparison with wat
iter pve been secustomed to in the House of Detention," spend
they Dave Pie amount of money for extra food from the outside
Seema that, aot being prisoners but merely wits, 7
Tec reeve food fully as good as they would get of We 1S
co eer of their own choice. The food actully served it
ie eee of eh caller, altrough itis much better fan Te
Cerin el of fare. Complaints were ato made abou the @P
aan ee er obtaining personal property such as clothing and
Fay of pen moneys eet them a witness fee, paid in Dar
a aorrments at request through the comptrllers!ofie

546 Tux Paisow Associarion oF New York

The nent condition of the

Z of the prton has teproved singe an
ection, but in many respects is poor, At henner

tion, a mumnber of eleczi bulbs were missing on the sonang

{ie Mihen and atthe ge istures had heen removed, sapecate he

kitchen was very dark. New concrete hope

good deal of painting has been done. Practically all of eat

cell walls have been newly painted, an ‘ of

has been begun. There was

en found th

the fat for have been removed the basemen, The agit oe
inthe erent an se by te fate af een ean

ing meals are rough and inadequate but were sai se

ie ate but were sad to ee
TF meta ary cals ha

he metodo dubtngupm the els by renting ath sooo a

Seep on the same ctor oe of ther a nen a snes

method that has heen sepeatdlyciicied fy he Pee i

fon Testo be hoped tht the seas aa A

be accomplished. ais

EIGHTH DISTRICT PEN

Keeper in charge, J. B, Donovan,

she pean enon ofthe pons
wae a en tl Ta a
ST Het et

3 The. impeo
‘ ovements suggested should mot be. pos
indefinitely. "The pent are a tagrace to tie Seno Pompaned

” GENERAL REPORT
ere are three pens forthe detention of prisoners at th
Brison, serving both for the Magisrates Court sod we eee

Ixspscrions a7

Domestic Relations; of these, two are in charge of the Department
‘of Correction, and one in charge of the Court

Shortly after the opening of this court, some two years ago, an
inspection was made of the pens, which were then described as
thoroughly unsatisfactory, ‘The pens have now been used for about
two years, and not only has there been no, attemapt at improving con-
ditions, but indeed, they have been allotted to deteriorate, #0 that
the present pen presents a most disgraceful condition, The walls
have never been painted, but are covered with obscene inscriptions
and smudged all over. Of all places of detention, in the inspector's
experience, Re has not found one to compare in filth with this one,
with respect {© the condition of the walls. The floors were also
dirty, the bars dusty, the comers full of accumulations of dirt of
jong standing. There is no ventilating duct provided for the toitets,
bf which there are two, one for the male and one for the female pen,
‘The pen was pervaded by a disagreeable toilet odor. The three
pens, two under the Department of Correction, and one in charge of

1¢ court officer, are divided by solid steel partitions, so that any
through ventilation is prevented

‘There are from five to sixteen prisoners admitted here daily. At
the close of the court session they are transferred, if held for far-
ther examination, to the Bronx Cosnty Jail; if convicted to serve
ina city institution, to the Harlem Prison of the Department of Cor-
rection, ‘The sherif’s van is used for transportation purposes

TWELFTH DISTRICT PEN
Isermcren Avait 5, 1906

‘The twelfth District Magistrates’ Court was opened November
3915, at No, 1130 St, Nicholas Avenue. The building is leased by
the city for a term of five years. Floor accommodations are sup-
plied for court, justices’ chamber, district attorney's office, complaint
room, finger print room, ete. The temporary pens for detention of
prisoners, before and after arraignment before court, ave situated
fon the ground floor. There is a separate entrance Ieading to the
pens. They are coutained in a very spacious, airy room, some
fifteen feet high, which oceupies almost all of the floor. Three pens
are partitioned off with steel partition up to some three or four feet
of the ceiling. The space near the ceiling consists of wide-meshed
wire sereen, which allows good cireulation of air. One of the pens
is reserved for women. Of the other tio, one is used by court