40
Previous proposals on this
subject.
70. The original rules were propounded by the Honorable Mr. Ellis and Mr.
Rohde, the late Inspector General of Jails, and we re-publish
them with certain modifications, omitting entirely some very
few passages not bearing upon the immediate subject of our
Report, because we believe that they form a code of regulations so complete, that it
would be highly undesirable to attempt to summarize them at the risk of the omission
of some particulars, which, although apparently unimportant, might, if accidently over-
looked, tend to render incomplete the admirable system of conservancy so fully detailed
in them.
Rules at present in force
generally recommended by
this Committee.
71. We are further encouraged to reproduce them as containing a very good
enumeration of the requirements of sites for cholera camping
grounds, and this may prove useful to other departments.
We would, however, direct attention to the desirability of
providing, at least the prisoners in hospital, with cots, if these be procurable.
Quarantine wards in Jails.
72. In submitting these rules, we should also mention that we are aware that
objection has been made to the erection of quarantine wards
in jails, and we certainly advocate the location of these
buildings outside, but we would record our opinion, that unless special wards of this
nature be provided, the use of some portions of existing jail buildings for the purpose is
highly desirable. We would also note that the period of " observation" proposed in these
rules, to be enforced after the occurrence of epidemic disease, is perhaps longer than
Observation of new arri-
vals.
may at first sight appear necessary ; but it should be borne
in mind that prisoners in jail are especially liable to illus-
trate the rapid transmission of contagious disease in conse-
quence of the direct and indirect intercommunication which must result from their
residence within a limited area from which, linder certain circumstances, they pos-
sibly may not at any time depart. We are also compelled to bear in mind the heavy
expense which must result from their transfer to cholera camps.
Certain modifications in
existing rules recommended.
73. In the following " Rules," we have made such corrections as seem to
us to thoroughly adapt them to the subject of this report.
We have removed from the Medical Officer the power pro-
posed to be vested in him of exercising discretion as to the
removal into camp of prisoners in a jail where cholera has appeared during the height
of the monsoon.
Identity of requirements
of Barracks and Jails as re-
gards this disease.
74. We have done so, because we believe that precisely the same rules
should pertain here, as in barracks, and consequently we have
recommended that, at the discretion of the Medical Officer,
the removal of the prisoners from certain particular wards or
cells, where the disease has appeared, should be effected. Our observations on the
subject with regard to barracks equally apply to jails. Vide para. 52.
HULES FOE THE GUIDANCE OF OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF JAILS ON THE OCCURRENCE OF EPIDEMIC
CHOLERA,
i. " In many instances Cholera has been introduced into Jails by newly
arrived gangs of prisoners and by persons recently committed to Jail. These persons
shall be carefully examined before they are admitted into the Jail ; and by the Medical