The New York herald., 1872-07-09
ANOTHER EMEUTE AT RAaDALl'S ISLAND.
Particulars Of the ReyOlt---The Boys Uvef'
powered ind Placed In Dark Cells.
The Old System Still IN
Operation.
An QuEet i'm SsPopen JONES'
DGyMsmiSNa.

Another outbreak has to be added to the list that
has given so much unenviable notoriety to the
fHouse Of Refuge on Randall's Island. II was sup.
posed that order would now reign In the dominiops
OF "Popen Jones, even though 1t was upheld by the
lash and the hurnbscrew. The boys who, for their |
OFFENCES are sent TO be reformed by Jones and his |
lieutenants arc rot yet reconclled to the moral |
and religious discipline provided for them, and
on Saturday last q number OF them gave fresh and
startling evidence OF their discomfort. Five Of them,
ranging IN age from seventeen to nineteen years.
refused work, and, rushing into the yard resisted
nntii they were overpowered by the keepers and
officers Of the institution. Intelligence OF the out
break was kept rs far possible from the public.
The police force In the vicinity were not informed,
and even many persons residing on Randails
Island only heard Of 1t for the first time yesterday
morning. There Is little doubt that it was a
serious matter, and must have been caused by some
6eepseatcd ana long-contlnued dlscontent among
the inmates Of the Refuge.
CAUSES ,pF THE OUTBREAK.
reporter irom this onlce visited the island yes
terday afternoon, and found no difficulty In gain
ing access to the different workshops. The officers
not disposed to give much Information
concerning the outbreak, which they admitted
had occurred. AZ might have been expected, they
represented that the inmates were exceedingly wen
tTeated that their work was light and food good
strange conduct OF the boys on Saturday, and
could only attribute it to the instiganon of the
Bey or some other evil influence. But further In
vestigaton brought to the knowledge Of our re-
porter that there is In the minds OF great number
OF the boys sense OF being treated un-
Justly ana even tyrannically In reference to
attending religious services held In the institution
They object to being forced to assist at the usual
Sunday exercises and being denied tho privilege of
rfatt .1n fbnyr
suaslcn. Some say that tho boys are not troubled
ono way or the other about religion, and
that they merely make 1t pretence to cover
their insubordinatlon and lnd en- OppOr
tunity Of showing their bad dispositions. There is
doubt as to there being a considerable number
of vicious and hardened youths on the island, over
whom It necessary TO exercise rigid discipline;
but the institution is for reformatory purposes it
seems astonishing that the best means for accom-
plfhing change for the better-relieious in
fuences-should be, as 10 were, trampled
nnder foot in the case of the Roman Uatho-
lie inmates The service these boys are forced
TO attend is repuenant TO them, and instead OF
exciting pious and elevating feelings, arouse only
sentiments of disgust and discomfort. The inmates
OF the Refuge on Randall's Island understand this
matter very well, and much of the troubles of the
institution grow directly out Of this bad practice.
The contract system by Which the boys
iahor is farmed, out Is Objectionable,
also another cause or dlSc0ntent.
According TO their views the managers aim only at
surning them into machines for the profit of the
contractors, and that the business of reformation or
Improvement Is altogether minor consideration.
2he outbreak on saturday is to be attributed TO the
causes stated THIS is the opinion of the best-in:
formed persons in Harlem and Others acquainted
with the affairs OF the institution. Until q change
IS effected similar revolts are to be expected from
time 10 time.
The reports OF the onicers all agree on one point
namely that the attempt at revolt on Saturday
was confined TO lve boys; That 1t Wa5 speedily sup
pressed, and that the participants after having re-
ordinate conduct. They admit that on Saturday
forenoon, between nine and ten O'Clock, and after
the days iahors had been in progress hour and
half one of the boys objected to the description of
work allotted TO him to perform; This work, as
rrom shoes that had been brought ON another loft
or moor. The Deputy superintendent replied that
the complaint had no Just foundation, and that the
boy should go on with his duties The latter then
complained that he deprived or the privilege of
recreation, to which he was entitled, and insisted
that he should be allowed pass into the yard This
would not be allowed, and he thereupon, after con
pany with them rushed down stairs, all the party
carrying the knives used in the shoemakers shop;
OF 81 the Condition of aiIdirs. the mutineers
locked locke 'l up il cells and kept there until yes,
terday morning, when they resumed work.
and things went on happy and serene. The officers
slso state that no disturbance took place sun
day; that the boys, large number OF whom are
Catholics were particularly reycrental and atten-
tive during the noHseetarian services OF tne
Methodist preacher and that in lact the storm,
cursor OF an extremely satisfactory sabbath they
also stated that no extra precautions were taken
20 preserve order or subdue rebellion if it broke
out but the precaution had been taken Of keeping
the rebellious inmates under lock and key with
bread and water dietary No reason could be iln
aRined 10y the wen paid well housed ana well fed
ofbcers Tor tue unreasonable conduct OF the boys.
TIE LASH STILL USED.
Passing over the Island our reporter came across
several Of the inmates engaged the farm and
Others, whose daily task having been performed,
VyaFp Ia hE vbp
latter just numbered two. They, on being interro-
gated, seemed unwilling at irst 70 give any
Information. The outbreak was no news 20
them, however, and being removed from
the observation OF the officers, they said
I'm the institution and the work imposed upon the
inmates was severe. They were not satisfied with
tend the religious service performed by Rev. Mr.
Pierce something they would not stand If
reason why they should be forced to listen. TO
iS 1sGo1rses s and be present at ,gs exercises
contrary to what they were taught by their
parents. Concerning the enae1te on Satqr-
benefit OF the contractors we're allotted TO the boys
WHO had refused TO work; that IL being beyond
thcH power TO perform them they were punished,
and seeing no way Of obtaining redress they re-
solved upon refusing to WORK any longer. Tie
boys enjoying the holiday hour also stated that
1het lour or nve companions overpoNered on
Saturday were cruelty dubbed, roned. severely
Hoggcd and cast almost dead into dark
cells They did not know whether they were ut
work or not There IS some disparity IN the state.
ments made ny the parties, but the OinCers OF the
IN titutiOu left reason 20 doubt that the punish
meat inflicted on the boys engaged in the revolt
was severe ana lntepded to have a msting impros.
sion ON their minds Looking upon them as
incorrgihe, and only ueeiul 20 labor the benefit
Of Tie contractors, the oacers have very little sym
pathy with The inmates.
IN THE WORKSHOPS
everything yesterday appeared IN rood order.
There was no sign OF confusion or dlacOntent. The
boj s, young and old, were haTd at work making
shoes hoop skirts and sleeves. The donnitcres,
dining rooms, Kitchen &C, were MI clean and neat.
The Fairgrounds, however were deserted,