The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-17
CHARITIES AND CORRECTION.
Questions Discussed and Suggestions Made at
the Annual Meeting at st. Paul.


ST. PAUL, July 16-ln the Conference of
Charities and Correction, this morning DR.. w.
B. Fletcher, of Indianapolis, declared that a
great obstacle ia his State a political preju-
dice against reform institutions. The great end
to be attained is reform of habits and knowl-
edge of industrial pursuits.
General w. McBane, of Washington Terri
tory stated that the last Legislature had located
two insane asyums, schools for deaf and dumb,
and permanent penitentary. What is needed
in these young States is thorough information
on the subjects to place before the Legislatures.
Rev. DR.. Hill, president of the State Board of
insane there were amply sufficient at present,
and excellent in character. The penitentiary
system, as yet, is somewhat primitive.
Mrs Hendricks, widow of the late Vice -pres-
dent, being asked to speak, deputed Mrs. Kelly,
superintendent OF the Woman's Reformatory of
Indianapolis. She gave interesting descrip-
tion of the workings of the institution. IL was
| necessary to keep the women employed in sew
ing and needlework.
j. H. Mills of North Carolina, described the
work. ng of the penitentiary of that State. and
regretted that the large shoe shops had been dis
Continued at the request of the knights of La
Dor. Inmates of the lunatic asylum work on a
large farm, and seem TO enjoy agricultural pur-
suits. Inc state needs a BOARD or chArltl6S.
He was opposed to the penitentiary system as it
at present exists, as he was opposed to slavery.
If the individual owned slave, he took care of
him; but if the State owned slave, il got the
most out of him.
Judge Toilet OF the Supreme Court of Ohio,
read the report from the State Superintendent,
stating that the law of Ohio prohibiting children
under sixteen years of age being placed In in
firmaries, was not fully observed because no
penalty was attached. Replying TO inquiry
the matter was tested in the Ohio courts the op-
position to it being that it was partial pardon,
but this objection was overruled about six
months ago. and as it now prevails it resembles
the English ticket-of.leave system.
The report of the committee on reports from
States was read by Gen. r. Brinkerhoff of
Ohio; it states that no new State boards of pub
lie charities have been formed, but there is a
steady growth of provision for insane and the
tendency is to diminish restraint and repression
There is general need for further provision for
the custody and care Of idiots and feeole-minded
children, and for prison work. The movement
is spreading to secure reformation for first
offenders on the graded plan.
Chaplain Brooks. of the Colorado penitentary,
spoke of the school he had organized. as a result
of which every prisoner can now read, and most
can write
Rev. T. D. Haley of Kansas City, said his
Governor declined to PROMISE State board of
charities. The jails old and inadequate
Judge Pendergast, of Chicago, said there were
| more insane persons in Cook county than in any
county of the United Ststes, outside of New
York. Formerly persons deemed insane were
placed in common jails while awaiting trial. and
were subjected to brutal treatment by inmates.
Brutality was avoided by the establishment of a
sort Of preliminary detention asylum, and one
third OF those brought there have been dis
charged cured before trial He advocated that
such places should be established everywhere
prior to commitment in asylums.
At the afternoon session Mrs. Marsh of Chi
cage, spoke on the care of homeless girls. The
Industrial School in Chicago was the only one In
the State. The plan of the institution was to
take these children and instruct them in such
useful branches of education as will make them
sef-supporting and self respecting until they ar
rive at the age of eighteen. She regretted that
the age was not extended to twentgAone.
Rev. DR.. A. q. Byers, NJ. D., secretary of the
Board of State Charities of Ohio. read pa
per the administration of poor-houses and
jails. He dwelt on wrongs perpetrated by the
admission of improper persons to poor-houses
He denounced the practice of letting the medical
service to the lowest bidder.
At the evening session, Bishop Ireland deliv-
cred an address on the system of charities Of the
Catholic Church. Ex-President Hayes warmly
commended the work of the State Boards OF
Charities and Bishop Whipple spoke to the same
effect