Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-03-25
DENYINGTHEC CRUELTY
Reformatory officers Have an Inning
With the Committee.
BLOWS SOMETIMES NECESSARY,
Dut They Say Physical Injury Was Not One
of the Results.
KNIVES TAKEN FROM THE INMATES

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcH.l
HUNTINGDON, March 24-The Reforma
tory managers had their first real scare thi'
morning. Robert Bryan, a Philadelphia
inmate, during his examination brought
tears to the eyes of the committee by hi'
heartrending recital of the personal abuse
he had received at the hands of the officers.
CONSERVATION fell upon Attorney Orlady,
and Senator Osbourn smiled even through
his tears Chairman Scott positively held
his breath from astonishment.
Young Bryan related how he had been
kicked and beaten by the officers and guards,
and at present bore the marks and scars ot
the wounds he had received. DR.. Mcleod,
of the Investigating Board, suggested that
the scars should be examined by the CON-
mittee.
After some hesitancy Bryan consented, and
when disrobing himself the suspense on
both sides was oppressive. The climax was
reached, however, when after the most ex-
acting examination not a single scar or
mark of any description was found. The
pale faced members of the Board of Man.
ayers thereupon regained their serenity and
Bryan was led away to mediate over Chair
man Scott's hawkeyed committee.
They Brought 1t on Themselves.
DR. d. P. Miller, the Reformatorv physi-
clan, occupied the committees entire atten-
tion at this mornings session. The numer
Gus cases cited by Senator Osbourn wherein
il was alleged mental impairment had re-
suited to inmates by rough treatment and
confinement, DR.. Miller strenuouslv denied.
The doctor explained that some of the boys
admitted were not of brightest intellect,
and those who show mental retrogresSion
bring it largely upon themselves
Some of the cases were those of Harry
Anderson, Joseph Zurita, Charles Haskin-
son. James McGinnis, Harry Kane and
Samuel Levi, of Philadelphia William
Dickerson, who died recently in Philadel
phia, the doctor testified, had contracted
consumption partly through heredity and
partly through his personal habits. When
i'll he had never been required to work. The
doctor denied that confinement in the re-
formatory FASTENED the death of Harry Mil
Ter or James McGinnis, who died in the in
stitution.
Dr. Miller could recall no instance where
a prisoner has derived physical injury
through brutal treatment or inattention.
Denied That He Abused Boys.
The first witness for the defense, J. b.
Lang, the steward, positively denied that he
being kicked in the stomach.
Moral Instructor Lykens testified that a
majority Of the boys make rapid progress in
their studies Each cell is provided with
Bible, hymn book and Catholic prayer book
ard free access to the large library.
Deputy Superintendent George A. Smith
testified that he had never but in one in
stance, that of Jacob Johnston, used the
blackjack, which he always carries for self
protection. Johnston tried to cut Smith
with a knife. He was then chained in his
cell as a general protection. The chain
seven feet long is employed only in ex-
treme cases. Johnston frequently had
the chain put on at his own request, as he
desired 10 pose as a tough. Smith denied
ever striking an inmate with his fist as a
method of punishment.
McGinnis, who died in the institution,
had told the deputy that his exposure on the
night Of his escape brought on the consump-
tion. Six sharp dirk knives and an iron
bar were produced by the deputy, which he
had taken from the incorrlgibles.
Knives Taken From the Inmates.
Larkins, Johnston, Stiner, Levi and John
Crow had determined upon an insur-
rection. These knives had been secured
from the chair shop. No other officer than
Deputy Smith carries a blackjack or re-
volver In all about 40 knives had been
taken from the inmates. Some were table
knives. which the BOYS secreted and sharp
ened to point by rubbing on the concrete
cell floor.
The letters against the deputy which the |
riotous inmates had interchanged in plan
ming for the insurrection were produced. |
On cross examination, Deputy Smith denied |
that he had ever employed a
blackjack or his fist as means Of punish |
menr, as alleged in the affidavits of John |
Canlan. Jacob Johnston, William Woods |
and Henry Albertis.
In reply to Mr.. RYAN, of the Board of |
Charities, Deputy Smith was emphatic in |
his declaration that the total abolition of |
punishment in the reformatory |
would probably defeat the aims and pur- |
poses of the institution.
Major McClaughey, formerly General |
testified that he had never |
struck William Dickerson, as alleged, and |
in one instance only did he ever strike an |
inmate with his fist This was William |
George, who attacked the Superintendent |
in Deputy Smiths office.
81 then struck him." said Major Nc |
Claughey, sin self-defense" The Major |
his testimony with official proofs |
aken from the reformatory record book of |
Major Petriken appeared before the COM
mittee this afternoon, but he acknowledged |
that he could offer no personal evidence in
support of his charges against Messrs. Nc
Camant and Jennings.