Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-07
REF0RMAT0RY ROAST.
DR.. Morton Hands to Governor Patti
son a Minority Report of
THE INQUIRY AT HUNTINGDON.
Deputy Superintendent Smith Pronounced
Unfit for His Post.
SOME PuNIsHMLNTS FIT, SOME UNFIT

rsPEc1AL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPArcH.l
HARRISBURG, June CDR. Thomas G..
Morton, member of the State Board OF
Public Charities, to-day presented to Gov
| ernor Pattison minority report
of the recent investigation into
the charges against certain officials
of the Huntingdon Reformatory. The
| report states that from the minute testimony
at the inquiry, 'it appears that Deputy
| Superintendent Smith is not fitted for the
position which he occupies in the institu-
| tion, and he should be removed"
DR.. Morton says that some expression of
| appreciation should have been extended to
Senator Osbourne for the interest he has
taken in the welfare of the inmates of the
reformatory. In considering the question
of punishment DIR. Morton makes these
| suggestions:
First-That bread and wa ter should only
be permitted for such limited periods as
sanctioned by the medical officer OF the in
stitution, who should make such offender
daily visit, and report the physical condi-
tion and his liability to sustain continue
tion of the punishment; but in no case
should bread and water be allowed for q
der IA years of age, and no more than four
days to any inmate.
Ball and Chain System Denounced.
Second-Punishment known as the "baIl
and chain'' and standing chained'' by the
wrists to an iron bar for hours
at time and for many consec-
utive days with bread and water diet, are
injurious to health, cruel and degrading
alike to the authorities who sanction such
treatment, as well as the offender and the
inmates generally, and should be abolished.
Third-No officer or employe should be
allowed to carry firearms or a blackjack, ex-
cept the guards on the towers. Strik-
ing an inmate with the fist, except
nrohiats1 in actual should be
club. cane or blackjack, or kicking an inmate.
should be prohibited, and the violation of
that rule should be followed by dismissal
from the services of the institution.
Fourth-All vicious inmates should not
only be isolated as much possible from
the other inmates, but should earn the right
to associate with others generally at spec-
fed times only and on parade of good be-
havior.
Fifth-The question of abolishing the
present monitor system, which is liable to
fractions Of discipline and the imposition of
demerits and other Dunishments by
one person on another, should be
carefully carefully considered The question
lar employees of at least adult age and care
fully selected, who should be known to be
frm, kind and otherwise suitable for such
position, should be also considered. and if
adopted no one should be monitor who
had ever been prisoner in the institution.
As to Solitary Conf aements.
Sixth-Punishments known as solitary
confinementS should be directed only by
the superintendent, and if it be prolonged
beyond three days only with the consent of
the medical officer. record should be
kept in book of the character OF
tine punishments and the reason therefor,
and no punishment should be inflicted upon
any inmate who ia mentally, ply scaily or
nervously ursuie ed for such treatment. nor
without the sanction of the medical officer,
who should give his reason i'll writing Tor
permitting or refusing an inmate to be
punished.
Seventh-When possible no one officer
snould struggle with an offender; but should
subject, such II STOW of superior force by
two or more officers should be made as
would overcome resistance without yio-
lence.
Eighth-When an inmate is believed to be
suffering from an incurable disease, which
is likely to result in loss of life, limb or per-
sonal disability by continued detention In
the refornatory, the medical officer should
recommend the discharge, transfer or parole
OF such inmate.
Ninth-All cases of insanity should be
promptly trdnsIerreu 20 one Oh tne otato
Hospitals for the insane. When an inmate is
believed to be feigning insanity, the med
ical officer should request consultation of
ut least two other medical practitioners,
who should, upon examination, report tie
result to the SuDerintendent.
Tenth-The medical officer of the reform
atory, preferably should reside in the in
stitution and give his entire time to the care
of the inmates. He should keep 4 record of
the condition, physical and mental, of each
person when received, and make IL report
every six months to the Superintendent of
the condition OF each inmate.