The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-09-27
The Elmlla Rsformatoy IuYsstisa-
tiOn Begun.
HEARINGS ARE 70 Be OPEN,
but Admission VIII Rs by Card Tho
Accused Omicisls Decide "a Dispense
with Counsei-Enorts to Give the Pris-
oners Chance to Testify without Fear.

ErMRA, N. Y, Sep. 27.-The special
committee Of three appointed by the presi-
dent OF the State Board OF Charities to
conduct an inquiry into the administration
of affairs at the State reformatory at Ell
mira, convened at the reformatory at 10a.
m. OF the commission, President Craig,
of Rochester, and DIR. Stephen Smith, OF
New York, were present.
The managers of the institution are
Matthias II. Arnot, DIR. William G. Mey,
William II. Peters, James. b. Rathbone,
of Elmira; and Benjamin Swartwood. OF
Gayutaville, all of whom were present
Manager Rathbone yesterday assumed the
duties Of Superintendent Brockway, who
was suspended by the Board OF Managers
pending the investigation.
Deputy Attorney General Frank r. Gil
bert, Superintendent Brockway and AS
sistant Secretary Of the State Board Of
Charities James o. Tanning were the
only other persons, outside Of the report
ers, present before the committee, the
session of which was held In the board Of
managers room In the reformatory.
President Craig announced that the
newspaper reporters would be allowed to
attend the sessions of the committee until
further notice. The question as to whether
the sessions of the committee would bo
open or not was decided In favor of admis-
sion to all sessions by card, except such
reasonable restrictions as the committee
might hereafter impose. President Craig
stated that all newspaper men would como
under this rule, but he would say that any
person who should violate any OF the re-
formatory rules, or attempt to communi-
cate with the prisoners, would be barred
from admission thereafter.
Superintendent Brockway asked II this
would apply to newspaper men who had
already violated the rules Of the institu-
tion. Mr.. Craig said it would not.
President Craig then made statement
in which he said: 'Tt is the purpose of this
committee to confine the examination to
evidence, which may be conclusive or con-
vincing, and to exclude that which would
be merely cumulative"
He then asked If the Board of Managers
was represented by counsel, DR.. Wey, the
VI,
managers could observe the drift of the in
vestiqation they did not care to decide a.
to whether or not they wished counsel.
Chairman Craig said that the committee
wished to be able to guarantee to all con-
victs within the reformatory walls or on
parole who testified before the committee
that they would be protected, aud he sug-
gested that the board of managers pass q
resolution to that effect, 80 that the testi-
mony of the convicts may be given with
ou5 fear.
Superintendent Brockway said that he
deprecated the spreading upon the minutes
OF the board Of managers any evidence to
imply that witnesses would be compelled
to suppress complaintG. Hesuggested that
the convicts be assembled In the Lecture
hall, a half hour before the study hour and
that he be allowed to make the statement to
them in the presence Of the committee that
no convict would gain or lose anything by
his testimony before the committee. He
would suggest then that leach prisoner be
given a gummed envelope and sheet Of
writing paper on which to write any CON-
plants that they wished to make to the
committee, the envelopes to be sealed and
turned over TO the committee after the
study hour. Some discussion followed on
this question, the committee feeling that
such resolution as suggested by President
Craig should be adopted by the Board Of
Managers The managers and Superin-
tendent Brockway were asked to be ready
by tomorrow morning.
Superintendent Brockway suggested that
the convicts and officers within the institu-
tion, who would be called upon to testify,
be heard first, so that no interruption in
the administration ofaffairs and the discip-
line of the reformatory, which might
be occasioned by long delay, would re-
suit. The committee agreed to this.