The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-11-18
INVESTIGATING SUpE BRoCKWAY
| Former Inmates or the Einira Reformatory
| Testify II fore the Commission Here.

| Former Inmates or the Einira Reformatory
| Testify II fore the Commission Here.
The first days session Of the commit.
| tee investigating the methods OF Superin.
| tendent z. r. Brockway Of the Elmirn Re-
forrnntory opened in Parlor l. OF the Aston
1Iouee yesterday morning at 10 o'clock
This investigation was begun two months
ago at Elmira. and sessions have been
held at the Auburn. Clinton. and Dannemora
prisons where former inmates and others
cognizant OF the existing state Of affairs
In the Reformatory have been examined.
Tho committee is representative OF the
State Board OF Charities. and is COM
posed OF Mr.. Oscar Craig. its President
DR.. Stephen Smith OF this city. L. H Litchneld
OF Brooklyn. and J. o. Tanning. There were
also present Mr.. +. G. Lee and Mr.. c. I. Lewis
OF the Prison Reform Association. DR.. Wey OF
the Reformatory. and an eliminate OF the re-
formatory named Oscar Hoppe. who acts as
Mr.. Brockway's secretary. The presiding off,
cor was Judge Gilbert. former law partner Of
Judge Isaac Maynard.
Michael Howard OF 26A Third avenue was
the first witness called. Ho said that he had
served two years In the Reformatory, and de-
scribed certain punishments he had received
while there. He told OF being padded with
thick leather strap three feet long and half an
with club. He showed scars on his forehead.
He also told OF having been chained for four
days and nights to ring on the floor OF soil
tary cell.
death Of valley. a boy Inmate. Who is alleged
to have died In the prison hospital from blows
received bands Of BroSk
and taken. unconscious to the hospital He
lived only four days after receiving this pun
been frequently struck by Mr.. Brock way and
4 woman followed this man In the chair. but
her name was suppressed by the com mittes at
her own request. She told OF calling at the re-
to her ThG then
ten G ate consentei on condition that she would
ised. Her brother died soon after his relense.
J lis back was bruised and Jared by blows from
George s. Ackerman told OF being hung up
by the thumbs for small breaches Of discipline
and said that he had had his Jaw broken aud
He said the mans name was Beach.
John Mccormick exhibited scars on his face
he sSd ssS by
with the paddle was usually made very severe.
SO that the .cculprit would never want to be
Thrty:s second street. said he was employed on
nG' he"sd yss
ers were being punished. Several times he
saw inmates dragged unconscious and bleed
ing from the chamber. He also testified to
a prisoner on the day OF his release. On one
occasion he saw a keeper take n brush from a
bucket OF whitewash and jab it into the mouth
Of negro boy.
The next witness was dapper young man.
dressed in the latest fashion and wearing q
bouquet Of violets in mis- buttonhole. He re-
used to give his name for publication. lie
said hat no had been sent to the refor!nar9ry
Tor two years for selling green goods: He
said he had never been punished in tho insti- |
:ution. but told OF others whom he had seen
with bleeding backs.
John Parks said that he was punished on the
ouith day of els term IN the reformatory be.
,ause he could not perform the task ASST ned
% him In tho foundry, He was, padded Sc;
Terely and then chained to the floor Of a cell
or three days without food. At the end Of
hat time he was sent back to work. but was
90 weak to do anything. A keeper told him
hat he must take another dose, He rushed
net keeper who tried to head him of. Dread
ng The paddle. he jumped over the railing to
The flags below and broke both his legs He |
vas later transferred to Auburn prison.
Tho investigation will be resumed this |
noIninR at 10 o'clock.