The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-11
NEGLECTED In PRISON
JOHN HARTER, OF THIS CITY, PAR
DONED AND SENT HOME TO DIE.
Bears Evidence of Neglect and Bru-
tally, but Is Unconscious and Cam
not Tell His story.

John Harter, who was sent to the Mich
igan City penitentiary Dec. p, 1892, from
this city for petty larceny, is lying at the
home OF his brother, so North California
street, at the point Of death, which lis
family claimed is the result of brutal treat
ment and neglect while confined in the
prison. He is unconscious and no statement
could be obtained from him, bat his condi-
ton and appearance speak as plainly as
words could do, so far as the charge Of
neglect is concerned.
On his right hip is a great bed sore as
large as the palm of a mans hand, together
with the usual intensely painful infiamma-
ton. This was perhaps caused by constantly
sitting in a common cane-bottom rocking
chair at a time when he was unable to move
himself. He is now perfectly helpless, being
able to move no part of his body excepting
his head and arms. His entire body bears
evidence of having been covered with YER
min. 1t is covered with small red spots,
which DR.. Rutledge, the attending physi-
clan. says were undoubtedly caused by the
bite Of vermin. The right knee has a small
running sore. accompanied by an unusual
amount of Inflammation. This seems to
have been caused by a bruise. The in
juries that are the most suggestive of bru-
sG%NJ - vi tAC ACdas CAAAt
the left ear is q bump as large and as hard
as a small walnut, but on account Of the
unconscious condition of the patient 1t is
impossible for the physician to determine
whether or not is still painful. The surface
of the bump has a small scar, which would
indicate that the injury was inflicted some
time ago, and that the bump is now perma-
nent. Above the left eye is the injury
which gives the most concern for the future
welfare of the man, in case ne should re-
cover from his present serious condition.
At the edge of the hair, Immediately above
the eye, is a depression in the skull large
enough TO receive the ball of a mans finger.
This is not serious so far as the mans
life Is concerned, but, DIR. Rutledge says. it
may be the cause of his insanity. The Doc
tor says that numerous cases are on record
a blow on the head hard enough to depress
the skull.
The external injuries alone have been
mentioned. DR.. Rutledge said last night.
in regard to the general condition or Mr..
Harter:
II found him suffering from a violent case
OF congestion of the stomach and bowels.
The symptoms are just such as would result
from starvation. / do not mean TO charge
the prison authorities with, willfully starry
ent condition is due TO neglect in not fur
nishing him such nourisaing food as a sick
man would require. From what ! can
AOa4h ~ NAC - ~ q 0Okh
months since he has been in a condition to
partake of such food as would ordinarily
make up the bill of fare in a prison. His
mouth has the general appearance of hav-
ing been scalded. 1t Is perfectly raw in
side, and looks as IL the patient had
been fed on some substance, beef tea, for
instance. which had not been cooled to the
proper temperature. / consider his condi-
ton quite serious and do not hesitate to say
that everything indicates that such would
attention due a sick man at the proper
time"
A peculiar thing about the entire affair
is the correspondence which passed between
prison authorities and this city in regard
to the case. The fore part Of last week
Galbraith, the prison physician, telling her
to arrange with the express company here
to receive the body of her brother, and in
forming her that the expense of shipment
would be $50 or $40. Frank Harter, a
brother of the sick man. t~elegraphed to
Warden French. asking if his brother was
dead. The reply came back that he. was
not dead, but violently insane. The letter
and telegram were presented to Governor
Matthews. who. on the strength OF them,
home to die. At this time some hope is
entertained of his recovery, physically, but
there is little hope for any improvement
mentally.
When Frank Harter went to Michigan
City he says he found his brother in the
chair, unconscious and unable to help him.
self in the least. He was without under
clothing OF any kind. and when the prison
authorities were asked why he was not
properly dressed the reason given was that
they could not keep underclothing on him.
In his present condition ii would be impos-
sible for him to remove anything that was
placed on him..