The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-07-20
THE JAIL PHYSICIAN.
Dir. WN. 8. GORDON TELLS OF THE
NEED OF Il NEW PRISON.
The Sanitary Arrangements are Miserable
and There arc No Arrangements for
Caring for the Sick.


or the miserable accommodate used
by the city of Richmond is delighted at
the prospect Of some step being taken
towards the erection Of a new Jail. and
hail with satisfaction the ordinance Of
fered by Mr.. Epps as being at least a
practical suggestion looking to the ulti-
mate erection of a building suitable for
the purpose.
Among these IS DR.. William S. Gordon.
who for years has been physician TO the
city jail. He has from time 10 time
made urgent reports 10 the Judge of the
Hastings Court and other city authori-
ties, setting forth the necessity for bet
ter arrangements.
DIR. Gordon stands high i'm the profess
sion in this city. and has studied the
problems which have confronted him in
connection with the health and santa
ton OF the city JAIL both from a scientific
ana sympathetic standpoint, and he can
see no remedy for the evils which exist
except new building. adapted especially
TO the purpose OF a Jail.
THE HEALTH OF THE JAIL.
He expressed some hesitancy in giving
his official opinions concerning the mat
ter. but very frankly answered my ques-
lions about the condition Of the present
building. When asked about the health
OF the jail he replied that II was good.
considering its lack Of sanitation. but far
from what 1t should be- Many Migrants
and chronic inebriates are benefited by
coming down" for thirty sixty or
ninety days; on the other hand. some
who enter sick are made worse while
others, in addition to being incarcerated
contract disease from their unhealthy
surroundings.
1t is cruel to confne a consumptive
or typhoid-fever case in a small badly
ventilated, and sometimes damp cell
with several healthy prisoners who
themselves may become the victims of
disease. Yet at times this has been
necessary.
1t must be remembered. also. that
disease contracted in jail may be pro-
pagated outside. Facilities for personal
cleanliness, and even decency. are want
ing.
NO NURSES FOR THE SICK.
When asked II there were any nurses
for the sick prisoners, he said.
We have none except those taken from
the criminal ranks.
The jail officials are always ready to
render any service in their power; but
II Is needless 10 add that their respec-
tive duties keep them occupied. and
that II Is impossible for them to give
patients the attention which they need
ana deserve, and which can be given
only by regular nurses. under the super
vision Of the physician.
DANGER or EPIDEMIcs.
When asked II there is any danger Of
epidemics at the Jail. Or. Gordon said:
Last fall there were several bad cases
OF typhoid-feyer contracted in the jail
The Police Justice. who had iurisdic-
ton In these instances, acted promptly on
were removed 10 the almshouse I'm order
TO prevent the spreading OF the disease
cholera or diphtheria, II epidemic,
would probably play havoc with us while
the Governor Informs M thqf ba
nave no right TO remove prisoners suf-
Iering from such diseases until after
they had been indicted and tried
mere are no suitable quarters for isolat
ING the SICK. We remove them, as a rule
70 separate rooms, but sometimes patients
nave 10 be left I'm their cells owing to
me want OF accommodations elsewhere
In case a surgical operation should be
may say decent, room for II.
INSANE PRISONERS.
DR.. Gordon grew eloquent in his dis
cI ssion Of the confinement Of insane per
sons In the city Jail. Said he. Their con-
dition Is frequently pitiabe 1t is an IN
human law. in the hrst place. when al
lows dying luratic TO be conveyed to
jail; yet they are brought to u.s. at times.
In this condition. once I'm Jail. there is
very little hope Of recovery. Some OF the
saddest and most heartrcnding scenes 1
have ever witnessed have been among
this class OF people. Their confinement I'm
jail IS a disgrace to civilization. Occa-
siOnally recoyeries take place under treat
ment, but these are usually alcoholic
cases.
LOCATION FOR A EEw JAIL.
When asked If sufficient building
could be erected on the present site he
said. The present location / do not con-
slider good. other sites, which are better.
have already been suggested. / wish TO
add that the discipline of the iail is excel
lent The officials cheerfully do what
they can 10 promote the physical welfare
and comfort Of the inmates
They are always glad to carry out
suggestions so far as circumstances Will
admit. However. their hands are tied as
well as mine While Richmond is growing
her criminal class is growing and there
has long been an urgent need for better
sanitary provisions in her prison. Pris-
Oners should not be sent to Jail at the
risk % their lives
The risk should be minimized The law
does not intend 10 punish them with
death, but that death has been their pun
ishment In some instances | have no
doubt.
one needs only to hear DR. Gordon talk
10 have his sympathies aroused for All
VINO are so unfortunate as TO be incar-
cerated In the city jail. and were IT per-
Missile TO publish the sanitary condition
in certain respects IL would hOrrify the
average citizen.
The demand for a new jail is one OF de-
cency and common humanity by hook
or by crook the city Will have 70 furnish
a new one.