The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-12
N
Condition and Needs OF the Prisons
and RefOrmntOries.

and RefOrn1afOries.
The administration of the affairs of the
several public institutions for the past two
years has been, on the whole. satisfactory
and commendable. They have been man
aged with cleanness. ability and economy.
The boards of trustees have been, as a
rule, composed of men of good business
qualifications, judgment and integrity. Near
ly all are men of affairs, either conducting
successfully extensive personal business, or
intrusted by others with the management
and direction of positions of responsibility
and large business interests.
The aim has been to conduct the institu-
tions of the State on sound business prin-
ciples, in accordance with the laws govern
ing such cases. j believe an impartial judg-
ment will concede this to be true. There
has never been a time in the history of
these institutions when they have been so
crowded to their full capacity. Generous,
but not extravagant, care has been given
to all inmates. and on the average at a less
cost per capita than usual. Humane treat
ment has been accorded to all. and there
has been a singular freedom from the petty
scandals usually connected by rumor, and
SO often cruelty false, with public institu-t
lions.
There were 81 prisoners in the State
Prison North Oct. 81, 1898, and 90s, same
date. 1894, an increase of sixty-seyen. Never
before was there so large a number in this
prison. They are crowded into 70 cells.
Each cell will only comfortably accommo-
date one. With two inmates the effect is
bad, resulting in injury to health, ana II Is,
besides, fearfuliy destructiye OF discipline.
lature made specific appropriations for I'M
provements and repairs amounting to s3s,-
300. The work designed has been completed,
and there remains u~nexpended of these APP
preparations the sum Of si.css.65.
That a superior Water-works plant mas
been constructed. supplying an abundance. OF
pure water from deep driven wells, capable
CO nnodf1ns zS S%niidsnes hF Fol dining hail. hsar.
chapel. kitchen and bakery, have been
| ments completed within the appropriation
and at less than estimated cost, speaks well
for, the energy and ability OF the warden
The strictest economy has been exercised
in all outlays. During the past two years
the prison has been self-sustaining and
shows a net surplus Of earnings OF over
| s2i, 600 covered into the State treasury.
The net earnings for 1894 were much less
| ability 10 renew expiring contracts and Il
consequent greater number of Idle men.
This great number OF idle prisoners over
35O presented a vexing problem. with the
| consequent increasing sickness and the diff
hc With a. = shop provided the difficuity could
| be more easily overcome, and in answer 10
the increasing demands 70 provide employ
| ment / advised the construction of "A new
building for this purpose. after comforting
with the Auditor of State and the prison
| authorities, Without the uSldf vi Ndl-lHE
for the assembling OF the Legislature. as
the earnings of the idle prisoners in that
time would fully pay the cost.
This building. one of the most substantial
| of the kind, built of brick. large and we'll
adapted for factory purposes, was erected
at a cost of s.. ~. which has been paid
for out of the earnings OF the prisoners
employed. / ask you TO approve It's con-
Tn annual appropriation for this prison
must, of necessity, be increased. The pres
ent appropriation was fixed when the MUM
Der of prisoners was three hundred less
than must be accommodated now. The rec
ommendation of the warden that this an
nual appropriation be increased In the sum
of $40. 900 Is just. and I concur in his rec
concentration. For other needs aud wants
Of the prison I would refer you 70 his re-
port. ~,
State Prison South has never been better
than at the present time. The new wall
begun several years ago has heen finished.
Ii Is a massive, yet symmetrical work.
not only adding 70 the security Of the
prison, but also giving a more slightly and
pleasing appearance. 1t is believed TO be
one of the best structures OF Its kind IN
the country. It was built entirely by con-
Wet labor.
a disastrous firc, wholly dessseslns two