The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1896-12-03
PRIVILEGES TO PRISON.
Beneficial Effect of Humane Methdis
the Connecticut Penitentiaryf

Beneficial Effect of Humane Methods In
the Connecticut Penitentiaryi
When the convicts at the state -isou
eft the workshops the other daS early
al of them wore the old familiar uni
forms of gray and they marched with
he lock-step TO their cells. But there
we're a few at the rear of each gang
who marched, with their arms folded,
to a room in the old west eE They
wore suits of cadet blue that fiued their
figures nicely and their trousers were
creased. Their caps were of the same
material as the suit, with patent leather
bands. The coat and vest buttons were
I.of polished steel. These men we're
prisoners of the frst-class. ant mere
were 10 of them out of total OF ,.
This was one feature of tb most
important step ever taken to Drm
prisoners.
The prisoners begin in the mi 2 of
the second-class. Then, accord to
their conduct, they remain the. are
promoted to the first-class or areIe-
graded to the third-class. The secokd-
always have been. The third-class II en
will wear red suits. The prisoners Jill
be subjected to light punishment Ind
will be deprived of light, books anlfhe
luNuries of the rations. In this depart
ment the Bertillon system of measure
ment is established. The solita cells
underneath the department. f. . tde
three are arranged with every consider
alton of humanity. The cells are clean.
They are furnished with a plank bed,
on which the occupant must sleep with
out pillow. Thirty days is the limit
of confinement in a solitary cell. The
! cell is not absolutely dark.
The interior of the new department
, for first-class prisoners is clean and
looks well. The finish of the walls
! produces a brick and brown stone eff.
| feet. The 80 cells are made of burglar
proof steel. They are five by seven feet
and eight feet in height. The beds
hang by chains and are folded to the
walls when not in use. There is a sink
to each cell and faucet for running
water. The floor is carpeted. The SAM
| tary arrangements are excellent
| There is a small cabinet to hold the
| dishes when the men eat. In each eel
are molasses cup, a vinegar jug
| plates, brush, knife, fork and spoon anC
| salt and pepper cruets. a chair, a mir
! ror, lamp and rack and shelf complete
| the furnishings of the cell. Each eel
! is furnished with a radiator that en-
| ables the occupant to regulate the heat
The corridors are well lighted. The
| tiers are divided into two sections anC
between them there is a passage wide
! enough for one person to pass. In thi'
/ passageway is placed the apparatus fol-
ventilating and heating the depart
ment. BY the operation of this APP
paratus constant and plentiful supply
Of pure air is secured. There are glass
: spyholes in the walls of the cells in thi
passage, and through these spyhole:
/ officers can see the prisoners withou
having to look through the door. A,
/ each prisoner shuts his door an indi
Gator at the end of the prison shows
| that he is locked in.
There is a separate kitchen connected
with this department.. The ration
are boiled rice, bread, butter, coffe,
and mOlasses for breakfast; corneC
! beef, cabbage, potatoes, turnips, car
rots. corn bread, butter and coffee TO
dinner, and bread, butter, gingerbread
and cocoa for supper. A movable IA
ton server is wheeled up to each cell
How do you like it ," asked the wardel
of one prisoner. Every much" ''Thinl
you viii stay there?" II will try to.
The men there get butter three time
! a day, while the second-class men hav
! this luxury only three times a week
/ The third-class men will forget tn
taste of butter
Once in two weeks the men in this de
| partment are allowed to meet for lit
erary and other intellectual exercises
/ They will be allowed to debate on
/ given subject. In the interim between
! the meetings the warden will furnish
| the men with books on the subiec
| which is to be discussed. The mel
/ Will be furnished with a better grad
Of tobacco and they will be Above;
the use of light in their cells until s.:
in the evening. They may write one
a week to their friends. The prisoner
TO be eligible for this department mus
be generally cheerful and obedient t
the rules. They must be of sound mint
, and in their cases there must be al
absence of punishment for the 81.
months Reconsideration Courant.
Russia's Greatest Ambition.