The record-union., 1897-08-28
STATE REFORMATORIES.
How They Are Conducted in Some of the
Older States

have general charge and superinten-
dence of the reformatory. They are
appointed by the Governor, with con-
sent Of the Senate, for term of five
years. Receive no compensation for
their services, but are allowed reason
able travelling and other official ex-
penses. The board appoints the Cen
eral superintendent. All other en-
ployes at the reformatory, except the
Financial Agent are appointed by the
Superintendent, and are removable at
his pleasure.
The present Superintendent has been
in charge of the reformatory since it
was opened in 1876. The Financial
Agent is appointed by the Board of
Managers, and he attends to the pur-
chases of all supplies and machinery
for manufacturing purposes, and of the
sale of the goods manufactured. He
is Immediately under the direction of
the Superintendent. The supplies for
maintenance are purchased in the open
market by the Superintendent, who
sends schedules monthly to dealers for
bids. The prices agreed upon and
quantities estimated must meet with
the approval of the Controller of the
State.
Much attention is given to improving
the physical condition of the prisoners.
There is a splendid equipped gymna-
SUM, large enough for 100 prisoners at
one time under the charge of a compe-
tent instructor, and also under the di-
rectfons of a physician. The Special
daily manual training is an attempt to
n oil nd
sions; to restore deficiencies and to ad-
just and balance the functions of the
mind, believing by cultivating the act
ivity of a certain part of the body a
better condition of affairs in the brain
is produced. Adjacent to the gymna =
SUM are excellent baths, consisting of
large swimming tanks, various show
ers, etc.
more complete bathing establish
ment and gymnasium is seldom seen,
The military training is equal to that
of a well-governed military school. The
discipline enforced, military or other
wise, is remarkable, denoting years of
study and experience. 1t is a fact
that this refOrmatory, which to all
outward appearances resembles a pen
1tentiary, is conducted in a scientific
manner in the moral, mental and phys
zeal development of its inmates. Here
are schools of different classes and
grades, and those attending are re-
quired to reach certain average. Fail
ing in this means loss OF one month
earned credits. Written examinations
are held monthly. Each prisoner at
tends school two evenings in a week.
Fro 1ala
trades and the same in the schools.
1t is estimated that 80 per cent. of
those discharged return to prison, AMI
but 70 per cent. of those paroled
commit crime again. In one year a
convict may gain sufficient knowledge
of a trade with which to earn a liveii-
hood upon being released. They are
sent here for the first offense in felony.
if known to the magistrate to be such.
For the second, to the States Prison. 1t
is estimated that 40 per cent. of
those sent to this institution have
come in contact with the courts. and
have been imprisoned in County Jails.
There are three divisions of prisoners.
The second grade, the upper grade
first, and the upper grade second. In
grade second, they are charged % cents
per day for board, in upper first, 81
cents, and lower first 40 cents.
In addition, they are charged with
clothing, and whatever else they may
use. On entering, a complete outfit
is furnished them. Each one is cred
tied daily, with from 40 to 20 cents. ac-
cording to grade and military rank.
Fines are charged against their monied
credits; punishment or loss of time
credits being regulated according to
the offense against discipline If a
prisoner has any money to his credit
when released, it is given him.
Military officers (prisoners) for time
spent in drills are paid per day as fol-
lows: Privates at the grade rate OF
10 cents. Corporals, lower first grade
4S cents: upper first grade, IS cents;
Third Sergeants, lower first grade. sc
cents; upper first grade, 90 cents: Sec
ond Sergeants, 63 cents; First Ser
geants, 90 cents; Second Lieutenants
| 6S cents; First Lieutenants, 20 cents;
Captains. % cents.
DETAILS OF THE SYSTEM.
On entering the reformatory the
prisoners clothing is taken from him
he goes through a thorough cleansing
his hair is closely cropped and a care
full inspection is made of his body, to
note any physical ailments, or deformi-
| ties, and to discover marks that would
| assist in Identification, if necessary
Each convict is given a complete out
fit of clothing, together with necessary
cell furniture, and thenceforth he is
put upon his own resources. The CLOTH
ing consists Of a cheviot jacket. cut in
fatigue style with a row of nickel
plated buttons at the front: two pairs
of trousers; one for shop wear and one
for drills. school exercises. etc: a. vest
| made Of gray diagonal cloth. same as
the pants, a cap of the same color and
material; two suits of underwear. two
pairs Of hose, a pair of low-cut shoes
a black cotton necktie and a red cot
ton handkerchief He is also furnished
for use in the cell two pairs of sheets,
two pillow cases and two towels tin
cup, tea cups and basin, pewter
tablespoon, glass jar for molasses, a
cup for salt, a backing brush and
backing, a hair brush and comb. and a
small mirror.
In the cell there is an iron bedstead
with straw filled mattress and pillow.
double and single blanket. with chair.
a hinged wall table, a hanging wall
closet and a night pail. The prisoner
is placed in the lower first or neutral
grade and he is paid for every full
days work of eight hours at the rate
of u cents per day. He may add to
this by performing more than the re-
quired task. For shortage in task a
loss on the same basis is incurred. He
must pass an examination equal to a
marking of at least 10 per cent. dur
ing his term whether being instructed