The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-16
Superintendent Lynn Denies the Re-
ports Made TO Rev. Mr.. Martin.
AN ADDITION TO The PENlTENTIARY.
Plans Drawn Up by Architect West which
VIII be Submitted to the Legislature
for Approval--It VIII Cost
About 100000.

1
made by the Rev. Hugh Med.
Martin, pastor OF st. Luke's Epis-
copal church, sgainst the officials OF the
| penitentisry i'm referene to the manner
in which he claimed that certain prisoners
| were treated. The charges were in brief
\ that some Of the prisoners were being
excessively and oruely punished from time
to time for violation OF the rules of the
| institution and other offences.
excessively and cruelty punished from
has been one of the most jealous and
earnest OF the Sunday school teachers
at the pententiary Sabbath school. He
has taken a lively interest in tho well
fare OF the convicts.
COULD BE PROVEN.
Mr.. Martin claims that he learned from
several OF the convicts whose names ne
declined 10 give that they were excessive
ly whipped for offences OF various kinds,
and the reverend gentleman stated last
time to time for violation OF the rules OF
these statements were true. He added
that he thought these charges could be
proven before "A committee appointed 20
investigate the condition of affairs pre-
yailing. The men who told him OF these
things he thought were truthful, and sew
eral gentlemen to whom he communicated
what he had learned had agreed with
him.
II do not know whether or not the
Legislature will investigate the condition
OF affairs at the penitentiary." said Mr..
Martin. but tho object had in commu-
nicating what / had learned to seVerai
gentlemen was TO try to have change
OF this system with the new manage
ment OF the institution which commences
next month. / think this Will be ac-
compllshed. OF course l know there
must be- some whipping Of unruly con-
victs at the penitentiary. This - ac-
cording 10 law But / am satisfied that
the punishment administered under the
present management has been in many
cases exces sive, and should be stopped.
do not care to, name the convcts who
gave me tho information, nor those OF
the gentlemen TO whom / told what had
learned. There are several gentlemen.
however, who agree with me. My in
formation was gotten from several
sources
INFORMED MAJOR STILES.
Mr.. Martin recently went to Major
Robert Stiles and told him what he had
learned Major Stiles, who is one OF the
members OF the Board OF the Prison
Association, told Mr.. Martin that IL he
wanted the matter investigated, he had
better bring ii before the Prison Asso-
ciatlon OF Virginia.
Subsequently Mr.. Superintendent Lynn.
10 whom Major Stiles had communicated
what Mr.. Martin had told him, called
upon Major Stiles, and they had con-
ference about II. Major Stiles on the
next day, sent letter to Major Lynn.
expressing great confidence In his ability
as superintendent. and saying he hoped
Major Lynn would be reelected.
COULD NOT TEACH AGAIN.
Last Sunday Mr.. Martin went out 10
the penitentiary TO teach his class as
usual, but he found things completely
changed at that place. on former occa-
slons he had been met by Major Lynn
with a smiling countenance and made
welcome guest.
Sunday however. Mr.. Martin did not
receive warm welcome. Major Lynn
had instructed the guard at the gate not
TO admit him TO that institution. The
guard would not refuse him admission.
however. but told him that the Superin-
tendent desired to see him.
Mr.. Martin was demonstrated with by
Major Lynn Tor the charges he had made
against him, and was informed that he
could not teach in the Sunday-schoOl nor
be n visitor 10 the institution again dur
ing the term OF the present Superintend-
ent.
Major Lynn told him that If he had
been told any stories about cruelty at
tho penitentiary he should have told him
about them. and asked that the matter
be looked into lie did not think the
preacher had a right 10 take advantage
OF his position as such. 20 accept the
privileges offered him in that capacity
and then spread any cock-and-b bull stories
heard from conyicts in tho institution.
MAJOR LYNN's DENIAL.
Major Lyann was seen at his residence,
No. l2l south Belyidere street. last night.
He said that he supposed Mr.. Martin
was honest in his intentions, but that he
was simply ignorant OF the whole cond-
tiOn OF affairs "Of course, we have con-
victs whipped" said Major Lynn. when
they become unruly and violate the rules
OF the institution. But each OF these
cases IS recorded. stating the time. Of
fence. name OF convict. by whom admin
istered. and so on. All these reports are
laid before the Prison Association at any
time they wish TO inspect them. We have
nothing to conceal. The punishment is
not excessive nor cruel. and is administer
ed according to the law. Mr.. Martins
charges are simply stories based upon
convicts stories. which cannot be be-
lleved."
OTHERS DENY 1T.
After leaving Major Lynn's house /
called upon Mr. John w Cringan al his
residence. No. 3l7 east Franklin street.
and inquired IL he knew or any unmerci-
ful or cruel treatment or the convicts
at the penitentiary during his long su-
perintendency OF the Sabbath school
there
lie replied that he had never known or
anything OF the kind there and did not
believe that such was the case.
Major stiles, when seen In regard 10
the matter, said he did not attach any
Importance to the charges, which, he
thought. were based upon convicts' sto-
ries He had seen several investigations
resulting from similar charges, but they
always turned out 10 have been started
by convicts who could not be relied upon.
To Enlarge the Penitentlary.
Colonel Scott. OF the Concord (Mass)
Reformatory. Colonel Pettigrew. OF the
Board OF Prison Comissioners OF Massa-
chusetts. and Captain Blackstone. super
intendent OF the state convict farm OF
Massachusetts,. visited the Virginia peni-
tentiarv Yesterday and expressed them
seivs as highly pleased with the condition
and conduct OF affairs there.
They said the men were fed better than
they were IN tine Massachusetts, State
prisons and that the prison here was
kept I'm excellent condition.
- drat IN for