Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-01-17
CONNECTS TO BE GRADED.
New Disciplinary Departure in the
Wisconsin Penitentiary.

Waupun, Wis, Jan. 12.-The plan
of John j. Roberts, warden Of the
state prison located here, to grade the
the state board of control and the sys-
tenn will be put in effect as soon as pos
sible. The warden has been instruct
ed to purchase 500 yards of striped
material for second grade mems suits
and 200 yards of red for the third
grade. The warden's recommendations
regarding discipline have not yet been
adopted by the board, but 1t is be-
lieyed they will be. Warden Roberts
proposes to have three grades-frst,
second and third. In explaining the
system the warden says: Il would
grade the entire population as second.
All of those graded second at this time,
whose condition is without fault for
six months [ would advance to first at
the end of that period. All who from
the nature and frequency Of their Of
lenses give evidence Of incorrigibility,
would degrade as soon as it becomes
apparent that to degrade would have
a salutary effect on the offender and
the inmates in general. A man in the
third grade will remain there until
he gives evidence of good reformation.
In no instance will an advance from
third grade be made inside Of three
months from degradation, and an ad-
vance from second grade will not be
made sooner than six months from
entry to that grade. Extraordinary
conditions will occasion deviation
from these limits quite often, anticj-
pate. All convicts received will be
graded second. Unless degraded in
the meantime, they will be advanced
to first at the end of six months pro-
baton, he will not be advanced be-
fore six months from date of last re-
port have expired. No one will be
retained in first grade whose conduct
is not perfect"
Speaking of distinction and privi-
leges the warden says: "All in the
first grade will wear a. black uniform
cap and gray coat, vest and pants
without stripes. They will be excused
from hair-clipping, but will be re-
| ouired to wear their hair cut after a
uniform pattern. If a first grade man
becomes negligent Of his personal ap-
pearance and shows such a lack of
self-respect as not to appreciate the
opportunity given him for improving
| his appearance, he will be reported
and thereby degraded. Presentments,
of course, require cleanliness and
neatness of person.
"Privileges of first grade as to
mail and visitors will continue as
under existing rules for, all inmates.
! Privileged positions in domestic work
of the institution will be filled by
| first grade men only. First grade
members will eat breakfast and din
rer in the mess room on the first
floor, to be designated as first grade
mess room,' and will have the best
variety of food prepared for inmates.
| Supper will be eaten in cells as here
tofore with no distinction between
grades. Members of all grades will
(; be smoothly shaver until they receive
| shaving tickets A shaving ticket
! will be given each inmate six weeks
before his discharge, and it will ex-
cuse the holder from shaving and
hair cutting. Only the first grade
will be given the liberty of cell rooms
Or yard ON holidays.
"The second grade prisoners will