The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-01
MICHIGAN CITY PRISON
NEw II HAS INTRODUCED
SOME STRIKING INNOVATIONS.
There Is Little Doubt They VIII Re-
ment of the Big Institution.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
MICHIGAN CITY. Ind, Nov. 30.-A proof
that humanity is advancing is found in
the manner in which the Indian State Pris-
on in this city is now conducted. There
are many unfortunates included in its pop
ulation for whom the sternest moral and
| physical check is advisable, while many
others are victims of circumstances and in
spirit need little Of the means for reforma-
tion that are carried out in the institution.
To the first class the State Prison, as now
conducted, lacks In no respect as a firm
and forceful teacher of the error of their
ways, while to the second class. as we'll as
to the first, the humane and advanced
method of treating the deserving ones is
beginning to remove to a considerable ex-
tent the actual horrors of such an insti-
tuition. In many cases, were ii not for the
restraint from liberty and the stigma of
incarceration the inmate would really be
in a better condition in the institution than
| out of 1t. Every unpleasant feature of the
life that is not absolutely necessary for
preserving order and discipline is being
removed and at times one could almost i'm
agine the institution some great industrial
hotel. The situation at the Indiana State
Prison is remarkably good and the place
deserves to take rank among the most
noted places of reform in the country.
Mention of such features is particularly
timely, since they are now to be enlarged
| upon in the most careful manner by the
new warden, George A. H. Shideler, who
took charge of the institution this month.
Charles Harley, who was at the head Of
the prison for the past five years, re-
signed for business and family reasons,
and has returned to his home in Delphi.
Mr.. Shideler was appointed by the board
of control, Sept. 1, without opposition. He
was a resident of Marion and was secreta-
ry and treasurer of the Marion flint-glass
works. He retains the position of secreta-
ny and is yet a director of the company,
but he resigned the position of treasurer.
He represented Grant county in the Legis-
latures of 1897 and 1889. He was chairman
of the ways and means committee, and did
much for the state institutions in that
capacity. He also was a member of the
board of control of the State Reform
School, but resigned on receiving his pres
ent appointment. Mr. Shideler for years
has been a student Of sociological questions,
and comes well fitted with the best theo-
ries TO put in practice. During September
and October Mr.. Shideler prepared himself
for his important office by visiting the pc
nal institutions of Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Con-
necticut, Massachusetts,, Rhode Island and
Michigan. He went to twenty-five different
places and spent a day in each. He in
spected each prison with the warden and
went into all the details of the manage
ment, taking mental and written notes of
everything hat came before him. He also
attended the National Prison Congress.
which was in session while he was in the
East.
When Mr.. Shideler first went to the In
lana State Prison in his official capacity he
at once made an inspection. He visited
every inmate in his cell and gave each man
an opportunity of seeing and talking to
him. He gave each to understand that he
would be ready to hear an appeal at any
time, If such were proper, and re-
minded each of the necessity of order and
discipline. Warden Shideler announced at
once that there would be no change in Off
cial or guard forces. He said to the men:
The fact that you are here is evidence
that you are lit men for the place you I'LL.
After / am here for some time, and in case
I should find that any one Of you does not
come up to the requirements, / will ask for
his resignation. l shall demand loyalty, in
tegrity and interest in the line of work, and
an intense desire to progress and TO Llore
conscientiouSly and intelligently solve the
problems of prison control. No man Will
retain his position because of his political
party or his ability to control votes. Every
one will be retained according to my judg-
ment of his ability to successfully accom-
plish the duties devolving upon him In con-
trolling the men who have weaknesses. You
are to be firm and kind, realizing at all
times that these men in your charge have
possibly blighted hopes and ambitions, and
though they have violated many rules of
law and country, they are not to be perse-
cuted for deeds done. but are TO be held In
the straight and narrow path and to be
taught in time, by custom and force OF
habit. to obey and to learn self-control;
that when released, either by expiration of
sentence or parole, they may go into the
outer world strengthened for the battles of
life. and taught that under most favorable
circumstances victory is hard to obtain
ONE ESSENTIAL THING.
Mr.. Shideler gave expression to some Of
his views relating to the work before him,
which are in part as follows: I'm my judg-
ment there is no one thing that can be done
by society at large that will benefit a dis
charged prisoner and will lead him into
paths of virtue and rectitude quicker than
to give him a warm hand and the sincere
hope that he may profit by his experience
and keep in the proper path in the future.
Many a man has left the prison door with
the firm resolve to do right. but has been
discouraged by the cold shoulder or society
and the lack OF interest in his welfare. n
few kind words at the proper time may do
more toward the peace and happiness Of a
released prisoner than all the lectures of
a Judge after a crime has been committed.
The trouble Is that men are SO busy with
the affairs of life that they do not take up
with the trials and turmOilS of others, but
possibly. should they do SO. ii would brighten
the heart and strengthen the nerve OF a man
just in the act of falling. My opinion rs
that ~rma in prisons and reforma-
tories will be aided by a few kind words
and a Godspeed granted to the man i'm
mediately upon his release"
1t is quite evident that the prison will
not lack for a competent and vigorous man.
ager. While Mr.. Shideler has announced in
several ways his inclination towards kind
methods II is plain 70 be seen that he intends
to have his methods merited. If ever there
was a time when the inner management of
the prison felt the need of an active, Wig
crous head il surely has passed. as Mr..
Shideler will be the head in fact as well as
N name. His coming and his plans are
highly acceptable to the subordinate
officials and attendants of the prison who.
being men accustomed to enforce discipline
are ready to recognize and accept 1t for
themselves. The principal aids to Mr..
Shideler are NJ. NJ Barnard, deputy warden;
w. III. Whitaker. clerk: the Rev. Harry l..
Henderson. chaplain and DR.. w. l.. Spinn-
ing, physician. One of the prominent things
TO receive a revision at once was the fare
OF the prisoners. Mr.. Shideler made use of