The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-15
CoNvIcTS POORLY FED.
Epidemic of Disease in the Mary
land House of Correction.

Epidemic of Disease in the Mary
land House of Correction.
JESSUPS, Nd, July 14.-Dr. C. P. Car
rico. the newly appointed physicians to the
Maryland House of Correction. has dis
covered that scurvy is prevalent; among the
inmates of the institution.
The discovery has been reported to Supt.
]. Jesse Moore. who in turn notified the
board of directors of the institution and
State Treasurer Murray vandver. Direc-
tors stearns and Haines have been appoint
ed special committee to investigate the
causes of the prevalence of this disease.
DR.. Carrico, in making his statement.
said that out of 40 patients now in the
institution there are more than fifty suf-
fering with the scrrvy. The presence Of
the disease is due to the lack of proper
vegetable diet. The disease affects the
prisoners in the mouth. In many instances
those afflicted have lost the teeth from
spongy gums. In other cases these af-
aicted suffer with contraction Of the mus
cles. The majority OF those affected are
barely able 10 stand on their legs.
correspondent visited the institution
yesterday and saw several of the prison
eTS- Of B-4 LliuOfe CITY,
was seen in his cell, being unable to walk
owing to the drawn condition of mis- leg.
He said: Il have been in the institution
for some time and before this attack I
have always enjoyed excellent health I
attribute my present condition TO the fact
that we are poorly fed. The meals, which
generally consist of meat and soup. are not
sufficient for men to live on. The soup is
nothing more than water with a few beans
in IL. Since have been in the institution
do not remember seeing as much as one
potato in the portion CT soup served to me-
He stated that since the present superin-
tendent, Mr.. Moore, had taken charge there
had been an improvement in the food.
John Gray, who has served as cook of
the institution for some time and has
charge of the preparation of meals for the
convicts. when asked what was the menu
served to the prisoners, seemed disiEciined
TO make any statement. But. on examina-
ton, he stated that the soup. which was
usually served to from 3I5 TO 400 prisoners.
was made of about 200 gallons OF water
and three bushels of beans. He stated that
no potatoes were used in making soup.
Since Mr.. Moore had taken charge he had
been directed to use four bushels of pota
toes and bushel and quarter of beans In
making the soup.
Superintendent Moore was not inclined
TO discuss the discovery reported by Dr.
Carrico. He stated. however that he had
found the prisoners were suffering from
the lack of proper nourishment, and. after
making careful investigation. had decided
that the complaints made by the prisoners
were not without foundation. He added:
Il Immediately informed the Board Of
Directors that the men would have to have
more vegetables to eat, and. as there are
none OIL the farm. I insisted that sufficient
quantities should be purchased. The board |
directed nee TO provide what was necessary |
for the health OF the convicts, and l shall |
to give them sufficient food. as it |,
is impossible TO expect them to work when |
they have not sufficient strength to do the |
task which is expected of them. am SUI
prised to find the inmates In such a condI-
tion. They could have been kept healthy
and free from this disease by more lib
eral supply Of vegetables. and while the
old board may have considered it economy
to curtain the expenses OF feeding the pris-
oners. ] feel that 1t is money well spent
in taking care Of their health
The investigation committee will visit
the institution and make personal exam
inat;0n of the condition of the prisoners
for themselves and will report their fnd-
ings at the next meeting of the board.