The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-19
THE House OF DETENTION
A Recently Established Institution
Working Very Successfully.
Major Sylvcstcr's Views on Se7arat-
ing Youthful Prisoners From Older
Ones and Women From Men-Work
Begun should Be Followed Up in
the Courts-Junior Republic Farm.

Richard Sylvester. Major and Super!n-
tendent of Police, In his annual report
recently submitted to the Commissioners,
speaks at length Of the history, inception,
and CARRYING out OF the plans relative to
the establishment of the House Of Deten-
ton. He also adds several suggestions as
to the needs of the institution and the
further development OF the plan OF sepa-
rating youthful persons charged with or
convicted OF crime, and of separating
women from men, alike in their trials and
subsequent punishment
The appropriation for establishing the
House OF Detention was made at the last
session Of Congress. The intention OF the
act is stated to be to make such provision
as would save young people, male and
female;- who might be charged with drst
offences in crime or misdemeanor, and
such women as have not become hardened
criminals. from the rugged influences. I'M
happy experiences, and the evil impress
sions gained by Imprisonment in police
station cells.
In carrying out the purpose OF the act
in accordance with the appropriation made
Major Sylvester says that in his efforts
to secure a suitable building for the pur-
pose he encountered opposition from resi-
dents in several localities. Finally" he
says. the premises Sos Eighteenth Street
northwest were secured. consisting Of a
four-story building. which had at one
time been used for department purposes.
with a stable underneath one portion of
it. making it peculiarly well adapted in
every respect for the purpose, except that
It was much in need of repairs. The TIM
bers OF the stable floor were found to be
decayed, and it was necessary to repiace
them; gas fixtures were found to be
wanting, which had to be supplied; two
bathrooms for Juvenile prisoners were
located therein and one for females; port
able wire screens were placed at all win
dows and doors, in order to establish Sc
curity against escape. and at the present
time the building and its equipment in
detail is as thorough. clean, sanitary, and
perfectly fitted cut for the work as can
be found anywhere in the country
Major Sylvester states that hereafter
the majority of women and children ar
rested or detained by the police will be
cared for, pending the disposition Of their
cases, at the House CT Detention. and he
informs the Commissioners that the three
matrors hitherto employed at the station
houses have been transferred TO the House
OF Detention to search and to care for
such prisoners. Other female prisoners
who are recognized as hardened characters
Will be incarcerated at the First Precinct
statiolhouse.
The Reform FavornbIy Received.
The report continues: THE prospects
here for a successful reform are very en-
couraging, and the community has already
passed favorable criticism en- the prepara-
tfons made to carry into effect this ad-
vanccd movement In line with humanity
and the saving of youth from criminal
careers. Your superintendent does no,
hesitate to declare that the establish
ment will prove successful in its conduc.
and results, and recommendation is earn
estly made for detailed appropriation
for the support Of the House of Deten-
tion another year. as against lump APP
preparation as made fer its Inauguration
the ensuing year.
Until the Commissioners can secure
an appropriation for the purchase CT
ground and the erection Of an ample
building to be used as a house Of deten-
ticn, / would suggest that the quarters
now occupied be rented at $500 per annum
SO long as the lessee extends the same
favorable conditions as ere now embodied
for the superintendent at the rate of s2iG
per annum would only be a fair salary
for that officer, whose pay ct this time is
that Of a private in the Metropolitan Po-
lice Force. 81 ESQ year. II is expected
that an officer having the supervision OF
an institution Of this kind should not On
ly be well versed in local criminal mat
tiers, but have coupled with his character
frmness and kindness. intelligence and
energy. which should at once give health.
comfort. and encoura cement to the youths
and others who might come under his
charge.
should receive the present compensation
paid them in the Police Department. $500
q year; three clerks, serving eight hours
each, at 5000 a year, are necessary to
keep all records. reports of investiga-
lions, make and receive necessary tele-
phone calls, communicate with the courts.
and to attend to the manifold duties which
should attach to well conducted estab-
lishment of the kind. One driver is need
ed for the coach. which transports priso-
ners to the courts. thence to the Reform
School, workhouse or jail, and three to
perform eight hours service each. are
necessary to drive the smaller vehicle.
which responds to calls from the several
station houses for the removal OF persons
intended for this institution, for each OF
whom I have made an estimate. the same
a. is paid in the Police Department. $50
Q year. A hostler should be continued
At q salary Of $3.50 per annum, his work
requiring the care Of two vehicles, three
horses, the stable and forage. One labor
er, now paid $3.50 a year, should be en-
ployed to do the work of janitor through
out the building, which means that he
will have beds to make and keep in clean
ly condition, floors and windows to scrub
and perform the other various house
hold duties.
Youthful prisoners. before being al
lowed to 60 to rest In the beds provided
for the purpose. are required to battle, and
are furnished with night gowns. en- inno-
walton that has proven not only accept
able to the prisoners but an object lesson
that cleanliness is next to godliness.
These night gowns. sheets, spreads. pill
low cases, blankets, towels, and other ar
ticles of the kind can be laundered at ar
expense Of S240 a year, for which esti-
mate is made; meals are furnished these
prisoners, morning and evening, at the
expense OF 20 cents each. and it is est.
mated that at least $1,000 will be re-
CURED for such expense during the mex
year. While rigid economy is practicet
in the burning OF gas, IL not being uset
in the rooms where prisoners are kept. Il
fs believed that s240 will be required FOL
the year 1902. For fuel liberal esti.
mate is made in asking for $3.50 for tn,
next season. while $500 is believed to be ,
Sair estimate for forage. based on ex
pertence In feeding the horses in the Pc
lice Department. Horseshoeing is placed
at $50, harness at $780, and miscellaneous
expenses, including repairs to wagons
harness. stationery, beds. bed clothing