The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1901-10-08
GRAND JURY
At ASYLUM
Two Women There
Said to Be
Sane.
TO INVESTIGATE
THE SCHOOLS
Grand Jury Looks Into Rock
Crusher Trouble and Visits
Prison and Reformatory.

The grand jury made another trip of
investigation yesterday afternoon and one
which may result in some sensational
findings being returned by that body.
The party first visited the Oahu Insane
Asylum, and thoroughly inspected that
institution The controversy between the
Board of Health and Superintendent of
Public Works James H. Boyd, over the
location of the rock crusher, was one of
the objects of the trip, though the real
cause of the visit is said to have been of
more sensational nature It is reported
that the principal cause of the visit was
the investigation of a story that two
women were being Illegally imprisoned at
the asylum, as result of a plot to secure
their property. One of the women Is said
to have been sent to the asylum at the
instance of a daughter and her husband,
though perfectly sane, and retained
against her will There is said to be an
other case very similar, and members
of the grand jury Investigated these re-
ports thoroughly. The women in ques-
they also conversed with the nurses in
their efforts to get at the truth of the
charges. Whether or not the jury found
enough to justify the return of an indict-
will very likely be presented in the re-
port to the court. Neither superintendent
Master nor the hospital authorities are
blamed in any way for these alleged IL
Legal imprisonments, though the jury
may order the adoption of more stringent
rules. in regard to the admission of pa
tents.
Superintendent Master also pointed out
to the grand jury the results Of the
blasting at the stone quarry, and some
of the jurymen seemed duly impressed
withs the situation, though it is hardly
thought that any action win be taken,
Many of them. though in favor of re-
moval of the stone crusher, appear to
feel that the expense is too great, while
sorne are of the opinion that as the
buildings of the asylum are becoming old
a4a unfit for use, 1t would Be better If
| that institution were further removed
! from the city. The jury will very likely
| report that the asylum is as cleanfy and
weH-kept as present conditions permit.
| The grand jury next visited the Oahu
prison, and were shown over all the
| buildings and grounds by Tailor Henry.
They appeared we'll pleased with the way
the prison was conducted, and made an
examination into every cell and ward in
the Jail Many of the prisoners were
questioned by members of the grand
jury, but generally they had no COM
plant to make, except as to their impris-
onment. Mr.. Henry was also interview
ed as to conditions at the prison. One
objection found by the jury was the prac-
tice, of combining prisoners convicted OF
capital offenses, and the more serious
crimes with those guilty of smaller Of
| lenses, and there was some talk of rec
omrnending the construction of a sepa-
rate prison, which shall be apart from
the Jail.
| The Reformatory at Palama was also
visited yesterday afternoon, though the
party remained there but fifteen minutes
Superintendent Needham acted as host
and the jury was shown over the entire
building as speedily as possible. This
place was also found to be clean and well
kept!
| The party left the judiciary building al
| l o'clock, and 1t was after before the
trip of investigation was concluded.
INVESTIGATION OF SCHOOLS.
The grand jury has subpoenaed q
number of witnesses from among the
school directors and principals, and vii
look into some of the methods and pur
poses of the Board of Education today
! Among the matters to be looked into is
the truancy of pupils, who have beer
causing the police so much trouble
Among other things, the grand jury. +
is said, will inquire into the results Of
the trip of Miss Rose Dawson to the Buff
falo Exposition, and also into the neec
of inspectors, and of night schools.