Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-01-09
A VISIT TO THE PEN
Ottumwa Legislators Inspect the
Eft. Madison Institution.
SEN. M'lNTlRE SUGGESTS REFORMS
Tells Courier Reporter of the Needs of
the Institution-His Statements Sec
onded by Representative A. w. Bueh-
anan.


onded by Representative A. w. Buch-
anan.
[From Wednesdays Daily.]
Senator w. A. McIntire and Repre-
sentative A. w. Buchanan made a
visit of inspection to the Ft. Madison
penitentiary this week, trip which
they had planned several months ago
at the request of Warden Jones, who
has supervision over that institution.
Mr.. Buchanan went on a double mis-
sion, one object being to interview
some prisoners who have asked for
pardons. Together the two men visit
ed every part of the institution, in
specting it thoroughly, and the fact
that it is not as it should be is evident
from statements they have made since
their return.
Senator McIntire's Views.
Senator McIntire was interviewed
tive in regard to his views on the con-
dition and the needs of the Ft.Madi-
son penitentiary. While emphatic in
his statement that the institution is
being looked after in excellent style
by Warden Jones, whom Mr.. McIntire
characterizes as one of the most able
employees of the state, the senator
mentioned several points wherein the
institution itself is lacking, and in
speaking of the request for an appro-
priation this year of $4,000 for the
penitentiary, he said that this amount
is none too small for the absolutely
necessary improvements that must be
made.
Cramped Quarters.
"The quarters are badly cramped,"
said Senator McIntire. "In the chapel,
where attendance is compulsory, the
seating capacity is inadequate and
some of the men are forced to stand
during the services. In the school,
where sessions are held fine nights
during the week, the conveniences are
no better than were afforded at coun,
try schools twenty years ago, and |
think the school room should be en-
larged and made more attractive. This
is doing much good, and men who
could not read when they were sent to
the penitentiary are now able to read
the newspapers and write good letters.
The benefit to humanity in general
arising from this school system is OBJ.
vous.
The Hospital.
"The kitchen to too small and the
sewer is only a twelve-inch affair, also
much too small for the needs of the
institution. One of the most deplora
Bile situations at the penitentiary how
ever, is that of the hospital, which is
located above the kitchen, the fumes
from which enter the sick room. The
hospital consists of but one ward ant
people in several different stages o.
illness are sent there. When one dies
it is in the room with the others anG
has a very depressing effect upor
them. This condition of affairs should
by all means be changed.
Four Tiers of Cells.
There are four tiers of cells at the
penitentiary, and the fourth the new
est one, is in good repair and sanitary
but this cannot be said for the othe
three tiers. The runs too, around thu
outside of the three old tiers, are,
suppose safe, but they are of Woo
and the boards are many of them bad
ly worn. They will have to be repair
ed before long"
Mr.. Buchanan Talks.
/ Mr.. Buchanan was also approached
on the subject. and his views in gen
eral are about the same as those eX
pressed by Senator Mc.ntire. He wa
especially impressed with the condi
ton of the hospital, and spoke of tn
effect upon patients in the room a
the time of then death of one of thei
number
A Good Bill.
, Mr.. McIntire, in speaking of the bill
that will probably be presented at tn
coming session of the state legislator
to provide for reformatory at Ana
mosa, said that he favors this bill an
thinks that should it become law |
would have good effect 81 was in
pressed" he said, "by the sight Q
boys and young men who are not oil
enough to be hardened criminals, ea
ing at the same table with men VIII
could not possibly become reformed
think that the plan for sending al
the corvicts that could be reformed t
Anamosa and the more hardened erin
inals to Fit. Madison would prove
highly beneficial one.
ga convict who reforms stands
chance of being pardoned, but ther
is no opportunity for reform anon
the boys who are compelled to liv
day in and day out with the undenis
bly, hardened criminals at Ft. Madison
If 1t reformatory institution was estal
liehed at Anamosa l think it would b
of much benefit to the state. Thi
would not necessarily mean that a
the life men would go to Ft. Madison
: eiti er, for they may be reformed to,
: and may then have chance for
!; pardon.
Much Improved.
: 81 was surprised to see the improv,
; ment that has been brought about 6
5 TT. Madison during the time since
was there few years ago. Then til
!, buildings were in bad state, some {
j. them d,'apidated, but the repairs mad
!. since then under the supervision
Warden JonPc arc of permanenf n.