The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-03
sUPT. BYERs's REPORT.
Rehearses Circumstances of His Res~
ignatfon-Reforms Effected.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
JEFFERSONVILLE. Ind, Aug AT
the meeting of the board of directors OF the
reformatory tomorrow Superintendent j.
b. Byers will make his eighth and last res
port to the board.
Beginning his report, Mr.. Byers says: "At
the July meeting of the board, without any
previous intimation from you, my resigna-
ton was requested. No reason for the ac-
tion was given except that there were con-
ditions prevailing in the State Of which
was ignorant. The board refused to give
further reasons. 1 was informed by the
president, Mr.. Terhune, that the three other
members Of the board desired to remove me
that evening and install my successor. On
the advise of Mr.. Terhune and other friends,
and not wishing to make the situation more
unpleasant, resigned stated to the board
at that time that the position was unex-
pectedly offered me. and was asked to ac-
cept. The state of uncertainty and agita-
ton that existed at the institution Is no.
unfamiliar to you, but this unfortunate con-
dition due to conditions which
had no control. 1t has been my aim TO make
the institution a reformatory in fact as well
name, and my official acts have been
guided by that intention"
In speaking OF reforms and improvements
he had brought about he says that the
crowded conditions of &C. dollhouse, which
been greatly relieved, thus promoting good
morals, health and principle. He also reg
ulated the rules in force in regard TO con-
finement in the solitary cells. increasing the
rations and decreasing the period OF pun
ishment The appropriation or the last
Legislature has allowed an Improvement in
food, both in quantity and quality, but
there is room for great Improvement in the
way OF furnishing handkerchiefs, summer
underwear and a sufficient supply of socks
Tor the inmates.
There is he says, 119 men in the trade
schools and AS were enrolled In the day
and night schools during the school term
AT the close OF the June term "a per cent.
of these made passing grades
In February, the report says, condemna-
ton system was inaugurated whereby no
issue of supplies was made from the store
ROOM without accounting for the old or
wornOut supplies.
The physical condition and appearance
has been greatly improved, and there has
been no change of officials except for the
betterment of the institution. ..
In the comparative statement contained
in the report Mr.. Byers shows the cost OF
maintenance, including salaries. was for
the same period previous TO the eight
months he was in charge $40. 1851 against
So, 65547 during his term There was an
increase in the daily average of the num-
Der of inmates OF twenty-five. There was
also an increase OF officers and employees
under Mr.. Byers of eight. The difference
of the value OF supplies in the storeroom
at this time Is $2.S5l-Oi over what IL was
i'm the eight months from Nov. l, 1901. I'D
July 81, 1902. The per capita allowance in
excess of 800 prisoners for 1902 was s572-7l
against $1,757.53 for 1901, making a differ
ence of s1,lS4.s2. The number OF men
paroled from Dec. /, 1901, to July 81. 1902.
was 1S9, and during the period covered by
the past eight months 16s The daily aver
age population from Nov. !. 1901. 10 July
Il. 1902, was 500, and from Nov. /, 1902. 10
July 81, 1903 was 934.
In closing his report Mr.. Byers takes &C.
casion to thank the officers and employees
of the institution for their faithful per-
Torrance of duty, under trying circum-
stances. which, he says. is necessary to
make a model institution.
1t is said that Mr.. Byers will make pub
Tic statement tomorrow. after he turns
over his Office 10 Mr.. Whitaker. The new
superintendent is now at the institution.
His household effects arrived yesterday.