New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-10
CONDITIONS IN JAILs.
DeuIorabI. State Of Affairs Reported by a
Woman Inspector.

Miss Alice I. Woodbridge. the prison inspectors
for the Wouen's Prison Association OF New-York.
IN her report for 1908 declares that she IS Ted to
question strongly whether We are living IN tns
advanced state OF civilization which claim Th-
conditions found IN many falls might have existed
IN the Dark ACES She says that IN some Of the
falls absolutely attention seems Is be paid To
the county laws which supposed 20 govern thef-
construction and management; that they Ars
schools OF crime and immortality
The law for separation OF prisoners Is not en-
forced and IN the counties containing no largs
cities courts other than police courts are held only
twice a year. and men and women awaiting trial
often spend four and ave months IN jaiL subjected
20 the same conditions as those sentenced. and
uingling freely with every variety OF criminal
In many falls" she says. "the plumbing Is DE-
fectve ventilation Is bad. and tie sleeping sccom-
nlodat!ons beggar description In the majority o:
jaiIs beds used are supposed TO Be washed oacs
twice year"
She found that seven jaiIs IN the Stats contain
no bath prisoners. and that twenty -four shertns
think they have no power 70 compel prisoners tn
bathe She adds that the average prisoner Is nos
.; al likely to battle unless compelled to do So"
As TO religious services held IN such prisons. she
says: "Besotted and degenerate and women.
sitting in the semi-darkness OF jail corridor with
* an Counties supply tobacco for prisoners while
some DO not supply IOwels), are not Likely to com
prehend very clearly an invitation 20 oecorns purs
Her report Of the New-York County jan. IN Lud-
low st and Essex Market Place is one OF the most
favorable submitted She speaks Of the clean beds.
hne bathroom. containing an enamelled tub. th-
open plumbing. and Jns hight cells.
In her concluding remarks Miss Woodoridse
pleads appointment and compensation OF
woman In every Jail 20 take charge OF the women
prisoners for suitable reading matter 70 Do pro-
vided. and for bedding 20 be washed weekly and
after the expiration OF the sentence OF each person
using
The penftenriaries are n striking contrast 20 ths
county aiis In these institutions order and clean
Eless are exacted and discipline is maintained.
Nnen IT. is realized that over Two n1ndI 60 women
are received monthly at one station house Ia the
TeuEerIoIn district or New-YOrk City. as Mss
WCOd8ridEe reports. the need OF matrons Is plainly
seen. vet the quarters to which some marrons ars
assigned and the attending lnconvenlsnces ulaAs u
auyLllDE bur desirable place
Ia discussing the prisons OF New-York Miss Wood
bridge reports that the accommodations Tor women
are UNNECESSARILY bad. There modern ac-
comuoda mons and the clothing with which they
are provided IS tnn for winter wear. She pro-
poses that the Prison Commissioners and other
O5iciaIs End great difficulty In providing employ
rent for the inmates Of the institutions under their
supervision. rley miElr set them 70 work manu-
featuring material for knitted underwear. az the
prisoners a. Kings County Penltentiary are taught
90. and in this way warm clothing could De pro-
vi1eQ-