The Washington herald., 1911-04-18

AS temporary expedient, and in
order to furnish the immediate re-
lief that is imperative, provided the
inmates of Howard Hall, which is
the criminal insane ward at the
Government Hospital for the In
sane, are to be kept in security, AS
sistant Secretary of the Interior
Carmi Thompson.has recommended
that the number of guards be in
creased, that heavy iron screens be
placed on windows, and that OPEN
ings be made in the doors of rooms
so that the guards can pass water
to patients without being harmed.
REPORT TO FISHER.
Assistant Secretary Thompson, Robert
V. La Dow. superintendent of prisons
and prisoners Of the Department Of JUS
t!ce. and DR.. William A White, super
intendent OF the hospital. have been
making an investigation into affairs Of
the institution since the sensational es-
cape of three maniacs, about six weeks
ago, and the findings were submitted to
the Secretary of the Interior yesterday
On December c3 last a committee, con-
sisting of Surg. Gen George H. Torney,
Surg. A. W. Dunbar. Robert " La Dow.
Maj. William V. Judson. Scott C. Bone,
and DR.. William A White, was appointed
by Secretary Ballinger to consider the
needs and the organization OF the gov
eminent hospital. The committee has
never made a report of its findings.
When the escape of the three men last
March was followed by the exposure OF
a plot of ten others to make an escape,
Secretary Fisher decided that something
should be done, and designated Assistant
Secretary Thompson. Robert V. La Dow,
and DR.. White to investigate and make
a report.
II Is said the reason for the inactivity
of the committee appointed by Secretary
Ballinger. since retired, was that a ques-
ton had been raised with reference to
the status of the committee since the
resignation Of Ballinger.
In his report to Secretary Fisher Mr..
Thompson suggests the committee be con-
tinued and that he issue an order to them
to report at the earliest possible time.
Would Increase Number.
The recommendations made by Assist
ant Secretary Thompson follow:
"First-I would recommend that suffi-
cient number of guards be assigned to
hr,il drrt, fhat
outside of the building may be guarded
at all times, and that the attendants on
the inside of the building should be in
creased, II need be: at any rate, their
services should be so regulated that there
shall be communication between all of the
corridors al all times to a central point,
to the end that no guard or attendant
shall at any time be left alone in the
corridor without the ability to commu-
nicate with some one near at hand or at
a central point.
"Second-The rules and regulations for
these guards or attendants should be
definitely set forth by the superintendent
Of the institution in such a manner as
to be thoroughly understood by each
guard and attendant. These rules, In
MY opinion, should provide, among other
things, that no guard should enter a
room except in the presence of some
ether guard or a superior officer.
Openings in Doors.
''Third-Openings should be made at
each door Of the wards. corresponding
somewhat in character to openings in
the doors of cells in which prisoners are
confined. which. 1 am informed, exist in
most penal institutions. The openings
CHI L1 e,,R1 lot To-
tendants to pass water and small articles
to the inmates without the necessity of
opening the door. and should, of course.
be large enough for the attendant to see
generally about the room. / am in
formed by the superintendent in. charge
that there are funds with which to carry
out these suggestions.
II would suggest that should you agree
with me as to the necessity of some
needed changes and regulations with ref
erence to the ward for the criminal in
sane. known as Howard Hall, that you
direct Superintendent White, among other
things. to make all alterations on the
building, or temporary repairs thereon,
as well as regulations for the government
of the guards and attendants. under the
direction of Mr.. r. v. La Dow, superin-
tendent of prisons and prisoners, De-
partment of Justice. Mr.. La Dow is one
Of the commission heretofore referred TO,
the Department of Justice.
He accompanied me upon my inspection
of this ward, and 1 am indebted to him
for many Of the suggestions I have in
corporated in this report. He has also
consented to give to the superintendent
the benefit Of his many years of expert
ence with criminals and criminal insti-
tutions."
Objects of Committee.
The objects of the committee appoint
cd by Secretary Ballinger. as set forth in
the letter telling them Of their selec-
ton, were as follows:
.'First-To investigate and report on any
defects in the laws governing the con-
duct Of the institution and the commit
ment of patients thereto.
'Second-To investigate and report on
the advisability OF continuing therein
patients committed from the District. and
from the army and navy from distant
points.
.'fhird-To recommend as to the policy
to be adopted relating to the growth Of