The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-12-05
EXCELLENT CONDITIONS FOUND.
Vermont Penal Institutions Plense Ex-
amining Board.

| Rutland, Dec. 5.-Never-in the history
OF the state have the public institutions
been in better condition, according to
the statement of Gov. Allen NJ Fletcher
of Proctorsville, made in this city yes
terday, following the first official trip Of
the state board for visiting the deten-
tion houses in Vermont. The commits
sion is composed of the governor, Lieut..
Gov. Frank T. Howe of Bennington, Mrs.
p. +. Hazen of st. Johnsbury and Speak
er of the House of Representatives
Charles A. Plumley of Mortified. The
house of correction was last to be looked
over and here the most radical changes
have been made since the taking over
of the managing by Merton II. l.nulles.
Governor Fletcher said: "You may say
for the board, for ! believe | voice their
feelings, that we think the penal board
has made wise selection in the man to
head the house of correction. The en-
tire air of the place is changed. The.
old and unsanitary plumbing has been
replaced with modern plumbing, the
kitchen thoroughly cleaned, the dining
room now presents an inviting appear
anee and there are numerous other i'm
proyements which tend to make the pris
on more sanitary
In this connection Governor Fletcher
remarked that the board missed many
of its old friends and on being ques-
toned ne admitted that he referred to
the much disliked "roaches."
"Other things needed are better ven
tiIating system and electric lights in the
cells to replace the oil lamps" said the
governor. 'We will recommend these
changes. but from my conversation with
Chairman j, Il. Weeks of the penal
board, | believe they are already plan
ming such changes
Governor Fletcher arranged for the
conditional pardon Of Margaret Fitzger-
aid, and Ada Everlith, both of whom
were sent here from Burlington for street
walking. They were arrested with five
Others but because of their age, lenien-
cy is being extended. Neither is over
20 years old.
Governor Fletcher talked of the other
state institutions visited since Monday
morning, when the board met at Brat
tleboro. The governor said: "At the
Austine institution we found things in
excellent condition and the board was
very fayorably impressed. There are 81
children there, practically given mp as
hopeless, but on Monday we found them
learning to read and write and they will
be instructed until they leave the insti-
tuition self-supporting. There are about
200 state patients at the Brattleboro Re
treat. This place deserves more from
the state.
"At Windsor we Mound conditions at
the state prison satisfactory. The death
house is nearing completion. The new
contract for continuing labor is working
out very satisfactorily and the prison
ers are taking well TO the making OF
shirts instead of shoes. The bonus sys-
tenn is also showing up we'll Under this
prisoner who does enough !
work gets a bonus. On Dee !, after |
only a few weeks OF working contract, |
II men each drew a bonus.
At Waterbury we found 500 patients |
md conditions slightly crowded The !
roof of the new wing is on and this part |
of the institution viii soon be ready for |
1t viii be of great service
TO the state"