Little Falls herald., 1914-10-16

tuition for first offenders in felony only
is the State Reformatory located at
St. Cloud. Sentences to this institu-
tion are entirely on the indeterminate
plan, with the age limits ranging from
sixteen to thirty years. The only fixed
terms are those in the case of federal
prisoners and boys transferred from
the state training school at Red Wing
who are under the jurisdiction of the
reformatory officers until they attain
their majority.
The reformatory, which is under the
direct charge Of the state board of
control, was established in 1889, and
during its existence has housed nearly
5000 persons. Its present population
is about 525. Six Indians are included
in the registrations.
The work Of the institution is con
Quoted along correctional and reform
atory lines, and in consequence there
is a constant movement Of prisoners.
Here the parole system has full swing
and through it's application large
number are released yearly.
The Parole System
In granting paroles only those cases
meeting certain requirements are con-
sidered, and during their pendency, a
constant watch Of those paroled is
maintained by the boards agents. AS
sured employment is the first requisite
to a parole, and sobriety and good con-
duct are imperative. Regular reports
are required. On August, 1912, 1873
men were out on parole, and in the
year which followed additions were
made to the number Of 1O9. On Aug
ust l, 1913, the number Of men On pa
role was 125, to which was added IS
during the following year.
Naturally there were some viola
tions of the paroles granted, but they
were few as compared with the num-
Der issued. Most of the violators were
returned to the reformatorv and are
now serving their terms.
Industries in Operation
While this institution is not self
sustaining to. the same extent as the
state prison at Saltwater, the inmates
do considerable toward their mainten-
ance and in keeping down the ex-
penses Of the institution. Located on
the extensive grounds is one Of the
finest granite quarries in the state.
From this quarry has been taken prac-
tically all Of the stone used in the
of the reformatory Guild
Fings, and the quarrying, cutting and
placing Of the same has been done en-
tire1y by the inmates. In addition
there is an extensive stone crushing
plant, the product Of which enters ex-
tensively into the state road expert
mental work, the material being fur
nished free to the State Highway Com
mission.
During the two years ending with
August last the reformatory nlant
crushed nearly $4,000 cubic yards. OF
this the state highway commission
used nearly 1900 yards in road work.
Had the product of this crusher been
sold on the market at the low price Of
say $40 cubic yard it would have
realized the institution over $4,000.
The cost to the state for the crushing
of this rock, which includes officers
salaries, prisoners wages, machine re-
pairs and maintenance Of the men en-
ployed, was $22,389.35.
A new crusher Of added capacity
has just been installed, which will Of
course furnish much larger amount
Of road material, but will of necessity
add considerably to the operating ex-
penses. This added cost and the in
creased expense in delivering the pro-
duct of the crusher to the state high
way commission the board will bring
to the attention Of the coming 1egis-
lature. In the matter of cut stone the
total value Of the product for the past
two years is $65, ,544.48. Practically
all Of this stone was used in construc-
tion work on the reformatory grounds.
Another line Of employment is that
Of garment making. In the factory
attached to the institution is made all
the clothing used in the reformatory
besides clothing for several other state
institutions in charge Of the board.
Book credits for this industry show
13,51563 for the reformatory alone.
In addition clothing valued at nearly
$4,000 has been sold to the other
state institutions.
Besides the two industries named
there is an extensive farm, q cabinet
shop and blacksmith shop. All three
contribute to the maintenance Of the
institution.
Special Medical Care
Besides medical care all inmates Of
the reformatory now have the benefit
Of dental department, with a salaried
operative, and last year dental work
was done at cost TO the state for
material used Of $500. The cost out
side Of the institution would have
been in excess Of $1,000.
Commenting upon the work Of his
department the reformatory dentist
urges either the oratuitous distribution
by the state Of tooth brushes to the
inmates, or that thev be permitted to
buy them on entering the institution.
There has been only one death at
the reformatory in two years, which
speaks well for the sanitary surround
ings Of the inmates.
Congressman Chas. A. Lindbergh was
in the city Wednesday, enroute to
Aitkin county, where he will make
several campaign speeches during this
week.