New-York tribune., 1915-11-09
invitation Issued as In
quiry Begins at White
Plains.
TEST OF SYSTEM,
COUNSEL ASSERTS )
Principal Keeper First Witness
CaIled-Welfare League Rec'
ords Reported Missing.

Thomas Mott Osborne will throw sing
Sing open to whatever Investigations
the grand jury Of Westchester County
cares to make into any or all Of its de-
partments.
This was announced yesterday by
Huntington y. Merchant, the warden
attorney. who accompanied him TO
White Plains when the grand jury was
sworn in and started its inquiry into
the PRISON. affairs. II was further IN
dorsed by a letter which Mr.. Osborne
wrote to Frederick L. Weeks, the DIS
trict Attorney. formally stating his pro-
posal
1--WE have asked for and expect TO get
a full investigation of affairs at Sing
Sing" said Mr.. Merchant, speaking Tor
the warden. I'VE do not recognize any
politics or personalities in the grand
Jury Investigation.
"The question is simply this-whether
the prison has improved since Mr.. Us
borne took charge, or not? IL is merely
a test Of his system OF prison govern
ment. Nr. Osborne is willing to turnisn
the Grand iurv with all the facts and
records at his command, and has asked
70 90 before them. He will write Mr.
Weeks tonight. inviting all the jurors,
or as many as desire TO come, 10 Vlsl'
Sing Sing and stay as long as they IKE
in whatever capacity they choose 70
present themselves.
Saws Comparisons Must BE Made.
"The biz question which the investiga-
ton must solve is whether conditions
have improved since Mr. Osborne TOOK
charge at Sing Sing. To determine TINS
conditions under previous wardens and
systems must be examined as wen as
those existing under the present war
den. The question cannot be determined
without this comparison
Before the close of the investigation
the warden will appear before the jury
District Attorney Weeks said yesterday
afternoon.
81 have obtained the consent OF the
grand jury to have Warden Osborne
appear before them ne said. i have
nothing further to give out
"Will you accept the invitation OF tne
warden TO visit Sing Sing?' he was
asked. =,
81 have nothing further to give out,
the District Attorney repeated
Little work was done yesterday oy
the Jury. which occupied most of the
morning in listening to instructions de-
livered by Justice Morschauser:,
He pointed out in his charge that the
nubIic records and all institutional
buildings in Westchester County were
open TO their investigation, and laid
stress on the necessity OF secrecy IN
the proceedings. He also emphasized
the necessity of guarding against care
less indictments.
Grand Jury Begins Work.
Following their charge, the grand
adjourned TO the District Attorneys 8
office. where the investigation was Of
ficially begun. .,
Andrew B. Buchanan, a retired oil
cloth manufactures, of Cortland, was
chosen foreman. Three of the twenty
three other members are from Ossin-
ing. , n.
horne. accompanied by Mr. Merchant
and James +. Egan. of 20 Vesey Street,
his other counsel, went TO White Plains
by automobile.
The warden appeared cheerful, al
though he looked rather drawn and
haggerd.
"At the request of my friends he
said. with a laugh. when questioned, i
have placed myself in the hands OF my
LAWYERS. The only trouble with them is
that they want 10 do all the talking
You'll have TO see them"
George W. Kirchwey, Mr.. Osborne S
present deputy, did not appear, although
the warden said Sunday night that he
was expected to meet the party al
White Plains. =,
Frederick Dorner. the bronzed faced
white-haired "P. X" of Sing Sing, was,
it IS understood, the first witness called
b. the Jury. He presented records OF the