The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-09
MISS DAVIS ADMITS IS
OF CITY PRISON CHARGES
Says Warden Hayes Probably
Will Not Come Back
Lacks Cash.

Miss Katharine y. Davis last night
issued her reply to the charges made
by the state Commission of Prisons as
a result OF the recent investigation o:
conditions on Blsckwell's Island.
Although making no pretence Of being
pleased with the investigation at the
time. which she saws was III timed
because OF the change in routine made
necessary by the passage of the bill
extending the indeterminate sentence
and parole to uie penetentiary and
w~orkhouse. as well az the extended
leave Of absence granted to Warden
Hayes. she now asserts hat the ma.
jority OF the criticisms are in accord
with her views
The reforms suggested have not been
put into effect. she points out. because
the plant is an ancient one and funds
for Improvements have been refused in
many Instances.
Fifteen Charges Admitted.
Fifteen OF the tventy-three charges
are admitted, but a majority OF the
recommendations, Miss Davis says, can
not be put into effect under present con-
diticns. In eight charges che accuse.
the commission Of ex~aggerating.
To the criticism Included in section
% Of the report, which reads, that the
Department OF Correction liz directly
responsible for the administration OF the
New FORK Penitentiary at Blackwelrs
Island and has shown at this institution
neelect of sanitary precautions and in
difference TO the physical. mental ard
moral welfare OF the prisoners she
replies:
we admit responsibility. We claim
that We have shown neither indifference
nor neglect. On the contrary. we have
worked UP to the limit OF possibilities
with results that are we'll known
throughout the city.
AS to the specific recommendations
my answers indicate my several policies
During my term OF office I have found
nothing on which I could base proper
charges for the removal of warder
Hayes. He has served as warden foi
twenty-five years. He ic an old man
have not thought II Just or, proper g.,
attempt to remove W rden Hayes he
cause re Is not a modern penologist
when 7 know he would be reinstatet
by the courts after a fight. which would
not only be useless but m~eanwhil,
greatly detrimental 10 the institution.
W
II have not h~esitated to hold warden.
responsible. | removed Martin ]. NHu",
OF the reformatory when ] had an pls
proof that he beat inmates himself. that
he permitted his keepers TO bea, in,
mates and that he INDUCED in Other
cruelties. such as stand ups for Ave
ten, fifteen. twenty and even twenty-five
nights In succession. Warden Hayes 1,
absent on three months leave OF absence
and It is not expected that he VII retur
to the penitentiary.
Your commission understands tina
We have an Anticipated plant. which "
all condemn. but your report Will
claiming not to critics. this. actual.
holds us responsible for conditions whicl
are directly the result, OF lack OF facili
ties.
I'm the case O. New York's petit,
Offenders 10000 different individual
passed through our department las
, year A. a time when something Xix
: 500. 900 individuals were out of work
II is a question open - discussion no,
: far taxpayers should go in making gu
] penal institutions places where bette
n food and better living conditions ca
he had than Is possible for those VIII
{ are only u~nfortunates.
Habits Of steady and efficient wor
5 is the most valuable thing we can Civ
these men. and Is In my mind III
5 most important, single point of attach
That Is what I am working IN. and |
? this I ha We the support Of the Mayo
! and the city government"
: The criticisms with which Miss a
J takes issue are those that the admins