The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-03-01


paid all the expenses of the project
for the first year. The chickens
and cows were intended TO supply
the farm inmates only. so that, out
side OF this, there was no other
revenue from the farm.
A visitor who was shown over
the place recently by Mr.. Purdy
saw everywhere groups OF the boys
working by themselves, with OPP
portunities OF escape, but they all
seemed engrossed In their work.
They range I'm age from Is to 80.
When brought 10 the farm they are
placed on honor. They are given
the privilege OF returning TO Harris
island IL they don't like the life on
the farm, but only one has ever
done so. lie was described as lazy
and incorrigible.
There are few hard and fast
rules. One OF these is against smok-
ing. There Is no visible restraint.
Only six boys have run away. and
four OF them were returned within
few days.
They are largely self-governing
and have their own disciplinary
committed Before II all cases OF
breach OF discipline are tried. II
one IL adJudged guilty he is pun
lshed by the rest. either with more
and harder work or with the more
disagreeable tasks. II the commit
tee Is unable TO handle the case.
which r. very seldom. the offender
Is turned over 10 the instructors.
Tho boys are proud OF keeping a
good record In two instances boys
considered detrimental 10 the rest
were sent back TO Harris Island. at
the request OF the whole body.
They go out In squads TO work
under captain appointed by the
instructors. the captain generally
being one OF the older boys OF one
who has shown especial aptitude.
The inmates are kept at the farm
for varying periods. according 20
circumstances. Two of those on
parole have written back that they
are making $40 month and
board Altogether about so have
been released on parole. and only a
very FEW have been reported As get
ting into trouble. Several on pa
role have been unable to get work
and have returned TO the farm un-
I'll they can find something.
The boys do all OF the work on
the farm and the instructors work
with them. One committee or squad
has charge Of the kitchen and the
house. another the stables, another
the cows. and so on. One OF the
boys " cook. one confines himself
70 shoemakipg and odd Jobs. one is
the tailor.
The clubhouse Is about ona-s
ter OF a mile from the main fnrr-
house. and n short distance f-o
the building whcro the kitchen
mess hal! and ether rooms arc. IN .
hunks nro arranged In three tiers.
The beds arc OF straw, over which
ere hlenketa The boys sleep be-
tween blankets.
In case OF sickness doctor at
the New York tuberculosis hospi-
tai ~ Ot!svillc responds.
Tho department o. correction has
made IN nro5ooriat'on sufficient 10
butld and cruip m Institution that
viii accommodate SEQ. There will
be one large building that will be
used for receiving building,
where the newcomers will be kept
under close observation for a time.
In connection with this building
there viii he hospital A dairy
of 40 COWS Will be established and
tho milk will be sent to the city.
When facilit.Ni have been fur
nished II IA Or Dayis's idea to re-
move the reformatory from Harris
Island 70 New Hampton and have
prisoners sentenced TO the farm.
She estimates that she can get $40
worth OF work out OF each boy per
month. and this amount will pay
all the expenses of the farm.