New-York tribune., 1920-06-14
Sp-cio, DLs,ntch 10 The Triburs


OSSlNlNG, N. Y, June 13-With
cheering and baad playing Sing Sings
1000 prisoners and their outside guests
roared hearty welcome to-day to
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Mott
Osborne. former warden, who visited
the prison for the first time in four
years to see his former charges.
Not since superintendent of Prisons
Charles F. Rattigan on last New Years
Day introduced Ma or Lewis l.. Lawcs
to the prisoners as their new warden
has the prison witnessed such q dem
onstration as it gave its former war
den this afternoon. In enthusiasm the
receptions given William Jennings
Bryan, Billy Sunday and John L. SUI
livan when they visited there did not
compare with it.
Mr.. Osborne found many new faces
among the prisoners, but the strangers,
as we'll as his old acquaintance, were
anxious to see the pcnolocist, who not
alone installed the honor system, but
who helped to revolutionize the prison
system throughout the country
Speaks to the Inmates
1t was the first Sing Sing had seen
of MIR. Osborne since he resigned in
1916, after two thrilling years in the
warden's office. in fact, for more than
two years a former Superintendent of
Prisons had forbidden Mr. Osborne to
set foot In 8 New York State prison.
So attendants and prisoners alike
were curious to see how the former
warden would be received. Warden
Lawes gave the distinguished arrival
the "glad hand" He not alone seemed
ri loo " u h,,% Ia
freedom of the prison. Moreover. he
asked Commander Osborne to give the
boys q speech. This Mr. Osborne was
glad to do. In his address he urged
the prisoners to behave and uphold the
honor system and to deal harshly with
fellow inmate who breaks rules or
makes mischief
He urged the inmates to "play
straight" with Warden Lawes, "who is
playing straight with you"
Commander Osborne complime ted
Major Lawes in an interview after his
address. THE warden was very cour-
teous in his reception" he said, "and
the men are we'll pleased with the
treatment they are receiving. | spoke
to many of the men and they all
praised the warden"
II saw many improvements" Mr.. Os-
borne went on. The men greeted me
as Tom Brown" Tom Brown" is
the name Mr. Osborne took when he
did two weeks Of voluntary "servitude"
in Auburn prison six years ago, when
superintendent Rattigan was the pro-
gressive warden there.
Asked what he plans to do since he
has retired from command of the
United States Naval Prison at Ports
mouth, N. H., Commander Osborne en-
plained 81 expect to devote my time
to prison reform work. not in New
York State alone, but wherever the oc-
casion arises. l will act in the capac-
ity of consultant expert. AS l have
had seven years experience l think |
am qualified to undertake this work.
Lawes Greets Osborne
Mr.. Osborne motored up to the front
door of the prison about o'clock and
introduced him self to Nicholas Schat-
zel assistant to Warden Lawes. He
was accompanied by Mrs. Helen
Hartley jenkins, of 232 Madison Ave
nue., Manhattan, and her daughter.
Mrs. Jenkins is on the Prison Survey
Commiss ion, which is studying the
prison system for superintendent Rat
tigan.
Major Lawes, who had never met
Mr.. Osborne, greeted him cordially. He
told the former warden that ne would
take him inside the gates and then
let him go through the prison unat-