The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-07-20
URGE EXP ANSION
OF PRISON WORK
Managers Favor Added Industry
Instead of Outside Employ
ment of State Convicts.
MONEY FOR STATE WARDS
100000 Saved by Institutions Depart
ment-state Gets Over HaIf-Milion
From Economic Operation
Board Urges Return.

Trenton.-Improved conditions along
several lines at the state prison are
Indicated in the biennial report of that
institution for the fiscal year of 1920
1921, during which James H. Mulheron,
now United States marshal, was the
principal keeper. Extension of facili-
ties for employing prisoners with the
institution is one of the Important rec
concentrations offered by the board Of
managers.
after carefully considering require
ments for various work assignments in
%elation to the qualifications of the in
mates of the prison." the board states,
sit is the Judgment of the board that
the facilities for employing prisoners
within the institution should be ex-
tended, so that less dependence may
be placed on assignment to work out
side the prison wallis
TN selecting industries to be In
stalled in the prison, there should be
considered whether established mar
kets exist or can be created for the
disposal of the finished product, and
the adaptability of the types of work
afforded by each industry to the ability
of the prisoners to be employed. Proper
vocational or industrial training should
be afforded every man received at the
prison. SO that he may acquire habits
of industry, be in in a measure self
supporting in the institution and be-
come fitted to be economically inde-
pendent after his release on parole"
For Rating of Jobs
Both the board and the principal
keeper favored payment of wages to
prisoners according to standardized
wage scale, rating Jobs at which
prisoners are employed in the order
of degree of skill required and value
of work performed.
The report attributes increased con-
tentment among inmates to privileges
afforded by the operation of the prison
store. Prisoners in the first grade are
permitted to make purchases to the
value of $6 month, provided they
have sufficient funds to their credit.
Goods handled include toilet articles,
AJnderwear, hosiery, notions, tobacco,
groceries which do not require cooking
and fresh fruits and vegetables.
The report of Mr.. Mulheron shows
that during 1919 the average popula-
tion of the prison was 1903; during
1920, 98S, and 1921, 1,019. The prison
population now is 1928.
There was a marked decrease in the
number of escapes, attributed to care
full selection of men for outside work
and adequate guarding. During 1920
there were 26 escapes one from the
prison grounds and the others from
road camps and the prison farm. Dur
ing 1921 there were 16 escapes, four
being from the prison proper and the
Others while working outside.
AS a result of scientific and humane
operation of the prison farm, Mr.. Null
heron said, good physical health of in
mates was apparent The report notes
progress in the development of the
farm and of industries in the prison.
Use for 100000 Saved
Economical administration by the de-
partment of institutions and agencies
in handling affairs of institutions un-
der it's Jurisdiction has resulted In
saving of approximately 100000 in op7
Grating expenses, structural work and
Increased receipts from patients for
maintenance during the past year.
Resolutions adopted by the State
Board of Control urged the reappro-
priation of the money to the depart
ment to carry out its program. IN
cluded in the saving is 100000 from
operating expenses, $115,000 increased
receipts and $4,000 saved in building
construction.
Request is made in the resolution
that the State House Commission and
Governor Edwards as the state budget
officer recommend that the savings be
realloted to the building program at
the institutions. The department will
also make a bid for some portion OF
the increased inheritance taxes raised
x-rhis year.
The board believes that if the rec
concentrations are approved the money
could be used to afford additional fa-
cilities at the Morris Plains Hospital
and take initial steps toward establish
ment of the contemplated home for
of the state. Another plan In contem-
ulation is to remove the industrial por-
fion of the state prison to the Railway
Reformatory and construct another IN
stitution similar to Railway In north
Jersey.
NJ. Fl. Center, formerly steward at
the state colony for feeble minded
males at Woodbine, has been appointed
superintendent of that institution al
$4,000 a year. The structure was 40
mated to the state by the Baron de
Hirsch fund last year.
Ellis P. Earle of Montclair was elect
81 chairman of the state board, sue
cseding former Assemblyman Ogden h
Hammond of Bernardsville. Mrs Il
Otto Wittpenn of Jersey City Is the
new vice chairman. Miss Agnes l.
Mulrey Of this city was again chosen
secretary.