The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-31
CONVICT PRISONS
MUCH IMPROVED.
IN 4 YEARS. TIME !.
Warden General Would Help
Find Ex-Convicts Jobs As
Well As Protect Their
Families
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU |
THE AGE-HERALD !
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Dec. 80 |

An appeal Tor the payment OF
portion OF the earnings of state con-
victs to the dependent families OF the
men who are forced to so to prison
and for the extension of the indeter-
inmate sentence and parole system so
the state may keep track of those
given their liberty on parole is con-
tanned in the quadrennial report of
William F. Feagin, state warden gen
eral, which has been submitted to Cow
crnor Kilby, and which has been sent
to the state printer for publication.
Mr.. Feagin said the indeterminate
sentence law which guages convict
and imposes punishment only suffi-
cient to correct him has worked wei,
but should be extended through the
employment of additional parole of
ficers. who would make periodical
visits to the places where the men
paroled were located and who would
aid in finding positions for the men
released from prison.
But the greatest appeal was made
for such change as will permit the
state to take a portion of con
vict's earnings from the state treas
ury and pay IL to the wife and chill
dren who are left at home and who
arc being punished more severely
than the man behind the bars of the
state prison.
improvements Made
The foreword of the quadrennial
report contains a terse statement re-
gardlng the many acts OF the state
during the past four years In it's ef-
forts to improve the condition of the
prisons, saying in part:
hn rl1 fr,D ipp dnub1a an
hunks. equipped with thin excelsior
and straw mattresses. infested with
vermin. have been replaced with duck
tary single iron cots, furnished with
adequate cotton mattresses with duck
covers, two sheets each, pillows and
pillow cases, all of which equipment
is manufactured by the convict de-
partment with convict labor and Is
changed twice a week.
"All of the clothing used by the
prisoners, except winter underwear
and hosiery, is made In its own tailor
shop with convict labor. from cloth
manufactured by convict labor In the
states cotton mill.
Sanitary laundries, with new ket-
Ties and furnaces. have been installed
at each OF the prisons, and men are
stationed in each to mend all cloth
ing and replace missing buttons.
Comfortable and convenient bath
houses. in which hot and cold show
ers may be had, have replaced the
cold tub baths formerly in use, and
the prisoners are required to make
use of these baths frequently. Facili-
ties for bathing the face and hands
have been improved and sufficient
towels. manufactured by the state.
are furnished for the use of the con-
victs.
AII-Time Dentist
THE all-time licensed dentist cares
for the teeth of the convicts and
keeps a detailed record OF all dental
work done and all found needed.
Tooth brushes have been furnished the
convicts and the dentist sees that
they are used regularly.
"One of the most important inn
provements made is in the quality
and preparation of the food served
the prisoners. Modern steel ranges or
adequate capacity have been installed
at each prison, replacing the syrup
kettle method heretofore used, and
the kitchens are equipped with suf-
ficient modern cooking vessels.
Substantial baking ovens have
been installed at each prison and
milk bread OF high quality is served
daily in sufficient quantity. This was
made possible by the inauguration II
a school for training bakers from
among the prisoners taught by a
competent baker employed for that
purpose until "A competent teacher
from among the prisoners could be
trained.
THE prison hospitals have been
improved, equipped with larger and
tettor appointed operating rooms and
arc inspected daily by both the prison
physician and the warden and at
frequent intervals inspected by the
physician Inspector. Necessary majo-
operations are now performed in the
prison hospitals. All new arrivals
are vaccinated against smallpox.
Gambling has been almost en-
tirely eliminated among the prisoners
and religious services are held every
Sunday at the prisons. Nearly two
thousand Bibles and hundred thou
sand high class magazines and peri
odicals have been provided for the
prisoners without cost to the state.
"Moving picture machines have
been purchased and placed in seven
of the nine prisons and entertainment
furnished free to all prisoners Of
classes A and Il.
Twilight schools have been esta5-
lished at the prisons where the in
mates are encouraged to attend and