The Washington times., 1923-04-15

with a couple or the Grand
It was the first time in the
fifty years history Of the Dis
trict Jail in Washington that an
artist had contributed a little
show for the men and women
there. The pictures came as an
Easter surprise, and they will
remain there during April, to be
seen daily by the men, and once
or twice week by the women
prisoners, when the rules OF dis
cipline permit.
What do the inmates think Of
them, these brilliant compost
lions by Thee ]. Morgan and
Adelaide Baker Morgan, ten pic
lures by Mr.. Morgan and eight
by his wife? What is the atti-
tude toward art in that world we
80 seldom penetrate, unless COM
pclled by unfortunate. circum-
stances, the prison?
LIGHT AND GOOD WILL.
That was the fascinating ques-
ton which had brought Viktor
Flambeau on q new quest just
when he had begun to fear that
Washington thrills were ex-
hausted. It was his first visit
20 a penal institution, and every
thing seemed new and strange.
At the end Of the Lincoln Park
trolley, he was met by the Jail
automobile. driven by q "trusty,"
and Flambeau and the friend who
had accompanied him were
quickly whirled over to the
Washington Asylum and JAIL"
as it is officially designated, at
Nineteenth and B streets south
east, a modest quarter OF the
city, but with plenty Of sun.
light, air and vacant land.
AS the barred door swung back
to admit them they were met by
Major W. L. Peak. deputy super
1ntendent, who offered the OPP
portunity to speak with any Of
the 300 odd prisoners, each Of
whom had viewed the paintings
one or more times since their in
Stallation Easter Sunday,
All about were curious faces,
busy figures, occupied in one way
or another, and seemingly at lib
erty, though Flambeau learned
that most Of them were prisoners
who were TRUSTEES" and very
useful in the work Of the insti-
tuition. There was an atmosphere
Of light and goodwill surprising
to the situation, and as Flam-
beau talked with the prisoners,
one after another, he couldn't for
the life Of him see much differ
ence between them and his frinds
on the other side Of that big
barred door which had admitted
them.
bad MEN" ON RIGHT.
Entering the large rotunda.
where the pictures are displayed
on the gray walls, making bright
spots Of color and pretty sugges-
tons Of days in the country, at
the seashore, or among the noun.
tains, one sees on either side
those ominous cages in three
tiers-the so-caIled bad men"
on the right and on the left the
cases Of petty larceny, violations
Of the Volstead act. and similar
offenses.
A double wire screen protected
the lowest tier. where visitors
stand to talk with their friends.
Signs read: Visits must not ex-
coed fifteen minutes" and wis
itors must not pass anything
through this screen to prisoners. 4"
The first man introduced was
q college graduate, not yet SEN
fenced, but one who had served
time elsewhere and was likely
to remain in prison for some
time. young fellow. too easily
seduced by dope and his ability
to initiate handwriting. He liked
the pictures, yes indeed!
The boat scene of the ships
IN harbor at night, that Is my
favorite," he said, referring to
Morgan's remarkable Moonlight"
which has been called one of the
very best things he ever painted,
q picture full of weird light and
mystery.
The prisoner flushed deeply
when asked If he would object
to being quoted by name. and
begged to have his name with
held. He said that he was act
ing as librarian. and that from
the tastes of the men, as hs
knew them. the pictures wer,