The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-04-10
CHARITIES BOARD ON
SOMERSET JAIL
Secretary Cornish Reports an Inspec.
ti0n. Suggestions i0r
improvements


ti0n. Suggestions for
Improvements
THE Board of Charities and Cor
rections is interested in the intelli-
gent and humane treatment of pris-
oners and in their reformation and up
lifting through a betterment of their
surroundings and conditions says
the report issued Saturday by Secre-
tary Cornish of the Charities board ON
an inspection of the Somerset county
Jail made March II last. The report
continues as follows:
THE average offender is usually
committed to the county jail as a
consequence of unwholeHome enTi
ronment and lack of will power and
he cannot be reformed by indiffer-
ence and impersoHal supervision, but
by kindness and announcements. 1t
Is not simply question of keeping
a boarding house. That would be
an easy task. The jail should he
kept clean and sanitary at all times,
but the real opportunity in my judg
ment is to extend the helping hand.
The helping hand will really lift a
man from lower levels to higher
ideas of life. 1t is inspiration and
sympathy given to the man who needs
help that arouses the scared con
science 10 right thinking and right
living"
Continuing his report on the in
spection Mr.. Cornish asserts that he
was accompanied by Sheriff John A.
Mooers. THE county commissioners
are required to provide buildings and
equipment and the sheriff Is obliged to
make proper use of them in the care
of the prisoners. Purchase of sup
plies are made by the county COM
missiopers upon requisition from the
sheriff
"Interior cell block is two stories
in height with the corridor around
four sides. There are two large cells
arranged for the use of female pris-
oners and for male prisoners who re-
quire especial attention or medical
care. The jail is heated by steam
and lighted by electricity. The cells
on the first floor are modernN and
we'll equipped. Each cell in the low
or block has a toilet and lavatory.
"There were % prisoners on the
day of inspection.
"The water supply comes from a
drilled well 100 feet.
prisoners are given physical ex-
animation on entrance. Individual
tin dishes are provided. Sufficient
quantities of food are provided. Meals
are served at tables in the corridor.
The Jail was clean throughout.
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE
"The following recommendations
are submitted for the consideration
of the officials in charge of the jail.
every person received at the Jail.
whether under sentence or awaiting
trial, should be required to change
his clothes for prison uniform. He
Should be given a wasserman test.
Positive cases should be given yigor-
Gus antisyphilitc treatments. Daily
open air recreation periods would
greatly reduce the possibility of dis
ease. Balanced rations and careful
attention to ventilation have, no
doubt, contributed to the general
health of the Jail population this year.
Zach cell should be equipped with
stool and box for the prisoners be-
longings. The bedding should con-
sist of mattress, pillow. sheets and
necessary blankets.
Each cell should be lighted by
electricity.
"That each cell on the second floor
be equipped with a toilet and lava
tory.
"Phat aluminium dishes be substi-
tuted for tin dishes now in use.
THE sheriff should give financial
assistance to discharged prisoners.
Discharged prisoners should receive
at least two dollars, sufficient wear
ing apparel and railroad ticket to
any place to which the fare does not
exceed eight dollars.
"The kitchen should be entirely
separated from the furnace room.
While the kitchen was neat and clean
in the morning when the jail was in
spected. it 1t obvious that the proper
place to prepare food is not in the
basement unprotected from the fur
mace dust.
1.-THE apparent defect of association
in idleness and the unrestrained COM
munication of prisoners should be
revolutionized. Academic and voca-
tional training will undoubtedly solve
the problems presented by deteriora-
ton through idleness and vicious
commingling. Its accomplishment Is
a herculean task, no doubt. but 1t can
be done. AS step in that direction
| would suggest that the prisoners
who can neither read nor write he
tutored either by prisoners or per-
sons especially employed for that
work
"The Jail under the supervision OF
Sheriff John A. Moores has been wise
ly directed. The sherif appears to
be man of broad interests and of
warm and sincere sympathy and is
apparently interested in the useful
ness of his jail to help prisoners to
adiust themselves to right living"