The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-07-01

the warden to get him to commit
himself.
The basis for these interviews
were the articles of Court Asher,
appearing in newspapers in the fall
of 1926. After several articles had
appeared there were certain state
ments made that led prison officials
to believe that the petitioner was
smuggling" out mail, and they
were making investigation.
Refused Statement
c. There is no evidence of threats
which the prisoner said were made
because he would not sign "protec-
ton papers" At petitioners request
he was granted an interview with
the warden. IN
He asked the privilege to repudi-
ate Court Asher by public state
ment in the newspaper. This priv
lege was properly denied. Accord
ing to statement of four officers he
was asked if he would make an aff1-
davit dneying any connection with
the articles mentioned, and refused.
He was asked in seclusion in a
regulation cell which was screened
to prevent passing Of written COM
munications. This was not meant
as punishment, but one means I'M
dertaken to prevent this communi-
eating with forces outside of prison.
He was told on this occasion that if
he was smuggling out letters he
would be punished as any other
prisoner would be.
d. Prisoner withdraws charge that
he wa sshoved downstairs and posi-
lively states that it was purely an
accident for which no one except
himself was responsible.
Solitary Confinement
e. Prisoner was confined in soli-
tary cell as punishment for the seri-
Gus infraction OF rules, that of
smuggling out" letters. Officers
state he was confronted with the
charge, but prisoner denies this.
The charge was supported by
sworn statements of two officers who
admitted carrying out his letteC
and were discharged for their acts.
While so confined he was given
bread and water for food and a
mattress on the floor upon which to
sleep.
His charge that cells are dana
and totally dark is untrue. These
cells are ten feet long. four feet ten
inches wide and zen feet high, with
a window IS inches by twenty eight
inches near the ceiling in end of
wall. They are equipped with tot
let, running water for drinking pur-
poses. ventilatine stack and proper
heating facilities.
While in this cell he was visited
daily by the deputy warden, a guarS
in charge and the prison physician
who gave him medical attention
when he complained Of headache.
His health, according to the physi-
clan, for whom the prisoner ex-
pressed the kindliest feeling, was not
impaired.
Weight les Pounds
His weight on HAY IS. 1927, was
l65 pounds, and records shows his
height to be feet, ~ inches. He
has some stomach trouble, which
ailment he admits he had several
years prior to entering prison. His
eyesight is failing, but he has had
the service of an oculist and was
fitted with glasses.
His hair is touched with gray, but
not completely gray, as petition
states. He states he was not chained
to the door of the cell at any time
while in seclusion or in solitary con-
finement.
III: MISCONDUCT OF OFFICIALS
In so far as prisoner consented to
testify to this class of charges, his
testimony consisted of differences
and surmises. which in the opinion
of the Board, are not warranted or
justified by the evidence obtained
and we therefore hold these charges
are not sustained.
More than a half million young