Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-02
SINCLAIR GETS CAR TRIPS
OUTSIDE JAIL AS SPECIAL
ASSISTANT TO PHYSICIAN
Maj. Peak, However,
Denies Oil Man Takes
Rides for Pleasure.
TREATS PRISONERS
Aids Doctor in Attending
40 to so TRUSTEES at
Ninth Street Wharf.

Harry F. Sinclair, multi-million
oil magnate, now serving term at the
District Jail, has been assigned to spe-
cial duties which afford him an auto
mobile ride several times week to a
branch clinic of the jail at the Ninth
street municipal wharf.
This was disclosed today by Maj.
William Peak. Jail superintendent. in
denying reports that his wealthy pris-
oner had been permitted to go on
pleasure trips by motor.
Sinclair, Mai. Peak explained. has
been on the less-confining assignment
for about two months, riding every day
or so" to and from the wharf in COM
pany with DR.. Morris Hyman, resident
physician at the jail.
Sinclair is drug clerk and assistant
to DR.. Hyman and his assignment to
the wharf duties was made by MAJ.
Peak on the recommendation OF the
physician.
Helps Doctor Treat Prisoners.
Mai. Peak said Sinclair's work at the
wharf was to assist DR.. Hyman in treat
ing ailments of about 40 or so prisoners
detailed to the docks from Occoquan.
This detail, he said, has been main
tanned at the wharf for several years
for the loading and unloading of mu-
nicipal craft plying between Washing
ton and the District Reformatory.
These men are "semi-trusties," who
live in a frame building at the wharf
under constant guard OF supervisor,
Edward Stein of the Ooccoquan force.
They cook their own meals and other
wise live an independent" existence
under restraint of the law.
About two months ago." Maj. Peak
stated today. "Mr. Barnard: superin-
tendent of Occoquan, suggested to me
that a branch of our jail clinic be es-
tablished at the wharf to render essen
tial medical attention to the prisoners
residing there. readily agreed to adopt
the suggestion, and a small room was
fitted up with minor medical and surgi-
cal equipment, such as first-aid kits,
some drugs, etc.
Denies Pleasure Trips.
"Dr. Hyman made a written recon-
mendation to me that Mr.. Sinclair be
allowed to continue his services as
pharmacist and assistant at the branch
clinic. I saw no reason to deny this
request, and since that time Mr.. Sin
clair has made trips to the wharf In
Or. Hynian's automobile several times
weekly"
Maj. Peak declared the automobile
bearing Mr.. Sinclair and DR.. Hyman
was operated on business missions only,
that the route taken was the quickest
available. The route might vary block
or two at times, he said, due to desire
of DR.. Hyman to stop at drug store
and purchase supplies needed at the
wharf, but on no occasion has the car
gone on pleasure excursions OF any
kind.
The visits to the riverside clinic,
Mai. Peak stated, are made usually In
the afternoon and are Of short dura-
ton. There is no definite schedule for
the trips, he said, and no special days
set aside for them. The physician and
his assistant always return in time
for supper at the jail, 1t was asserted.
Public Barred From Wharf.
The Ninth street wharf is hidden
from street view by a high board
fence. The public Is not admitted. The
prisoners some years ago received their
meals by automobile delivery from the
District jail, but this arrangement
proved unsatisfactory, and now the
men prepare their food on the spot.
The present frame quarters are to be
replaced before long by brick struc-
ture. The branch clinic will be set UP
In the new building, it Is expected.