New Britain herald., 1930-02-21
5 t a t c Welfare Board Goes Before Trustees of Meriden Institution Today to Inquire Into Reports of Brutal l Treatment of Lads.
Rudolph Brown. IT, of 31 Beacon Street, This City, Dying From Wounds in Abdomen Inflicted by Boy Welding Heavy Garden Fork.

Hartford Feb. 2t lPy - A secret investigation into sweeping charges of gross brutality and inhuman treatment Of the inmates. coupled with alleged generally unwholesome conditions. which may involve at least three Undcr-o officers of the Connecticut School for Boys at Mcrdcn in criminal proceedings. has been under way for several weeks hy the state department of public welfare.
 This was divulged today, as re- suit of the stabbing. yesterday after noon of Rudolph Brown, 17 year old New Britain inmate, who is now in q dying condition at the Meriden hospital. His abdomen was pierced by a manure fork thrown at him by a fellow inmate, while both were working under the supervision of an attendant
 Inquiry at school Today
 Judge Walter II. Clark. acting in the absence of Dr. George C. F. " ilii'hEAiFNr tiA'Hi'lNAt oA lItC N'Ildl ' board and Julius J. Hadley, execu- tive head of the department, were to appear at a specially convened meeting of the board of trustees of the school. at 9 o'clock this after noon in Mcriden, to lay before it the result of the investigation.
 The welfare boG rd, by statute. has power 10 go into all state penal in- stitut'ons 10 investigate conditions in them and to issue orders for their correction.
 Almost Iicndish Cruelty
 The investigation thus far. how ever. has been carried on without going into the school, and has brought out charges of general in competency and almost fendish cruelty 10 the inmates. These charges, il has been learned, are supported not only by boys former ly confined there, but by one of the present officials, James $. Peck. farm superintendent.
 statement By Judge Clark
 A formal statement on the situa- ton was issued this morning by Judge Clark. which was as follows:
 The department of public vel fare has recently received com- plaints of brutal treatment of boys at the Connecticut School for Boys in Mcriden. The secretary of the board has been making investiga- tions for the past two weeks to en- dcaNOr to discover the truth of these charges. The evidence he has se- cured has impressed the board as ! being of sufficient importance to be called to the attention of the di- rectors of the school.
 "Wc called this to the attention : Of the school directors two days ago. and they have acted with commend l able promptncss.
 They called an emergency meet ] ing 10 be held at the school st . o'clock this afternoon at which tim Q
 ider the instructions of our board. i hall appear with MT. Hadley, sec rctary. 10 lay before them such evi- | dence as We have.
 'I appear on behalf Of this board 1 in place of Dr. George C. F. Will i Hams. president of the board. who is in Florida.
 Tt is the duty of this board un- l der lho statute 10 correct abuses, if any exist, through the authorities of { the institutions, if that is practic- able. And it is in accord with that i method of procedure that we appear before the board at Meriden. which i will undoubtedly take prompt meas uros 10 correct any abuses. if con-
 NlnCcd that they exist"