Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-31
GRAND Jury LAUDS
MRS. VAN Wrinkle
Terms Her Work With Wom-
ans Bureau as ConStruc-
tive to District.
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shoe repairing, etc, and an opportunity
given to the prisoners, upon their re-
le - to follow legitimate pursuit.
I'VE also find large building pro-
gram is in progress at LortOn, and OBJ
served that the buildings now under
construction are being built with a view
to the safety OF the prisoners, as well as
to their permanency.
Automobile license tags for the Dis
trict of Columbia are made at Lorton,
i in the near future all street cor
ner" signs will be manufactured there.
These two new operations are indicative
OF the progress being made at this in
Stitution.
Find Inmates COntented.
eve further find the inmates peaceful
and contented, and were informed that
OF the entire number incarcerated, but
SIN are confined TO cells for misconduct
and violations of the rules of the Re-
foTmatory. Members OF this grand jury
Intercepted a number of the prisoners,
who were responsive with praise tor the
institution and respect for the superin-
tendent and his assistants. It seems re-
maIkable how strict discipline is main
sonnet of guards employed there.
Sanitary conditions and every ia
cility at the Retormatory are OF the best.
Recreation for the prisoners has not
been overlooked. A stadium, comparing
favorably with our high schools, is IN
the course of construction and practi-
cally completed, with seating capacity
of 1000.
Notwithstanding We find the old an
fFtta tai ,f faI~t a
laundry as done by the wooden tub
process is still prevalent, We learn this
method will be discontinued, and the
laundry machinery installed at the
United States Capitol will shortly re-
place the same, which transfer will en-
able the LOrton institution to take care
of all laundry for the United States
Capitol, the Senate and House ONCE
Buildings, the District Jail, the Work
house at Occoquan and the Lorton Re-
formatory, thus insuring great saving
to the Federal Government.
1--WE, the grand jury, in its recent
visit to the District Jail Workhouse To-
Gated at Occoquan, Va, also found this
institution in excellent condition. A
personal inspection was made in detail.
Supt. M M. Barnard, who personally
escorted the Grand jury through this
institution, exercised every effort within
his power TO familiariZe lis with the
true status of the inside operation OF
this colony. With particular interest,
We observed the cleanliness of the
buildings, inside and out, and find. with
the exception of the women's dormi-
tories and the administration building.
each structure In connection with the
workhouSe is fireproof. well ventilated
and thoroughly sanitary.
Notwithstanding the strict discipline
necessary at Lortor and Occoquan, we
find those confined to these two insti-
tutions are treated In a humane man
ner and afforded ample opportunity for
proper and healthful recreation.
District Jail Satisfactory.
1.-THE visits to the District Jail by
this body disclose clearly that this in
stitution is we'll managed, under the
able direction of COL w. l.. Peak. Strict
order Is maintained, the food furnished
the prisoners Is wholesome and of good
quality and sanitary conditions are un-
equaled for an institution Of this kind.
When disorder prevailed in certain
other institutions In other sections of
the country, no disturbance of any
character whatsoever was attempted at
the District Jail, all of which speaks
we'll for those charged with the re-
Sponsibility of our District Jail.
'Supt. Barnard having in charge the
District OF Columbia penal institutions,
is to be commended upon the construc-
tive work in progress at both Lorton
and Occoquan, and his efficient assist
ants, Messrs. Tawse and Peak, have
rendered, and are rendering, him Splen-
did cooperation.
1.-THE numerous atrocities and heinous
crimes committed by habitual dope
fields. as well as the unlawful use and
procurement OF narcotics, causes this
grand jury to give serious thought TO
the subject after careful inveStiga-
ton.
Dope Peddler Greatest Menace.
"The dope peddler and addict are un-
questionably the greatest menace TO So
ciety. The enormous profits derived In
this illegitimate business, which has
grown to vast proportions. and the great
desire on the part Of addictS to procure
narcotics present difficult problem, In
so far as the eradication of the evil Is
concerned. Yet We feel IL the recon-
mendation embodied in this report is
favorably acted upon the situation may
be materially affected for the better.
"Our investigations have disclosed
laxities on the part OF certain phySi-
clans and druggists in the matter OF
prescribing and filling prescriptions Tor
narcotics. Under present conditions Ii
censed physicians may legally write
prescriptions for narcotics on blank
paper torn from q memorandum pad, a
paper sack or what not, and the phar-
maciSt, unless he has reason to be-
come suspicious of the person present.
ing the prescription, must I'LL the same.
by AN act of Congress the Treasury
Department is vested with authority to
furnish under certain specific regula-
tons and requirements, especially print
ed blanks for physicians in the matter
of prescribing specific beverages con-
tanning more than one-half OF per cent
alcoholic content, which prescription the
physician issues in duplicate to the
patient. who in turn, causes both the
original and duplicate to be presented
to the druggist. The physician, as well
as the druggist, under penalty OF law.
must keep an accurate record thereof
for inspection by the proper officials.
Therefore, owing to the graveness OF
the narcotic situation, this grand jury
feels the question Of prescribing mar
cotcs Is Of far greater Importance than
the question of prescribing for liquors.
wines, etc, containing more than one
half of per cent alcoholic content and
earnestly recommends that the Con-
gTess of the United States enact legiS-
lation without delay providing for the
issuance by the Government of specific
prescription blanks for physicians, SIM
liar to those used for liquors, wines,
etc, believing legislation of this kind
will assist materially III the prevention
of forgery and will better aid the au-
thorities In checking narcotic violations.
Surely greater precautiOn on the part
of physicians naturally Will follow.
This grand jury therefore requests
that a copy of this section Of our re-
port be transmitted to the President OF
the United States and to the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, to be
referred to appropriate committees for
serious consideration.