The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-08-18
Failure of Commission to
Mention Michigan City
ArOuSeS Comment.
KUNKEL CUSTER limited
Observers Hear Persistent
Reports That Warden
Will Go.


tionally famed criminologists. after
Investigations at an penal and cor
regional institutions and hospitals
and a study Of the states parole
system.
The 30000-WOrd report, which was
expected 20 make definite and plain
spoken recommendations for changes
IN the manner of conducting the
Michigan City institution, has failed
thus far to make any mention OF
the much publiCized prison.
The "detour" today gave rise 20
hints that Governor McNutt &C
tuallv had been given a supple
mental report which asked removal
Of Warden Kunkel among other
drastic changes.
Heat" Is on Kunkel
The heat" has been on Mr.. Kun
kel almost continuously since last
September when ten cOnvictS, sew
eral of whom turned out TO be the
worst bad-men of the John Dill
linger gang. shot their way out OF
prison.
Since that time. one major escape
and a score or more of WalkawayS
have kept Mr.. Kunkel IN hot water
and subject TO nationwide criticism
The criticism was one of the rea-
sons prompting the Governor to cal
the commission of crime experts to
Indiana for a survey.
With such prominent penal ex-
perts as Sanford Bates, director OF
federal prisons: Lewis E. LaweS
warden Of the famous Sing Sing
prison. and Burdette Lewis. director
az the American Public Welfare As
sOciatIOn. along with others almost
equally prominent. on the commit
tee. the general opinion was that
Indiana'S penal system was ready
for a housekeeping.
Instead the reports-at least those
so far made public-have made nc
mention of the main issue.
Capitalization Is Urged
The committee has dwelled chief
" on establishment of a centralized
public welfare organization: a state
sentencing and parole court: county
units of public welfare; enlarge
ment of the state highway police
patrol and creation of interstate
agreements 10 effect greater CO.
operation in the capture and release
of criminals.
Capitalization of all public vel
fare under one head occupied the
major portion of the lengthy re-
port. Under the proposed plan, a
director. named by the Governor
would control all probation work in
the state. His powers virtually
would be unlimited. and he would
be secondary 10 the Governor in
administrative strength.
Relief. social adjustment and re-
Mobilization. pardonS. paroles anC
supervision Of all penal and cOrrec-
tiOnal institutions and state hos
pitals would be under the welfare
supervisors direction.
WAYNE Gov. underSeeTetary 10 the
Governor. and recently named
acting director" of Indiana emer-
Cencv relief. Is believed 10 be II
line for the welfare division pos
when the department finally is put
into operation.
Gov Holds Books Job
Gov was named 10 the position
formerly held by William H. Book
Coy takes over the work Monday
Recommendation for a central sen
fencing court was another Sug
gestion given the go sign" by TN
committee.
The court would % composed o
Judges and others especially trained
in social welfare work and wei
verSed IN CriminOlOgy. Under hi
proposed plan. criminals. convicted
IN circuit and criminal courts o
The various counties. would be sen
fenced BY the central court prob
ably located here n indianapolis
The purpose Of the court would 81
10 make an individual study Of TIT
offenders case and sentence hin
accordingly.
The committee took cOgnizance o.
the wide variance Of types of sen
fences imposed for similar crimes
II suggested that % laws be passed
reducing excessive minimum sen.
fences: - simplifying description.
Of ofenSeS IN order 70 avoid dupli.
cation and overlapping. and ~ q
provide an indeterminate sentence
in substitution for the numerou.
short sentences now imposed upOT
offenders sentenced 10 the prison
in county Jails and the state pena
farm
Urge Two New Prisons
Touching upon the subject o.
state institutions. the COMMITTEES
recommended that two new prison.
be built. but recognized the fact tha
funds we're not available.
Intermediary reformatOrieS fol
young men and women offender!
we're urged 10 be constructed. Tht
womenS prison, which Governor
McNutt says. is in terrible Condi
ton. Is no place for Young womei
offenders" the committee said.
The committee recommended 81
immediate appointment OF a quail
fec woman cOnSultant in institu
tionaI work TO draft plans for mod
ernization OF the state girls SchOo
az ClermOnt.
Establishment Of a system o
. more modern training and consul
tation Of BOYS az the state boy
school also vas recommended.