Year: 1875

THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON CRIME VISIT


RANDALL's IsLAND-THR RESULT OF THE IN


vEsTIGATIoN.


The Assembly Committee on Crime visited the
House OF Refuge on Randall's Island yesterday and
after tour through its several departments took
considerable testimony regarding Its management


Edgar Kechum, President of the institution, first
testified He referred to its general workings and
the duties OF the several standing committees
showed how the history ofevery inmate is recorded
in the books kept for that purpose, and tho man
in which the indenturing committee discharges
tho responsible duties imposed upon It, The wit
ness also, upon being questioned, spoke in regard
TO the sectarian character Of the religious
ton the Bibo Is freely used and the Christian religion
taught The ministers OF any and all crcods could
talk to tho inmates, and havo been in
vited to DO So The nature OF tho punish
mcnt inflicted upon the disobodien unruly and vicious
gone into fully and the records Of all such cases
found correctly noted in book kept for the pur
pose The strap is frequently and the occasion
ally used Investigations or twice had been held
upon the reports that punishment OF great severity
dealt out to the more violent but all such
rumors and reports were found 10 be groundess
The hours of work study and general recreation were
also explained. The boys have time now than
whom the shoe contracts existed, but stli kept
comparatively busy in printing, wire working, siove





tive power being supplied by steam. The boys are
thus engaged, while the girls are in the
laundry and making clothes with the aid
the time OF the shoe contracts had been
able by ovcrwork TO make considerable money which
they had put into the savings bank and the managers
hope that this state of things will agai be In
progress by work done in the printing department.
Great difficulty is experienced by having those
sixteen years OF age sent to the institution Something
should be done TO prevent this in the future IL is
fearful that maturcd criminals, many arc found
Ia hp n nnh MIA Tha
penses OF the institution then referred TO- Last
year there was received from various Sources
Sll7 527 62 being less than 1873 For ten years
past the earnings OF the inmates have been equal TO
rtythree per cent Of the expenses Mr.. RetcEum's
testimony was exhaustive and clear upon every
point


Israel c. Jones, superintendent. then testified but
there but little that elected He went
into long detail OF the work performed by the inmates
their hours in school and what persons had charge OF
them and could infict punishment The health
OF the institution was excellent generally though
at this time about twenty OF the inmates have the
measles slightly. Tho number OF sick at one time
great excess Of many years past Mr. Jones' testi
mony was OF very satisfactory nature and showed
the institution TO be conducted in the most admirable
manner


At this juncure Mr. Townsend, counsel to the com
mittee, went into the depar mens whore the boys and
girls at work and selected of each who were
caHed before the committee. Being examined fully
they had nothing to complain Of well treated got
enough to eat and now could read and write though
before being sent there they were ignorant Of
those requirements Everything went we'll with them
but yet they didn't care to stay longer the
ing with the boy "becausc he couldn't the city"
and the girl because she wanted to get home and see
her mother oftenern All parents allowed 10 SEQ
their children once month, and friends may do so
upon the request OF parents.


Chaplain Charles II Smith also testified and gave la
brlef The character OF his teachings to the inmates
As no expressively put it, 'I believe them good Tor
anybody in any denomination"


The committee returned to the city pleased with
their visit, and from appearances were well satisfied
that the House OF Refuge Is an Institution worthy or
support