THE MARYLAND PENITENTIARY
The annual report of the Maryland Penitentiary for the year 1913, which has recently been issued, must be of particular interest to all those that have followed the fortunes of that penitentiary during the past years. The report is full of meat. But most interesting perhaps, is the list of reforms instituted during the year, as given on page 14.
Night schools have been established for both male and female illiterates. The lock-step has been abolished. The uniforms of the male prisoners have been changed from stripes to dark grey, and those of the female prisoners from blue check to dark grey. China dishes and aluminum spoons are used instead of tinware. The male inmates make a detour of the grounds in going to dining room and shops, and are permitted to exercise in the open air for three-quarters of an hour on Sundays. They march two abreast, and each inmate is allowed to converse with his companion. The female prisoners are allowed to exercise in the yard three times a day on week days, and on Sundays for about two hours.The convalescent sick are allowed to walk around the grounds the greater part of the day, when the weather is favorable. The prisoner’s hair is never clipped, except occasionally for sanitary reasons when received. Inmates now receive two shaves a week and one haircut a monthgratis. They are allowed to smoke in their rooms. They are permitted to converse in a low tone in the dining room. Instead of one letter a month they now have the privilege of writing every ten days. Entertainments are given on July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dark cell, whipping and cuffing-up have been abolished. Instead of the dark cell a well-ventilated room is now used, in which a bed and a blanket are placed at night. The punishments now in vogue consist of bread and water diet, and the taking away of all privileges, the forfeiture of commutation and in extreme cases, compelling the prisoner who is locked in cell to stand at the door without tension, during working hours.A list is sent to the Prisoners’ Aid Association, on the 15th of each month, so that, if necessary, provision can be made for their care until they find employment. An interne has been appointed, thus giving the institution the services of a physician instantly in emergency cases. This work was formerly done by a prisoner. A steam chest has been installed, so that all clothes from the hospital can be disinfected and washed within the hospital grounds.
Night schools have been established for both male and female illiterates. The lock-step has been abolished. The uniforms of the male prisoners have been changed from stripes to dark grey, and those of the female prisoners from blue check to dark grey. China dishes and aluminum spoons are used instead of tinware. The male inmates make a detour of the grounds in going to dining room and shops, and are permitted to exercise in the open air for three-quarters of an hour on Sundays. They march two abreast, and each inmate is allowed to converse with his companion. The female prisoners are allowed to exercise in the yard three times a day on week days, and on Sundays for about two hours.
The convalescent sick are allowed to walk around the grounds the greater part of the day, when the weather is favorable. The prisoner’s hair is never clipped, except occasionally for sanitary reasons when received. Inmates now receive two shaves a week and one haircut a monthgratis. They are allowed to smoke in their rooms. They are permitted to converse in a low tone in the dining room. Instead of one letter a month they now have the privilege of writing every ten days. Entertainments are given on July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dark cell, whipping and cuffing-up have been abolished. Instead of the dark cell a well-ventilated room is now used, in which a bed and a blanket are placed at night. The punishments now in vogue consist of bread and water diet, and the taking away of all privileges, the forfeiture of commutation and in extreme cases, compelling the prisoner who is locked in cell to stand at the door without tension, during working hours.
A list is sent to the Prisoners’ Aid Association, on the 15th of each month, so that, if necessary, provision can be made for their care until they find employment. An interne has been appointed, thus giving the institution the services of a physician instantly in emergency cases. This work was formerly done by a prisoner. A steam chest has been installed, so that all clothes from the hospital can be disinfected and washed within the hospital grounds.
Surely, where so many and such reforms have been instituted during a year there must have been room for reform, and congratulations for the reforms are due.