History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 86

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146

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The reform school in 1901 contained from 90 to 100 boys and girls. A num- ber had been committed for light offences, and in a few cases several had been sent there to prevent their association with evil companions by changing their environment, and to place them where they might be instructed in morality, useful industry and the courses of a common school education. Thorough disciplining was maintained, because the great object and effort of the school was to direct the children in the paths of virtue and good habits, and to develop them into respect- able and industrious men and women. In September, 1901, S. E. Young suc- ceeded W. H. Tompkins as superintendent of the reform school, and soon insti- tuted many improvements. Mrs. Young, wife of the superintendent, although not on the pay roll, was constantly associated with the boys and girls, advising and encouraging them and teaching them lessons of industry, neatness and morality. The superintendent asked that the farm to a large extent be devoted to dairy and stock interests, and this recommendation received the hearty approval of the board. It was believed that this step would make the school self-support- ing, as the surplus butter not required would find ready sale at a good price at other state institutions. Mr. Young also prepared to engage extensively in raising poultry and eggs. The board had previously expressed the opinion that actual operations would be more profitable if confined to the raising of live stock, horses, cattle and poultry, and the manufacture of creamery butter.

In 1902 the Board of Charities and Corrections passed the following resolu- tion : "That it is the sense and conviction of this board that it would be greatly to the interest of the various institutions under its control, as well as to the interests of the people of this state, if in the future no relative or member of the family of the chief officer of any institution, be employed in such institution or placed on the pay roll thereof ; and that the secretary of this board be instructed to forward a copy of this resolution to the head of each institution under the

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control of this board." As a matter of fact this resolution had early been enforced in every one of the state institutions up to that time, all the authorities acknowl- edging the justice and wisdom of the requirements.

The Legislature of 1901 had authorized the board to construct new buildings at several of the penal and charitable institutions, to sink artesian wells, etc. Another act of this Legislature was to prohibit the creation of a deficit in any of these institutions. Owing in 1901 to the partial failure of the crops on the farms of the state institutions, several thousand dollars were taken from the mainten- ance fund for the purchase of necessary products which would not have been done had the usual crops been raised. In spite of this emergency all of these institutions were kept within the amounts appropriated for their maintenance. The board desired insurance placed upon the state institutions and applied to the secretary of state for the necessary funds, but was told that the Legislature had not authorized such a procedure. The board rather than run the risk, had the dormitory building at Gary insured and paid the expense out of the cash funds of the institution. During the year there were small fires both in the asylum at Yankton and in the carpenter shop at the penitentiary. Upon request Attorney General A. W. Burtt, expressed the opinion that under the law, all moneys col- lected on fire insurance must revert to the general fund of the state. Action to have this money placed to the credit of the institution sustaining the loss to be used for the benefit of such state institutions was taken. The board recommended that their body should be constituted similar to the boards of Iowa and Minnesota and should consist of three members who were required to devote their entire time to their work. At this time there were five members of the board. The reduction would mean a considerable saving and the board would be just as efficient, it was believed. The members expressed their opinion that the Soldiers' Home at Hot Springs should be placed under their control. They believed each member of the board should be paid $2,500, that a secretary at a salary of $1,200 should be provided and that $1,000 additional should be appropriated for expenses.

By June, 1902, the insane hospital at Yankton was filled with inmates. The rear center building had just been completed, the appropriation therefor amount- ing to $30,000 with $5,000 for furnishing, but this proved insufficient and the building was necessarily left in an unfinished condition. However, by exercising good judgment and practicing the most rigid economy and utilizing as far as possible the labor of the inmates, the building was completed according to plans and specifications largely under the direction of the superintendent, Dr. L. C. Mead. While the building was in process of erection, reports were sent out over the state that the structure was unsafe and that the money being spent therefor was being squandered. These reports induced the board to inspect the con- struction, which was done by experts. They reported that the work indicated prudence and good judgment and that no serious consequence need be anticipated. In April, 1901, Dr. V. W. Roth had resigned as superintendent of the insane asylum and Dr. L. C. Mead had been appointed in his place. At this time a thorough examination and inspection of the asylum was made, several improve- ments were commenced and the institution as a whole was reported in good con- dition. During the first year of this biennium 105 patients were admitted, 28 were discharged recovered, and a total of 626 were treated. At the end of that year there were 527 inmates. During the second year 132 patients were admitted,

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39 were discharged recovered, and 666 were treated. At the close of the second year there remained in the hospital 564 inmates. The walls of the new rear center were of Sioux Falls granite with Kasota limestone trimmings. The build- ing was well constructed, and was 63 by 123 feet and three stories high. In the basement were the kitchen, bakeshop, refrigerator, etc. In the first story was the dining room with a seating capacity of 700. In the second story was an amusement hall, a stage and entrances, and an auditorium. Above was a gallery seating 300 persons. The building was dedicated March 18, 1902, by the pre- sentation of Othello by the William Owen Dramatic Company. The Paul vacuum system of heating was installed at a cost of $2,300.

The completion of this rear central building was an important event in the history of the asylum, because it relieved at once the congestion which had pre- vailed for a long time. However, the number of inmates increased so rapidly immediately afterward that it was realized additional room would have to be provided before many years. Many improvements and additions were asked in 1902. The board believed that the herd of cattle ought to be enlarged. They thought that 100 cows should be added to the herd already there; and that if this number was purchased that fire-proofing for the main building should be pro- vided and that the wooden floors should be treated with some incombustible material. The cost of these estimated changes reached about fifty thousand dollars. Without delay a new sewage disposal plant should be provided. As it was the sewage from the hospital was poured into a ravine about 100 yards from the main building. Important changes concerning this system were suggested. In the usual course of events the number of inmates to be cared for during the coming year would not be less than 610 and for the second year not less than 640. This number would bring into the treasury from the counties the first year $117,120 and the second year $122,880. From these amounts it could easily be figured how much additional appropriation would be needed. It was estimated that the maintenance of the insane paid for by the counties was about sixteen dollars per capita per month. As a whole the institution at this time was in excellent condition. However, like all large institutions of this kind where the inmates were rapidly increasing and where improvements were constantly being made, great care was necessary in order that everything advanced harmoniously, and that the whole institution should be efficient, comfortable and satisfactory. In the summer of 1902 the board asked for special appropriations of $68,000 for 1903 and $55,000 for 1904. These special appropriations were for a cottage, barns, cows, sewage disposal plant, fire-proofing and repairing the main building. The regular appropriation covered the salary of officers, wages of employes, fuel and light, and maintenance.

The so-called Northern Hospital for the Insane was opened for the admission of the feeble-minded on February 1, 1902. Delay had been experienced because the artesian well was not finished and the furniture was not in place. The pipe for the well had been ordered in June, 1901, but strikes in the steel mills in the East delayed the delivery of the material at the hospital. About four months after the well had been completed and accepted the flow of water decreased from 150 gallons per minute to 15 gallons per minute. After a delay of over two months, a well digging outfit was secured, the well was dug deeper and when finally the water was turned on full head there was obtained a little over seven

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hundred gallons per minute of clear soft water. It was announced as one of the best wells in the state. During these delays a number of the employes were given work in making changes and alterations in the interior of the building where such were found necessary. At first it was the intention to run the electric dynamo by water power from the well, but a little later it was determined to purchase a gasoline engine with which to furnish the power. A large frame ice-house was constructed; and an eight-inch tiled-sewer about three thousand feet in length was laid. A 500 barrel cistern was built. In October, 1901, Dr. J. K. Kutnewsky, of Redfield, became superintendent and entered at once upon an intelligent and successful management of the hospital. The board, realizing that more land would be needed, purchased eighty acres adjoining for $1,200. They also secured a strip of land containing seven acres along the Chicago & North- western right of way at a cost of $115. The board recommended the purchase of section 36 for the purpose of a dairy and grain farm, where the inmates, as far as practicable, could be given employment. This was deemed indispensable for the future welfare of the institution. The board also asked for the erection of two new buildings for inmates whose confinement was necessary.

In July, 1902, the State Penitentiary was in a prosperous condition. The reports of the warden and of the state board showed that the institution had been for the previous two years unusually active and progressive. The number of prisoners in confinement July 1, 1900, was 134. During the next year 97 were received and during the second year 99, making the whole number confined during the biennial period ending in 1902, 330. For the first year of this period 72 were discharged and for the second year 98, leaving the number in confinement June 30, 1902, 160. The cost of maintenance per capita excluding farm products and including prison and citizen clothes, cash aid, transportation, fuel and light, officer's salary and board for the first year of this biennial period, was $22.02 per month and the cost per year $267.91. The same cost per month for the second year of this biennial period was $17.70. These figures did not include repairs. The health of the inmates was good and the discipline was better than ever before. Only a comparatively few punishments were inflicted. Generally a firm but kind and humane treatment was maintained. As a whole the prisoners were cheerful and obedient. One prisoner escaped and was still at large. Two chapel services were held every Sunday, one by the Protestants and the other by the Catholics. An average of about one hundred and thirty attended these services. Clergymen of the different denominations in the city conducted the services. The library consisted of 2,300 volumes of well selected books. The gate receipts really belonged to the library fund, but owing to the small appropriation, a portion of this fund had been used for other purposes. In fourteen months the gate receipts amounted to $626.35. This was a large gain over the previous fourteen months. During this biennial period officials found that counterfeit silver dollars were in circulation among the prisoners, and that efforts to pass this money through "trusties" on the outside had been made. The United States authorities were notified and were given the freedom of the institution. They soon learned all the facts connected with the counterfeit work and the manufacture of spurious coins was effectually stopped. The man who tried to pass this coin was re-ar- rested as soon as he was discharged, was tried in the United States court and sentenced again to the penitentiary. During this biennial period a large quantity

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of stone was taken out and shipped to the various state institutions. The cutting and dressing of the stone had reached a satisfactory stage and on hand was a large quantity of cut stone for state building purposes. A small price was paid by the state institutions to which the stone was shipped in order to secure means to pay the quarry expense. The products raised on the penitentiary farmi were about the only return which the institution could bring to the state. More land was called for at this time. It was believed that no investment of greater profit could be made. In 1900 the horses of the place were old and worn out, their ages ranging from twelve to eighteen years, while the age of one driving horse was twenty-four years. Additional younger animals were called for. The financial condition occasioned much worry as the management was hampered by lack of funds at all times. The warden found much fault with the "penny wise" and "pound foolish" policy of the state. Notwithstanding that the most rigid economy was practiced the great increase in the prison population carried the demands far beyond the appropriations every year. In spite of this fact, the appropriations were constantly being reduced instead of being increased as they should be with the increase in the number of inmates. The following statistics show the prison population and the appropriations for the same years beginning with the year 1891.

APPROPRIATION EXCEPT REPAIR

1891 and 1892 $55,900

1893 and 1894 60,500

1895 and 1896 63,700

1897 and 1898 56,000

1899 and 1900 55,500

1901 and 1902

55,500

AVERAGE POPULATION

1891 and 1892 71

1893 and 1894 91

1895 and 1896 124

1897 and 1898 135

1899 and 1900 133

1901 and 1902

155

As a matter of fact the cash available at all times was not sufficient to pay actual expenses. The bare necessities only could be purchased by the most skillful management and rigid economy. This condition of affairs was absolutely inexcusable in a Legislature which had already made itself conspicuous by its alleged economy. The opening of the east wing of the institution adds con- siderable expense, as it necessitated morc guards at an expense of $1,300 per year and added one-third more to the fuel and light expense, amounting to $1,200. In addition the expense on account of increasing population was $2,500. Other items ran the total shortage up to $8,000 per year. Within a short time this shortage was certain to be $19,000 unless a change was instituted. Repairs to the East Cell Hall cost $6,000. Every dollar of the money except $150 for plumbing and guard help was used for material while the work was in progress. Several

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necessary improvements were made during 1901-02. All roofs inside the walls were repaired and painted. East Cell Hall was repaired and furnished; improve- ments to the dining room and the ovens were made; the bakery, refrigerator for milk and butter, storm sheds and doors, new closets, cement floors, water pipe, flues, ice-house, water power, bank, store-room for groceries, cell bunks, ranges in the prison kitchen, dump cart, beds, bedding, curtains, shades, etc., cost in the aggregate a large sum. Nothing was added that was not absolutely needed to replace old and worn out articles. In addition many other repairs were necessary, not only for comfort, but to save losses on the principle that "a stitch in time saves nine." The warden recommended that, inasmuch as the time had arrived when it was absolutely necessary for the good of the inmates that some employ- ment be furnished inside the walls of the institution, the Legislature should establish some industry within the walls. The number of prisoners that could not be worked outside was constantly on the increase. In order to maintain health and discipline plenty of work seemed absolutely necessary. What was needed was an appropriation for building machinery, and power to operate some kind of a manufacturing plant. The warden believed that the most satisfactory and successful would be a binder-twine factory similar to the one in the Minnesota penitentiary.

Another important recommendation was the construction of a house on the penitentiary grounds for the use of the deputy warden and his family. This officer or the warden himself, it was maintained, should always be at the prison. This was impracticable unless the deputy should reside upon the penitentiary ground. More cell-room was needed at this time and the cells needed enlarge- ment as the small ones where they were forced to contain two inmates were injurious to health. Discipline and health demanded these improvements. The warden complained that the salaries paid the officials and employes were too small, owing to the fact that the cost of living had advanced materially in the last two years. House rent, wearing apparel and groceries had advanced in price about 30 per cent. He said that no one could keep a family on $40 a month, the salary which the guards were then receiving. A high grade of service was demanded in an institution of this kind, and the best could not be secured where such diminutive wages were paid. The problem of prison reform was well advanced at this time considering the neglect the institution had received at the hands of the Legislature. The aim was to make every man a useful member of society at the time he had finished his term of sentence. The most critical time in the life of a convict was the day he left the penitentiary walls handicapped, and started out again for a new career. Many of such men had no home to go to, nor friends to encourage them and aid them. It was difficult for an ex-convict to secure employment, as every man's hand apparently was against him. Thus many fellows with the right intentions were rendered desperate soon after leav- ing prison, with the result that offenses to secure means to live were again com- mitted and they were sent back. The warden believed that something should be done by the state to help a man who left the penitentiary to overcome some of the difficulties that confronted him when he was discharged. He believed that there should be an officer whose special duty it was to secure employment for these men and start them in the right path when they left the penitentiary. Such officer during his spare time could be employed as a school teacher to instruct

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those inmates who lacked education. An evening school among the convicts would be of great benefit. Such an officer would thus have an opportunity to become well acquainted with the inmates and to learn of their tendencies and probable temptations when they left the prison. Thus the warden pointed out the reforms which he had undertaken to establish, and thus he made recommenda- tions aimed to carry into effect his plans of improvement.

He further recommended the establishment of a graded merit system within the institution. He believed there was nothing so conducive to good discipline as such a system. Separate dining-rooms would be needed for the first and second grades ; third grade men should receive their meals in their cells. The first grade men should be dressed in gray, all wool, the second grade in checks, all wool, and the third grade in stripes, all wool. The warden noted that in other penitentiaries where this system was in vogue the third grade men did not exceed 3 per cent of the prison population, and that the punishment of solitary confine- ment was 75 per cent less than under the old system. The warden asked for an appropriation of $44,300 for the fiscal year 1903-04 and $41,500 for the fiscal year 1904-05. The items were for salaries, maintenance, fuel and light, water tanks, roofs, engine, dynamo and general repairs. The prison physician stated that with the exception of a mild epidemic of influenza or la grippe, the institution had been fairly free from acute diseases. Good Shot, an Indian of the Lower Brule Agency, died of glandular tuberculosis, not contracted in confinement. The physician reported that personal observation of over twenty years, led him to the conclusion that about 30 per cent of the Indians had tuberculosis, and that confinement merely hastened the development of the disease. One of the inmates was transferred to the insane hospital as he had become violently insane.

For the biennial period ending June 30, 1902, the average attendance of the School for Deaf Mutes was twenty-six males and twenty-eight females. Many deaf mutes throughout the state, owing to the restrictions and limitations of the institution, were not in attendance at the school. Regular notices were published in the newspaper and otherwise, asking parents and guardians to send their children to the school. At first parents hesitated, not knowing what to expect, but later, when their children narrated the benefits and pleasures of the school, they changed their minds, because education enlightened and brightened the children far more than it would others who had a greater variety of pleasures. The method of instruction employed was called the combined system. Signs and the manual alphabet were used in teaching all children, and articulation was taught to those only whose vocal organs had not been sufficiently impaired to render them incapable of utterance. A thorough investigation and test of the capacity of each pupil was made at the outset, in order to enable them to advance to the best advantage according to their infirmities. The sign language was used in the school room as a means of instruction. It reached the mind through the eye. It was admitted that if all the deaf could read the lips, or could understand spoken language by watching the motions of the lips, or could understand spoken language by watching the motions of the lips of the speaker, then schools could discard the signs and use wholly the lip language. Sign language, however, was easily seen and readily understood by all deaf mutes, so that comparatively few were given other methods of instruction. While it was true that the ability of a deaf child to speak a few words was very gratifying to parents, the real improve-

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ment was through sign language. It was believed a useless and wasteful expendi- ture of time and money to teach children to speak a few words which could not be of general practical use in ordinary conversation. These were the ideas of the superintendent, James Simpson. The object of the school was to teach the children how to obtain a livelihood and to remove as far as possible the handicap of deafness. The boys were taught farming, gardening, care of live stock and dairying. They did nearly all the repairing at the institution. The girls were instructed in sewing, household work, elements of domestic economy, etc. These employments did not interfere with their regular school work. The health of the pupils was duly and properly considered. In June, 1901, Miss Marion E. Finch succeeded Mrs. A. L. Simpson on the teaching force. Miss Ida M. Donald occupied the position at the head of the articulation department and also con- ducted a class in the combined department.

Since territorial days the institution had not received a larger appropriation for building purposes than the two sums of $3,500 each. The first $3,500 was used in the erection of a building having one story above the basement and known as the boiler house. The next appropriation of the same amount was used to erect a stone building which was used as a dormitory for the girls and as a din- ing-room and kitchen. This building had been urgently needed and had been demanded for eight years. The superintendent said: "As we look back to these years, we wonder how we ever got along." Previous to this time the sleeping quarters were overcrowded, and it was difficult to maintain sanitary conditions. Also, owing to lack of dormitory rooms, many had been refused admittance. How- ever, at this time, 1902, the institution was prepared to receive any probable number of applications. The school needed a chapel, however; also a bathroom in the hospital building with proper sewer connections; also apparatus such as desks, maps, globes, etc. The amounts needed for the biennial period beginning July 1, 1903, were $21.700 for the first year and $17,500 for the second.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 86

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1146