History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 89

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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Concerning the Board of Charities and Corrections the governor said in his message of January, 1903, "Never before since the establishment of these insti- tutions have they been in charge of officials possessing such pre-eminent qualifi- cations and so complete by the confidence of the people. Never before have these institutions been so effectively under the control of the state board in fact as well as in name. Never before have these institutions been managed so strictly in accordance with business principles so well recognized among successful business men. Today these institutions are distinctly state institutions managed by the state and in the interests of the state. Every institution has made a record during the past two years, which is very gratifying to the board and to the executive." He noted that recently large sums of money had been judiciously and economically spent for new buildings at several of the state institutions, particularly at the insane asylum at Yankton.

He seconded the recommendation of the warden of the penitentiary for the establishment of a twine plant within that institution. He called attention to the fact that as far back as 1893 the Legislature had favored such a factory within the penitentiary, but that nothing had been done because that body did not at the same time provide funds for the purpose nor take other action with that object in view. In this connection he remarked, "The sentimental objection to convict labor is unreasonable and not worthy of serious consideration. The law-breaker is sen- tenced to a term at hard labor, but is kept idle at the expense of law-abiding citizens. Has it ever occurred to those who raised this objection that the en- forced idleness of convicts is demoralizing to them physically, mentally and morally, besides adding another burden to those who are forced to labor for the support of the prison population? The plan for some profitable employment for state prisoners is in consonance with the instincts of humanity and common sense."

The governor in 1903 described how prosperous was the Soldiers' Home and how comfortable were the inmates. He recommended an appropriation in accord- ance with the estimate of the Home board. He said, "Heretofore the commandant has performed the' functions of a Probate Court in distributing the assets of deceased members of the Home. This practice has been abolished. In attempt- ing to deposit trust funds of the Home in the state treasury for temporary safe keeping it was discovered that there was no law authorizing the same. I recom- mend the enactment of a law making the state treasurer the custodian of funds pending probate proceedings establishing lawful claims upon moneys or effects left by the inmates of the Home. I recommend that the commandant of the Home be required by law to give bond to be approved by commissioners. The shortage of $1,037.75 from the former state administration is receiving the atten- tion of the legal department." He stated that the National Guard of the state should be adequately maintained and called attention to the fact that the Legis- lature of 1901 had appropriated $6,000 for two years, but as this was manifestly inadequate he advised a much larger appropriation.

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

In 1904 the north half of South Dakota east of the Missouri had a greater population than the south half. Why, then, it was asked, should the people vote for capital removal to Mitchell, which was situated in the south half? Already that half had a large majority of the state institutions. This question was asked by the Watertown Public Opinion in May.

In September, 1904, it was a public and political question whether the Board of Charities and Corrections should close most of the avenues of labor to the inmates of the State Reform School and deny them work, and deny also the inmates of the penitentiary an opportunity to work.

From 1889 to November 20, 1904, the state institutions had received the fol- lowing amounts from sales of the land endowments given them by the Gov- ernment :

State University

$18,241.23

Agricultural College

48,404.04

School for the Deaf.

9,873.69

Reform School

9,204-74

Madison Normal

8,134.62

Springfield Normal

I,044.62

Spearfish Normal

8,134-73

School of Mines

5,949.22

Aberdeen Normal

7,531.89

Northern Hospital

5,293.54

School for the Blind.

1,786.86

The quantity of land donated for public buildings was about eighty-two thou- sand acres. This acreage could be disposed of and the fund could be used for the new capitol building which was projected immediately after the capital con- test of 1904 had located the permanent capital at Pierre. These public building lands were divided among the counties as follows:

Butte

18,258 acres Hyde

8,726 acres

Edmunds

8,797 acres

McPherson

8,658 acres

Fall River

9,703 acres Meade 13,263 acres

Faulk

7,190 acres

Pennington 4,320 acres

Hand

480 acres

Potter

2,400 acres

In his message to the Legislature in January, 1905, Governor Elrod said: "There is too much Latin taught at Brookings and too much mechanical engineer- ing taught at Vermillion. There is room and work for both of these. splendid institutions, but neither should trespass on the rights of the other." He ex- pressed the belief that the engineering school should be removed from Vermillion to Brookings, owing to the fact in part that comparatively few students at Brook- ings took the agricultural course, but really wanted something else. The governor maintained that the Morrill Act of Congress was a theory that had not been carried out in the so-called agricultural colleges of any of the states. He further observed "Not very many students in this young state can take mechanical engi- neering. The general government under the Morrill Act sends the agricultural college $25,000 a year with which to pay for teaching along the two lines specified in the act of Congress establishing the land grant colleges. The name given by

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SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

Congress to these institutions is "Colleges of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts." The Department of the Interior has made a ruling indicating what subjects may be taught in agriculture and mechanic arts. There are nine of these subjects in agriculture and eight in mechanic arts, the latter named by the Department of Interior as follows: (1) Mechanical engineering; (2) civil engineering; (3) electrical engineering; (4) irrigation engineering; (5) mining engineering; (6) marine engineering; (7) railway engineering and (8) experimental engineering. Thus you will see that the Agricultural College receives perpetually from the Government $25,000 a year with which to pay for teaching agriculture and engi- neering. Engineering is well known to be exceedingly expensive both for teach- ing and equipment. The state has to pay professors who teach mechanical en- gineering at the State University. It seems to me that it is unwise to attempt to teach mechanical engineering at the State University, when we take into con- sideration our financial condition and the splendid facilities we have for teach- ing mechanical engineering at the Agricultural College. The university has scores and multitudes of subjects-all the groups of the professional schools. We would not in any way injure the State University to build up the Agricultural College or the reverse."

In January, 1905, S. E. Young, superintendent of the Plankinton Reform School, reported fifty-seven inmates with nine out on parole. Of the fifty-seven inmates there were fourteen girls. The superintendent declared that the chil- dren were not incorrigible, but were so full of spirit that they were mischievous. Two-thirds of the inmates were regularly treated as trusties after they had been there a short time and had become familiar with their surroundings. Not one was held down as a prisoner, though a few it was admitted needed watching. Nearly all of the inmates were contented, few attempted to escape and the moral tone of the school as a whole had been greatly improved within a few years.

In August, 1905, the warden of the penitentiary reported that seventy dozen shirts per day were being manufactured in the new shirt factory which had just been established within that institution. The inmates seemed pleased at the change. At this time quite a number of the convicts were working in the state quarries, while others were still employed in hauling the stone to the grounds near the buildings which were being erected for the proposed new binder twine plant.

In August, 1906, South Dakota had sixteen state institutions which had cost a total in round numbers of $2,000,000. There was no debt to settle, because on January 1, 1907, all had been paid for. At this time the state had about five million dollars of permanent school fund, the notes drawing 5 per cent interest. The last eight years had been exceedingly prosperous for the state. Thousands of mortgages had been paid from the natural resources.

The State Women's Committee of Investigation in 1908 were as follows: President, Mrs. L. R. Eastwood, Mrs. Carrie M. Cleveland and Miss Emmer M. Cook, the latter being the secretary. In their report of the condition of the state institutions from the standpoint of the board, they were unanimous that adequate fire protection should be provided at once for the school for the blind. The existing condition of things in case of fire would mean great loss of life The furnace and coal bins were in the basement of the building and no night watchman was employed. There was not sufficient room for hospital, gymnasium,

DEAF MUTE SCHOOL, SIOUX FALLS

CHILDREN'S HOME, SIOUX FALLS

635

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

industrial work and manual training. The prevalence of contagious diseases among the children demanded ample hospital accommodation. A modern building and power house was needed. At this time there were only forty-four pupils enrolled, although there were 100 of school age in the state. It was a fact at this time that parents hesitated to send their children to this institution for fear that they would not receive proper protection and consideration. The possibili- ies of the educated blind were great, and the helplessness of the blind who were untrained and uneducated was both pitiful and unnecessary. In June, 1908, four blind children, well equipped for specific labor, were graduated from this institu- tion. Mrs. Dora E. Humbart was superintendent.

The Women's Committee further reported that the penitentiary under Warden H. T. Parmley was in an unusually prosperous condition. All departments were moving satisfactorily. The shirt factory was in full operation where many men were given regular employment and this change was appreciated by the inmates. The results in improved physical and moral conditions were shown throughout the institution. By thus controlling the labor and time of the inmates, the man- agement more easily encompassed and controlled all other movements of the inmates. There was at this time imperative need for improvement in hospital conditions. This want had been felt for a long time, but had not been wholly remedied. Over the laundry were the tubercular patients, mostly Indians, and their exposure without proper provision for isolation tended to spread the dis- eases to other sections of the institution. A new woman's ward was needed, and great changes in the prisoners' dining-room where the ventilation was poor, the light insufficient and the seating capacity inadequate were demanded. However the food supply was plentiful, clean and well cooked. As a whole, the convicts were in good health.

The committee reported that the hospital for the insane was doing excellent work. Perhaps better system was shown here than in any other state institu- tion except the penitentiary. Patients received better care, consideration and treatment than could be given them at any home in the state. The new buildings furnished every facility for the treatment of acute cases, and every comfort was given the unfortunate inmates. Here the buildings were fire-proof. The women's hospital was nearly completed under the superintendency of Dr. L. C. Meade. At this time 725 patients were being cared for. Several assistant physicians were in daily attendance to relieve the unfortunate patients as much as possible from their sufferings.

The women's committee noted particularly the important improvements which had been made at the deaf mute school during the past three years. They par- ticularly noted the girls' dormitory where the danger from fire had been removed. The enlarged kitchen and the capacious dining-room, together with improved kitchen work and a new bakery oven, were other improvements that had been made. At this time the industrial work taught was elaborate and practical. The girls in the sewing and cooking classes were extremely proficient. This result was due to the patience, skill and ability of the instructors. All of their time was devoted to the pupils and the systematic work of the institution. All con- tributed to the moral and physical development of the inmates. The ladies recom- mended an increase in salary for the instructors who labored here so hard and accomplished so much. They further recommended a library and the subscrip-

636

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

tion for current literature. Better light and ventilation were needed in the rooms. Superintendent Mclaughlin and a competent corps of teachers and employes managed the institution with credit.

The committee reported that the State Training School appealed to them as one of the most important of the state institutions. To carry out the object and purpose of the institution meant much to the state. To take derelict boys and girls and so restrain, instruct and direct them that they should be educated along upright lines and established on a more substantial foundation of good conduct was a task of no small proportion. Respect for moral obligations and the rights of others, obedience to domestic, social and business customs, and a correct view of life and its duties meant a great deal to boys and girls who did not know any better than to violate the usual laws of society. All this improvement meant a thorough mastery of human motives by those in charge of the training school. There was necessary constant personal effort and the separation of individuals so that personal peculiarities, weaknesses and characteristics could be perceived, encompassed and controlled. In this institution as in but few others, all employes necessarily were required to possess and maintain a high degree of perfection in their specialties. Superintendent Young at this time had under him a most efficient corps of practical instructors and trainers. All inmates were not only required to observe all proper habits and customs, but were given instruction that would fit them for useful and profitable pursuits after they left the institu- tion. The cheerful, faithful work of both boys and girls was one of the striking features of the institution at this time. The girls' cottage was in charge of Miss Marion Holland who was especially fitted by qualities and training for the respon- sible duty of giving the young girls the right ideas of life. The committee recon1- mended the establishment of better library facilities and the purchase of current magazines and literature. All on Sabbath attended preaching and Sunday school. They said there was needed a piano for the girls' cottage. The committee further recommended that the next Legislature should provide for a woman state agent who should have charge of unfortunate girls on journeys from county jails to the training school in order that they should not be kept in jail longer than neces- sary and then should be given the right to consideration and turned over safely ' to the training school.

The women's committee expressed the opinion that the name of the Northern Hospital for the Insane was a misnomer, because the object of the institution was to furnish a home for the feeble minded of the state, those who were in- competent to care for and protect themselves and not because they were mentally deranged. They expressed the belief that it should be the permanent abode of all the feeble minded of the state, thus relieving society from the burden of this class of unfortunates and placing them in a situation where in many cases they could greatly improve and perhaps later be turned upon the world able to take care of themselves. The necessity of early training for the feeble minded was fully recognized by the committee. They believed that all who showed capacity for improvement should not be kept down by those whose condition made it im- possible for them to advance. Occupation among the brighter pupils was desir- able. Lack of room and other facilities hampered and restricted the operations of the instructors. The facilities for cooking, for laundry work and for sanita- tion were good. Already the inmates and others had greatly beautified the

637

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

grounds. Doctor Kutnewsky and his wife, supported by a number of faithful assistants, had control of the institution. Mrs. Francis was matron. As a whole the committee commended the management of this institution. They recom- mended that this and other state institutions be wholly separated from politics.

In July, 1908, the Soldiers' Home was unusually prosperous and well man- aged. By this time much better system prevailed than was seen at the home in early years. All members were neat and clean in person, loyal and obedient, never profane or vulgar, and all were neat and sanitary in their quarters. A new hospital had recently been erected and furnished with all modern conveniences and its capacity was between forty and fifty patients. At this time Dr. H. H. Wilcox was in charge and Mrs. H. H. Wilcox was steward. There was present a sufficient corps of trained nurses. The quartermaster department was in charge of W. H. Reed and was well supplied with necessaries for the health and comfort of the members. There had recently been erected six new cottages which were occupied by comrades and their wives, making in all eighteen on the home grounds. All were occupied and at this time there were applicants waiting. While the death rate among the old soldiers was high, as a whole they were well and healthy. The total number cared for in the hospital for nineteen months in 1907-08 was 107. Eleven died in 1907 and seventeen died in 1908 in the hospital. The total number of members of the home present on June 30, 1908, was 181, members on furlough eighty-one, wives present twenty. Sometimes during the summer months as many as 100 men were absent on furlough. The appropria- tions of 1907-08 were insufficient to carry out the objects for which they had been intended and had been asked. During the winter months the old building and the old hospital were crowded to their greatest capacity and were thus in a measure unsanitary. Thirty died in 1907-08, a mortality before unknown in the history of the home. Work was suspended on the new hospital owing to the lack of funds. As the statute forbade the making of a contract for the erection or completion of any public work unless a provision had been made to cover the cost of same, work could not continue. However, members of the home themselves contributed $500 to assist in the completion of the work. The cottages contained two rooms which were occupied by veterans and their wives. Almost every mail during the year brought in applications for admission. The commandant in 1908, stated that there were needed at least thirty additional cottages to cost about five hundred dollars each. A few veterans who were unable to secure cottages bought houses or built homes near the institution. The report of the surgeon, H. H. Wilcox, showed that the home at times was unsanitary and that he was compelled to invoke methods of fumigation and cleansing and thereafter had kept the institution in better condition except when it was overcrowded. With two new buildings having a capacity of about one hundred and fifty, great improvement in sanitation, comfort, etc., could be attained. The Women's Relief Corps throughout the state was doing much for the comfort of the old soldiers and their wives at this time. The kitchen was in excellent condition and the food was palatable and nourishing. There was constant call for physicians and occasionally it was necessary to perform an operation. The prevailing disorders in the home were as follows: Rheumatism, la grippe, bad colds, constipation, indi- gestion, general debility, bronchitis, trauma, conjunctivitis, deafness, influenza, and vertigo. About 90 per cent of the entire enrollment at the home received

638

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

medical attention and treatment during the year. At this date there were about thirty women, mostly wives of the soldiers in and about the home, who likewise received medical attention at the hands of the surgeon.

In the fall of 1909 the State Board of Charities and Corrections selected the site for a tuberculosis hospital in the Black Hills region. They desired 1,000 acres of land and enough means for the erection of the buildings. They asked for $15,000 for buildings, and $5,000 annually for maintenance.

TOTAL STUDENTS

Institution

1906

1909

Spearfish Normal

146

249

Madison Normal

363

608

Aberdeen Normal

.327

715

Spearfish Normal

148

249

Agricultural College

.571

728

State University

381

454

Total

1,936

3,003

TOTAL INMATES

Charitable Institution

1906

1909

Deaf Mute School

School for the Blind.

School for Feeble-minded

155

Penitentiary

178

202

Reform School

Insane Hospital

644

782

Total

1,065

1,346

In July, 1910, the Women's Committee of Investigation reported the state institutions in fair condition. They stated that all children of the state were entitled to an education and that blind children particularly should be given every facility so they would not continue to be helpless. Special teachers were neces- sary for their instruction. In every way the blind child should come in contact with active school life, in the school room, in the fields and in the streets. This gave them confidence and independence. There were thirty-seven pupils in the School for the Blind at this time, and the line of industrial work was limited to broom-making, cane work and hammock weaving. No instructor was employed and the few boys who could perform the work were the ones who received the attention. Instruction in vocal music and piano playing was given by Miss Whittlesey. She likewise instructed classes in physical training and typewriting. The teacher of violin music had been dispensed with. Mrs. Lela Curl was super- intendent and teacher of the high grade pupils in 1910. New buildings were planned and greatly enlarged work had been already scheduled and outlined. Another teacher was necessary in the kitchen and in new lines of manual training.

They found that the School for the Feeble Minded was being steadily im- proved. The public had begun to place a higher value on this institution. The question was how best to serve the unfortunates. This institution was both a

639

SOUTH DAKOTA: ITS HISTORY AND ITS PEOPLE

school and a home. The results accomplished by the skillful work of the super- intendent and assistant teachers was pronounced almost marvelous by the women's committee. In June, 1910, there were 176 inmates. About 110 attended chapel service and about seventy-five received schooling. Miss Van Sick had charge of the school work and physical culture and gymnasium classes. She had so much work to do that the women's committee noted she was overworked and even then could not do justice to all her classes. The crowded condition of the school was a handicap to industrial and educational work. Miss Howard who had charge of the industrial work gave instruction in lace making, embroidery, hammock and net weaving, basketry and Irish crochet. Other lines of industrial work were needed. An assistant superintendent seemed absolutely necessary owing to the size of the institution. A physician and surgeon was constantly in attendance, but was unable to do more than half what should be done. He was expected to give medical attention to over two hundred feeble minded, crippled, epileptic children, many of them hospital cases, demanding calls day and night. Connected with the institution was a large farm and dairy, a new general build- ing under course of construction, and numerous other accessories to look after. All this was placed in charge of the physician who was not furnished an assistant and received only a salary usually paid to the superintendent of an ordinary school with less than one hundred pupils and they in normal health, and with no farm to cultivate, no special training needed and short and regular hours for labor. All of this task was thrown on Doctor Kutnewsky and his wife who aided materially in the school rooms and on social and public.occasions. The separation of high grade children from those of the lower grade was demanded by the women's committee.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume III, Part 89

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