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
month _gratis_. 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.