Evening Star Newspaper, April 23, 1933, Page 75

GTON, D. C, APRIL 23, 1933 B e —— 11COME more coffee, sir?” asked the de- mure Miss Jenkins. “Thanks,” sald Sam. “The room is very warm, isn't it? You might open the window.” “It's open, dlf." “ADb,” sald Sam. “So it is.. This coffee’s very strong.” » “Don't you like it?” queried Miss Jenkins anxiously. | “Oh yes,” said Sam. He finished it. “Sti, it’s strong.” He rubbed his eyes. “That’s funny, I feel drowsy.” “It’s the heat, sir,” said Miss Jenkins. “Yes,” said Sam. “It must be the heat.” He rested his arms on the table and his head on his arms. A gentle snore rose towards the ceiling. “That’s finished the big bum,” said Miss Jen- kins. She whistled, and Jenkins senior ap- peared at the door. “All set, Baby?” “All set,” said Miss Jenkins tersely. “Got the buggy?” “The automobile,” said Mr. Jenkins, with dig- nity, “is behind the piggeries.” “Get busy, then.” They got busy. Mr. Jenkins had several suitcases ready in the hall. Into these they packed the silver on which their avaricious gaze had rested so many months. Item by item they had collected it from various rooms, plac- ing it close at hand in readiness for this su- preme hour. It was soon done. “Come on,” said Miss Jenkins. beat it.” Jenkins senior hesitated. “Those pictures up- stairs are worth money,” he said. “Leave them alone,” said Miss Jenkins. “They're too darned hard to get rid of.” “There’s a few little ones,” suggested Jenkins senior persuasively. “We've plenty of time.” “Go ahead and get ’em,” said his partner. “I'll carry these cases out to the buggy.” Mr. Jenkins went up the stairs as if a be- nign providence had fitted him with wings. “we’ll No “Prisoners”at Federal Institute for 77 omen BY EDWARD J. CALHOUN. F Charles Dickens who fought tirelessly with his facile pen for the abolition of the prison horrors of his time could look today upon the Federal Industrial Institution for Women at Alderson, W. Va, it is in- deed doubtful if he would recognize it for what it is. And this is readily understandable, for a visitor for the first time is apt to find himself asking, “Is this a prison?” The answer to this question reveals the policy of the institution under its first superintend- ent, Dr. Mary B. Harris, who is amply qualified both through training and experience to give the anti-social group under her care the bene- fit of the most recent methods of training, methods which, instead of being punitive, are designed to give the inmate every opportunity to make the adjustment required by organized so- ciety. Dr. Harris might agree that strictly speaking, the institution is a prison; but she would make haste to explain that it is never referred to as such. Nor is the term “prisoner” used to de- scribe those who are confined on the reserva- jon. Frequent use is made of the word campus” and it requires little imagination to think of this group of buildings as being a school. And that precisely ,is what it is; a school for the atypical; a school for those who are the victims of the complex causes which go to make the criminal. Here they are taught their duty to society, the meaning of good citizenship, and are prepared to meet the vi- cissitudes of life when retribution has been made. The Federal Industrial Institution at Alder- son, which the Department of Justice has built for the detention of women convicted in the Federal courts, came as the result of the wide- spread interest of organized women throughout the country, who asked of Congress proper de- tention and treatment for the ever-increasing number of women who were being convicted for offenses against the Government of the United States. The enabling act, passed in 1924, gave the institution its name, signifying that industry was to be the keynote of ihe project. It also speci- fied that each woman was to be given training which would enable her to be self-supporting upon her return to society. Ability to earn a livelihood, or, in a word, to become an eco- nomic asset to society, presupposes good health, the desire for work and proficiency in a trade or a profession. It was with this concept in mind that the work of the institution was or- ganized. The doors were opened in April, 1927, Since that time, over 1,872 women have been admitted, about 1,419 discharged, and the maxi- mum capacity of 500 reached. The buildings and grounds have a value of approximately $2,500,000. N every community, regardless of size, there is always a small percentage of children who become the problem of their families, the schools, the churches, the police and the courts. t often follows that the delinquent juvenile becomes the mature criminal. It is beyond the [brovence of the social unit to interest itself in behavioristic psychology, to attempt to explain he reasons for the wide variation which indi- duals exhibit, even where heredity, environ- ment and training appear to be the same. This t leaves to the correctional institution, happy in e thought that some can be helped, but that pll can be restrained from further damaging he community. So it must be remembered, at outset, that the normal population of a fletention home is made up entirely of malad- sted personalities. This attitude, which beyond doubt is a con- ctive viewpoint, is a pertinent part of the olicy at Alderson. For it has been found out that 95 per cent respond to the program of ork, training and recreation which has been aid out. There will always be a small per- tentage of persistently and fundamentally re- listive cases. Institutions of the past, to meet Tnhounevuvcrysunwhen.lomeamo into the hall. Then she heard a gentle sound from the dining room. She went for- ward, peered in. A little gurgle of laughter escaped her. She crept into the room, stole forward until she was beside him. She bent down, put her lips to his ear. “Oomph!” she said. X Still Sam did not stir. She shook him and he grunted without awakening. She began to be alarmed. This was no normal sleep. She shook him again until he fell back in his chair. And still he slept. She looked about her for inspiration, and” found it in the milk jug. It was a large jug and almost full. She emptied it over Sam. He gasped and spluttered, but remained asleep. She looked further for inspiration. A de- canter of whisky stood on the sidebéard. She filled a glass, and emptied it down Sam’s throat. He choked, spluttered, swure, opened his eyes and sat up. “What's the big idea?” “I came in here,” Joan said, “and found you asleep. I couldn't rouse you, so I gave you whisky.” Sam looked at the milk stains on his jacket. “Darn funny whisky,” he said. “That’s milk,” said the placid Joan. “I tried that first, but it didn’t work. What’s the mat- ter with you, anyway?” “Good Lord!” said Sam firritably. “Can't a man sleep in his own house?” He stood up, grasped at the table. “I'm tight.” Joan was staring around her. “There’s some- thing missing from this room,” she said slowly. “Yes—it'’s the silver.” “The silver?” said Sam. “The silver. You've been robbed.” “Robbed?” “Robbed,” said Joan patiently. “I'm beginning to understand,” said Sam. “I've been drugged. It's Jenkins. I never liked that man. Between you and me, Joan, I don’t think that girl is his daughter.” “Is this a time to talk scandal?” asked Joan coldly. “Why can’t you do something?” “Watch me,” said Sam. He strode into the hall.: “Where's that swine, “Shout for him,” said Joan with gentle irony. Sam took her at her word. He lifted up his voice in a great bellow. ‘“Jenkins!™ No answer came, but they heard a little scurry of movement upstairs. “He’s in the picture gallery,” said Joan. Sam bounded up the stairs, shouting. Jen- kins made tracks for the back stairs, leaped down them four at a time. Sam went one bet- ter. He slid down the banisters. Through the orchard Jenkins had a lead of 30 yards. Out- side a car waited, Miss Jenkins at the wheel. “Step on it!” she yelled shrilly. Mr. Jenkins stepped on it. It was a rake he had carelessly dropped after cleaning the pig- stigs. It rose up and smote him between the eyes. He said something in anguished tones, and sat down. Miss Jenkins let in the clutch, and the car jumped into motion. In that same moment Sam jumped on Mr. Jenkins. IVE minutes later Sam met Joan half way down the orcherd. “I think I'll keep this place,” he said. “It’s not so slow as I thought.” “Where’s Jenkins?” she asked. “I put him whege he belongs,” said Sam “In the pigsty.” “And where's the girl?” “She got away in the car.” “I'm glad,” said Joan. “Glad?” sald Sam. “Very glad. I've just rung up the police and told them to expect a car.” “You're wonderful,” said Sam. me?” “No,” saild Joan. “I couldn’t marry a man who settles down to raise pigs. Do something more romantic and I'll consider it.” “I've been all over the world,” said Sam. “Looking for fresh breeds?” asked Joan. “Did “Will you Only Federal Institute in America for Women, Managed by Women, Replaces Old “Prison” Idea With Model “School Plan. the problem of this small resistive group, had -~ ~ one pattern for all, the traditional iron and concrete which is so adequately summed up in the one word prison. The modemn institu- tion permits the mass of its population to g° about its business within the limits prescribed for the well being of the whole and puts only those who menace the safety and peace of its members in the type of building needed for their restraint. Alderson, which has been built on its so- called “cottage plan,” has 15 units for housing inmates, each of which can provide space for about 30 women. Individual bed rooms take the place of cells or dormitories and each cot- tage has its own dining room, living room and kitchen. These small units afford an oppor- tunity for women to learn the household arts which may contribute to a better readjustment when they return to the community and, mos® important of all, permit classification. The life in an institution of this type pre- sents to the eye of the visitor the appearance of an educational institution, where the stu- dents proceed from one activity to another, intent on their business, There is little to suggest that this is a group of social misfits, as these women go about with interested faces and self-respecting carriage. Any one familiar with the work of the institution, however, knows that this freedom and self-motivation is made possible only by the most painstaking study and adjustment of the individual, and that this freedom of choice and liberty iIn action, without which there can be no genuine development of character, is made possible by the utmost vigilance. HE institution has a receiving building, con- taining quarantine quarters and clinics, a small hcspital equipped to the care of surgical and medical cases as well as disturbed mental cases. A household science building, power laundry, cannery, greenhouses, dairy, garden service building and poultry plant not only afford practical training, but contribute enor- mously to the physical rehabilitation, A de- sire to work is a complex motive made up of countless stimuli that urge the individual to take a respected position in his social en- vironment. Everything contributed to it— health, habits of punctuality, industry and thrift, ambition and desire to be esteemed. That the right attitude be developed is quite as important as teaching a trade, if the efforts at restoration are to produce lasting results. A formal school supplements the efforts of the various departments and is available to any one who wishes to take advantage of it. Here English and grammar are taught and complete courses are given in bookkeeping, stenography and typing. Some of the older and illiterate women have learned to read and write during the period of their incar- ceration. Red Cross courses in home hy- giene, consecutive instruction in the care of the home, ccoking, table service and tea room management supplement the practice obtained in the cottage. Dressmaking and plain sewing, together with fancy work, are expertly taught. In the power sewing room the factory methods of the manufacture of shirts, overalls, coats, bloomers, house dresses, pants and under- clothing may be learned by those who wish to become proficient in this trade. Supervised readlng in special or advanced subjects is scheduled for those who have had ampler edu- cational advantages. The school, which is considered one of the best “back to a good citizen” elements, is housed in Willebrandt Hall, the center of all educational activity. The building contains an auditorium large enough to seat the entire membership of the institution, class rooms, a library and a room for exercise in bad weather. Classification and assignment to occupational departments, as well as to courses in the school, is made only after careful case study of the individual, embodying the recommendations of the superintendent, director of classification, resident physician, head teacher, and all other members of the staff who have direct knowledge of the case. The Classfication Committee, composel of these officers, meets at least twice a week. Every three months the case is re- viewed and new assignments made if deemed advisable. The woman herself appears at these meetings, her program is explained to her and she is permitted to take part in the discus- sion of the plans for her future. z The institution has a routine procedure which it follows in the case of all new arrivals. The women are delivered to the officer in charge of the record office, after which they are taken to the receiving building or Davis Hall, where they are bathed, examined by the physician and placed in quarantine for two weeks, At the end of that time, they are taken out according to the entry date and classified—history taken, mental test and preference for work. They are permitted to continue in the work of their choice, unless for disciplinary or other reasons, reassignment seems expedient. Inmates who have been addicted to the use of narcotics or women whose physical condi- tion suggests the need of fresh air and sun- shine, are assigned to the farm, a tract con- sisting of 500 acres of pasture and woodland, where scientific agricultural methods are em- ployed. Before laying out the building plans, the soil was analyzed by the Department of Agriculture, so that the best land might be reserved for farming and truck gardening. Each cottage with its 30 inmates has a head warder and a housekeeping warder, one of which must be on duty at all times, The rooms are of comfortable size and the feminine penchant for decoration is not suppressed. Chairs may be painted, draperies made—in a word, there is no suppression of the normal flair which women have for doing this, that and the other thing to a room in a house. In this way, they are allowed to emulate con- ditions of the outside world to which, it is hoped, they will return in time, having travelea the road which points the way to good citi- zenship. The dining rooms have separate tables which seat from four to five, and meals are served by two inmate waitresses. After dinner all gather in the large living room for a period of recreation, N national holidays, picnics are given, two cottages combining to form a unit, on regular grounds prepared for the purpose. On the Fourth of July and Labor day, a “field day” is held. Various contests take place and all cottages compete for a silver cup. In October of each year, the institution holds its “annual fair,” to display the work of the inmates. Among the exhibits are canned fruits and vege- tables, farm producé and samples of handicraft, The town of Alderson which is 40 miles beyond the famous resort, White Sulphur Springs, is an eight hours’ drive from Wash- ington, through the beautiful Shenandoah country. And one can readily bring himseilt to believe that the choice of the site for the institution was based alone on the consideration of scenic beauty. Whether this be the case, a visitor finds himself willing to give credence —_— you try the razor-backed hogs of the Fijfi Islands?” “Look here.” A man Joan recognized as the ncw tenant whose violin notes mjngled with the “Oomphs- oomphs” of the piggeries came towards them. “I must apologize for intruding,” he said. “I wanted to see you, Forrest, about the music of that third act of yours.” “Some other time,” said Sam. “I'm busy.” “May I wait?” asked the other meekly. “Do,” said Sam. “By all means. You'll find wine and cigars in the dining room. If you want anything else shout. There’s nobody to answer you, but it’ll do your lungs good.” The musician ambled off up the path. “Why did he call you Forrest?” asked Joan. “Who knows?” said Sam. “Be your age,” said Joan. “And what’s this third act he’s talking about?” “I don’t suppose he even knows himself,” said Sam. “I'm sure he’s mad. All these chappies are.” “You're writing a play,” said Joan relentlessly, “He’s composing the music for you. You're writing it under the name of Forrest. It seems obvious enough that you're David Forrest, the playwright. Don’t deny it.” - “I didn’t,” said Sam. “You wrote that® beautiful thing, ‘The Lotus Tree?’” “Yes,” sald Sam miserably. Her eyes were wide.and starry. ““You're so wonderful!” she breathed. EAR Aunt, Sam wrote, Do you want some very fine ba- con? I hated part with the hogs, but Joan objects to their manners. P. S—What about that treasure? Dear Sam, 1 do. P. S—You've both found it. P. P. S—Keep it. (Copyright, 1933.) i Alderson to Dr. Harris’ contention that the beauty of th@ country has been a potent factor in the spire itual awakening of the women who have beed committed to her care. 5 At one end of the reservation the institutiom proper has been built. These buildings are foR the most part grouped about two quadrangles, The lower quadrangle is headed by the admine istration building and staff house; the upper, by the receiving building. The upper quade rangle has an altitude of 1,600 feet. It is & plateau set in an amphitheater of hills withh the Greenbrier River winding at its base. In the distance, as far as the eye can see, rugge@ mountains rise to meet the sky. In a setting of natural beauty, the Governe ment has brought together in this institutiom the features which experience has shown to be the best for holding a group of centrifugal perw sonalities—women who have been unable t® adjust to the whirl of normal life about them— to a common center and offer them the chance, through re-education, to become helpful ang esteemed members of, society. It is the only Federal institution in the coune try that is for women, ufider the managemens of women. While there is still a modicum of opinion which believes in an eye for eye, th@ work which Alderson has accomplished through progressive measures during the short years of its existence, amply vindicates the judgment of the organized women throughout the country whose concerted efforts were responsible fog the passage of the “enabling act.” As Dr. Harris points out, the type of indte viduals which come under the care of the instie tution, compose only a small percentage of % community’s. population. But we must recoge nize and emphasize the fact that it is a pere centage which can cause devastation and dee moralization far beyond any other group unlesg it can be restored and induced to take its place in the ranks of the “average citizen.” “Let us not be frigfitened,” she says, “by tbe .cries of ‘coddling the prisoner’ and deterred from doing the best we can to restore thig perplexing minority to normal life. Unless we maintain correctional institutions of such % character that they create respect for law ana government instead of breeding resentment an@ a desire for revenge, we are meeting lawlesse ness with stupidity and making a travesty of Justice.” ¥ Frozen Pack Hailed TRE new frozen pack method of canning wag materially advanced during the past seae son as a result of experimental work carried on by the Department of Agriculture, and a great variety of fruits and vegetables were found to be exceptionally well preserved by this method. In the frozen pack system, the canned prode uct is placed in air-tight containers and broughs at varying rates down to freezing temperatures, and once this is attained the product is kept in ;t:;:ue at a temperature of 15 degrees fahrene The advantage of the frozen pack method lies in the fact that the fruit or vegetable so preserved retains ‘its natural form and flaver to a far greater degree than fruit preserved by other methods. Experimenters are not altogether certain yet which is preferable, slow or rapid freezing, and investigations are being continued. to detere mine which is best. Among the products found to benefit by the frozen pack method are raspberries, strawbers ries, dewherries, sweet cherries, grapes, nectars- ifi&ggs, peas, lima beans, asparagus sad [y .