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Report on the '^^'•"'«'
Investigation of mm'^H
Prison Labor and Management
House of Correction
City of Chicago
Inquiry conducted at the request of the
Committee on Finance, December 11, 1913
to March 24, 1914.
Statutory Provisions, Organization,
Management, Kecord System, Inmates and
Prisoners, Contract labor, Extension of
Industries, Present Industries — Conclusions
and Recommendations.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
City of Chicago
H. M. CAMPBELL,
ELTON LOWER,
JOHN J. FLYNN,
Commissioners.
EFFICIENCY DIVISION
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
JAMES MILES
J. L. JACOBS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Resolution of City Council 4
Letter of Transmittal S
Request for Investigation S
Scope of Investigation 6
Statutory Provisions and City Ordinances 7
Organization of Institution g
Management of Institution 13
Methods, Systems and Records 22
Population — Prisoners and Inmates 23
Housing, Sanitation, Medical Care and \V''elfare 25
John Worthy School for Boys 28
Contract Prison Labor 29
Extension of Municipal Industries — Farm Colony 32
Prison Labor and Industries 35
Contract Shops 37
Broom Shop 37
Leather Shop , 40
Purse Shop 43
Garment Shop 45
Municipally Conducted Industries 45
Printing Industry 45
Crushed Stone Industry 46
Shoe and Tailor Industry 50
Brick Industry 51
Laundry (Men's and Women's) 52
Women's Sewing Room 55
Miscellaneous Industries 56
Summary of Findings and Conclusions 59
Summary of Recommendations 60
TABLES
Table I — Distribution of Male Inmates by Days 14
Table II — Distribution of Women Inmates by Days IS
Table III — Summary of Receipts by Months in Various Industries 17
Table IV — Summary by Months of Receipts from Contract Shops 18
Table V — Receipts for Services Rendered and from Sales of Products to City
Departments 20
Table VI — Receipts from Sales of Products to Other Than City Departments.... 21
EXHIBITS
-Chart of Organization as of December, 1913 9
-Opinion of Corporation Counsel in re Contract for Prison Labor.. 64
-View Showing Method of Transporting Ice 11
-View Showing Method of Moving Freight Cars 11
-Interior View of Hospital 26
-View Showing Undeveloped Land 33
-Interior View of Broom Shop 38
-Interior View of Leather Shop 41
-Interior View of Purse Shop 43
-Interior View of Garment Shop 44
-View of House of Correction Stone Quarry 49
-Interior View of Kitchen 56
-Interior View of Carpenter Shop 58
-Interior View of Carpenter Shop 58
3
Exhib
t I
Exhib
t II -
Exhib
t III -
Exhib
t IV
Exhib
t V
Exhib
t VI
Exhib
t VII
Exhib
t VIII
Exhib
t IX
Exhib
t X
Exhib
t Xf
Exhib
t XII
Exhib
t XIII
Exhib
t XIV
RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL
After the receipt and consideration of this report by the Sub-committee on Prison
Labor of the Committee on Finance, consisting of Lewis D. Sitts, Chairman; James
A. Kearns, and John R. Emerson; and upon its recommendation, the Committee on
Finance reported and recommended the passage of the following resolution to the
City Council. This resolution was unanimously adopted by the City Council at its
regular meeting held on Monday evening, March 30, 1914:
WHEREAS, The contract system of employing prison labor is preju-
dicial to the moral, mental, and industrial development and welfare of
the prisoners and those dependent upon them, and is detrimental to the
institution, and of free labor, and
WHEREAS, The municipal system for the employment of convict
labor is for the best interests of the prisoners and the institution, and
there are a large number of industries in which the inmates could be
made to work for the benefit of the city departments and the various
other civil divisions, including the Park Boards, Cook County, the Board
of Education, the Public Library and the Sanitary District of Chicago,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the policy of the House of Correction be the
complete abolition of the system of contract labor and that inmates who
are not engaged in general maintenance work for the institution be
assigned to industries for the production of supplies and commodities or
be assigned on outside work, at agriculture, or other services for the use
of the institution, the city and other civil divisions, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the contracts with the Chicago Leather & Mercan-
tile Co., the Chicago Broom Co., and the Inland Purse Co., be terminated
and that the premises occupied by them be vacated on or before May 1,
1914, and that the inmates now assigned to this work be put on the work
of manufacturing supplies and giving their services to the city depart-
ments and other civil divisions, therefore, be it
ORDERED, That the various department heads of the City use every
means possible for the utilization of prison labor and the products manu-
factured at the House of Correction in the operation of their manifold
activities, and that every effort be directed to influence the proper authori-
ties of Cook County, the Park Boards, the Board of Education, the Chi-
cago Public Library, the Sanitary District of Chicago and other civil
divisions to utilize, in so far as possible, such convict labor and products
as they may need which could be manufactured advantageously at the
institution, and, be it further
ORDERED, That such other recommendations as are included in the
report of the efficiency division of the Civil Service Commission shall be
further considered by the Committee on Finance with a view to putting
them into effect as far as practicable.
(Signed) JNO. A. RICHERT,
Chairman.
L. D. SITTS, CHAS. TWIGG,
W. F. LIPPS, FRANK J. WILSON,
A. KRUMHOLZ, A. W. BEILFUSS,
ELLIS GEIGER, GEORGE F. HARDING, JR.,
M. G. HOLDING, JAS. H. LAWLEY,
JAMES A. KEARNS,
Members, Committee on Finance.
INVESTIGATION OF LABOR CONDITIONS AND MANAGEMENT
HOUSE OF CORRECTION— CITY OF CHICAGO
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
March 30, 1914.
HONORABLE JOHN A. RICHERT, CHAIRMAN.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE,
CITY OF CHICAGO.
Dear Sir:
The Commission begs to transmit herewith a report of the efficiency division on
the investigation into the use of prison labor and the distribution of the products of
such labor at the House of Correction, and the organization, business management
and accounts of the institution.
This report is made in accordance with the request of the Committee on Finance
of December 11, 1913, and supplements the preliminary report submitted by this
Commission on this subject on December 12, 1913.
Very truly yours,
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION,
CITY OF CHICAGO,
(Signed") HARMON M. CAMPBELL,
ELTON LOWER,
JOHN J. FLYNN,
Commissioners.
REPORT OF EFFICIENCY DIVISION, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
March 24. 1914.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION,
CITY OF CHICAGO.
Gentlemen: — In accordance with the request of the Committee on Finance of the
City Council and your order, the efficiency division respectfully submits herewith
report on the investigation conducted into the use of prison labor and the manage-
ment, conditions and systems of distributing the commodities prodticed at the penal
institution of the City of Chicago known as the House of Correction. This report
supplements the preliminary outline report submitted to the Committee on Finance on
December 12, 1913.
REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION.
At the meeting of the City Council on December 8, 1913, the following order
was presented by Alderman Charles E. Merriam and was, on motion, duly passed:
Ordered, That the Finance Committee be and it hereby is directed
to investigate the use of convict labor at the House of Correction, with
particular reference to rates of compensation, method of awarding con-
tracts, and competition with free labor; and to recommend appropriate
measures for the relief of the disgraceful conditions now prevailing.
On December 11, 1913, the following communication was received, and referred by
your Commission to the efficiency division for action:
Honorable Civil Service Commission,
City of Chicago.
Gentlemen: — A resolution has been referred to the Finance Committee
with reference to the situation existing at the House of Correction. I
would like to ask you if you have any information in your efficiency divi-
sion that would enlighten us upon the subject covering the contracts ex-
isting at that institution.
Yours truly,
(Signed) JOHN A. RICHERT,
Chairman, Committee on Finance.
In answer thereto the following letter was on the same date addressed to the
chairman of the Committee on Finance:
Dear Sir: — The Commission begs to acknowledge receipt of yours of
the 11th instant asking if the efficiency division has any information regard-
ing contracts existing at the House of Correction.
The Technical Board (Streets) and the efficiency division have consid-
erable information on this subject. This will be collected and tabulated,
and sent you in time for your meeting tomorrow.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) ELTON LOWER,
Commissioner.
In accordance with the above, the Efficiency Division presented a preliminary re-
port on December 12, 1913, to the Committee on Finance, which included such infor-
mation and data on hand on the utilization of the convict labor at the House of Cor-
rection by the citj' departments and the terms of the present private contracts under
which prison labor was engaged. The data included therein were collected in the
course of the investigation of the activities in the bureau of streets. Department of
Public ^^'orks, report on which was made to the City Council on October 13, 1913.
During this study consideration was given to the matter of using the labor of in-
mates at the House of Correction to supply the bureau of streets with a large number
of supplies regularly required. The plan was outlined in conferences with the inspec-
tors at the House of Correction and the Superintendent of the House of Correction
on September 26. 1913, and November 13. 1913, when it was shown that the develop-
ment of the public account system in furnishing supplies and services for the bureau of
streets and other city departments could be carried on with a relatively small outlay
of capital and with resultant increased efficiency and economy in the purchase of cer-
tain city supplies, and in the care and maintenance of the inmates, -^t the latter con-
ference, the Hon. L. E. McGann, Commissioner of Public Works, stated that the De-
l)artment of Public Works stood ready to use all materials and supplies available for
his department which could be produced at the House of Correction.
In accordance therewith requests were made for sufficient appropriation in the
1914 budget to purchase such additional equipment and machinery as w-ould make
possible the extension of the use of prison labor to the preferred municipal use
market rather than to the general competitive free labor market.
SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION.
In order that the entire question of convict labor at the House of Correction be
thoroughly studied, the Efficiency Division has taken up the work where it had left
off in the Bureau of Streets investigation, and has undertaken a complete study of
the conditions and systems under which convicts are employed both for the city
and for private contractors, the efficacy of the present arrangement and the develop-
ment of the mental, moral and industrial faculties of the prisoners and of the man-
agement of the institution.
Each industry of the institution has been studied, and figures have been prepared
for the most important, showing the relative earning values of inmate labor under
the existing organization, conditions and systems. The problems of organization and
administration at the institution were considered only in so far as they threw light
on the central problems above indicated.
The procedure adhered to throughout this study has been as follows:
(1) Ascertaining the general functions and activities of the institution,
the administrative problems, conditions and methods, and comparing
these with results obtained as to the various officers, the different
classes of inmates and the different bureaus within the institution.
(2) Ascertaining the efficiency and economy of administration and man-
agement and determining the extent and relative virtues and defects of
existing organization and methods.
(3) Providing constructive recommendations and co-operating with the
officials in obtaining more effective methods and organization, and se-
curing more efficient and economical penal administration and man-
agement.
The investigation of the matters above referred to has been pursued under the
following methods:
(1) By analysis of statistics and general information and data appearing
in publications of scientific and public institutions and given by experts
on general administration and subjects relating thereto.
(2) Through the medium of written inquiries directed to private and
public officials.
(3) By personal inquiry by the technical staff of investigators and ex-
aminers.
The investigation has been conducted under the direct charge of James Miles,
examiner in charge of the efficiency division, and J. L. Jacobs, efficiency engineer
in charge, and the detail was done by F. H. Cenfield, P. H. Myers, H. R. Van Gun-
ten, and other assistants of the efficiency division. In the prosecution of the invest-
igation and in the collection of information and data the efficiency division has been
assisted by the superintendent of the House of Correction, by the board of inspect-
ors, and by officials of the city and of penal institutions.
As a result of this study conclusions and constructive recommendations have
been drawn, which have to do primarily with the use of inmate labor, and touching
incidentally other features of the management and operation of the House of Cor-
rection which require attention. A summary of the conclusions and recommenda-
tions appear at the end of this report.
The matters which have been considered in this report are included under the
following main chapters:
d) Statutory provisions and city ordinances.
(2) Organization of institution.
(3) Management of institution.
(4) Methods, systems and records.
(5) Population — Prisoners and inmates.
(6) Housing, sanitation, medical care and welfare.
(7) John Worthy School for Boys.
(8) Contract prison labor.
(9) Extension of municipal industries — Farm colony.
(10) Prison labor and industries:
(a) Contract and piece price system.
(b) Municipal use system.
(11) Conclusions and recommendations.
STATUTORY PROVISIONS AND CITY ORDINANCES.
The House of Correction was established under "An Act to establish houses of
correction, etc.," in force July 1, 1871, Illinois statutes annotated (Jones and Adding-
7
ton. 1913, Chapter 67, Paragraphs 610S-6137, volume 3, page 3313) to "be used for the
confinement and punishment of criminals or persons sentenced or committed thereto
under the provisions of this act, or any law of this state, or ordinance of any city or
village, authorizing the confinement of convicted persons in any such house of cor-
rection."
Paragraphs 1494-1507 of Chapter XXXIX of the Chicago Code of 1911, provides
that "the buildings and enclosures erected and now standing, or that may hereafter
be erected on that part of the east one-half of the southwest one-quarter of section
twenty-five, township thirty-nine north, range thirteen, east of the third principal
meridian, lying north of the west branch of the south branch of the Chicago river,
being between Twenty-sixth street and the west branch of the south branch of the
Chicago river, situated and lying within the city of Chicago, are constituted and estab-
lished a House of Correction" for the city of Chicago.
The statutes and city ordinances further provide that the management and di-
rection of the House of Correction shall be under the control and authority of a board
of inspectors, consisting of three persons appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and
consent of the City Council. The term of office of these inspectors is three years
(one to be appointed each year) and the Mayor is ex-officio a member of such board.
This board of inspectors is given power to adopt rules for the regulation and
discipline of the said House of Correction and make by-laws in relation to the man-
agement and government thereof, fix the compensation and duties of all employes and
serve without fee or compensation. "No appropriation of money shall be made by
the said board of inspectors for any purpose other than the ordinary and necessary
expenses and repairs of said institution, except with the sanction of the legislative
authority of said city." Said board shall meet once in every three months, and one
of said board shall visit said House of Correction at least once in every month.
The books of said House of Correction shall exhibit clearly the state of the
prisoners, the number received and discharged, number employed as servants or in
cultivating or improving the premises, the number employed in each branch of in-
dustry carried on, and all receipts and expenditures. Quarterly statements must be
made out and submitted to the comptroller and by him to the City Council. Annual
reports must be submitted to the City Council and to the Governor of the state and
by him to the legislature.
A superintendent shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the board
of inspectors, to hold office four years. He shall have entire control and manage-
ment of all its concerns, subject to law and to rules and regulations adopted for the
government of the House of Correction. He shall carry out all written orders of
inspectors. He shall reside at the House of Correction and devote all his time and
attention to the same. The deputy superintendent shall exercise the powers of the
superintendent during his absence so far as they relate to the discipline thereof and
safe keeping of prisoners.
The board of supervisors or commissioners of any county and board of trustees
of any village or town in any county shall have authority to enter into an agree-
ment with the City Council or any authorized agent in behalf of said city to receive
and keep in said House of Correction, persons who may be, by any court or magis-
trate, sentenced or committed thereto. Such agreements must be published. It shall
be lawful for the inspectors of such House of Correction to establish, as one of its
departments, a house of shelter for females. The expenses of maintaining such house
of correction over and above the amounts received for labor of persons confined
therein, and such sums as shall be received by virtue of any agreements with the
county or other civil divisions, shall be paid for by the City Council, and raised,
levied and collected as the ordinary expenses of such city.
ORGANIZATION OF INSTITUTION.
As above indicated, the organization of the House of Correction is under the
general management and direction of the board of inspectors who, with the Mayor,
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appoint a superintendent for the House of Correction, to be in direct charge of
the administration of the institution. The term of office of the superintendent of the
House of Correction is fixed at four years, but provision is made for his removal
by the board of inspectors at any time if, in their judgment, it seems advisable.
A general plan of organization and the lines of authority and responsibility as
fixed at present for carrying on the various activities at the institution, are shown on
the chart attached hereto as Exhibit I, and consists:
(1) Of those employes whose duties involve the safety and welfare of
the inmates, and
(2) Of those employes whose duties involve the supervision of the indus-
tries at the institution;
the primary functions being
(1) Guarding and seeking to better the conditions and the reformation
of prisoners.
(2) Organizing and conducting the industries along business lines.
The organization, as at present constituted, has a medical superintendent wlio is
in charge of the hospitals and the general health of the inmates received at the in-
stitution. He reports directly to the superintendent of the House of Correction. An
assistant superintendent is in charge of all outside work, and as such he is responsible
for the assignment of the men to the different industries. As indicated under the
caption "Prison Labor and Industries," each industry at the House of Correction
is conducted as an independent unit and without reference to other industries. This
has resulted in lack of uniformity in methods and inefficiency of operation.
Analysis of the commitment records indicates that prisoners with comparatively
long-term sentences, and who are therefore more valuable for work, have been, in
the majority of cases, assigned to the contract shops, thus leaving the short termers
for work in the municipally conducted industries. Records of the assignment of pris-
oners to the various industries are, in some instances, inaccurately kept. For ex-
ample, during the winter months many men are employed on ice harvesting, but the
records show that these men are assigned to the quarry. The numbers of men as-
signed to the shoe shop and the tailor shop are incorrectly reported, the number work-
ing in the shoe shop being shown on the records as -working in the tailor shop, and
vice versa.
The assignment of inmates to the various industries is done in a hurried, hap-
hazard manner, in which apparently very little thought is given to the best interests
of the inmates or of the institution. There is also a good deal of inefficient assign-
ing of inmates on maintenance work as shown by Exhibits III and IV. Much of
the area of the Institution is undeveloped, as shown by Exhibit VI.
A principal clerk is in general charge of the work of the office, and is required
to keep a personal record of the prisoners and the general accounts of the institu-
tion. He is also charged with the keeping of the records of the laundry, quarry and
brickyard industries. The records of the activities of the other industries are kept
by a store-keeper, who is in charge of the general stores at the institution.
The inaccuracy in the accounts and records of the office have been such as to
compel the superintendent to keep a personal set of books for his own protection.
This is a condition that should be remedied.
During the course of the investigation it was also found that in a number of
cases, men who for many years had been guards, had been transferred to supervis-
ing and clerical work, and that, in general, assignments to positions had been made
without considering the general fitness of the appointees for the kind of work which
they were expected to do. It was learned that many of these cases were the remains
of a former practice of assignment in effect before the provisions of the civil serv-
ice law were applied to the House of Correction.
Another evidence of the old system is a sort of "underground channel," through
which information from outside sources reaches a certain coterie of employes in re-
markably short periods of time. This coterie seems to stand together in favor of
continuing conditions as they have been, and against reforms of any character. Un-
der these circumstances the bad conditions of non-uniformity of methods and ineffi-
ciency of operation are readily understood.
All regular officers and employes at the institution are now recruited through
the city Civil Service Commission, and the grades of positions and salaries of such
officers and employes are governed by the rules and schedules prescribed by this Com-
mission. This practice has been adhered to in the provision for the positions in the
10
EXHIBIT III.
View showing^ the use of labor for handling- and transporting^ ice, House of Correction.
EXHIBIT IV.
View showinff inmates uiovinj^f freight cars at the House of Correction.
annual appropriation ordinance, and employes, when assigned, are now required to
perform the general duties in accordance with the character of the examination, which
they were required to take to prove their fitness. Under this arrangement, the num-
ber of employes who have been and are now assigned to positions having duties
widely different from those for which they are particularlj' fitted, will be on the de-
crease, with resulting increased efficiency, discipline and esprit de corps of the
organization.
As hereinbefore indicated, the primary functions of the House of Correction
are, first, guarding and seeking to better the condition of prisoners, and second, or-
ganizing and conducting industries. The first of these functions, outside of the
mere guarding of the prisoners, may be further divided into two divisions: (a) pro-
viding for their physical well-being; (b) looking after their mental, moral and indus-
trial development.
Under this functional grouping, and following out the plan of organization, there
should be directly under the superintendent, two chief assistants, one the medical su-
perintendent, directly charged with all those activities having to do with the health
and physical well-being of the prisoners; the other a superintendent of industries
or business manager, directly charged with all those activities which have to do with
the industrial development of the prisoners and the general management of the insti-
tution. General questions of mental and moral betterment of the prisoners should
be left in the hands of the superintendent of the House of Correction.
The activities which, according to this arrangement, fall under the direction and
supervision of the medical superintendent would be the hospital and related medical
work in the cell houses, the study of the physical and mental conditions of prisoners
and the sanitary conditions throughout the entire institution, the kitchen and the
bakery.
The superintendent of industries should be in charge of all industries includ-
ing, with the approval of the superintendent, the assigning of the division heads,
and he should be responsible not only for the efficient operation of these industries,
but also, of the extension of those industries which would be best adapted to the needs
of the prisoners and of the institution, and of creating a market for their products.
He should also be charged with the purchases of all supplies and materials of the en-
tire institution, the conduct of the storeroom and office records and accounts. He
should personally assign all prisoners to the work best suited for their own interests
and the interests of the institution. To fulfill the possibilities of his position properly
he should be an understudj' of the superintendent, co-operating in all the latter's
plans for the conduct of the institution as a whole, and represent the superintendent
in that official's absence.
As hereinbefore indicated, the duties and work which are outlined for the su-
perintendent of industries are now covered rather ineflfectively by the present assistant
superintendent and the principal clerk, who receive salaries of $2,100 and $1,800 respec-
tively. It is recommended that these two positions be abolished, and that the posi-
tion of superintendent of industries or business manager be created in place thereof at
a salary of at least $3,000.
Under the dual authority conferred by the statutes on the board of inspectors
and superintendent of the House of Correction, the responsibility for the operation
and management of the various activities at the institution has not been, and cannot
be definitely fixed. Investigation of the methods used in letting contracts and in
appointing division heads and fixing responsibility for results in the various indus-
tries shows that the present system is ineffective and expensive, and has been the
cause of the lack of a defined and concerted plan of action toward a complete re-or-
ganization along logical and scientific lines, the ultimate goal of which would be of
maximum benefit to both inmates and the community.
The essentials of effective and economical administration of any business are
fixed, direct responsibility and equitable distribution of work to expert heads of di-
visions. The arrangement as it exists at the House of Correction at present has made
12
it difficult for the superintendent and the division heads to carrj' on their various
activities, and it has been just as difficult to place responsibility.
The movement for the reformation of offenders and the protection of society
has advanced to a scientific stage, and definite principles of action are now established
and adhered to in the penal institutions of advanced municipalities, states and coun-
ties of the Union. It is now a well recognized fact that efficient and effective ad-
ministration of activities in penal work requires the services of persons who are
trained and expert in social sciences.
In order that the organization at the House of Correction may be enabled to
carrj' on this work of reformation in a businesslike and effective manner, it is
necessary that the control and care of the unfortunates be under the direct super-
vision of one person who is an expert in penal work, and who has broad and com-
prehensive ideas of business methods and administration. It is recommended that
action be taken so that amendments be presented to the next legislature providing for
a change in the statutes relative to the appointment of the board of inspectors and the
superintendent of the House of Correction. The offices of the board of inspectors
should be abolished and the statutes amended by striking out reference to the ap-
pointment and authority of the board of inspectors, and placing the responsibility for
the management and the direction of the House of Correction definitely on one offi-
cial. This official should be appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent
of the City Council, should have complete power to direct and manage all the activi-
ties of the institution, and should appoint all necessary assistants according to their
merits and qualifications.
The provision for two division heads will relieve the superintendent of numerous
matters of detail, thus giving him the necessary opportunity for the outlining and
settlement of broad policies of administration.
Due credit should be given to the present superintendent of the House of
Correction for his earnestness and efficiency in the general control and direction
of the penal work at the institution. The recommended change in the present condi-
tion whereby the authority and responsibility will be more definitely fixed and the
organization and methods improved, and the elimination of the contract shops and
the extension of the municipal industries, should offer the superintendent unlimited
possibilities for better and greater work in both the management of the institution
and the welfare of the inmates.
MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTION.
The investigation of the use of prison labor has clearly disclosed lack of business-
like management in the operation and control of the prison industries. This is the
greatest source of criticism and censure of the management at the institution, as
neither the spirit nor the letter of the law has been observed, nor has the institution
taken advantage of economical possibilities. The question of the most adaptable and
desirable industries, both from the viewpoint of welfare of inmates, of those depend-
ent upon them and of upkeep of the institution, does not seem to have been given the
consideration which it deserves; the lack of advanced practice in industrial work at
the institution can be traced directly to this. Opportunities for decreasing the loss
on the cost of maintenance of inmates at the institution by increasing revenues from
sale of products and services to the city and other civil divisions and the boarding
of prisoners, have also been neglected, principally it appears, because all of the facts
in connection with management and operation of the institution have not been known.
As indicated under the caption "Population — Prisoners and Inmates," the House
of Correction has on the average 1,722 inmates. At the time of this investigation, the
number was nearly 2,300, which was the highest in the history of the institution.
These consisted of 1,985 men, about 200 women and 110 boys. The able and healthy
inmates are distributed among the thirty or more industries now conducted at the
institution with little or no reference to their qualifications or welfare, or to the wel-
fare of their dependents or of the institution. A detailed analysis has been made of
13
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EXHIBIT XI.
View of the House of Correction quarry, showing crowding and congestion.
The supervisor in charge of the quarry has under him two guards who are sta-
tioned in the pit for the dual purpose of guarding prisoners and keeping them at
work. The guards in turn have appointed a number of straw bosses among the pris-
oners, on whom they depend in a large measure for results. If the quarry is to be
operated efficiently it will be necessary that the men be better supervised and co-op-
eration between the various subdivisions of the quarry's organization improved.
49
From the facts as stated and observations made on the operation of the quarry,
the following conclusions have been drawn:
1. That the stone quarry has great possibilities of development.
2. That development has been hindered because of the following con-
ditions:
(a) The quarry has been made the dumping ground for all excess
men in the institution.
(b) Efficient operation has been hindered by reason of the un-
satisfactory arrangement of power house, steam lines, and track lay-
out.
(c) The amount and efficiency of supervision has been inad-
equate.
(d) The House of Correction has not been able to make advan-
tageous transportation arrangements.
3. That the capacity of the present hoist can be doubled at least
by a simple re-arrangement of track lay-out at both upper and lower
levels.
4. That by installation of additional screening, and storage facilities
and improved operation of crushers, the capacity of the quarry can be
increased greatly.
5. That further study should be given to installation of additional
quarry machinery with a view to increasing production.
A market is assured for the total output of the quarry as the Bureau of Streets
uses annually 100,000 cubic yards of stone, and the Bureau of Engineering and other
city departments stand ready to use as much of this product as the institution can
produce. As the total output of the quarry during the period under consideration was
only 35,122 cubic yards it is apparent that any increase in output will find a ready
market in the city departments.
Shoe and Tailor Industry.
The shoe and tailor, shop manufactures shoes for all inmates, clothing for male
inmates, bedding, and miscellaneous articles for kitchen and bakery. All repair work
on shoes and clothing and the repairing and pressing of street clothes owned by
inmates is also done here. The supervisor in charge of this shop is a practical
tailor. A guard assigned to assist him is a practical shoemaker and instructs the in-
mates in shoemaking. The equipment in these shops consists of foot-power sewing
machines of various types required for the work.
The average number of inmates employed in this shop during the past year was
108, and the average term of sentences was about nine months, being distributed as
follows:
60 inmates 1 year or more
33 inmates 6 months to 1 year
30 inmates 2 months to 6 months
Under the present arrangement a crude but careful record is kept of all materials
received and used in the manufacture of clothing and shoes, and standard costs for
all articles manufactured have been computed. Labor on new and repair work was
found to be figured at the rate of SO cents per day, but credit of only 25 cents per
man-day was allowed on the intra-department records during the period in ques-
tion. This difference in the amount used in computing standards and of credit given,
was due to a misunderstanding which, it is understood, will be rectified under revised
cost standards.
Analysis of expenditures in the shoe and tailor shops and the amounts credited,
as given in the institution records, indicates that for the year ending September 30,
1913, the institution credited itself with a revenue of $25,456.61 and a total expendi-
ture of $11,219.76. leaving a balance of $14,236.85. This shows the value of labor
to be about 42 cents per day for 108 inmates who were engaged in this industry.
A similar analysis has been made of work in this industry using the open market
values of the products and services, and the comparative figures are shown in detail
in the following:
SO
New Products —
Shoes:
Men's leather
Men's canvas
Men's miscellaneous ..
Boys' leather
Boys' baseball
Women's canvas
Clothing:
Men's coats
Men's pants
Miscellaneous clothing
Boys' coats
Boys' pants
Boys' miscellaneous
Miscellaneous Articles
RECEIPTS.
Figures obtained
from House of
Correction
Actual
Total $ 9,740.84
Repairing and Pressing —
Receiving room $14,820.97
John Worthy School.
Barn (harness) .
Comptroller
Men's hospital . .
Women's hospital
Main kitchen ....
Cell houses
Miscellaneous . . .
681.13
92.55
20.60
21.80
3.42
17.30
11.22
46.78
Figures based i
market value
Estimated
$ 1,748.25
880.00
89.75
295.50
17.00
160.00
$ 1,289.56
1,558.25
5,031.71
52.00
186.00
257.92
1,080.51
15,715.77 $25,456.61
$12,646,45
$22,231.45
1,021.70
138.82
30.90
32.70
5.13
25.95
16.83
70.17
$36,220.10
Materials
Repairs and replacements
Supervision —
Supervisor (% time)
Guard as assistant super-
visor ('/} time)
DISBURSEMENTS.
$ 9,717.67
242.09
$ 920.00
340.00 1,260.00 $11,219.70
Labor value
Average men employed per day
Total men-days
Average value of labor per man per day.
Average cost of maintenance
108
33,027
$14,236.85
1.431
.462
$ 9.717.67
242.09
1.260.(
108
33,027
$11,219.76
$25,000.34
1.757
.462
Profit or loss per man per day Loss $0,031 Profit $0.29=
The quality of products in this shop is better than can be purchased in the open
market at a price equal to the cost of production, including labor figured at the
price of average cost of maintenance. The use of prison labor in these industries
was found to be generally beneficial to both inmates and the institution.
Studies should be made of the efficiency of prison labor in tliis shop as com-
pared with free labor, and new standards of production, should be computed so that
the amounts of credit given for finished product may bear a favorable relation to
market values. In addition the system of shop records should be thoroughly revised
on the basis of the best practice obtaining in private shops.
Brick Industry.
From the point of receipts the brick industry is the largest now conducted at
the institution. Records for the year ending September 30. 1913. show a production
of 5,809,000 sewer and common brick, and receipts of approximately $25,000.
SI
The institution charges the city and private contractors at the rate of $4.00
per thousand (f. o. b. brick yard) for common brick and $4.25 per thousand (f. o. b.
brick yard) for sewer brick. The delivery charge within a radius of four miles is
$2.75 per thousand, which increases the cost to $6.75 per thousand for common brick
and $7.00 per thousand for sewer brick. The present market price for the same
brick is $7.00 per thousand for common brick and $8.00 per thousand for sewer brick.
The following analysis of records of receipts and expenditures in the brick in-
dustry for the year ending September 30, 1913, indicates a net labor value of about
30 cents per day per inmate. With the increase of price to that charged on the out-
side, the average value of labor would be raised to at least 35^ cents per day per
inmate.
RECEIPTS.
Figures obtained
from House of
Correction
Actual
Sales to:
City $11,438.00
Private parties 13,154.75
House of Corn (estimated) 118.00 $24,710.75
Brick Manufactured. 5,809,000
at $4.75 per M
DISBURSEMENTS.
Material $ 3,026.19
Coal • ■ • •
Repairs and replacements
Supervision — •
Supervisor $1,800.00
Brick machine operator 1,200.00
Stationary Engineer (.14 time) 300.00
Asst. Supervisor 760.50
1,076.20
321.07
4,060.50 8,483.96
Figures based on
market value
Estimated
$3,026.19
1,076.20
321.07
1.800.00
1,200.00
300.00
760.50
$27,692.75
$16,226.79
8,483.96
$19,208.79
Labor value
Average number of men employed 178 1/8
Total men days 54,079 54,079
.Average value of labor per man per day $0.30 $0,335
Average cost of maintenance ■.'.$0,462 $0,462
Loss per man per day $0,162 $0,107
A number of city departments are doing considerable construction and repair
work for which they require large quantities of brick. Such brick should be bought
from the institution as far as practicable, and at a rate which would have to be paid
in the open market.
Laundry (Men's and Women's).
The laundry activities of the House of Correction have been expanded to take
care of laundry service of several city departments in addition to that of the institu-
tion.
The men's laundry does all washing for male inmates and in addition assists the
women's laundry in washing towels for all departments at the City Hall, as well as
part of the laundry for police stations. The women's laundry cares for the remain-
ing portion of laundry work for police stations, all laundry for the Department of
Health, Municipal Lodging House, City Hall, "Parting of the Ways" home and for
the matron's and superintendent's residences.
Equipment of the men's laundry consists of two washing machines, two wringers,.
a steam dryer, and five electric irons. The washing machines and one of the wring-
ers are operated by a 20-horse power electric motor, and the other wringer is ope-
rated by a 2-horse power direct connected steam engine.
52
Equipment in the women's laundry consists of wash tubs, twenty-two electric
flat irons, an electric wringer, and an electric mangle, the latter two operated by a
2-horse power motor.
Analysis of records of receipts and expenditures for service in the laundries indi-
cates that prices charged the city departments by the House of Correction are unrea-
sonably low, and for this reason receipts are not sufficient to cover the maintenance
cost of inmates.
The following table shows prices now charged and commercial prices in large
quantities for doing such laundry work:
Articles.
J-
B
^ O-
C C 3
^ ^ d
Rough dry wash for inmates 7c per doz. 10c per doz. 20c per doz.
Miscellaneous pieces washed and
ironed for inmates 15c per doz. 20c per doz. 60c per doz.
Washing and ironing towels 40c per 100 20c per 100 $1.00 per 100
(washing only) (ironing only)
Washing and ironing for hospital,
superintendent's residence and \
reserve officers 40c per doz. 90c to $1.20 per doz.
Washing and ironing for Police and
Health Departments-^
(a) Sheets 3c each 3c each
(b) Pillow slips IJ^c each 2c each
(c) Bed spreads and blankets 40c per 100 l()c each 5c to 25c each
(washing only)
Comparison of the above figures also shows that prices charged by the men's
laundry are much lower than those charged by the women's laundry. For example,
the men's laundry does washing for the Department of Police at a rate of 40 cents
per hundred pieces, while the women's laundry charges 10 cents a piece for the wash-
ing and ironing of this class of work. Laundry work done by women inmates for
the "Parting of the Ways" home and the Municipal Lodging House is gratuitous.
Laundry service given to the Municipal Lodging House should be paid for as required
of other city departments.
The following comparison of prices charged by the institution and in the open
market for this class of service has been made to show the differences between the
total actual and the estimated receipts, and the differences in the net value of labor:
Men's Laundry.
RECEIPTS.
Figures obtained
from House of Figures based on
Correction market value
Service^ Actual Estimated
House of Correction $5,918.36
City departments 619.66 $6,538.02
House of Correction rough dry. 731.252
pieces at 20c per dozen $12,187.40
Washed and ironed 178,949 pieces at 5c
each 8,947.45
City-
City Hall (towels washed) 139,900 at 60c
per 100 839.40
Police Department (blankets washed) 13,-
035 at Sc each 651.75
Health Department (towels washed) 2,984
at 60c per 100 17.90
$22,463.90
S3
UlSBURSEMENTS.
Materials $1,541.94 $1,541.94
Electric Power (Estimated) 780.00 780.00
Repairs and Replacements 277.99 277.99
Supervision —
Supervisor Siioe and Tailor
Shop (Vs time) $ 460.00 460.00
Guard as Assistant Supervisor. 1,080.00 1,540.00 $4,139.93 1,080.00 $ 4,139.93
Labor Value $2,398.09 $18,323.97
Average men employed per day 27 27
Total men days 8.332 _ 8,332
Average value of labor per man per day $0,287 $2.20
Average cost of maintenance $0,462 $0,462
Profit or loss per man per day Loss $0,175 Profit $1,738
Women's Laundry.
RECEIPTS.
Figures obtained
from House of Figures based on
Correction market value
Services — Actual Estimated
Police Department $3,426.38
Health Department 3,759.57
City Hall '. 181.93
House of Correction 2,770.58 $10,138.46
Sheets, 62,083 at 3c each $ 1,862.49
Pillow slips, 18,914 at 2c each 379.28 r
Towels (ironing only) 372,112 at 40c per
100 1,488.45
Spreads and Blankets, 15,404 at 5c each.. 770.20
Coats and Pants, 5,006 at 7y,c each 325.45
Rough Dry, 46,361 at 20c per dozen.... 772.60
Miscellaneous, 141,671 at 10c each 14,167.10 $19,765.57
DISBURSEMENTS.
Materials $ 489.00 $ 489.00
Power (estimated) 1,219.92 1,219.92
Repairs and Replacements 285.00 285.00
Delivery (estimated) 499.20 499.20
Supervision, 2 matrons at $780 1,560.00 $4,053.12 1,560.00 $4,053.12
Labor Value $6,085.34 $15,712.45
Average women employed per day 60 60
Total women days 18,389 18,389
Average value of labor per woman per day $0.33 $0,855
Average cost of maintenance $0,462 $0,462
Profit or loss per woman per day Loss $0,132 Profit $0,393
The principal reason for differences in value of labor in the men's and women's
laundries, shown above, is that the efficiency of men prisoners is greater than that of
women prisoners and the amount of work turned out by the men's laundry is greater
than that turned out by the women's laundry.
During the year ending December 31, 1913, the men's laundry accomplished the
following work at the prices indicated:
Quantity Articles Washed and Ironed Charge Amount
731,252 Pieces washed 7c per doz. $4,265.59
178,949 Pieces washed and ironed 15c per doz. 2,236.80
139,900 Towels washed for City Hall 40c per 100 559.60
13,035 Pieces washed for Police Dept 40c per 100 52.00
2,984 Towels washed for Health Dept 40c per 100 12.00
1,066,120 Pieces $7,125.99
S4
The investigation in these two industries has disclosed:
(a) That operation of the laundry industry has been comparatively
efficient, and is necessary for economical administration of the House of
Correction, as the large amount of washing necessary in an institution of
this kind is done better and more cheaply than in an outside laundry;
(b) That the work is clean and is not detrimental to the welfare of
inmates engaged therein;
(c) That prices charged for service performed by both laundries are
lower than justifiable.
In addition to laundry work now sent in to the House of Correction by the De-
partments of Police, Health and Public Works, that of three other city departments
which alone spend approximately $13,000 each year for this class of work, viz., the
Board of Education, $12,765, Chicago Public Library, $374.55, and the Special Park
Commission (estimated) $125, could well be handled. There is also a large amount of
laundry work required by various park boards and Cook County institutions which
could be done to the advantage of both the House of Correction and the other insti-
tutions if it were taken care of by the inmates.
Arrangements should be made whereby these city departments and civil divisions
send as much of their laundry work as practicable to the institution. Prices charged
for work done for city departments and other civil divisions, and credit given for work
done for the House of Correction, should be raised to equal the amount which would
be charged by outside laundries.
Women's Sewing Room.
An average of 30 women inmates per day are engaged in making clothing for
women inmates, towels, sheets, and pillow slips for the entire institution, and repair-
ing women's clothing and darning men's socks.
The following figures indicate actual receipts and expenditures in this industry for
the year ending .September 30, 1913, and the estimated amounts, if standards and values
used in the open market had been applied.
RECEIPTS.
Figures obtained
from House of Figures based on
Correction market value
Actual Estimated
New Work $1,893.72 $3,029.94
Repair Work 469.31 $2,363.03 750.90 $3,780.84
mSUURSEMENTS.
Material $1,450.44 $1,450.44
Supervision 780.00 $2,230.44 780.00 $2,2,30.44
Labor value $ 132.59 $1,550,40
Average women employed per day 30 30
Total women days 9,158 9,158
Average value of labor per woman per day $0,014 $0.17
Average cost of maintenance $0,462 $0,462
Loss per woman per day $0,448 $0,292
Note; Market value is estimated to be 60 per cent greater than House
of Correction figures.
It is undoubtedly to the advantage of the institution to operate the sewing room,
but standards of production sliould be revised, so that proper credit may be given for
commodities produced.
SS
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES.
Aside from the above industries there are a number of miscellaneous industries
which the institution carries on for upkeep of its own and other city departments.
Kitchens.
One main kitchen supplies food to the main institution, to the women's depart-
ment, and to the John Worthy School for Boys. Subsidiary kitchens supply food for
the hospital and a few employes, and also for residences of the matron and the super-
intendent.
Equipment in the main kitchen consists of steam-heated iron kettles and a potato
steamer. The steamer is antiquated, is unsuited for present needs, and should be re-
placed at once by larger and more modern equipment. Exhibit XII shows old wooden
half-barrels which are in use at the present time for food, as it is being dished out
EXHIBIT XII.
Interior view of kitchen, House of Correction, showing wooden half barrels
used as receptacle for food and tin ration cans.
of cookers before distribution to ration pans. These barrels should be replaced by
galvanized iron or tin tubs similar to some now in use. An additional set of ration
pans should be provided so that the menu could be improved occasionally by addition
of rice, oatmeal, and other cereals; food should be served in a warmer condition than
at present.
Bakery,
The bakery supplies all bread and rolls consumed in the institution. These are
cleanly made and wholesome. Three modern bake ovens form the equipment. De-
tailed cost records are kept of the amount of materials used, which cost about V/z
cents per loaf and a little over yi cent per roll. A better grade of bread called ''hos-
pital bread" costs slightly over 2 cents per loaf.
56
■ r- V*j , ...
•Labor, supervision, heat and overhead charges should be considered in arriving at
the cost of manufacture. Under terms of a recent agreement the bakery is to supply
bread for the Municipal Lodging House. A charge of 3 cents per pound loaf, includ-
ing delivery, is to be made.
Crematory.
The present crematory is built underground. Until very recently it was used only
for cremation of part of the garbage and refuse of the institution. During the past
few months pure garbage from the three adjoining wards has been delivered to this
crematory and incinerated. The total daily delivery from these wards amounts to ap-
proximately 25 tons, and it has required about 3 tons of coal per day to incinerate this
amount, at an average cost of 24 cents per ton, which is exclusive of the value of labor
and overhead charges.
The institution has charged the Bureau of Streets of the Department of Public
Works at a rate of 44 cents per ton. This figure is comparatively low when it is con-
sidered the present crematory was not originally erected to take care of this amount
of garbage.
Possibilities for the use of convict labor for the incineration or reduction of gar-
bage and refuse are great, and arrangements should be made whereby the House of
Correction will furnish labor for operation and maintenance at the proposed garbage
disposal plant which is to be erected near the House of Correction.
Cement Shop.
Inmates in the cement shop at present manufacture concrete articles, such as vases
and posts, and supply same for the Special Park Commission. This work can be car-
ried on advantageously at the institution, and every effort should be made to have as
much as possible done for the Park Boards, the Board of Education, and the Bureau
of Engineering, and other bureaus of city departments.
Machine and Tin Shop.
Until recently men in this shop were engaged solely on repair work and in the
manufacture of ration pans and other articles of tin for the institution. Street dirt
boxes and "Street Closed" signs are now being made in the shop for the Bureau of
Streets. The institution proposes to charge the city $2.30 per box, as the material costs
about $1.58 per box and labor is figured at 50 cents per man-day. Use of a metal
folding machine will increase the capacity of the shop with a corresponding decrease
in cost of manufacture.
Carpenter and Paint Shop.'
Until recently the carpenter and paint shop was engaged only in repair work and
painting and in the manufacture of mattresses, scrubbing brushes, and miscellaneous
articles for the institution. Of late painting of street dirt boxes and "street closed"
signs, manufactured in the tin shop, has been undertaken. Present equipment is most
primitive; the wood lathe is operated by hand power and the backs for scrubbing
brushes are shaped and the holes bored by hand. These are shown in Exhibits XIII
and XIV.
Garden and Greenhouse.
In summer a considerable quantity of vegetables is grown in the garden. There
is a small pig-sty in connection with this garden in which a few pigs are fattened each
year on garbage from the kitchen.
The greenhouse is maintained solely for the institution. When there is an abun-
dance of flowers an attempt is made to sell them to dealers. The price offered has in
some cases been so low that the flowers have not been sold, and have been used in
decorating the chapels and as gifts.
Stable.
Fourteen horses are kept in the stable, two of which are boarded, one for the
leather shop and one for the broom shop, a charge of $20 per month being made for
this service in each case.
57
EXHIBIT XIII.
Interior view of carpenter shop. House of Correction, showing method of
doing: lathe work by hand power machinery.
P:.\HIBIT XIV.
Interior view of carpenter shop, House of Correction, showing method of
making brush backs by hand labor.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS.
The following is a summary of the findings and conclusions included in this
report:
(1) That under the dual authority conferred by the statutes on the board of inspectors
and the superintendent of the House of Correction, the responsibility for operation and
management of the various activities at the institution has not been and cannot be definite-
ly fixed, that the present condition is inefifective and expensive, and has been the cause
of the lack of defined and concerted plan of action toward a complete re-organization along
logical and scientific lines.
(2) That the contract system of employing prison labor is prejudicial to moral, mental
and industrial development and welfare of prisoners and those dependent upon them, and
is detrimental to the interests of the institution and of free labor.
(3) That the municipal use system for the employment of convict labor is for the best
interests of prisoners and the institution, and that there are a large number of industries in
which the inmates could be made to work for the benefit of the city departments and
various other civil divisions, including the park boards. Cook County, Board of Educa-
tion, Public Library and the Sanitary District of Chicago.
(4) That credit is due the present superintendent of the House of Correction for his
earnestness and efficiency in the general control and direction of penal work at the insti-
tution.
(5) That the practice of making contracts with private contractors for the use of con-
vict labor through verbal agreement between the board of inspectors and contractors is
subject to criticism as, in the opinion of the corporation counsel, "neither the board of
inspectors of the House of Correction nor the City Council of the city of Chicago has
power or authority lo make such a contract as is contemplated for the output of prison
labor."
(6) That there has been general lack of business-like management in the operation and
control of prison industries, and that opportunities for decreasing the cost of maintenance
of inmates at the institution by increasing revenues from the sale of products and services
to the city and other civil divisions and the boarding of prisoners, have been neglected,
these conditions being due to the following :
(a) Unscientific assignment of employes, insufficient supervision and lack of
esprit de corps in the organization.
(b) Questions of the most adaptable and desirable industries and necessary
equipment do not seem to have been given the consideration which they de-
serve, and industries have been either overcrowded or have not been suffi-
ciently developed.
(c) Each industry has been conducted as an independent unit and without ref-
erence to the other industries.
(d) Assignment of inmates to the various industries is done in a hurried, hap-
hazard manner: apparently little thought is given to the best interests of
inmates or institution.
(c) No concerted effort seems to have been made in requiring daily check of the
work and industry of regular employes or of inmates,
(f) Lack of modernized and accurate systems of accounting and cost-keeping
and a system for definitely ascertaining the efficiency of individuals or of
service.
(7) That no permanent records or minutes are kept of the meetings of the board of
inspectors and of their actions; they have not required that such minutes be written up and
presented for their approval and signature, and the superintendent of the House of Cor-
rection has drawn up annual or other reports from personal notes kept by him.
(8) That the work of the present assistant superintendent and principal clerk is not
satisfactory and is ineffective.
(9) That the cost of maintaining inmates is appro.ximately 46 cents per day, and the
average earning value of inmate labor in the industries conducted during the year end-
ing September 30, 1913, is shown by the House of Correction records to be as follows:
59
CONTRACT SHOPS.
Total Total Average Value
Industry Valve of Men Days of Labor
Labor for Year Per Day
Chicago Broom Co $7,024.50 18,342 $0,382
Chicago Leather & Mercantile Co 7,453.54 31,798 0.23
Inland Purse Co '. 1,333.53 10,900 0.122
MUNICIPALLY CONDUCTED INDUSTRIES.
Printing shop 6,411.38 6,596 0.972
Shoe and tailor shop 14,236.85 33,027 0.431
Women's laundry 6,085.34 18,389 0.33
Brick industry 16,226.79 54,079 0.30
Men's laundrv 2,398.09 8,332 0.287
Crushed stone 2,887.90 67,729 0.0427
■ Women's sewing room 132.59 9,158 0.014
(10) That the annual net cost of operation of the House of Correction for the years
1906 to 1913 inclusive, has varied from $92,750.53 to $163,760.91 ; that the net estimated
difference between the value in the open market and the amounts charged against the city
departments for more important supplies and services amounted to about $43,830 for the
year ending September 30, 1913 ; that the House of Correction suffered a further loss dur-
ing the same period by reason of letting out labor under contract without charging for
space, light, heat and power, amounting to $12,468.94, and that private contractors made a
profit on labor derived from the difference in the charge made by the House of Correction
for labor and the value of such labor in the free competitive market, estimated at $32,604.
(11) That bills contracted by Cook County for the boarding of its prisoners from
1906 to December, 1912, totaling $268,412, remain unpaid and that the rate charged Cook
County and other civil divisions for the boarding of prisoners is less than the average cost
of maintenance.
(12) That the confining of boys in the John Worthy School behind bars has an exceed-
ingly bad effect upon their attitude and seriously hampers the mental and moral develop-
ment which is to be desired in a school of this kind. The fact that there is no segregation
of boys who are merely obstreperous, and who need only a little training to make them
good citizens, from the other boys who show criminal tendencies, frequently results in
contamination of the younger boys.
(13) That the percentage of efficiency, as indicated by the value of labor, varies great-
ly in the different industries ; that prisoners do better and more work in those occupations
and industries in which commodities are manufactured either for use of the institution or
for the municipality than when their services are sold to private contractors, and that the
average efficiency of prison labor is less than free labor and varies from SSyi per cent to
66% per c.ent of the efficiency of labor in the free market.
(14) That farm work is good, healthy, invigorating and self-respecting labor, and
offers opportunity for men if they will learn the details of an industry which may be called
for and useful to them in after life, and that "the convict can do all these things with the
minimum of competition with free labor and with no injury to the farm."
(15) That sanitary arrangements in the institution are generally good, but there is
insufficient room in the hospital and the lay-out is bad.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS.
The following is a summary of the recommendations included in this report:
(1) That action be taken so that bills be presented to the next legislature pro-
viding for an amendment to the statutes abolishing the offices of the board of inspect-
ors and placing the responsibility for the management and the direction of the House
of Correction definitely on one official. This official should be appointed by the Mayor
with the advice and consent of the City Council, and should have complete power to
direct and manage all the activities of the institution, and should appoint all neces-
sary assistants according to their merits and qualifications.
60
(2) That the policy of the House of Correction be complete abolition of the sys-
tem of contract labor, and that inmates who are not engaged in general maintenance
work for the institution be assigned to industries for production of supplies and com-
modities or be assigned on outside work, at agriculture, or other services for the
use of the institution, the city and other civil divisions.
(3) That the contract with the Chicago Leather and Mercantile Company be ter-
minated on the date signified in the letter of January 29, with the other contract in-
dustries, and that inmates now assigned to this work be put on work of manufactur-
ing supplies and giving their services to the city departments and other civil divisions
hereinafter cited.
(4) That an order be issued to the various department heads of the city to use
every means possible for utilization of prison labor and the products manufactured at
the House of Correction in operation of their manifold activities, and that every eflfort
be directed to influence the proper authorities of Cook County, the park boards, the
Board of Education, the Public Library, the Sanitary District of Chicago and other
civil divisions to utilize such convict labor and products as they may need which
could be manufactured advantageously at the institution.
(5) That the following industries be extended at the institution to supply prod-
ucts or services to the municipal use market, as indicated:
(a) Crushed stone to the Bureau of Streets and the Bureau of Engineering
and to the several park boards.
(b) Building and common brick to be used in construction and repair work
of the Bureau of Sewers and the Bureau of Engineering, Fire Depart-
ment, Department of Police, Special Park Commission, Board of Edu-
cation, Health Department and the Department of Electricity.
(c) Printing for the various city departments and county institutions.
(d) Laundry work of the Board of Education, Public Library, park boards.
Special Park Commission, Sanitary District of Chicago and Cook County
institutions.
(e) Wearing apparel for all inmates at the institution and for Cook County
institutions.
(f) Bakery products to the Municipal Lodging House, Board of Education
for penny lunches, and to the Parental School.
(g) Incineration of garbage and refuse delivered from adjoining wards. This
will necessitate construction of the proposed incineration plant near the
House of Correction.
(h) Furnishing of concrete posts, fountain basins, and like concrete products
for park boards, the Special Park Commission, Board of Education and
Department of Public Works.
(6) That new industries be established at the House of Correction as soon as
feasible to supply the following commodities and services for city use:
(a) The making of push brooms and all other kinds of brooms, street dirt
bo.xes, paper burners, "Street Closed" signs, shovels and boulevard
scrapers for the Bureau of Streets and the performing of maintenance
work, such as painting and miscellaneous repairs on equipment for this
bureau and other departments of the city.
(b) Book binding work for the Public Library and other city and county
departments.
(c) Assignment of prisoners for work at the garbage reduction plant and at
the proposed incinerating plant near the House of Correction grounds.
(d) Assignment of prisoners for work at the proposed repair shop and yards
of the Department of Public Works adjoining the House of Correction.
(e) Assignment of convict labor under proper conditions and restrictions
for repair and maintenance of public highways.
(f) Assignment of old and infirm inmates, alcoholics and short term prison-
ers to work on a farm to be operated for raising of products consumed
at the House of Correction and at other city departments and county in-
stitutions.
61
(7) That consideration be given to adoption of a plan whereby longer-term pris-
oners be compensated for their labor, and that a portion of the money earned by the
convict during his term of imprisonment either be held and paid to him upon his re-
lease, or that it be given to his family as a means of support during his incarcera-
tion.
(8) That the city give consideration to, and that efforts be made to interest civic
organizations in the question of providing a farm to which inmates at the House of
Correction could be sent for work. This method of reformation of unfortunates has
been found to lie successful, remunerative and to the welfare of inmates and society.
(9) That extension of the practice of providing lectures and night-school instruc-
tion work, especially in trades, after inmates have completed their day's work, be
given careful consideration and that civic organizations and committees be interested
to co-operate by providing books, lectures and aid in this betterment work.
(10) That there should be directly under the superintendent, two chief assist-
ants, one of them, the medical superintendent, directly charged with all activities
having to do with health and physical well-being of prisoners; the other, a superin-
tendent of industries or business manager, directly charged with all activities which
have to do with the industrial development of prisoners and general management of
the institution. General questions of mental and moral betterment of prisoners should
be left in the hands of the superintendent.
(11) That the positions of assistant superintendent and principal clerk be abol-
ished, and that the position of superintendent of industries or business manager be
created in place thereof at a salary of at least $3,000. (Amendment to the statutes
will be necessary in case of abolition of the office of deputy superintendent.)
(12) That the question of changing standards and prices so that they conform
more nearly to those used in the open market should be given immediate considera-
tion, and city departments or other civil divisions obtaining such services and com-
modities be hereafter required to pay amounts more nearly approaching those pre-
vailing in the free competitive market.
(13) That before any further payments are made to the House of Correction by
Cook County, the park boards, the federal government and the towns or villages, the
matter of charge for boarding prisoners should be given careful consideration, and an
eflfort should be made to secure for this service a sum no less than the cost to the in-
stitution of maintaining inmates, and that further efifort be made to secure an early
adjustment of claims of the city for amounts due from Cook County for boarding
prisoners.
(14) That complete minutes of actions of oflicials of the House of Correction
be regularly kept and be inade a part of the permanent record for use as a basis for
fixing responsibility and presenting all necessary facts in quarterly reports to the city
comptroller, and annual reports to the city council and to the governor.
flS) That a modernized and complete system of accounting be installed at the
institution which should be made to show definitely the cost of operation of each
industry during stated periods, cost and consumption of a given group of inmates,
and revenues as distinguished from receipts of the entire organization, and that these
accounts be maintained in such a manner as to furnish the superintendent of the
■ House of Correction with definite information as to amounts expended for
(a) Maintenance of the institution and the various divisions thereof.
(b) Operating of industries and of each separate industry.
(c) Capital outlay.
(16) That daily service reports be made by all regular employes; that they be
checked by officials directly in charge and be made the basis for ascertaining and re-
cording individual efficiency.
62
(17) That efficiency markings of all employes be kept on individual history cards,
which should be open at all times for the inspection of employes. The average monthly
efficiency markings should be kept in a permanent record in the superintendent's office
and in the office of the Civil Service Commission.
(18) That in determining efficiency of employes three factors be used, viz., qual-
ity, quantity and conduct in work performed, with demerits for violations of rules
and regulations and non-attendance, and for tardiness.
(19) That a complete set of instructions, rules and regulations be prepared and
distributed to employes as soon as possible, for the guidance in carrying on different
activities.
(20) That a modern telephone system be installed at the institution to take the
place of the present antiquated system and that operation of the switch-board be
added to the duties of the junior stenographer.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) J. L. JACOBS,
Efficiency Engineer in Charge.
APPROVED:
(Signed) JAMES MILES,
Examiner in Charge. Efficiency Division.
EXHIBIT II.
OPINION OF CORPORATION COUNSEL, CITY OF CHICAGO.
March 18, 1914,
IN RE CONTRACT FOR PRISON LABOR AT THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
HON. A. A. BURGER, SECRETARY OF THE BOARD
OF INSPECTORS OF THE HOUSE OF
CORRECTION.
Dear Sir : In your communication of recent date addressed to the corporation counsel,
you asked for an opinion on two questions: First, whether the board of inspectors of the
House of Correction has authority ,to let a five-year contract or agreement for letting out
labor at your institution without the formality of presenting or passing same through the
City Council. The second question was whether the board can recommend such a
matter to the City Comptroller, and whether the latter has the power to instruct the
board to let such contract or agreement.
The two questions are so nearly allied to each other that we can answer both without
dividing them.
It seems that the board of inspectors has not the authority to enter into a contract of
this character without action on the part of the City Council, and it is almost as certain
that the City Council itself would have no such power if it undertook to do this.
Under the act of 1873 relating to the State Reform School for Juvenile Offenders, the
board of trustees of that institution was given power, among other things, to provide for
the employment and education of its inmates. It undertook in pursuance of that power to
make a contract with an individual for the use of the services of the inmates of that
institution. The Supreme Court held that the board of trustees was a corporation with
special and limited powers ; that the contract made by it was void, and that the statute did
not confer upon them the power to make a contract of this character, (Clement v.
Board of Trustees of State Reform School, 84 111., 311.)
The law establishing the House of Correction was passed in 1871. It did not expressly
give the power to the board of inspectors of same to employ the inmates of the institution,
and in this respect the board of inspectors of the House of Correction are more limited
in their powers than were the board of trustees of the State Reform School. Consequently,
since it was held unlawful for the latter to make a contract of this character, a fortiori it
follows that the board of inspectors of the House of Correction can not do so.
The act creating the House of Correction unquestionably contemplated that the inmates
should be employed. It required that the officer whose duty it was to receive the persons
sentenced thereto should "safely keep and employ such person for the term mentioned in
the warrant of commitment." (Sec. 10.) This is also made clear by the wording of sec-
tion 13 of that act, which says that the expenses of maintaining any such house of correc-
tion "over and above all receipts for the labor of persons confined therein," etc., shall be
audited and paid by the legislative authority of the city. Consequently, there is no doubt
that the inmates are to be employed, and the City Council has expressly required this
by section 1497 of the Chicago Code of 1911, which makes it the duty of the superin-
tendent to put each of the persons committed therein who is able to labor "to the
work which they are respectively best able to do, not to exceed ten hours for each
working day."
64
We are unable to find any statute which prescribes the class of work that the inmates
of this institution shouLd do, but we assume that their employment in the same manner and
in the same lines of work as the employment of the inmates of the penitentiaries and
reformatories of the state would be proper.
As stated above, the City Council has not been given any authority to make contracts
for the labor of the inmates of same, and there is little doubt but that the amendment of
the constitution adopted in 1886 relating to prison labor, applies to this institution as well
as to the penal institutions of the state. This amendinent reads as follows:
Hereafter it shall be unlawful for the commissioners of any peniten-
tiary or other reformatory institution in the State of Illinois, to let out
by contract to any person or persons, or corporations, the labor of any
convict confined within said institution.
The only reason why there is any question as to the applicability of the above
constitutional provision is because the word "convict" is used and it may be regarded
as doubtful whether so harsh a name can be applied to a "person confined in the
House of Correction, since he does not, through his imprisonment in same, lose any
of his civil rights. On the other hand, the provision of the criminal code which
authorizes the commitment of persons sentenced to the County Jail or House of
Correction, speaks of same as "convicts" (Criminal Code Div. 14, sec. 12), and the act
establishing the House of Correction makes provision for the imprisonment of per-
sons sent there by the federal courts, who are usually regarded as convicts.
After giving due weight to the meaning of the word "convict," the conclusion is
irresistible that the constitutional amendment was intended to cover such institutions
as the House of Correction. The authorities agree that the institution comes within
the definition of the words "penitentiary or other reformatory institution."
"A house of refuge and a house of correction are alike in the essential
element that each is a quasi-penal institution, whose desideratum is the
reformation rather than the punishment of the inmate.
"A house of refuge is usually for the young; for juvenile offenders
exclusively. A house of correction, originally, was designed for petty evil-
doers of all ages, and in the absence of any statutory provision to the con-
trary the age of a person committed is of no special importance.
"Every institution of a reformatory character embraced within the
meaning of the terms 'houses of refuge and correction,' in a legal sense,
charitable and eleemosynary, so far as such terms may properly apply to a
public corporation. In some states all such reformatory institutions are
included in or united with the state charities. Sometimes they are specif-
ically declared to be charitable corporations by the statutes which create
them.
"All such institutions are identical in spirit and purpose. The object
of each is the reformation of the culprit and his restoration to society as
speedily as the general welfare will permit, prepared and equipped, by
reason of the training received while in confinement, to lead a correct and
useful life. But all such institutions are distinctly penal as well as reform-
atory in character." (15 Am. & Eng. Enc. of Law, 2nd Ed., pp. m .)
Webster defines the word "penitentiary" as follows:
"A place for penitence, or where penance is inflicted or offenses pun-
ished; especially, a house of correction in which offenders are confined
for punishment and reformation, and compelled to labor; a work house."
Additional authority for our view may be found in following cases:
Hughes V. Daly. 49 Conn. 34.
McAndrews v. Hamilton Co., 103 Tenn. 399.
Aside from the exact definition of the words used, there appears no good reason
for limiting the inhibition to the penal institutions ordinarly called penitentaries and
reformatories. The fact that the words "or other" appear before the word "reform-
atory" and the fact that the word "institution" appears after it, makes it quite clear
that the intention was not to confine it to the prison for juvenile offenders ordinarily
known as a state reformatory. It was undoubtedly intended that it should include
any penal institution where the inmates are employed at work which might compete
with outside labor.
Therefore, we are of the opinion that neither the board of inspectors of the House
of Correction nor the City Council of the city of Chicago has power or authority to
make such a contract as is contemplated for the output of prison labor.
Yours respectfully,
M. W. CAGNEY,
Assistant Corporation Counsel.
LEON HORNSTEIN,
Assistant Corporation Counsel.
Approved:
WM. H. SEXTON,
Corporation Counsel.
.Ipfi
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