The women prisoners should be entirely segregated from the men’s quarters.
We now revise our estimate and make it approximately 70 per cent.
BLAIR COUNTY.
The Secretary was hoping to have opportunity to revise his estimate of the efficiency of the prison at Hollidaysburg, but was informed that the Commissioners requested that he should have an audience with them prior to making the usual examination. The Commissioners were not in session at the time of his visit, and so he did not insist upon his right as an Official Visitor. His rule is to be subject to the local regulations. Last year the Secretary was not favorably impressed with the sanitation and some features of the management. He trusts that some improvements have been made. He was pleased to learn that some men were working on the county farm and others on the roads. He did not learn whether the inmates were allowed to use the yard for exercise or whether they had the privilege of remaining outside of their cells longer than two hours a day. Letters ought to be inspected when received.
The fee system is still in use, a practice generally more or less abused. The Commissioners should very seriously consider a proposition to appoint a warden who should purchase provisions by contract. They buy bread. It would be more economical to bake their own bread.
Parole has not yet been instituted in this county.
On account of the road and farm work, we increase our estimate of the efficiency from 41 per cent. to 48 per cent.
CAMBRIA COUNTY.
Twenty-two men are reported to be working on roads. Several men have been raising vegetables on land, part belonging to the county and part rented for the purpose. A good beginning. We think that next year Warden E. H. Knee will endeavor to increase the amount of farm work.
Sixty-five prisoners are reported to be released on parole.