A NEW KINDS OF PRISON

Evening Star, Issue 16625, 7 January 1918, Page 1

A NEW KINDS OF PRISON

An old-time- convict, if transported to the new penitentiary buildings, now being constructed near Joliet, Illinpis, would Tub ins eyes and wonder, says a writer in-the 'lllustrated World' (Chicago). He goes on : "In place of the old-style cells, arranged in straight rows tier above tier, damp, cheerless, and insanitary, he wqnld find a circular arrangement, with well-lighted, well-ventilated cells that are as sanitary as cleanliness and care can make them. The administration building at the entrance suggests the conventional arrangement, but., everything else is radically different. The buildings are grouped so 2s to secure the greatest convenience in administration. As all must eat, even in a prison, a large circular dining room, is placed in the central portion; surrounding this are eight circular eellhouses for «ie_ prisoners, all connected with the dining room by corridors. Between these radiating corridors are' the kitchen, bakery, private dining-room, office, 'and guard rooms, all opening directly into the riming Tooni. Two large workrooms are placed far in the rear, but are also connected with the dining room by a corridor. The warehouses for the storage material and manufactured products are just m the rear of the workrooms. At one side is the chapel, with a stage, a largo auditorium, and separate rooms for those of the Catholic and Jewish faiths Opposite tins is the hospital, with special wards for those with tuberculosis and contagious diseases. The laundry and shower baths are in a building at tho left of the Jong corridor to the workrooms."