#convict uniform

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"CHANGE CONVICTS' GARB," Daily British Whig (Kingston, Ont.). November 20, 1920. Page 2. ---- The Humiliation Clothing Replaced by Bluish Gray Suiting. ---- It is stated that among the mea- sures of reform that are being introduced at the Portsmouth penitentiary is the abolition of the striped and large-checked convict suits that were always regarded as a humiliation. They are being replaced by a one-color bluish-grey suit. The chief reason assigned for the distinctive uniform was to prevent escape. Previous to 1894 the inmates of Canadian federal penitentiaries wore a two-color brown and yellow suit. One trouser leg was brown and the other yellow, and the coat and cap were the same. In 1894 this suit was condemned, and a plain gray homespun suit was issued. With the appointment of Douglas Stewart as inspector in 1895, three kinds of suits were adopted. The plain gray for first-class prisoners, a gray and black check suit for second class, and a red and gray check for the third class. Gradually the plain gray suit was done away with, and a star was placed on the grey check suit to indicate that the wearer was a first class prisoner. The gray check suit was abolished, and the more distinctive red suit retained for all, classification being indicated by, a brass star for first, the figure 1 for second and a 2 for third.

Freedom suits were for many years made for all discharged prisoners from the same piece of cloth, a black felt hat was given to every man, and every discharged man could be recognized as coming from the "pen," as soon as he stepped on a street car or train. About ten years ago the practice of buying odd ends of cloth from wholesalers was adopt- ed with more satisfactory results, and the prisoner was given his choice of cap or hat of various styles and colors.

The adoption of a neutral colored cloth for prison garb, is regarded as a step forward that will be greatly appreciated by all prisoners, and it proper care and good judgment are exercised in the selection of men for all work outside of the walls and posts of trust, the clothes worn will not cause any anxiety for their safety, as there are always many inmates of the institutions that are worthy of trust.

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“CHANGE OF STYLE FOR PRISONERS,” Kingston Daily Standard. August 16, 1920. Page 1.  ---- Striped Uniform Is To Be Abolished ---- Discharge Clothing To Be Of Better Texture And Tailoring ---- Ottawa, Aug. 16.- Believing that the old striped uniform in which all convicts in penal institutions have been previously garbed has a tendency towards degrading and hardening prisoners, the Department of Justice, after much deliberation, has decided to abandon it. In the future two uniforms, one for summer wear and one for winter, will be supplied to take its place. 

Made from durable uncolored brown denim, the new summer uniform will consist of jacket and trousers cut in conventional pattern with none of the hitherto distinguishing prison features. The huge, painted numbers, which, in the old uniform, adorned the back and chest of the wearer and which were unnecessarily conspicuous, will be abandoned. They will be replaced with small, neat metal number plates, secured to the back and breast of the jacket, quite inconspicuous and equally efficient. Straw hats will be worn as headgear with the summer uniform. 

The winter clothing will be made from French blue cloth, while numbers similar to those on the summer uniform will be affixed. Round cloth caps, similar in design to the forage cap issued by the German government to field regiments, of blue cloth, and with ear-flaps, will complete the convicts winter equipment. The usual issue of boots will be continued. 

The most radical change, however, will be made in the provision of discharge clothing for prisoners. In former years the Government has been wont to provide grey tweed suits. badly cut and absolutely unmistakable as to residents of prison cities. These suits will be replaced by well tailored and modern garments in many varieties of texture and colorings. They will also be made to order, and, when the prisoner receives his discharge, he will leave prison garbed in clothing which will not betray the fact of his misfortune to the first man or woman whom he may meet upon the street. 

The department is making arrangements to secure loom ends from manufacturers to provide as many different designs of cloth as possible. They will be made up by organizations which are already handling this class of work under supervision of the department. Many of the changes decided upon are already in the process of fulfillment. Discharge suits are now supplied to released men, and, within a few months, it is hoped to have all prisoners in Portsmouth Penitentiary wearing the newly designed winter clothing.