The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-16

Of the enects OF separate and solitary condne-
ment, with the influences connected with It in this
peniientiary have fully convinced them that much
ening most of the sentences for first ofenses, and
particularly those Of all young Offenders. For this
latter class Few months confinement, or a year at
most, would produce I'm general vastly more salu-
tary effects than longer terms. The inspectors are
trct of the State this fact has become apparent to
most of the judicial tribunals and is acted upon to
come general, and a larger discretion be given by
law, It would remove in great measure the neces-
else Of the pardoniDg power"
The Pennsylvania system is best described as the
individual treatment OF convcts as oontrasted with
that In other States which the congregate or cas
treatment. This distinction is important, whie
considering the views now under discussion
Again, in the report for 1885, it is remarked
.'The Inspectors have again 20 remark on the
subject OF the duration OF sentences inflicted upon
juvenile offenders. 1t is with regret the Inspectors
ind that, OF the prisoners admitted during the year
and forty.elght under tweuty-fv years Of age the
Inspectors are OF opinion that in cases OF first
ylctlon OF minors, or those OF immature age unless
term OF Imprisonment Is Of far greater benefit to the
individual than one which is calculated to punish
beyond the period when moral influences have
awakened in the cart strong feelings OF repent
ance and desire to reform. Evll associates, bad
paamRf care a9d ana aG@o
milton, and control lead the young into
ment the young convict is brought to feel probably
for the first time the truth OF the proverb that the
Il
judcious counsel and advice induces the most de-
cided improvement, 1t is believed that If in such
instances the prisoner set at liberty, rev0lu-
tion would be effected in his morals and habits and
new career would be sought after for his future
hope that good may result from their careful con-
sderation."
In the report for the year 1884 the inspectors thus
refer TO this interesting subject
he inspectors again feel 1t their duty to call the
attention Of the 81, Legs,atSe to the Length OF SEN
offenders. 1t is no longer question that severity
in punishment is no prevention )f crime; neither
does severity OF punishment produce the desired
effect upon the offender. The causes OF crime should
be more fully investigated after conviction, and
have potent influence in determining the duration
Of the punishment. There period in the history
OF every criminals punishment when his liberation
would most benefit bim aud hence society would
gain, by the Improvement Afforded in reclaming
an offender. Those whose constant Intercourse
with convicts enables them to form an opinion on
the subject will admit that such periods occurs,
when most decided advantage would result from the
imperfect one to eject this object is to shorten the
sentence, as much as proper regard to the inte-
rests Of society would Justify, In all cases OF first
The inspectors feel the force OF these views, and
they have yentuled again to invoke legislative aten-
tiOn to the subject This is not the occasion to sug
gest any plan to modify and improve the present laws
this subjects but it is hoped that the time will
come when the Legislature OF Pennsylvania will
take the important subject OF the present penal
code as it relates to eur admirable system OF peni-
reforms are worse than useless Labors Of those
who are required to learn while they attempt to
careful and earnest devotion to the subject, and
interest in the questions involved above and beyond
which proper reform in penal jurisprudence win
require at the hands Of those who undertake the
task.
From the report for 1s60:-
SIT Will be observed that the inspectors have here
| tofore refralned from presenting reforms in the
! penal code in relation to Young crimina s. IL was
hoped and believed that one Of the citizens to whom
the codlcaton Of the penal lawsi%as referred might
| understand, subject SuCD
| been made, it would have resulted beneacialy, by
the lncorporatlen INTO the penal law OF a provision
the Legislature has been called.
either by law or from their official position, to do
! more than make such observations as they deem
"Lest, however, it might be by some attributed to
their silence that they have no practical suggestions
to offer, they most respectfully submit, the sub
stance Tor amendments TO the presens law, the fol
| lowing propositiGn:-
'That in all cases of first conviction for crime OF
minors, the term OF Imprisonment shall be termI-
mated by the Inspectors, with the CONSENT OF the
| president Judge of the court In which such minor
was sentenced, when in their opinion the punish
ment has produced its expected results
THAT In all cases OF first conviction for crime OF
persons between Il and 25 years OF age the term OF
Imprisonment shall in like manner be lessened, as a
reward for good conduct by the reduction OF three
days In every thirty after the first IL months OF i'm
THAT in all cases OF first conviction for crime Of
minors, the Jury trying the shall find by their
verdict If the father OF the minor the being alive and
within the jurisdiction of the process of the Com
m0nWealth) was ne Rgent and dereltct In his
tai duties toward said minor, and on so finding, the
Court shall cause said father to be held to pay the
| costs to the Common wealth OF said trial
"TRe inspectors have ventured respectfully to
| make these suggestions with the view to remedy
| the evil which has been thus authenticaly brought
to the attention OF the General Assembly.
t will not be denied that the necessity foregsla-
tion is most serious That 1t is increasing, super
hcia examination OF the facts herein set out cannot
fail to teach the observer That the want of parental
control is demoraliEtng large and increasing num-
Der or our youths The consequences are manifest.
| The minor Is uDgoverned, wayward, Vagabond,
vicious, contaminated communicating, and convict.
The moralst well as the Christian, must deplore
| such causes and consequences
"lt is believed hat the most unconcerned for the
welfare OF society and its constituents would hardly
agree that peoitentiary discipline should take the
! restraint
"The least benevolent will fully consent to the
principle, as one OF justice, that the child only
should not be punished for its parents neglect or
disregard OF his duties.
Ifin either society stands in the place OF the
parent, magnanimity and mercy both plead that the
| be extended to such unfortunates."
IN the report for 1867 the inspectors the fol-
| owing language
at is OF vital Importance that the indiVdualities
! land characteristics, and surroundings OF the ac-
cused should be ascertained his trial, and their
just consideration should be taken fully into the u
dicial determination OF the punishment Arbitrary
| or tmerely conventional sentences, operating On
classes not persons, are unphOsophicai, and often
unjust, both to the individual and the community.
Again, take the crime OF larceny II should be d.
| Vided into degrees. The highest, and each In Sc
| quence TO the lowest should be determined at the
trial, from the facts and circumstances and the
characteristics OF the accused To determine before
| hand, when framing the Indictment, the degree OF
cIminaty before the accused can explain or defend
ia nf wit fhn xVhi