The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1871-08-18
THE KANSAS PENITESTIARY
The Chaplain's Report.

At the regular meeting of the direc-
tors of the penitentiary, held recently,
the chaplain read the following report,
which the directors, -bya formal vote,
requested should be published, as con-
tanning matters OF interest to the pub
lie at large:
To the Board Of Directors Of the Kaa,-
sas State Peniteatia1y:
GENTLEMEN Il would respectfully
submit the following report of the work
in my department, and of the moral
condition of this prison:
When l entered upon the duties OF
chaplain, nearly three months ago, one
of the first things that attracted my at
tention was the spirit of sharp sectarian
controversy that prevailed. Men were
not so much interested about the ques-
ton, "What must do to be saved 2" as
in doubtful disputatiOns. With many
it seemed more important to know
what is the true church than to know
the true Savior.
A jndicious effort to enforce the law,
which forbids the teaching of sectarian
doctrines in the prison, resulted very
soon in removing the main cause that
stimulated the. spirit of controversy.
The money appropriated for the Ii
brary this year has been expended; and
about 2J0 volumes added. The whole
number of volumes now in the library
is $50. The books have been carefully
classified in sections according to their
character and catalogue published for
the use of the prisoners, so that each
one can select and order such books as
he may desire. All the cells are provi-
ded with a bible and nearly all the in
mates are eager for books TO read. A
good book is a good companion.
While prisoner is interested in n book
he is not only gaining information but
is bereft during his solitary hours from
brooding over his situat On and the
hardening effects of solitary confine-
ment. The library is, therefore, of the
greatest advant sge to the prisoners. and
an important help IN maintaining dis
cipline. 1t ought to be greatly increas-
The faithful efforts of the warden,
Major Henry Hopkins, for the physical
comfort, and the mental and moral i'm
provement of those under his charge,
have not been witt ut good results and
a good influence Oh their feelings.
Nearly all appreciat what is being done
for them, and are grateful. This feel
ing found expression in q surprise adj
dress TO the warden Qlflng the exercises
of the celebration of the 18th inst. The
expression of the sentiment has greatly
strengthened the sentiment itself. The
great majority are beginning to realize
that it is the earnest desire of all in au-
thority over them to make this prison
as far as possible place of reform, and
not alone place of punishment. And
that the least they ought to do in re-
turn for the efforts made in their be- :
is to render prompt and chez /
obedience to the rules of the pris-
and to discountenance everything like
insubordination. The general tone of
sentiment among the prisoners is at
present very encouraging, and there is
manifestly an increasing feeling of
cheerfulness and hopefuIness. There is
no doubt that q large and liberal expen-
diture of effort in the mental, moral,
and religious culture of those under
your charge will pay large profit.
We have every reason to be strength
ened in the faith that the policy in the
management of prisons which is most
humane. is the sOtsest; and that by the
blessing of God many may be saved for
the life that now is and that which is to
come. Very respectively,
j. d. LIGGETT, Chaplain.
July II, 1871.