The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-01-26

diets that have incarcerated innocent
men. Such is the testimony of the Off
GERS of the prison.
THE FEMALE PRISON
has at present but two inmates. In this
the cells are larger and better ventilated.
So even in prison is preference given to
the opposite sex. Entering it, we found
seated by the stove an old lady of nearly
eighty years, in fol the crime of arson,
and another woman, Mrs. Miller of Prai-
RE ou Chen folding clothes near by
while her little child of two years of age
was playing with the old lady. Really,
first and second childhood meeting again
the tender innocence of infancy and
the dotage of old age. It was touching
scene to see this aged woman and young
child shut out from all the tenderness,
sweetness and sunshine of home life.
IN THE HOSPITAL
are but three patients-one sick with
an ugly and obstinate Gus
toner, who is in for life, and who has
never been willing to work. One sick
with general debility, and one who
severely injured his leg. The steward is
a physician who is life prisoner for the
murder of his step daughter The hos
pital ought to be larger and better ar
ranged, and it will be when the north
cell room shall be finished
THE CHAPEL
is the most dismal room in the prison, as
far removed from any devotional associa-
ton as the dark cells; and farther, it is
in the rough, implanted and barely fur
nished with benches. This room ought
at once to be fitted up at least neatly and
plainly, that the highest and hottest ex-
periences of those poor fellows who here
worship may be associated with some
what of beauty and order. The cell
room likewise needs repairs where the
plaster is off above, in consequence OF
the leaking of the roof. The Committee
will recommend an appropriation to do
this needed work.
TIE LIBRARY
of the prison is lasting disgrace to the
state. The old notion that the life OF
the convict should be made as wearisome
and full.of restraint and denial as ingen-
uity can devise, is counted among the
things that were. It is now believed that
reform should be sought in punishment
of criminals. The lonely, silent, weary
hours days and months, and rolling
years of a convict's life might be some
what mellowed and frightened by good
and interesting books. Such books are
reformatory they awaken new life and
higher aspirations. Our best prisons
have libraries in them. and the state of
Wisconsin ought to have more than few
old pamphlets and doctrinal religious
works in the library of the prison. 1t
would accomplish vast good to make a
purchase of few hundred volumes for
the library.
THE SCHOOL
is in charge of Rev. Henry Drew, the
Chaplain, and is in quiet way doing
much good. Many prisoners have been
taught to- read and write, and the ele-
ments of arithmetic and other English
studies. Some of the convicts are the
assistant teachers Much genuine inter
est is felt by the men in the matter of
education.
CAUSES OF CRIME
by most OF the convicts with
whom we talked, were whisky and I'M
pleasant marital relations Whisky alone
has told fearful story in the criminal
records of the state, judging by the re
suits here A large part of the men
confined here committed crime while
drunk or in consequences of drink. Many
young men or boys who did not drink
had drunken parents, one or
both, or were brought up in homes dis
ordered by conjugal differences and quar-
.els. There is certainly here abundant
proof to establish the fact sthat intemper
nee, ignorance and the lack of proper
home influence inevitably produce crime.
TAE MORALE OF THE PRISON
s excellent, The prisoners are generally
IS contented as their condition will allow.
The discipline is mild, yet rigorous and
lrm. 1t issought to reform the inmates
nd to teach them habits of industry.
rhe most patient Of the prisoners are
hose who are in for life; hope seems to
ave died out, and they accept imprison-
nent as inevitable. Many Of the prison
RS can be safely trusted, and are able to
ender valuable services. Adams, of
is keeping books in the
flee, where his talents are of great
.alue.
PARDON
vas given yesterday by the Governor to
Henry Boebel, of Milwaukee, who was i'll
or life for shooting man who attacked
lis crippled brother. Since he has been
lere his conduct has, in every particular,
,een unexceptionable. He had the full
confidence of the officers and the respect
# the prisoners. The Governor has been
investigating his case for nearly a year
nd half, and has received application
fter application from the best men of
he state in behalf of the pardon. After
he fullest examination of the case, he
Concluded it to be his duty to issue the
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