Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1872-02-16
PRISON REFOR.u.

The great question of Prison Reform *
now deeply agitating the political econom-
lists and philanthropists of this country
and of Europe. Never since the introduc-
ton of this subject TO public attention by
the phianthropic Howard, nearly one hun
dred years ago, have the benevolent been
so profoundly interested. The organiza-
ton of an international Congress to DELHI
crate upon reforms in prisons and peniten
tiarics, projected by the National Prison
Association of this country, has received
the cordial approval ofthe go7 7ernments Of
Europe and South America. Such an as
semblagc of eminent philanthropiSt can
not fail Of accomplishing most gratifying
results, and merits the earnest sympathy
and active corporation of every lover of
his species. The National Prison Associa-
tion, despite the culpable indifference Of
Legislators and the apathy Of the public
mind, has been instrumental in e1ecting
many radical and wholesome reforms.
But much yet remains to be done, not the
least of which is to arouse from their sell
fish supineness the wealthy and inhuen-
tial classes OF our citizens, who seem TO re-
gard even a spasmodic interference with
politics as incons sistent with their position
and dignity. For recent events have de-
monstrated that, so long as the conserva-
tive elements of society remain uninterest-
ed Observers of political movements, and
leave to partiZans and demagogues the en-
actment of laws and the administration of
Justice, no etiectual and radical reforma-
tion can be accomplished.
The great objects the Congress referred
to have in view are, to decrease the calen-
dar of crime, TO restore the vicious TO the
paths Of virtue, to correct the fragrant IL
buses which obtain in prisons and pene-
tentiaries and to effect the reformation of
unfortunate convicts.
1t is conceded that, in the United States
at least, there are many peculiar hardships
attending the conviction aud punishment
of crime which may be ameliorated, with
out interfering with the effective adminis-
tration of justice. Among these may be
mentioned that feature in the criminal code
which authorizes the compulsory deten-
| ton of an innocent witness To crime, while
| the guilty perpetrator may, through pecu-
mary or political influence, be admitted Ia
bail and ultimately escape merited punish
ment. Again, why should we not sympa-
thisc with the ptiabe condition of the dis
charged ielon, when his prison doors arc
thrown open? But his punishment does
not terminate with the eXpiation ofhis sen
tence. The ban Of society is upon him.
and the penniless, lrendless outcaSt
whom cheering God-speed would have
restored to an honorable and yrtuous life
plunges anew into the whirlpool of vice
| and crime. The association of the juven-
lie culprit with the brazen villain who in
stills his lcprous thoughts into the suscep
tible heart of youth, has rendered many o
our prisons the very nurseries OF crime
rather than houses of prevention and cor
rection. Nor must the almost insuperabl,
obstacles which obstruct and delay the tri'
al and conviction of wealthy criminals b,
ver-looked, while the punishment of thu
pcnnilcss and irieudless culprit is swii
aud sure.
These and similar questions affecting tn,
vital interests Of society, will, no doubt, b'
thoroughly discussed by the Information
al C,nsre :. We cannot but hope tha
great aud lasting benefits will result from
their deliberations, and that judicious re
forms in the criminal law and prison dis
cipllnc will be suggested by their combin
ed wisdom and practical experience. -Mer
cdHtie journal.