Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-02-15
Prison Reform.
ADDRESS BIZ AARON NJ. POWELL, or NEW
YORK.

ADDRESS B3 AARON NJ. POWELL, OF NEW
YORK.
Tuesday evening a meeting was held In
Friends School house, on West street,
near Fourth, TO consider the question of
Prison Reform.
Thomas worrell was called to the chair.
Aaron NJ. Powell, of New York, who
attended the International Prison Congress
held In London, England, last year, made
an address on the action OF the Congress.
lie said there we're Representatives from
every country In the civilized world In at
tndanee at the meetings OF that body,
and they all took "a great interest in the
subject. Every country has Its unforlu-
nate people, those who may be claesed rs
the law breakers. The old idea of punish
ment was simply Imprisonment TO keep
the criminal from doing further harm, but
tina. idea is gradually losing ground, and
the idea Of reforming the prisoner is be
coming more general. The International
Congress- were unanimous in the opinion
that II was far better 10 treat criminals In
such way that they might grow better
and come out Of prison good citizens.
The treatment of criminals by society
wse dWelt upon, and the Importance of
keeping alive hope for a better future In
the minds of the prisoners was thoroughly
impressed upon the audience. The expe-
rierce OF old Jail wardens west to prove
that Tear does not make an obsdient class
Of prisoners, but rather fosters the spirit
Of insubordinatlon while II the spirit OF
hope can be kept alive the prisoners are
more docile and obedlent.
The speaker cited the rules Of Dublin
prison in which law exists which gradu.
ates the term OF services of prisoners on
condition Of their good behavior. When
they enter they are generally put at break
ing stones or some hard work and II found
peacefully inclined they are given easier
work by degrees until finally they are al
lowrd 10 work outdoors without q guard
and II Is remarked by every one who Welt
this particular prison that there Is less In
cub irdinatlon than anywhere else. Tn,
pris ners are also allowed to share In the Il
earnings, OF course, all their pay beinl
held back until they are discharged, wheI
they generally have enough money to taxi
them 10 any point they desire and are no
left To the mercy Of the cold world wb'
naturally shun discharged prisoners, Blu
have enough 70 support them until the.
hnd work.
What lie known as terminal capatal
ists' those persons who furnish money
tools, ETC., TO thieves, was especially re
ferred to, and the number of RESPECTABLE
periOns" who sre In such business
astonishing. Tho speaker urged the i'm
portAnce of compulsory education, an
thought every State should have such
law.
In reference 10 the whipping post tn
speaker told Of a trial he witnessed IN
city in England, in which three boys, Z
9a'd IS years old, figured. They ha
taken n wagon, driven away the animal an
did rot return il. They were each ser
tene, TO days imprisonment and 10 n
ceiye from to Is lsshes.
Brute force towards the unruly was cor
tidcred very Objectionable and improbable
II Goes not tend 10 make good citizenl
while kindness has been found to be yer
beneficial. Herein lies the Importance {
securing competent prison officials, an
especially persons who think there is
chance Of reforming even the worst elAt
prisoners. The idea OF making prison
moneJ-making institutions or even sci
supporting, should be abolished, but a
the inmates should be constantly at worl
Schools should bt established and 10y
lot good literature cultivated that r
ligi US influence which appeals TO Il
hesrt and conscience should abound
prisoners ought not TO be herded togethl
ike cattle, old and hardened cr:mina
anu young boys together; repeated sho
sentences sho1ld be avoided; Houses
Industry, Truant Houses. ETC., should
quilt women criminals should lave goC
influences and charity thrown arour
them.
The necessity Of military head to eve
PRISON, one who will not be removed eve
lew years, and not subject to a board
politicians, he thought desirable.
lnlemparance, Mr.. Powell thought q
greatest crime. producing canse in ext
ehee, ami referred to statistics to she
tnal seven eiRhths of the crimes commit
could be traced directly 10 rum.
On motion Of Alan Gawlhrop 1
1nsnks OF the meeting were rendered n
reveal for the able adrefs.
Edward Bringhurst IN seeondlng {
motion said he wished the rules In use
puolla prsou existed everywhere.