Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1875-05-15

then read. AT its conclusion, resolu
tiOns were adopted expressing gratifica
ton at the publicity given the proceed
iDgs OF the association by the press.
4 paper by Prof Elliott, on the treat.
ment Of the guilty, was first read. The
/ paFer considers only the treatment o
the convicted. On this point there are
. three sources Of light: First, philosO-
/ ply Of human nature; second, teach
ings OF religion; third, practical expe-
rlence. Common sense teaches that the
guilty do not cease to be human, and
should, therefore, be treated as human
beings. This is the substance OF the
whole matter. The wrong-dOeris is mere.
/ ly diseased, and only skiilful treatment
can cure him. He must be treated just
ly and impartially, with not too great
tenderness however, but with consider
alton. Establish the proper relations,
and then appeal to the same motives as
you appeal to in others. Religion
teaches to do as you would be done by.
An application Of that rule settles the
whole matter. A psmpering system
that shrinks from just punishment is
as bad as a system of overdue severity,
but religion and humanity unite in de-
IlldHuluE Llhl kllF ulDDI Vi IGlOILHdAlOu
he kept open. Experience teaches US
diversity in that matter, for, unfOTtu-
nately, neither humanity nor religion
have been tried, and we can only guess
at what the results would be. However,
we may say generally that in proportion
to severity, harshness and cruelty, penal
laws and prison treatment have aperni-
ciOus effect, both on criminals and sOci-
af OF loTra md In YArnnrrNfnn aC finHno
and humane ideas have been introduced
and applied, the total amount of crime
has been lessened aud chances Of reform
alton increased. Progress is slow, and
reform OF prison laws, and treatment OF
criminals outside of prison, must come
only with time. Prison discipline is
meant to reform as well as to punish,
and to restore the criminal clothed, and
in his right mind, to the world. These
ideas have been partially put in prac-
tice in some institutions and success
attained.
A paper by A. P. Sprague on the same
subject was presented, but not read. 1t
consists largely of data as to the respOn-
sibility of criminals.
There was an extended discussion on
this subject, at the conclusion Of which
u paper from DR.. J. w. HOyt, OF Wis
cOnsin, on the railroad question, was
read. 1t sffirms, and endeavors to
prove, the power of the State over cor
pOratiOns; to show that the recent eX-
ercise of this power in ways somewhat
extreme, in the western States, has not
been without occasions; that the inter-
ests Of ali parties demand that it should
be exercised with wisdom and mOdera-
tiOn-nOt by fixing arbitrary rules and
otherwise interfering with the details of
the management, but rather by wise
general provisions looking to honesty Of
administration; that a practical &C.
acknowledgement of the rights Of the pub
lie will naturally lead to fair and friend
ly dealing on the part of the people;
that thus the corporations have, indeed,
the practical solution of the railroad
question in their own hands.
1t was announced that the executive
committee had passed a resolution in
the president OF the assOcia-
ton, in conjunction with four other
members, selected by himself, to take
measures to call an International con-
ventiOn Of social science at Philadel-
phia some time during the celebration of
the centennial in 1876.
After the reading Of paper by Pro-
fessOr William Watson on river i'm
prOvements and short debate, the gem
eral session adjourned sine die.
General BrCekenridgs'sC G CondIttOn More
Hopeful,
LEXINGTON, KY, May 14.-The con-
dition of General Breckenridge is un-
He is still free from pain, and
hnCn N oftandonnn him laGu