The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1879-02-06

Prison Reform is subject extern
siyely agitated both in this country
and Europe. It is we'll known that
there is much need of reform in pris-
ons, but just how TO bring about re-
form is not so well known. Nor is it
generally known that radical change
in the law relating to sentences is one
Of the greatest necessities having in
view prison reform as We'll as justice
to c0nyicts. The law in relation to
sentences-the severity of some SEN
fences, the leniency Of others, and their
| inequality-is now before the Legisla-
ture, with a prospect Of change for
the better The subject was brought
before the Legislature by Governor
Smith IN his annual message.
He says:
! Reflection, study and personal obser-
Walton have led me to believe in the
eXpediency Of most radical change
| in the law relating to sentences. This
is not the place, even if time would
permit, to argue this question at length.
Both the law and judges are too leni-
ent in dealing with professional crimi-
nails Many times the sentences pro-
nounced in such cases are but little
better than travesties upon justice,and
do not tend to beget respect for the
law on the part Of the offender OF any
one else. The opposite extreme is
sometimes reached, and sentences are
made too severe. Many of these cases
come before the governor on applicas
tions for pardon, which it is difficult
to deny, Notwithstanding it is we'll
known that every pardon granted in
such cases, tends to weaken the public
confidence in law and it's judicial ad.
ministration. The inequality of SEN
ces is another and most serious evil, to
which attention has been frequently
called, and which should not be longer
overlooked. [ ask your attention to
the tables on pages 81 and 81 Of the
prison report, setting forth the actual
results of the law as it now is,
A system under which such errors
and injustices are possible, though hal
lowed by the practice of centuries,
ought not to be continued. Wisconsin
may better lead than follow in this
matter of prison reform. The substi-
tuition of indeterminate for fixed SEN
fences has been successfully tried, and
is approved by those who have given
the subject most thought, and have
had opportunity for widest observation.
In pursuance of the Governors rec
ommendation there have been, so we
understand, five bills drawn up by as
many members of the Legislature, and
these have been referred to Hon. j. v
Quarles, a sub committee, to draft a
bill for presentation to the Legislature.
This gives Mr.. Quarles opportunity to
take a leading part in legislation ne
cessary to effect penal and prison re-
form, and it is believed and expected
that he will be fully equal to the OPP
portunity.
The difference between professional
criminals and those who have commit
ted but one crime; the substitution of
, indeterminate for fixed sentences cred
it for meritorious conduct to lessen
the time of imprisonment; and pa.
/ ternal and watchful care after dis.
charge, will have due consideration.
Imprisonment should be not only for
/, punishment but also for reform, and
, no one should leave prison till he gives
evidence of reform. But as penal laws
are now administered and lmprison.
ment conducted prisoners are too of
ten, perhaps generally, being only the
better qualified for the successful com
mission Of crime.