The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-19
PRISON REFORM.
Preliminary Exercises Incidental to the
Opening of the Annual Congress at Detroit.

DETROIT, Oct. 18.-The members of the
National Prison Association were privileged to
hear number of ble sermons to-day on the
subject of prison Reform" The sermon of
this session os the congress, however, was de-
livered by Bishop G. F. Robertson. of Missouri,
at st. Pauls Church. His text was Isaiah Xxi. l.
He considered life in communities where
all classes are brought together, and in
which there seems to be growing
taste for crime. He held that the principles of
religion have valuable place in every consider
alton of needed reform. The large and increas-
ing criminal class gives Importance to the sub
ject. In the application of his gospel remedy,
he advised non npolitical prison management
prison employment at trades which can be of
use after release an intermediate grade in the
prison system; more speedy trials, and moro
equitable penalties.
Public exercises were held at Whitney's Opera
house in the evening" many of the churches be-
ing closed to allow their congregations to at
tend thus insuring crowded house. Several
of the speakers rejoiced at the large audience,
which. they said, was the largest ever known in
the history of prison reform. After announce
ments by SecIe Ary Rounds, short time was
given to religious exercises Bishop Harris,
subject of the evening, stating the fundamental
principle of Christianity as especially applying to
prisoners, to whom is promised freedom. The
many past failures are not to be considered as
due to the inability of the Christian religion to
act. He believed that nowhere do know so
little how to act as in the treatment of the Grim
inal classes. 1t is noteworthy sign of the
opinion of the times that so many eminent men
are seeking, through the gospel to help the
prisoners.
He then introduced Bishop Gillespie, of Grand
Rapids Mich, a member of the Michigan State
Board of Charities, who selected the
clause II believe in the forgiveness of sins," as
that part of the creed on which all can agree,
and which is the foundation of all work in this
line. The foundation of every effort in behalf
of the prisoner is laid in Christianity Itself He
considered the different opinions held of the crim
nal, speaking of them as incorrigible and as the
victims of a hereditary class. 1.-THE world owes
me living" was considered the motto of the
criminal who should be suppressed The gentle
manly burglar he described as such man. He
condemned promiscuous sympathy. He told of
the improvements now being made in Michigan,
and spoke in behalf of Christian effort behalf
of released prisoners, condemning the unwilling
ness of the public to aid them.
Rev DR.. Henderson, of the Detroit Assoca-
ton of Charities, followed with the query,
What can the church do to help in the efforts
to save and to bless the crimnasF which he
answered. arguing for the teaching of trades in
prisons, that the released prisoner may have
wherewith to sustain life Good care while in
prison is important, but it is not everything;
teach and love the prisoners into being better
men and women. He believed this question
also involved the question Of industrial educa-
tion in the public schools. Pauperism is often
the cause of crime, and the children of pauperism
should be taken up and cared for
Bishop Harris next introduced Governor AL
GER of Michigan, who welcomed the congress
and then spoke briefly of the importance of pris-
on reform, telling of the management of Michi-
gan penal institutions
Rev A. H. Wynds, secretary of the Illinois
State Board of Charities was the next speaker,
and gave some idea of the individual reforma-
tory work already done, and possible of ac-
com plishlnent. "Can Criminals be Reformed"
How Can They be Reformedl' Are They Re
formedP were given as the questions to answer,
which this congress had met.
DR.. A. q. Byers of Columbus, o., secretary
of the State Board of Corrections and Charities,
was next introduced. He believed that, not
withstahding the general hopelessness of their
position, prisoners can be reformed. He wished
to discriminate in the use of the word criminal.
maintaining that all convicted persons not
criminal in character. In his State third con-
viction gives sentence without date the prison
managers being authorized to release them on
good evde noes of reform, or to keep them i'm
prisoned for life.
The regular business sessions of the congress
will begin to morrow morning.