The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-21
THE PRISON CONGRESS.
Outline of the Papers Read and Discussions
Had During Yesterdays Sessions.

DETROIT Oct 20.-The subject for discussion
at the morning session of the National Prison
Congress was Disciplinary Measures in Pris-
ons." Before this topic was formally taken up,
Secretary Rounds read letters from President
Cleveland regrettng his inability to be present;
from W. FL. Sargent of Great Britain, favorng
reformatory measures; from Ex-Governor Reed,
of Florida advising the abolish ment of capital
punishment from Rev. Samuel w. Dixie, favor
ing the securing of accurate criminal statistics;
from Sir Walter Crcfton, the apostle of the
Irish indeterminate system, recting some of
the crime preventives coming under his observa-
ton.
The discussion of the morning was presided
over by NJ. j. Cassidy, warden of the Eastern
Pennsylvania penitentiary, who opened with a
paper in which he favored substituting
those knowing their business in place
of political and ignorant prison Off
Gals. He reviewed the question briefly,
and introduced r. W. McClaughry of Chicago,
who read a paper on "Prison Punishment" He
believed the best way to reform the prisoners
is to reform the prison officials. Vindictiveness
in the application Of penalties should be un-
known. The smpllication of rules was advo-
friendship AS to methods of punishment, he
left that to the officers furnishing but he opposed
penalties that are humiliating Prison labor he
Endorsed asa necessity. Proper motives loud
always govern the officials.
Warden Nicholson, of the Detroit House of
Correction, believed society needed reforming
more than the prison officials do. Punishment
he considered painful necessity. and gave an
account of different penalties and briefly recited
some simple rules for prison use.
COlOnal Thomas Rar nf NIT or
army. described 9thesksystem of army prisons
and penalties. In answer to question he said
that in the army they were we'll satisfied with
the present arrangements as TO State prisons,
but could see that it was advisable to have gov
eminent prisons.
During the further discussion of the topic.
SOLITARY confinement" was shown to be the most
general penalty but much was to be left to the
option of the officials.
In the afternoon ''chaplains meeting" was
held. Chaplain G. H. Hickox. of the Michigan
State prison at Jackson, presided. This is the
first time such meeting has been held and the
chairman considered it progress of the right
kind Rev, DR.. A g. Byers, of Columbus, O.,
was the first speaker He spoke from an expo
rience of six years as chaplain, giving an ac-
count of his efforts for and with the prisoners
The chaplain can do much TO alleviate the hard
condition of the convicts, but should be always
subordinate to the warden Chaplain Morse. Of
Blackwells Island, followed with a brief talk of
a similar nature. Both speakers emphasized the
absolute necessity of genuine sympathy with the
prisoners.
Henry Warner. of Allegheny, Pa, presided
during the consideration of County Prisons,
and Their Internal Management He opened
the discussion of that topic with talk on the
Importance, and methods of management of such
prisons, giving his own experience in his man
agement in Allegheny county.
Mrs. j. B. Hobbs, of Chicago entered plea
in favor of matrons in the police stations
IF fho Of
county prisons, the session adjourned.
At the evening session, the secretary read a
paper by Hon. Frederick HILL son of the
famous Recorder Hill. of Birmin CHAM, and
the cheap postage system of England, on the
subject of Prison Discipline" The writer
claims that the necessity of prison discipline is
founded on common sense; there should be no
hesitency in considering it. Those whose exam
pie would have bad influence on others should
be shut up till they can be safely
restored to liberty If anything has
been stolen, sufficient labor should be
required to indemnify the person robbed;
If bad conduct results from ignorance, instruc-
ton is recommended; if it results from idleness
training for productive work is advised if bodily
harm has been inflicted, the offender must be
placed where its repetition will be impossible
The offender. whatever his crime should not
after his confinement be suddenly set free. but
should be required to give good evidence of
ability to lead honest life The greatest
question is 10 carry these principles into opera
ton First, good officers must be appointed
He believes the best plan is to exercise the ut
most care in the selection of the chief official
and allow him almost absolute power in the
selection of subordinates. Each subordinate
should have limited number of prisoners under
his charge. A literary competitive examination
he opposes as founded on error He considers
properly regulated work as one of the greatest
reforming principles, creating sef-respect,
but the work must be productive, and the pris-
oner should be entitled to share in the fruits of
his industry. He described the different kinds
of management and favored the development of
each prisoners peculiar powers by providing
variety of work. A carefully selected prison
library should De available. Prison punishments
should be governed by the nature of the offense.
IL remonstrances fail, tet the prisoner earn
his food meal by meal or fast. Under most cir
cumstances he favors the admission Of all per-
sons who desire to benefit the prisoners. Econ
omy In prison management he considered an ev-
idence of success. AN account was given Of the