The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-19
PRISON REFORM.
The Proceedings OF the National Prison
Association.

The Proceedings OF the National Prison
Association.
BosroN, Mass, July lS.-This forenoon's
session OF the Prison association was de.
voted 10 discussion, and it was voted To
limit all speeches TO five minutes, with an
extension by unanimous consent for five
minutes.
Warden Hatch, Of the Michigan State
prison at jackson, disscnted from some
positions advanced in last evenings pa
pers. lie doubted whether the time had
come for indeterminato sentences. Moth
ing can really be done for the improve
mcDt OF the prisoners unless the Christian
religion is taken into the prison. ZAP
plausc
lie would have every prisoner work, 70
that he would be mentally and physically
tired every night II Christ is good for
anything in the world, lac is good in
prison. Applause lie does moro in
the Michigan prison than all the discip-
line.
Col. Gardner Tufts warden Of the Mas.
sachuSctts rciormatory also disagreed
with Brockway's paper last night.
Prof. Collins, oi Cornell university, do
Tended Mr.. Brockway, saying that he be-
lieycd in practical Christianity. II Was
easy 10 obtain protested conversions in
prison, but hard TO obtain real CONVEX
slOns.
Warden Patton, of Jacksonville, said
that Chaplains and professors know moth.
ing about taking care Of prisoners. They
have all the theory and the wafdrns have
all the practice. lie did not believe in in
determinatc sentences. Prisoners can he
made trustworthy. llo had been betrayed
in his trust only once.
Warden Wright, Of Allegheny, Pa, oh.
jeclcd 10 the recommendations OF indie
terminate sentences, and offered rrsOlu.
ton urging great care by the judges in the
iniliCtion OF sentences; the sentences Of
old offenders 10 be severe, but still TO bo
subject 10 provisions for release on parole.
DIR. Birs. OF Columbus, o., said that his
experience WIS that indetcrminate sen
fences were helpful toward reform. Prison
officers know better than judges when
prisoners can best be discharged.
Warren /. Spaulding, OF Massachusetts,,
stated that crime against persons and prop
crty is not increasing in this State rs fast
~ the population, but crimes against pub
lie order have increased over 100 per cent.
in the last nine years. The great problem
Is not 10 reform thieves and burglars, but
to reform drunkards.
Mr.. Smcad, OF Toledo. o., defended the
Ohio prison laws as the best Of any State.
They have the definite sentence. the N.
definite sentence, the parole law aud the
Law for habitual criminals.
Warden McClaugrcy. Of Joliet. told Of
the benefit OF the lBctllon system In iden.
uiying men released ON parole. Fred. T..
Wicr, secretary Of the association, pro
sonted an elaborate paDcr on American
prisons. lie wants the general govern
mcnt 20 undertake tho collection of prison
statistics. The paper states that the in.
crease Oi crime has been grcatcramOng the
native population than the foreign. For.
cign disregard for laws shows itself far
more in disorder than II does in dishon.
csty or violence. The total annual cost vi
the police departments may he placed at
very nearly $1,000, 90, or about u 900 10
each man and officer employed.
II Ia equivalent 10 per capita
tax OF IL cents. In tho larger
cities, II IL much higher, amounting TO
$50 per capita In Boston. and a.. - in
New York. For the ten largest cities IL
amounts 10 sl.15 per capita, aud nggro.
gates -, 100000. Tho revenues derived
10y municipalities from licenses a. sell
liquor may he estimated at ~ 500. 900, or
onc-tcnth of the total cost or the police dc.
partmonts. Tho number Of liquor saloons
In these Oi2 towns Is about 5000, or one
" every leo persons.
Al the evening session, paper was pro-
scntcd 10y Richard Naux, president oi the
board Of inspectors oi the eastern pcnilen.
tiary upon present prison systems, aud
the effect ON society and the criminal.
For murder, arson aud burglary and
distractions ON railroads In which life Is
lost or put In peril or permanent injury 10
individuals results the penalty should 10
death. No punishment will ever eradicate
, crime from human natun Vicious youth
should bc given mechanical industry
aud proper mental training. The
ESSAY attacked the system OF punishment
which seeks 10 make tho showing OF
good fiscal year the chief motive In the
management Of u prison. Tho conyic,
and the machine work together and the
labor IT the man Is punishment, and the
/ labor Ut the machine il profit. THIS /.
the sham Of the method. Prisoners
should bc taught trades In the usc oi tool.
aud hand trained aud head trained ~ they
will be- sclf.supporiing when they return
TO sociciy. Manufactures for profit whcrc
cunyicts arr associated IN gangs. manuiac
tuW the crime class which costs more than
" earns
A paper was also rad by Dr. II. u
Wcy on physical trimming Tor youthful
criminals. lie upcd the necessity nj
physical training for prisoners, iur health
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