Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-02-04

Is Tor our people to answer TO themselves
if 1t is humane, or a wise policy.
The corrective for this i'll is unquestion-
ably the establishment of an institution
intermediate between the State Prison and
the county jail, where such offenders may,
when possible, be reformed and sent out
into the world free from the brand of the
convict, and encouraged to pursue honest
and peaceable ways among men. 1t is
easier aud wiser to make the tyro in crime
harmless by reforrnatory methods that
exclude the idea of the State Prison, than
by treating all classes of offenders alike
to make new ones expert criminals, and
old ones hopelessly vicious.
The question of reform school has en-
gagged public attention in California for
many years, and at one time took practi-
cal shape by the establishment Of such an
institution at Marysville But it was
early in the history of the State; we had
not then the light we now enjoy upon the
subject of reformation of youthful Grim
inals. San Francisco objected to the Re
form School for selfish reasons, and it went
by the board under the protests
from that city, which at the same
time maintained prison known as an In
dustrial School, and some little time after
the abandonment of the Marysville insti-
tuition asked for and received permission
to establish a House of Correction, which
has, as well as the Industrial School,
proved dismal failure. In fact it will
not he claimed by any to-day that either
of these have been successful. They have
not, in any true sense, been reformatories
they are but minor prisons, and turn out
quite as large grist of the viciously con-
irmed as either of the larger prisons of the
State.
Probably the next Legislature will take
up the subject, and there is reason to ex-
pect some material results from it, for the
public thought has greatly changed in view
upon this question, and the conviction is
now general that the State should estab-
fish the intermediate place of detention re-
ferred to. 1t is also growing sentiment
that this should not be place Of contine-
ment merely, but that it should be a
means, mainly, for securing for hayward
youths homes far from the scenes of their
ohenses, where they will be taught indus
trial ways, led to see and appreciate the
benefits of honest industry, made self
helpful, and their ambitions and hopes
stimulated toward the occupancy of posi-
tions in society that will insure them the
esteem and confidence of its members. 1t is
in that direction that Massachusetts pro-
notes the reform of youthful criminals
Such has been her success that not five
per cent. prove incorrigible In the State
of Michigan the Ira Cases are not sent to
but are housed at Coldwater until they
can be trusted and inspired with the hope
of useful manhood which shall cover up
completely and obliterate their youthful
folly. Some such institution is a grave
need in California. Our present policy
of sending boys to the State Prisons is
simply that of supplying grist to the Grim
inal mill. To keep them in reform
school that is a prison, and put upon them
a distinguishing uniform to invite the
scorn Of the world, would be but little less
faulty. But to establish a system to be
administered something after the manner
of the discipline and methods Of the
Boys and Girls Aid Society of San Fran
cisco, will be wise. Intelligent discussion
of The question frequently up to the time
OF the choosing of the next Legislature,
may result in sending up Representatives
who will reflect the best sentiment upon
it, and in giving us a practical scheme for
the reform of tyros in crime.