The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-04-11
Rewards and Punishment Is

Rewards and Punisllments.
During the present session of the legis-
lature. bill was introduced, having for
its purpose, the calling of a constitutional
convention to form a new state constitution.
Notwithstanding the fact that the author
of the bill was distinguished and int1uen-
tial senator. and the object sought to be at
tanned was conceded on all sides to be very
necessary. it was defeated on the ground
that it would neceSsitate an expense, which
the state was ill-prepared to meet. Now,
among the many things needed here. is a new
constitution, and the only outlay required.
would be some slight trouble on the part
of those authorized to frame an instrument
of that nature. The constitution under
which we are now governed has become
quite antiquated. 1t was adopted in 1876.
more than thirteen years ago, and has
failed to keep pace with the modern ideas
of prison reform; none of it's provisions
being based upon the generally accepted
doctrine, that the reformation of the pris-
Oner. is as much desired object, as is his
punishment. Another measure that has
been introduced in the legislature, is bill
defining all habitual criminal, and -prOvd-
ing for his punishment. Of its passage,
there seems to be no doubt. but among those
who are most likely to be affected by its
provisions, there exists all opinion, that its
adoption would, to say the least. be some
vhofn A from a H.
point, that crime is disease, an opinion
that is becoming quite prevalent among
those who have made its study speciality,
they contend that the state has not made
the effort that it should, to discover and
apply the proper remedy and that it is not
justified in resOrting to extreme measures
until it has done so. True there have been
quarantine stations established. in which
the victims of the foul disease. whether in
an embryonic. or chronic state, have been
sequestered, not only to prevent the spread
of the cOntagiOn and effect possible cure,
but what has been the course of treatment
pursued, and what have been its results?
That it has been an utter failure, the intro
duction of such measure as that alluded
to above would seem to indicate, and it is
now contemplated, to act upon the principle
that desperate diseases require desperate
remedies" The wise physician when con-
fronted with disease that for a time baf-
f1es his skill, does not raShly venture upon
any kill or cure experiment until he has ex-
hausted all other remedies that would be
likely to prove beneficial in securing fa-
vOrable result. Such, also. should be the
course pursued by the state In dealing with
this matter; 1t having been demonstrated
that the course of treatment heretofore fol-
lowed. has only tended to aggravate the dis
ease it follows as a matter OF course
that some other mode of treatment should
be substituted-all are agreed upon this,
not even excepting the habitual criminal or
So-called incOrrigible.
Now. if it is determined upon that we
are to have the healing properties Of the
habtual criminal act administered unto us,
would it be any more than an act of justice
on the part of the state. to accompany it
with another remedy the constituent prin.
ciples of which should be based on moral
siasiOn," and. then let us elect which we
shall choose. Both Gov. Merriam and his
immediate predecessor have recommended
to the legislature. the passage of a bill in
creasing the number of the board of inSpec-
tors to five members. and il is quite certain
that such measure will be adopted. In
them is vested the authority to prescribe the
manner of our government, and on them l
believe we can confidently rely for more
liberal form. In Jackson, Mich. we have
been Informed through the medium of The
MIRROR, they have kind of a 'home- rule
administration, the prisoners formulating
rules for their own government, and at