The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-02-14

It is well known fact that the deplora-
bic condition of affairs now existing in some
of the eastern prisons is to great extent,
Attributable to the intrigues of prison rings
since they lost the control OF convict labor
through the abolition of the contract sys-
tenn. The management of many of these
prisons was virtually in the hands of these
rings and they have had much to do in de-
feating the success of the state account sys-
tenn, thinking thereby to frighten the pub
lie back into the system which gives to them
the profits of the prisoners labor. These
dishonest failures are now being widely adj
vertised for the purpose of checking legis-
latiOn which threatens the overthrow of
the contract system in several states. When
ever the state account plan has been
honestly and judiciOusly managed it has pro-
duced satisfactory results The state of
Massachusetts has been working her con-
victs on her own account during the past
year and the following from the Boston
Commercial Bulletin gives the results:
The abolition of the contract system. and the
substitution of the public account system. so
called in the state PRISON, during the past year
has met with the earnest approval of Gov. Ames.
He states that the industries of that institution
are in a satisfactory condition. and all the pris-
oners except those needed for the caring of the
prison and grounds. and in the culinary depart.
ment, we're employed in labor upon workshops
during the past year. Of536 inmates one year ago,
only l59 were employed in remunerative labor.
Under this system it appears that not only have
the financial results proven much more satisfac-
tory than under the contract system. but the dis.
ciplne of the prisoners is better maintained.
The condition Of the other prisons and houses
of correction has not materially changed In some
of these prisons the public account system has
not been put in operation and in others it is too
soon to pass judgment upon it, The law abolishing
contract labor and substituting for it the public
account system has worked we'll and justified the
sanguine hopes of its advocates. 1t has removed
irritation caused among the employees in number
of industries due to the competition of contract
prison labor, which was never profitable to the
state, and given system which is more satisfac-
tory in pecuniary sense and is even a decided
gain in a greater control it gives to the prison
official.
There is however practical difficulty in the
establishment of industries and that is caused by
the provision that new machinery to be pro-
PEELED other than by hand or foot power. shall be
used in any institution. This prevents the main
tenance of the varied and improved conditions of
employment and the governor sensibly recon-
mends that the law should be so amended that
the prisoners may have the advantage of EN-
ployment with such improved machinery as the
nature of the business in which they are engaged
may demand" This will make them better work
men and better able to provide living for them
selves and families when they are released ;9and,
though some of the extreme labor agtators may
object, the governors sensible recommendation
will probably be adopted by the legislature