The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-04-20
What Shall bs Done With the Pris-
OnerS?

Since the abolition of the contract
system" in the prisons and peniten-
tiaries of this State, great problem
has been presented to our legislators.
and one which, it is apparent, has
not so far been satisfactorily solved.
To maintain the conyicts in our penal
institutions in idleness for weeks and
months-it may be for years-at a
time, is repungent to the average
sense of justice. 1t does not, in the
first place, seem as though the com.
mon malefactor had a right to exist
at the expense of the community.
and, in his captive state, be scarcely
less burden upon it than he was
when committing his unchecked dep
relations.
But. on the other hand. we are
obliged to admit that the criminal
who has not taken the step or COM
mitted the crime which makes his
life forfeit is entitled to at least de-
cent and humane treatment during
his term of Incarceration. In other
words. he must be treated as a hu-
man being, possessed of an immor-
tai soul, and with attributes, even in
his lowest and most repulsive state,
above those of the most intelligent OF
the dumb animals.
Solitary confinement without labor
has been proved to be the haldest
punishment. in the end, that can be
inflicted upon human being. 1t
will eventually drive mad nine out
OF ten of the persons who are SUBJ
jected to it. To make it the rule in
our penal institutions, instead of the
exception seldom noted, would bring
lasting disgrace upon our State and its
civilization.
And, in fact. 1t is grave question
whether system OF Imprisonment
which provides for the locking up of
a convict for any considerable length
of time, under conditions which
would preclude all healthful employ
tnent during the ordinary working
hours of the day, is not in direct con-
fiict with the provisions of the Eighth
amendment of the Constitution Of the
United States, which declare that
'excessive bail shall not be required,
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel
punishment inflicted" Confinement
within prison walls without labor,
except such as may be performed in
an hour or less out of the twenty-four
in each day. seems to approximate so
closely that "cruel and unusual pun
ishment" which the Constitution for
bids, that no prison system which
contemplates its existence for any
considerable length of time ought to
be tolerated.
In what we have to say IN this
matter, it is not the convicts alone
whom we have in view, or whose in
terests and welfare we haye at heart.
They are, mainly, undergoing just
punishment for violations of the laws
of God and man which they ought to
have observed. Let them suffer
they deserve it. within certain limits;
but let US not brutalize ourselves in
the attempt to punish them.
The convicts in our prisons and
penitentiaries owe the State some
service. That fact is admitted. The
State-for the State represents the
community and humanity as we'll
rests under certain degree of moral
obligation 10 the man convicted of
crime. Let this mutual obligation
be discharged by compelling the con-
Wet to repay the State, in the way of
labor, what his subsistence costs
and by the State in affording him
the opportunity to do 80. The Say
cry bill" proposes one method of do
ing this. Senator Fassett's bill,
which goes to the Assembly to-day,
also proposes one. Let the Legisla-
ture pass one of them, with whatever
amendments are necessary, and set
I the prisoners once more to work.
! ". Y. Mail and EGOreSS,