Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1890-03-14

academical OF collegiate course. And every one
has opportunities of instruction, as far as he
NAV choose to go. Each one is told, ~ on
NAV shorten your term of Imprisonment if you
will. Good conduct and faithful duty will
always be for your advantage Ii, after
given time in the middle class, or the lower,
he makes good record, he is advanced to the
next higher class. Each class has its squad,
Differed by boy from the next higher class,
this officer presiding at meals, etc, and
making reports on conduct. In the highest
class they associate and live together as gen.
tlemen and equals-and satisfactory conduct
through this class wins the shortening of
term. Should boy give trouble, or fail to
make a satisfactory record, he is degraded to
a lower class, until he reaches the lowest, in
which he is subjected to strong, firm yet kind
discipline until any badness in him is correct
ed or eradicated. Litery, moral and religious
training is carefully and efficiently given.
Debating societies, religious associations, ETC.,
are formed and maintaned-the inmates OF
the institution being the chief actors through
out. After boy has ''made his character,
the authorities at once take steps for placing
him in business. Thus, when is liberated
he is not turned loose as ga Jail bird upon
the world; but, with good friendly recon-
mendations, he is sent to a position" which
has been secured for him. And, it is said to
be arare thing that bog so sent out returns to a
career Of crime. AS rule, they make good,
honest citizens. 1t may seem that crime is
not altogether uninviting, if it secures good
home like this, good treatment, etc. But let
it be remembered, these youngsters" are not
carried through on beds of ease. 1t may be
they have to do what they never did before,
viz:-aeork ha7d, regularly md aoelt, all the
time, and 6ehaoe themselve besides. Choice is
often, under certain circumstances, given to
the youth, whether he will enter at Elmira,
or go to Albany, or some other regular State
prison. They frequently prefer the latter,
when made acquainted with the course of
treatment in Elmira. One special case was
a day and night given for consideration.
The boy said, Il prefer going to regular
State prison.
think but little consideration of the sys-
tenn very briefly outlined here will suffice to
convince anyone Of its advantages. MI
Warner says: owe are a Christian people,
and our effort should be not to punish but to
reclaim There are few sadder sights than
that of old hardened crime, and young I'M
formed life, forcibly thrown together, the
latter compelled to receive impress from the
former, while no helping, saving hand is
reached out to deliver them, or to defend them
against a sure ruin Thus jail, or prison
becomes an educational institute of crime
MI. w. says those in charge at Elmira are
ge''tleme's-men of high standing; Christian
men; educated men, full OF the inspiration OF
high mission to 'seek and to save that
which was lost" and Mey do 1T! Such
should be the character of those at the head of
every institution of this kind. I was much
gratified when Maj. Stiles said that steps
were being taken to organize an association
for prison reform in our own State. Rich
mond is moving in this direction. Names and
contributions are called for. Is it not good
work? God speed it
HERBERT II. HAYES.
Stanton VN March lOtk 1890