The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-02-06
The Prison Association.

DR.. Moses y. Ioge is heartily in favor Of
the bills introduced by Senator Hurt in the
upper house aud by Mr. Mcllwaine in the
House providing for the extension OF the char
ter Of the Prison Association of V.rginia. and
its powers and privileges. lie has EXPRESSED
his views on tho object OF the organization in
unmistakable terms IN letter which he has
addressed to Senator Hurt. The letter reads
- follows
Senator John J.. Hurt
My Dear Sir trust / may be- permitted
most respectfully 10 express the opinion that
among the important measures already pro-
posed or which may be proposed to the Leg
islature during its present session there Is
scarcely one more deserving favorable con-
sideratiOn than that which relates 10 the
Prison Association of Virginia and its reform
schools.
Whether it is viewed in its economic or
ethical character: whether as a matter o. ex-
pedlency or Of duty, it has paramount claims
on the public regard.
Ny professional training ought 90 have ac-
customed me TO study the cause and cure OF
great social evils more diligently and profitG-
biz than / have done, but ! believe ] have
learned more and more deeply 20 feel that
the pressing need of the world to-day is u
BRING TO bear upon what are called the
lower classes" but which prefer 10 call the
neglected AMI uncared tor classes the con-
OF our holy religion. The philanthropy which
has It's inspiration and support from this
DIVINE source Is the worlds true refOrmrr.
II we ever so reach the classes 70 which
have referred rs 10 benefit them perna-
nentiy II must be by securing the proper
training Of their children: tho formation OF
NrtuOus character IA youth. rather than by
the Wei nigh hopeless task OF reforming
the adults among these classes who are al
ready ont OF touch and out of sympathy with
the right aud safe social order of the world.
] happen personally 70 know that my
friend, Major Stiles. has read and reflected
muCn upon these subjects. within Inc last
two years he has carefully examined the legis-
lation regulating the reiOrmatOrles and indus
trial schools both Of this country and OF Lu-
rope, and not only so but ne has personally
inspected many or these institutions. fe has
now had IL addition the experience of fifteen
months 10 managing the only institution OK
this character IN the State of Virginia, and he
Is prepared 10 Law before you such results
both moral and financial. as 10 entltle lin 20
a respectful and favorable hearing by the
! General Assem- 81.
] know. moreover. that lie has devoted
great care and labor in formulating the
schemed legislation which he proposes to
/ present % your consideration. / have gone
over that plan With him. and. while do not
consider myself qualified 20 Judge OF lts legal
and constitutional provisions, / can at least
see that even these essential parts OF the bill
have been carefully constructed and guarded.
While ready 10 trust absolutely to the WISE
and humane decision of your honorable body.
may / not venture 10 express the houe III I
you may sec tit 10 make the e1periuents-ii
what has been 50 well tested aud approved
elsewhere is IN experiment and grant what
tie Prison Association. through It's president
/ asks OF YOU
/ 10 may not be improper for me 10 add that
/ both from my personal acquaintance with the
&c tlemen composing the Association and
/ the zeal tempered with conservative wisdom
which they have shown in the use OF tie lib
eral charter granted them two years ago,
/ feel assured that the favOrs now asked for will
if granted BE employed for the good OF the
! Commonwealth and the welfare OF her imper
lied children. Very respectfully.
Your obedieut servant.
| M1sEs d. HDGY