Middletown transcript., 1895-03-02
ON PRISON REFORM.
Gov. Maryil's Letter on the Proposed
Penitentiary.

|
Penitentiary.
Governor Marvil has sent the following
letter to the Ways and Means Committee
of the General Assembly:
| "Gentlemen-As the representatives OF
the people of the State of Delaware you
will, in all probability soon be called upon
to determine as to the advisability of erect
ing and maintaining penitentiary in this
State.
There is an earnest demand that some
thing be done in this behalf. And when
we consider the present deplorable condi-
ton of our prisons and the demoralizing
effect of our prison system it is not strange
that such a question should agitate the
minds of our people and that they should
cry out for prison reform. Heartily in ac-
cord with this sentiment, as I am, yet I
would beg leave to offer for your considera-
ton few stubborn facts, as we'll as some
practical suggestions.
'The state been asked for $500, 900 for
the purpose of building penitentiary.
This at glance would seem to be an ample
appropriation, but let me assure you that
this sum will not be sufficient to cover the
expense oferecting suitable building and
supplying an outfit. At low estimate
$50 900 more would be required. The in
terest on this sum at 8 per cent would be
$4,000 per annum. The next step would
be to procure an efficient corps of employees
and speak within bounds when estimate
the cost at not less than $4,000 per annum,
A practical machinist, one who thoroughly
understands the care and attention such
machinery requires, could not be had for
less than $4,000; nor could capable engi.
neer be hired for less than $1,000 to $1,000.
8 per cent. of the original cost of $3.50, 900 is
$40, ,OOO, and you will have general idea of
the cost.
"Thus it will be seen that the expense |
is enormous under any circumstances, but |
when we take iuto consideration the hand
full that constitute the whole population
of the state, it must be potent to all that
the project would be suicidal.
II am aware that the argument has been
used that the penitentiaries of other states
pay to them revenue. That may be ad-
mitted, but it certainly could not be ex-
pected that penitentiary would pay any
appreciable revenues to this state, because
there are very few prisoners in this state
whose sentences extend beyond the period
of one year. Surely not long enough to
earn even a common trade.
"The average number in New Castle
county of long-term prisoners-those whose
han twenty-five in Kent county five; in
sussex county, three. Thus you will read
ly perceive that such all institution could
lot be even self-supporting.
1.-THE State of Delaware is not large
enough in population to support peniten-
iary. 1t would be to our Treasury each
year burden almost too heavy to bear or
Use would gradually fall into forced ne
,lect and become an unsightly monument
o our folly.
But there should be a decided reforma- ,
ion in our prison system. This enforced
dleness should be done away with. This ,
luddling together of male and female, the
'outh of first offence and the hardened ,
nan of crime, is condition Of things :
which should not exist any longer. There ,
hould be employment and proper accomo
lation provided. Prisons should not be
ooked upon entirely as places of punish
nent. There is higher meaning to them ,
han that-they should be regarded, as
veil, as places of reformation and, with
his end in view, would suggest that for p,
he expenditure Of $25, 900 our present pris-
ms might be SO arranged and constructed
s to become houses of incarceration, and =
laces of reform rather than hot-beds of =
ice. In these reconstructed prisons there !,
hould be placed suitable tools, forms and :
enches, and the materials for the prison. .
RS to work upon could be procured, in the
aw or unfinished condition, from our mills :
nd manufactures. while the expense of
such an addition would not
realty exceed that of our present unsatis-
actory one.
II offer these suggestions to the commit. c
ee and pray an earnest consideration of a
hem, i,
JOSHUA Fl. MARVIL, Governor"