The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-12-14

some countries in Europe the amount
allowed is so small as to be simply a
qualification, or reward, to the pris-
oner.
England abandoned transporta-
ton in 1867, when the last shipload
of convicts was sent to Western
Australia. Transportation still exists
IN France and Russia. In Russia
the system meets with strong opposi-
ton from some of the most distin-
guished penologists And here it
may be said that some of the most
advanced prison reformers in Europe
are in Russia. The French transpor-
tation system is humane system of
colonization in New Caledonia and
New Guiana. French penologists
are divided in opinion as to its value.
No one can visit European prisons
or meet their wardens and directors
in gathering like the International
Prison Congress, without being much
impressed by the high grade of per-
sonality they represent. If one may
see in England and on the Continent
a general improvement in prison
buildings and administration, if he
may find also more intelligent, just
and humane methods of treatment, it
is not only because of the study of
these questions by Legislators or
philantbropists, but because of the
character of the men and women who
are placed in control of these institu-
tions. It is only through this higher
personality that the moral influence
necessary for the development of the
prisoner can be exerted. 1t is graft
tying to note similar improvement
in our own country in this respect,
but our prisons are still too much
under political control, and have been
used too frequently to reward politica
service. They have suffered from the
worst features of the spoils system.
One must not overlook another dis
tinctive feature of prison reform work
in Europe, and that is the work done
for discharged convicts. In this
country we are far behind in such or
ganized efforts. In Europe, Switzer-
lend leads the van. She has fourteen
societies for discharged convicts, and
what is most admirable is the system
of appointing patron for each pris-
oner who goes out. Thus aid is not
given through money, but through
work and personal sympathy. The
personal relation of the patron with
the prisoner begins before he has left
the prison. The good results of this
system are seen in the great reduc-
ton of recommitments wherever it is
most active. A great impetus has
been given to work for discharged
convicts in France within the last
three years, which now has some fifty
prisoners aid societies. In England
there are ninety. These societies,
both in England and on the Conti-
nent, are not only helped by private
contributors, but receive subsidies
from the Government.
Europe has learned something from
this country and has still more to
learn with reference of reformatory
prisons; but it is apparent also that
we have something to learn from
Europe. And among the things we
may well consider, l should name a
centralized administration for prison
control in each State; the giving to
prisoners portion of their earnings,
and the developing of better organi-
cations for the aid of discharged con-
victs. There are many other matters
of detail worthy the attention of the
penological student.
BOSTON, MASS.