The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-14

one of the most important things
which should engage the attention OF
the Legislature is the mode and manner
of punishment for crimes classcd as ms
demcanors. These are usually imprls-
onment for stated terms and fines. The
number of persons convicted OF INSIDE
meanor is very large. and appears 10 us
to be increasing, and the punishments
as now imposed are Valueless as cor
rectivc. and stand rather as an express
sion of the vengeful nature of the law
than as a wholesome discipline or chas-
tsement
Very many Of the persons who come
under the condemnation of the law are
perfectly indifferent, and the inhicton
of either, or both, has not the slightest
effect upon their subsequent behavior.
Indeed, it is on record, that some have
been known to commit crimes for the eX-
press purpose of getting under the kind
and comfortable protection OF the pris-
on-houses, where they are Well-ied,
housed from the stormy blasts. and en-
10Y the sweet consciousness that they
are not required TO make any effort
physical or mental, during their terms
of Imprisonment. for their own susten-
ance. 1t is true, the establishment OF
chaingangs, ana the requirement that
the prisoners shall earn their keep at so
this pleasant dream. But this system.
il always practicable, is of doubtful exs
pediency and open TO objections from
several points of view.
1t is not right that persons should be
promiscuously mixed mp in gang-men
or boys who have probably committed
their first indiscretiOn with hoardened
criminals, TO whom the punishment IS
of the lightest character consistent with
their deserts. Then, again, the meagre
sum allowed these persons for day S
work has the effect of cheapening ana
at the same time depriving others Of
work of the character they are required
TO do. Ii looks like a hardship, even TO
an implacable case, to require him TO
work one hundred days to discharge a
fine of S25 Again, il ia only men who
are required TO do this, and women
charged with the same crimes are al
lowed immunity, thus classifying the pun
ishments upon the basis of sex.
Another objection 10 the fine and i'm
prisonment Tor light offenses is, that
they cost the government just as much
as the moro fragrant ones, and there Is
really no One benefited butt the keepers
OF the prisoners, who are growing veal
thy at the expense OF the state. while
the majesty Of the law and the dignity
Of the Commonwealth IS not sustained.
There should be a radical change in the
punishments imposed in this class Of
crimes for the reasons that they are in
efficient and costly.
The state should establish system OF
houses of correction, and abolish the
present effete systems of punishments.
Because man commits misdemeanor
Is no reason for everlasting degrading
that man, and making him for all time
a bad citizen; ii should be the object
TO reclaim as well as punish, and our
systems should be arranged with that
view As the laws now stand. the good,
bad and Indifferent are herded together
giving the officers of the law, who may
be cognizant of the differences, no OPP
ton for making distinctions Thus the
law itself commits an offcnse by degrad-
ing one person. while another is not in
jured and the spirit Of law is not sub
served Charlottesville Progress.