The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-01-21
woMEN's REFORMATION.
Mrs. Johnson's Address at Congress
square Church.

The vestry of Congress Square church
was well filled on Wednesday afternoon
to listen to Mrs. johnson, superintendent
of the Reformatory Prison for Women in
Massa chusetts. Mrs. L. Grow, president
of the Mission Circle, through whose in
vitation Mrs. Johnson was to speak,
very aptly introduced the speaker Of the
afternoon.
Mrs. Johns IN said it was rather strange
how little was known of the simplicity
of the work there. That the first problem
which confronted them was the method
to be used in changing the criminal into
good citizen. Sin was a moral disease,
and TO be treated as such. This, as far
as possible, was the method used with
the women, in trying to discover the use
of their bad behavior, and in giving them
individual help, Mrs. Johnson spoke
most hopefully, feeling sure that in all
cases, there was hope while there was
life. OF course at times prompt decisive
punishment must be given, but In most
cases the refining influences around
them, and the force of good example were
far more potent. The speaker dwelt most
Interestingly upon the quoting effect up
on many of the women of the work
among the flowers, with the dumb
animal, and cited an unusual instance of
woman who came to sse the right,
through her interest in the silk worm
s~t ic fod ON n4 H.,
prison. The strictest obedience is always
enforced, but there is no doubt they feel
the kindly influence back OF it all, as
manifested by an experiment on the 28th
of last December, when Mrs. johnson
allowed them all few minutes freedom
ON the prison lawn, and not one made an
effort, or apparently gave thought to-
wards getting her freedom. The idea is
to have every woman ON leaving,
reasonably fitted to do plain cooking.
laundrys work, etc. 1t is necessary to
take much time and patience often, to
bring about the fseling of docility in
some of the prisoners, but it Is time well
spenB which finally brings about the
true feeling of obedience. for enforced
obedience is no obedience. Mrs. johnson
gave most touching description of a
service which was held in the chapel in
the last half hour of the old year; of the
beautiful floral decorations, mingled
with the Christmas trees, and of the
solemn feeling which thrilled through
them all at this moment. Another
problem to be dealt with was society q
duty towards the dismissed criminal,
and in this regard, Mrs. johnson spoke
most ardenuly for the reformed ones,
giving many examples of women who
had gone out from the Sherburne prison
to live honest and respectable lives.
At the close of this interesting address,
which was listened to with the greatest
attention by all, DR.. Blanchard rose and
thanked Mrs. johnson for her earnest
| words, and suggested that some formal
| action be taken from this representative
meating, in view of the prospective hear
| ing before our legislature, as to ths
establishments of a Woman's Reformatory
Prison in Maine.
After some informal talk from various
people present, and delightful responses
from Mrs. johnson, it was decided tt
appoint a committee in the matter, wht
were as follows Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens
chairman, Mrs. John W. Carter, Mrs
George French. Mrs. Noah Burgess, Mrs
Henry Blanchard, Miss Cornelia Dow
Miss Masia Beckett, Mrs. John b. Coyle
Mrs. Alfred Woodman. Mrs. johnson
suggested as an amendment to TIN
motion, that the committee should invit
the state prison legislative ommitte
with them to visit the Sherburne prison
before the hearing. A cordial Invitation
was given by the PRESIDENT to the menl
bers of the Messiah, All Soul s and West
brook churches to remain to Tea" AL
Informal meeting of the committee OF tel
was held in the study. to decide upo,
the best means Of approaching our prYsoi
legislative committee, but no definit
action was taken.
Drowning Accident in Rockland. &BsEii