The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-01-28

features of the case. and consider the
convict not as subject of our con
demnation and punishment. but as one
diseased morally and needful of treat
Uent and cure.
What does such patient most need +:
Not physician but will answer that first
of all he must have healthful exercise
and plenty of it. When we come toapply
the remedy what do we find? That
public sentiment is opposed. and right
fully, to the competition Of convict la Dor
with free labor. How, then, shall the
convict be employed for the public ben
eft without entering into competition
with free labor? In just such manner
&c Mr. Edwards suggests, only we
should extend his field of usefulness
just as far as the nature of the individ-
nal convict permitted, and make him a
worker upon the roadbed. giving TO
"'rusties" such a degree of freedom a.
would aid to make them better men and
II them to return TO honest ways when
their term of Imprisonment had ex-
pred.
We have heard much of good roads of
late years; but most of the discussion
has ended with talk. ana but little. com
paratyely speaking. has been accom-
plished. We believe this is largely due
TO lack of concerted movement. Weare
convinced that ii the states through
which an air line road from. say. Buffa.
10. \. ", to the Pacific coast were 10
unite in the construction of such high
way. and would employ no other thar
convict labor. each states prisoners to
work upon the roadway of that state.
the result would be such an era OF good.
road making as would soon lift the az.
ricultural sections of the United States
out OF the mire, transform travel and
LIE in the country as much as the paved
streets in the cities have added TO the
comfort and pleasure of those who
dwell in them, and remove the heaviest
tax now resting upon agricultural pro-
Cuctlon. This may be said 70 be a senti.
mental way Of going about it. But we
do many things from sentiment, and
more interest can be aroused in some
such interstate roadway than by all the
states in the union working single
handed and without purpose.
Such road would bring to its sup
port the wheelnen of the nation. and |
they have shown commendable spirit |
Of hclpfulness ond a willingness to bear
their share of the burdens attending
good roads. 1t would lead to The CON
struction OF the states through which
this interstate highway passed of a
series Of laterals which would bring all
sections into connection with the main
avenue. 1t would make possible sum-
mer outing for thousands of people who
iow are withheld from its enjoyment
BY the expense attending. ari would
transform the country into scene OF
lie and pleasure, such as now is wit
iessed only in the country districts Of
certain European lands.
Our prisons are to-day burden upon
he people. They should be made self.
and in doing this the high.
st good of convicts may be conserved
10 use this labor in transforming the
'ogs and mudholes, which compose a
arge portion Of our country roads. into
Try, smooth highways, would be TO
i've to It purpose in itself stimulating
o the moral growth Of the men engaged
II. OF its advantages to the people.
specially to agriculturists, there Is no
ocon for discussion voice