The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-03-06

very sanitary ln1uence and is very
strong incentive to good behavior" AS
the last few months of prisoners
term, like the closing weeks of long
voyage, hang much the most heavily,
the prisoner, knowing that by few
months perseverance in the good de-
corum thus induced, can lessen his
term several months he naturally does
his best. 1t also has the result of
forming in the convict permanent hab-
its of obedience and self-control, and
developing in him more hopeful and
therefore more kindly and tractable
disposition.
Here is an extract from the warden's
report: "Not a stripe with the lash has
been inflicted for an entire year; the
cat has been laid aside for ever: soil
tary confinement has been substituted
with the very best results. The argu-
ment heretofore raised in favor of the
lash has been that by this mode the
state has not been deprived of the la
Dor of the convict, as would be the case
were he shut up. Dollars and cents
should not weigh against discipline and
reformation; excessive severity always
tends to harden the heart. The stout
est man that ever breathed will sue
cumb beneath the lash; he may be con-
quered but not subdued, and he returns
to his work neither wiser nor better
man, but too often with feelings of ha-
tired and revenge ranking in his bosom.
Upon the other hand, there is not
probably, any degree of personal Sc
verify that produces such a powerful
impression on the human mind as soii-
tary confinement. Thus condemned to
his own thoughts, he has an opportu-
nifty of renewing his past misconduct.
In fact he must reflect, and he knows
that the length of his punishment rests
with himself.
"a day or two will hardly elapse be-
fore change is visible, and the proud
est spirit will solicit enlargement, with
promises of the utmost industry
and quietness. Instances could be
cited where all other methods had
failed, and the subjects given up as in
corrigible and hopeless; yet under this
treatment they have been changed, and
are now among the most industrious
and well-behaved men in the prison.
Wholesome seclusion from the world,
coupled with constant occupation,
form the extent of their punishment.
Nothing that will humiliate or degrade
convict is demanded or expected of
him.
1t seems that the old theory that
prisons ought to be not merely places
of restraint, but of restraint coupled
with deep and intense misery, and that
so much evil is repaired by so much
misery, was beginning to be considered
as little less than barbarous in Mas
sachusetts in 1858.
The inspectors of the prisons also
recommended the adoption of rigid
classification of the inmates, as by that
means the most good could be secured
to the convict and the highest degree of
efficiency to the prison in its character
of a penal and reformatory institution.
The entire labor of the convicts was
let out to lessees.
The health of the prisoners was ex-
ceptionally good, as out of a popula-
tion that averaged 638 not one death
occurred in ten months and the in
mates of the hospital only averaged
four per dayfo the year. f.
The greatest bay on the face of the
earth is that of Bengal. Measured in
straight line from the two inclosing
peninsuIas, its extent is about 100000
SOuar0 miles or nearly do,lhie fhat IF