The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-18
Experience Talks by G.. A. IL. Shide1er
and Franklin Macyeagh Heard
by the Delegates.
GOVERNOR DURBIN'S ADDRESS
GREAT PROGRESS NOTED IN CARING
FOR THE STATES WARDS.
I'm Meridian-Street VI. +.
Church Followed by a Reception
To-Day's Programme.

The auditorium of the Meridian-street NJ.
z. Church was crowded last night at the
first session Of the eleventh conference
OF Indiana Charities and Correction. One
hundred and fifty delegates from various
societies, churches and clubs in Indiana
interested in charitable and correctional
work had registered when the meeting was
called to order. and it is estimated that
there were nearly that many more present
from out of town who had failed to register
during the evening. In the audience were
men and women who have devoted years
of study and work to the questions to be
discussed and considered at this conference;
those who are prominent In charitable work
in Indiana and other States.
The principal addresses last night were
lac by George A. II. Shideler. of Marion.
president of the conference, who spoke on
Prison Progress in Indiana and Frank
lin MacVeagh. president of the Bureau of
Charities, Chicago, whose subject was
Thoughts on the Work of Organized Char
tiles" Governor Durbin and Mayor Book
walter welcomed the delegates and men,
bers of the conference on behalf of the
State and city. Charles Hansen played two
ryan solos and Miss Lille Adam sang. A
unique feature of the programme was a rec
itation by pupils of the Indiana State
School for the Deaf.
The conference was called to order by
Thomas G.. Day. chairman of the local COM
mittee. He said the gathering of delegates
was inspiring. He said this Is a time when
ever before and that there is an increasing
cheerfulness on the part of the people to
give money for charitable purposes.
GOVERNORS WELCOME.
Governor Durbin. in welcoming the dele
gates, said in part: ut must be highly
gratifying TO every Thoughtful person to
note the increasing interest taken in State
and local charities. and 1 gladly avail my
self of the opportunity to be present on
this occasion TO greet those who are to par
ticipate in the deliberations of this con-
ference. That so much concern should be
manifested in behalf Of such a cause Is a
~praiseworthy tribute 20 those engaged in
1t. There is wisdom and there is safety in
thus counseling. We are living In a prac-
teal age; we seek practical results with
the least possible circumlocutiOn Primar-
lily, the work that calls for the considera-
ton of the conference such as this, is a
well-established condition-not a theory nor
anything essentially sentimental.
The State is vitality Interested because
the taxpayers are annually required to sup
ply more than s2.O00,000 for the care of its
unfortunate wards in prisons. in hospitals
and elsewhere. We cannot escape the re-
sponsibility of making suitable provision
for the support of these dependents. And
the momentous questions confronting US
relate to methods to be pursued in the dis
charge of our respective duties as officials
and citizens. Personally, L am opposed to
the idea of the State being charged with
the support of persons who should properly
be cared for by counties and | do not
favor the further Capitalization of depend
ents in order to relieve localities, because IL
opens the way TO discrimination and to the
imposition of unjust burdens on the entire
taxpaying population.
''The programme prepared for this meet
ing gives assurance of good results, be-
cause IL insures the best thought of per-
pc renee to deal intelligently with subjects
to which they have been respectively as
81 sned. Such an interchange of ideas cam
rbt prove otherwise than highly beneficial
30 the cause you represent. and will act as
! potent influence in further arousing pub
ice conscience TO the necessity for con-
-inued Improvement in reforms already au-
,spiciously begun.
NONPARTISAN SPIRIT.
'In proof that the State is in full accord
with every movement undertaken in be-
half of the betterment of conditions re-
lating to the benevolent, penal, correctional
and charitable institutions Of Indiana. 1
feel 1 am justified in saying that at no
previous period in the history Of our COM
monwealth has there been so little cause
for criticism. The spirit OF nonpartisan
management is being observed in good
faith. as the public has ample opportunity
of knowing. and merit alone decides the
success or failure of an applicant for a
place on the gay roll"
Following Governor Durbin's welcoming
address, on the part of the State. Chair
who welcomed the delegates on behalf OF
the city. He said: LAS | look out over
this audience, made up OF men and women
who came to Indianapolis to deliberate not
for some selfish purpose. but for the up
building and uplifting of our fellow-men,
words are too cold TO express a warm greet
ing IN behalf of the citizens or lndianap-
oils.
I'VE have possibly in a greater degree
brought to our attention the work of as
ISOLATED charities. Indianapolis people in
terested in such work have, in a great
measure. solved for themselves intelligent
charity. They have succeeded in making
charity a benefit to those who receive il.
The correctional side OF your work Is one
that is receiving great attention by local
authorities. One OF the great questions TO
be met is how TO punish boys who commit
their first offenses. Judge Stubs of the
city Police Court. of his own ~volition, es-
tablished the juvenile court. Acting in con-
nection with the Board of State Charities,
We shall endeavor to secure legislation
whereby Juvenile offenders may be pun
ished without locking them UP with old
criminals"
Inc duuTcSS OF ITeSluenl u. "A. II. Snlu-
eler. of Marion. was a strong plea for hui
name advancement. Having had personal
experience as warden of the Indiana prison.
he said he found himself better able to
justly consider the criminal and defective
classes. He spoke OF the old conditions in
the Indiana penal institutions and the prog
ress that has brought them 10 their pres
ent state of efficiency. prisons in In
diana" he said. ARE no longer conducted
TO whip. 10 main, TO brand and to rob:
but for employment, education. cleanliness
and humane treatment and with The belief
that they should be operated To confine
and, IL possible. reform the convict. They
are to show that the way OF the trans
gressor is hard and that the officers of the
institution and the people of the State as
well would welcome the truly reformed man
and bid him go and sin no more"
G.. a. Fl. SHIDELER'S TALK.
He commended the present system OF
prison grading and hospital reform. The
superintendent or warden who comes into
personal contact with the inmates may
learn both sides of the prison discipline.
The visits OF the State Board OF Charities.
as conducted. are also commendable. Polit-
ical reward of pull" should not for one
second retain an incapable officer. The
parole law. he said. was a conspicuous sue
cess. The supervision of pa rolled men, he
said, can be improved and Is an essential
help TO permanent reformation. In this
connection | wish 10 say that under our
are a part of our judicial system. The
/ nrf40ner has hpan dealt NTH k, eho go