The Minneapolis journal., 1903-02-10

n his legislative candidates
For ofenses against public order, except
drunkenness S26
fer drunkenness ........................ 2,ooa
During the last four years of the above- |
mentioned period the comnlittals from the
several courts Of Massachusetts, to the re-
formatOrty prison for women were as fol-
lows:
Superior courts ....2... 2OS
pollce courts .:...:............. 225
District courts 212
Irlal Justices ...':.. ..........'.. IL
Total ..f......... -. ...: .......... $50
During the year ending Sept. 80, 1901.
the .commitals under the first general
classification covered seven distinct Of
fenses, under the second six cffenses and
under the third ten offenses. making a
total of twenty-five separate offenses
during the year for which women were
committed to the wornen's refornatory
prison. In addition to this, many were
cared for in the state WorkhOuse and
| houses of correction. -
An effort to place all jails and houses of
correction. in Massachusetts under the
control of the state. and to be maintained
by the state failed before the legislature,
but is fast gaining ground in public Opin-
ion.
Less than 10 Per Cent FeIons.
A careful analysis of the classes of Of
fenses for which women have been con-
victed in Massachusetts during the last
four years, and committed to the reform
atory for women, shows that less than 10
per cent were of such a character as to
render a eommittal to, a prison for felons
| possible. -.s
This fact shows that in any proper es
innate of resources and plans, Minnesota
must forsonce and all discard the idea that
her state Industrial rcfcrmatory at st.
Cloud, or her state prison at saltwater,
are to answer any large purpose in the
treatm Of female; offenders. Thus it
is we shall continue to depend upon the
jais, lock-ups and warehouses;, where
both sexes are received, until such time
as better provision is, made. =
The objections to placing such an insti-
tuition as a women's, .reformatory under
the same management with the training
school for girls are so Weighty and con-
elusive that it may not be supposed that
it will be seriously entertained unless
adopted without proper study of similar
experience.
Indiana's Experience.
The state of Indiana has had a reform
atory for women and a training school for
girls under the same management with
the reshult that all who are associated
} with the work have been praying for a
| separation. No matter what pains may
be taken to- secure physical separation
of the classes domiciled in such a, COM
bined institution, the moral atmosphere
4 would be toned by the presence, of the
women to. the hurt. in public esteem of
the department fors;tfe girls and many
= parents earnestly anxious to commit
their daughters to +. the girls training
school would be deferred from doing SC
if that institution were placed under ths
, same management as a. refornatory for
women.
The facts of the situation all indicate
that Minnesota needs a proper place fol
: women convicted of ,offenses which, place
+ them under the jurisdiction Of local places
= of detention, more often to their hurt thar
l benefit, and where they may be screened
from the public gaze and helped by con
y siderate and patient methods to return
!, I to useful living. The Massachusetts re-
formatory draws its; population from
every county in the state, and thus the
S weaker counties which are unable tt
make separate provision for female of
tenders are enabled to commit them tt
the care of a we'll appointed and wei
: managed institution operated by th'
: state. 5EEs g.st s
e The Probable Cost.
s The bill before the legislature provide
v for an appropriation of $4,000 for a plan
nj to be completed and furnished ready 10
operation. The whole matter is confide'
: to the state board = of control, and tn
q beard may secure a site by donation o
f purchase, as may seem wise. With sucl
! an institution. modest in size and ap
: pointments, where opportunity for appro
= pirate industry in indoor and outdoor EN-
ployments may be provided and manage
: by a competent woman for its superin
It tendent, Minnesota will have a complet
q system for dealing with her delinquen
: classes, and be in Line with the bes
: thought of the, day. Such a refuge woul
1t be both human and economical.
o would afford both light and warmth 70
- every repentant woman committed to it
- she1tering care, and would be a perpetus
prayer for the sympathy and aid Of tn
Christian womanhood of the state.
Let us go on, if need be, with. expendi
% lures for our capitol and the great fai
at st. Louis, but above everything else lie
= the manhood of Minnesota make it possibl
to relieve a neglect which has become
le reproach, which adds cost and shufferin
Ie in increased ratio as the years pass, an
build for the adult female offenders
home which shall be the pride of states
+ manship and a haven of comfort and res
cue for an increasing army Of sin-to
'e women who have no fit place wherein t
t lay their heads. &C. b. Faulkner.