Evening journal., 1904-08-27
DELAWARE PRISON REFORM.

bELhNAHE TnioON hEFCnNs
DHERE has been revival recently
Of talk regarding state peni-
tentiary for Delaware, and no
progressive citizen viii deny that our
whole penal system needs a thorough
reformation. a step in the right direc-
ton was taken when the old New Cas-
tle JAIN was abandoned and the work
house opened. But other reforms are
needed IN this county while In Kent
and Sussex revolution is imperative.
In the light Of modern civilization the
public has duty Ia the matter Of
treating criminals, that cannot be evad-
ed. Society must be protected. and to
do this. the men discharged from prison
must go out better prepared to earn an
honest living and with greater inclna-
ton to do H. II this is the object, an
other great purpose viii be served a
humanitarian work OF reforming those
who have proved a curse to human So
clety. For according TO religious teach
ing and modern ethical ideas we have
a duty to-even the greatest OF offenders
against our laws.
II doesn't reform a. man TO lock him
up TO spend his days in ldlehess and
perhaps TO be thrown constantly with
men equally desperate and depraved.
Il doesn't work "a reformation for ten
der-hearted women to bring flowers
and dellcacies MS long as these condi-
tions remain unchanged. II may even
be doubted whether sermons prayers
and the singing Of hymns do much per-
manent good, since the prisoner feels
that the system precludes his doing
anything or becoming anything but a
convict suspected, watched. and placed
IN a position in which he cannot con-
unue other than mepace to society
or perhaps the prisoner doesn't think
much about az il Is possible that given
his choice, he prefers to lead life
after being freed from prison such as
that which first sent him there. In
such Instances the prison at the ex-
plratlon Of q prisoners sentence let's
loose an expert In crime. a wolf to prey
upon the community with a new in
centive now. So II should be the con-
Germ OF society TO put IN this mans
mind and heart IL possible a desire for
something better and to give him the
means and incentive to become a useful
factor Ia the community after the prl-
son doors shut behind him. II this is
possible with a percentage OF prisoners.
it should be adopted as a policy, for IL
pays.
Now many prison reforms have not
worked satisfactorily in practice; but
others have. But one idea has been
shown to be practical, and the tests
Of actual experience demonstrate that
It is rational and sound. It is the idea
OF developing the mental. moral and
physical capacity OF prisoners. You
can't reform an idle man; and II Is
probably difficult to reform man by
keeping him busy at work he loaths.
But It is possible to teach lessons Of
industry and sobriety and to develop
native instincts and aptitudes that have
long lain dormant.
Work is not the only object; it must
be work in which individual skin may
be displayed so that one may not only
learn that which is useful but come to
really enjoy Il. If it is possible to send
out "a prisoner with the ability to earn
a decent living and a liking for his
particular trade, that man IN an prob
liability viii cease TO be a menu,s 10
the community
And now without attempting to re-
fleet upon the management of our
workhouse, let us suggest that It's scope
is not broad enough There should be
a dozen different occupations for the
men; they should be engaged I'm lear,
ing something for which they have an
aptitude and which will enable them
to live when they go out into the world
again.
our industrial school has taught 4
useful lesson; it is that all boys may b,
interested in something useful. Som,
haunt the stables and the CHECKER
yards: others like to work in the fields
a great many will work all day in tn,
carpenter shops ana stay over time &
allowed. Some like TO bake and scrub
and so IL goes. Each has his bent
and an occupation foreign to his ma
ture win be torture 10 him. and W
may be certain that he win discard !
al the first opportunity.
Now the chief occupation Of th
inmates Of our workhouse is that o
making cheap clothing-work repug
nant to most OF the men and at whlel
they cannot secure employment afte
they gain their freedom. What 3
needed are industries more diversified
There should be quarry for the laz.