The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-11-20
Special to The Journal,

Special to The Journal. .>.
Red Wing, MINI, Nov. 20.-The fea-
ture OF this forenoon g session of the
State Conference of Charities and Cor
rections was a plea for the indeter-
inmate sentence for all criminals but
murderers, made by Warden Henry
Wolfer of the Minnesota state peni-
Tertiary; Mr.. Wolfer made point after
Miss Grace Johnston of the state
training school read a paper on estate
Agents as Auxiliaries to State Institu-
lions. ~ Her long and successful ex-
perience in providing homes for bows
and girls committed to the care of the
state fitted her for the preparation of
such paper, and it was rightfully re-
garded as one of the brightest read at
the convention. When she closed a
rising vote Of thanks was rendered her.
Dr.. H.. A. Tomlinson. superintendent
Of the st. Peter hospital for the insane.
discussed ''The Extension Of the State
Agency System. - DR.. Mead of South
Dakota, an expert on steel and cement
construction, made an address in which
ne clearly Indicated how such mate
rails may be employed to excellent ad-
vantage In building state institutions.
IT,. Closing Session.
The closing session of the conference
was held in the auditorium of the state
training school this afternoon. Mrs,
Russell R. Dorr Of ST. Paul read a pa
per on HsTheu, Minnesota. Industrial
Schoo! for Girls>~ItA Needs and Pos
sibilities. - E A. supper will. be served
to the delegates in the school between
5 and o'clock this evening and at 8
O'Clock the visitors will leave for the
twin cities. IF ci,G9>as
Another largely attended mass meet
hall last evening. A. W. Butler Of In -
d1anapolis delivered aapowerful address
on County and Township Charities, -
and Alexander johnson Of New York
city discussed in remarkably interest,"
ing manner the relation between public
and private charity. =
:. Wolfer's Address.
In his stand for the indeterminate
sentence Mr.. Wolfer said: 49,.
The indeterminate sentence in its broadcast
sense as understand it, is a sentence imposed
on all convicted OF crime whether first Offenders
or not, the crime Of murder excepted, leaving
the time limit to be tentatively determined later
on, or after the offender mot the crime) has
been carefully studied and analysed by q compe
tent tribunal.
The indeterminate sentence scheme embodies "a
render and not the crime shall finally determine
the length of confinement or detention that is
necessary to reform him, and to secure the great
est degree of protection to society. This means
careful anlysis of his physical mental and
moral status in order to determine how long r.
is necessary for him to remain in prison, rather
!han the measuring out, of so much punishment
Tor given amount of crime. It seeks to
regenerate the criminal, to readjust him to the
requirements of socety's laws and customs 81
that ne may be safely released on probation. It
pred1cates that the crime shall not be consid.
cred except for the purpose of determining the
cuiprlt's turpitude. Emphasis being placed upon
the saving qualities Of the individual-the man,
or what there is left of him.
The scientific application of the principles Of the
I'M ihuetermlnate sentence means, or implies, that
the offender shall always be released on proba.
u n Or parole, and that such tentative release
shaH come to him gradually and only after he
mas given reasonable evidence Of his desire and
purpose to live honestly and obey the law. II
means that his treatment in prison shall tend
to break down and eradicate the vicious and
criminal traits of his character and build up and
strengthen the best elements of his nature.