The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-09-24


of the law. In part, Mr.. Wernicke says:
''The whole problem of reforming
woman almost invariably and in accordance with
natures law, involves the question of sex and
other social relations; therefore, scheme of re-
form which ignores this truth will ever be success
full in the highest degree
1.-The worst feature of all prison methods is the
fact that the ex-convict is marked man and handi
capped by society in his efforts to make living
for himself; he is too often driven back into the
ranks of crime by the discouraging discrimination
of society.
''All the prison discipline all the effort and
cost of convictions and maintenance of prisoners
while serving their sentences go for naught are
useless waste until it is made reasonably possible
instead of practically impossible, for the paroed
or discharged prisoner to have the same equal
chances afforded his less unfortunate brother after
his release from prison.
''Our present methods tend to increase rather
than decrease, the causes which lead to immortality,
disease and crime.
In making these statements am fully aware
that many experienced and well-meanng persons
in and out of responsible positions, will take issue
with my views l welcome more light on the
situation-my greatest desire is to help not hinder
The state is possessed of and burdened with
vast areas of lands now almost worthless Some
of it is tillable, much of it may be reclaimed, and
most of it is ideal for reforestaton.
Human nature Graves and will have social in
tercOurse. Those who for any reason are kept out
of good society must and do fall into bad company
The whole problem of reforming man or
woman almost invariably and in accordance with
o5c 1ox +lo
other social relations; therefore, scheme of re-
form which ignores this truth, will ever be sue
cessful in the highest degree.
Since modern pathological thought, as we'll as
public opinion, the side of reform rather
than punishment, the practices of our courts and
institutions should be brought into practical har-
mony with this sentiment.
Il would so order the whole pathological
scheme that no need be kept under lock and
key, unless by his own acts no other treatment is
possible.
l would have grades all the way from solitary
confinement to complete liberty, through which a
prisoner might progress by his own efforts and
conductr-each promotion to carry with it more
privilege and greater responsibility.
And [ would take particular pains to segre-
gate MINOR offenders from the more vicious-the
healthy from the diseased-the clean from the
vert, and so on. affording to each the particular
treatment and instruction best calculated for his
speedy reform and restoration to complete liberty
Joliet Prison News.
These penologists and reformers of the dav
fully realize the Importance of treating the evil
doer with kindness and encouragement instead of
the one-time method the rit-destroying and
manhood blighting method-of mans inhumanity
to man." so prevalent then These rafornooro too
have learned that, just because a man has over
stepped the border lines of socety's laws it does
not follow he is beyond recall but that he is still
man and should be accorded that kind of treat
ment which will cause him to put forth his best
efforts to regain that which he has lost And that
such methods are now being used in the prisons
throughout the world, and that the complete refor-
nation of the inmates is established in but short
period, is self-evident and needs no further
comment.