The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1914-12-04

Throughout Country as "the Univer-
sity of Another chance"-Prisoner
Look After Themselves Better Than
Host Of Guards.
New Jerseys reformatory at Railway
is not called by its official title by in
mates and former inmates. They have
adopted for the institution the name
which DIR. Frank Moore applied to 1t
when he assumed charge as superin-
tendent and endeavored to do real re-
forming Of his nearly 1000 charges. II
is known throughout the United States
as "the University Of Another Chance"
DR.. Moore cares more for results than
for red tape. Unable to personally
study the traits and shortcomings Of
each Of his thousand wards, he has set
them to studying themselves. He holds
and tells the reformatory inmates that
his business Is not to criticise the bad
In them, but to find the good and cult.
vate 1t. Dr. Moore is no dreamer or
idealistic philanthropist. He is intense
ly practical, and, being practical, he did
methods all at once. The process has
been gradual. The inmates of. the Rah
way reformatory are now self govern
ing. Two years ago there We're report
ed to the superintendent 1850 infrac-
tons Of the rules.
offered Self Government.
DIR. Moore preached his self govern.
ment scheme to the inmates. He told
them that 1t rested entirely with them
selves whether they were granted au-
tonOmy or not. Last year the number
Of inmates increased, but the number
Of reported infractions Of the rules
was 1902 less than during the previ
Gus year. The older inmates, who
were working for the privilege of be
ing treated like citizens, were seldom
reported, and they did much to tame
the new inmates who were inclined TO
be Obstreperous. DR.. Moore called the
inmates together and told them thai
the time had come when he was going
to grant them autonomy. He outlined
his plan. which was to have the mis-
deeds Of inmates judged and punish
ment for them meted out by a council
Of prisoners elected by their fellows.
On July - of this year each of the
fourteen tiers elected two councilmen
to represent 1T. Each Tuesday and
Friday the council meets to act upon
reports of misbehavior by inmates.
The council has president, who is
presiding Judge, and n secretary, who
is clerk of the court. Prisoners are
produced before the council and faced
by their accusers, who are their fellow
inmates or councilmen from their tier,
and they are given an opportunity to
cross examine witnesses and testify In
their own defense. If the accused is
found guilty he is sentenced to the loss
Of some privilege.
The decision of the council Is final
1t is not subject to approval by the
superintendent or any officer Of the IN.
stitution, and none of the officers is
permitted any voice in its delibera-
tons. If councilman misbehaves
and becomes amenable for q serious
breach Of discipline he Is tried by his
fellow councilmen. If councilman
is ousted for cause an election to Sc
lect his successor is Immediately held
on his tier. Never has the decision of
the council failed to meet with the
approval of the prisoners
Rules Governing Council.
Here are some of the governing rules
of the council: |
To do all In our power to stop the use
of profane language among the inmates.
To try to ascertain the number of any |
inmate guilty Of stealing articles from
the room of another inmate and submit |
his name to the council for action.
To try to do away with all disorder In |
the dining ROOM especially Kissing and |
loud talking. and to keep perfect order.
To try to have the inmates take pride |
in their general behavior and In that way |
reduce the number OF reports against the |
inmates of the institution.
To try to instill better fellowship and |
spirit among the inmates To try to lead |
them from the habit of doing things TO- |
which they are liable to be reported int
the habit of doing things that are manly |
and clean.
The council shall take n lively interest
In all amusements for the benefit OF the |
inmates on holidays and other times. To |
try to arrange to give shows from tins
to time especially on holidays.
Councilman will ask the inmates or
their tiers 10 send them suggestions from |
time to time for the betterment of the
inmates of the institution.
Or. Moore says that the prisoners
govern themselves better than host
IF guards could govern them. TIE
honor roll has grown under autonoin!
N the state reformatory. and the de-
inquent roll has decreased correspond
ngly.