The patriot. [volume] (Indiana, Pa.) 1914-1955, 1914-12-12

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=, tas
de hoi
iltasates 4,
bis go. illcise the J.
In thees a. rood and Gu.
vate IL I)F ao dreamer
idealistic plsiGtnil. aSt. He is inten.
ly practical. and a4 practical. be Il -
not attempt to refofln The reformatot
methods all at once. The process III
been gradual The inmates of the RAJ
way reformatory are now self COVER
Ing. Two years ago there We're repora
ed tc the superintendent 4.SS9 infr3
tions OF the rules
Offered Self Government.
DR.. Moore preached his self COVER:
ment scheme to the inmates. He tol,
them that it rested entirely with them
selves whether they were granted al
tonomy or not. Last year the numbe
Of inmates increased, but the nuplbe.
OF reported infractions of the rules
was 2,002 less than during the prev
GUS year. The older inmates. whs
were working for the privilege Of &c
Ing treated like citizens, were seldom
reported, and they did much to tarne
Nhe new inmates who were inclined "a
be obstreperouS. DIR. 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 vas to have the mis-
deeds of inmates judged and punish
mer for them meted out by council
OF pl1soners elected by their fellows.
On July IL Of this year each Of the
fourteen tiers elected two councilmen
to represent it. Each Tuesday and
Friday the council meets to act upon
reports of ;nisbehavior by inmates
The counc!I has president who Is
presiding judge, and 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. IL the accused Is
found guilty he is sentenced to the loss
of some privilege.
The decision Of the council Is final
It is not subject to approval by the
superintendent or any officer of the In
stitution, and none of the officers IL
permitted any voice In It's delibera
lions. If councilman misbehaves
and becomes amenable for a serious
breach OF discipline he Is tried by his
fellow C9Lncilmen. If a councilman
Is ousted for cause an election to SO
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 II, our power 20 sep the use
OF profane language amot4 the inmates.
To try to ascertain the number Of anv
inmate guil'v of steal ne articles from
the room of another inriate and submit
his name TO the council for action.
To try tc do away with all disorder IL
the dining room. especially Kissing and
loud talking. and to kecp perfect order.
To try to have the inmates take a pride
in their general beAay yior and in that way
reduce the number Il reports against tn.
inmates Of the institution
To try to instin better fellowship anG
spirit among the inmates. To try to lead
them from the habit OF doing things fo'
which they are liable to bP reported irt
the habit Of doing things that are maniy
and clean.
The council shall take lively interest
IN all amusements for the benefit Of the
inmates on holidays ard other times. T.
try to arrange to give shows from time
TO time, especially on holidays.
Councilmen VIII ask the inmates on
their tiers to send them suggestions from
time to time for the betterment of the
inmates Of the institution
DR.. Moore says that the prisoners
govern themselves better than a host
OF guards could govern them. The
honor roll hGS grown under autonomv
In the state reformatory. and the de-
linquent roll has decreased correspond
taoIv
Different.
Seedy Chap stopping Pedestrian
Pardon me, sir, but you look very much
like a man | know.
Pedestrian-Indeed! Well, YOU look
Ike man don't want to know. Good
day-Boston Transcript.
Overheard.
Thinker has placed an old railroad
sign. Stop. look and hstenr at the en-
rance to his driveway"
whats the idea?"
His wife Is running the touring
car"-Judge.