Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-04-24
Reforms That Arc Needed In Coun-
try's Penal Institu-


/
| To the Editor OF The Times Dis patch {:
Sill wish to submit to you tho
| following views on sane prison re-
| form which Will appeal to fair-mind-
Ell persons, particularly as II Is for
the protection of tho general COM
! munity. to which the prisoner must
ultimately return when he is dis
charged from prison.
In my opinion VIC must get away
from the old style of prison build
ings and gradually replace them by
a cottage system and large farming
plant. The feeble-minded and those
mentally backward should be either
sent to different institution or en-,
tirely separated from the others, ana
given that kind of work and treat
ment which IS best suited to their
condition.
There ought to be n central build
Ing for Industries for vocational
training and such Industrial work as
will be likely to educate tho prison.
ers and teach them trade. 10 that
they will be able TO help themselves
and their families when they leave
prison.
a wage should he paid to the
prisoner. II should be fair wage
and must be earned by the work
done by the prisoner. and In order
that prison labor should not inter
ferc with outside labor. tho product
of prison labor should be used Tor
the needs of the State. In It's prisons
and it's other institutions, anu IL
there is surplus OF prison made
goods in one State. they can be used
in other States where they are need
cd.
There should be the highest grade
of prison wardens and prison guards.
as they of necessity have CONSIDER
able authority. and ought TO be able
10 use II properly. Schools Shouio
be established to educate anu tram
those officials. and only such prison
officials accepted rs can show that
they are able properly to conduct
the work, in the Same manner as
officials In hospitals are chosen be
cans. OF the fact that they are able
to do the work properly. ami the
same as private individuals chose for
their superintendcnts In factories
and other industrial work such
persons AS they think have the
knowledge. ability and trustworthi-
ness to carry out their duties adc-
quately.
Prisoners should be examined when
they enter prison as To their men,
tally and other condition. II possi-
BILE, the cause which led the prisoner
to commit the crime should be de.
termined. He should be treated ac-
cordinEiy. and placed at that kim
OF work which he is able to do. and
the result Of such examination should
otherwise be made us. Of in the
treatment o. the prisoner
The parole system should no CT,
tended. a commission fully qualified
for this kind Of work should De care
iui!y selected. 1t should consist Of
men or the highest standing, and an
Dointment upon II should be Regarded
Ms position OF honor. comp?rabl.
10 the positions Of the Judges Of our
courts.
The aim OF all this must DO not TO
pahpcr the criminal or create the
unhealthy atmosphere OF making he
rocS OF the prisoners. but tn bring
about natural conditions Prisons
should be conducted in such way
that II viii! make il likely that the
prisoner. when he is discharged. Will
be able to take care OF himself and
his family. and in many cases DO
cured Of his criminal tendencies; that