Evening journal., 1921-06-11
URGES PAROLE
Law FOR STATE
Prison Reform Advocate
Thinks Delaware is Far
Behind
PLUMMER TELLS
OF SOME PROGRESS

Speaking under the auspices OF
the Prisoners Aid Society Of Della
ware in the auditorium OF the Will
mington High School last night. Bur-
dette G. Lewis, head Of the penal in
sfitutions of New Jersey, declared
that 1t seemed impossible that Della
ware, living in the shadow OF neigh
boring States where indeterminate
prison sentences and parole laws
have been in effect for years. has
Jagged so far behind in such impor-
tant legislation.
State OF Delaware. in this enlightened
year OF 1921 has no parole law" he
said.
Lewis W. Brosius. president Of the
seciety, presided at the meeting.
The Rev W. A. Vrooman, the first
speaker, gave a resume OF the activi-
ties OF the society, its aims and ac-
complishments.
Warden NJ. S. Plummer. on behalf
Of the Trustees of the Workhouse.
himself, and the inmate body there,
expressed his appreciation Of the
splendid work done by the society in
rendering first aid TO salvage human
wrecks"
In introducing Mr.. Plummer. Mr..
Brosius said he felt II was almost a
miracle that Mr.. Plummer should
have been chosen warden OF the in
stitution at almost the same time the
society had its inception.
Mr.. Lewis explained in an interest
ing manner the various pictures as
they were thrown on the screen.
Showing the interiors OF several
great institutions devoted to the
care OF criminals and detectives in
the New Jersey state prisons. their
method OF discipline, the lives OF the
prisoners and the industries con-
Quoted therein. Films were also
shown showing the work OF the Re-
-formatory for Women, the State In
sane Asylum, and the Institution for
Predetermined at Vineland, where
s7s5 inmates are employed and edu-
Gated.
In working out the problem OF
best methods OF handling the in
mates OF its various penal institu-
tions and reorganizing methods OF
treating offenders, he said the state
had merely applied the same modern
scientific principles used in the treat.
ment Of mentally disturbed inmates
OF the State Hospital
He said New Jersey has discovered
that in the method OF treating cri'
rninals, the penal institutions were
Just about 115 years behind the Stat'
Hospital from the standpoint OF ad
ministration- Mental disturbances
he pointed out were in most cases
found to be the result OF physica
ailments. He told OF cases OF menta
degenerates who had been treate,
for certain physical disabilities whit
were restored TO their homes through
the medium OF the states new
psycopathic hospitals. He said !
had been found that practically al
serious physical arrangements pro
ruced abnormality. Investigations
Mr.. Lewis explained. had show
practically the same proportion o
.deranged mentality as comparel
with physical disability. In tn
penal institutions. he said. II wa
found that the kind OF labor an in
mate was able to perform was abou
the same proposition as in the mel
who were drafted during the war.
Warden Piummer said that Will
the Prisoners Aid Society has bee
in existence here only about a yeai
"intrinsically great results have al
WAYS been achieved from small an
insignificant beginnings" The 50
ciety. Mr.. Plummer said, has bee
a force OF friendship and fraternit
10 the workhouse inmates, and ha
given them incentive 10 adJu'
.themselves in the right way for fu
ture freedom. and has helped him
attain success with his honor system
Doctor Vrooman spoke OF the nj
cessity for a parole law. and Of IN
necessity OF educating the people
demand it's enactment The societ
also proposes to devote its enori
TO social service among the wiv'
and children OF the prisoners, an
any other matters which arise froi
time to time in which the sociei
can be an aid to restoration Of II
criminal and an aid to the State
penal institution. The society, I
said. would require financial suppo
Of about $4,000 a year. but that thel
are very few philanthropies whel
so much real practical good can
accomplished for such an expend
.ture Of money