Evening star., 1925-08-23
BRITISH CONVICT
SYSTEM IS PRAISED
American Delegate to Prison
Conference Sees Model
for u. S. to Copy.

T. Marcellus Marshall, prominent
in West Virginia business and edu-
cational circles, specially appointed 10y
Gov. Gore to represent West Virginia
at the International Prison Confer
ence recently held in London. has JUS
returned to this country, deeply in
pressed by the existing prison con
ditions in England.
Mr.. Marshall, who was in Wash
ingtou Friday, first visited the EriN-
ton Remand prison. exclusively Eng
Ilsh IN its conception, where are kept
only such prisoners as are awaiting
hearing before q magistrate. in
this way men Yet to come to trial
do not come in contact with the hard
ened criminals
After visiting several prisons In
London he went TO the Ayleshurr
prison for women, which he believe
the United States should take as 4.
model. Aylesbury is run on the Bris
tol plan, Bristol being the town
where prison reform was first star,
ed over a hundred years ago. Tn.
der this plan prisoners are given
every chance to equip themselves fo.
life of usefulness after they have
served their sentence, and while Tho,
have TO follow the regular prison
routine they are shown every poss5
BILE kindness while there. Those serv
ing their first terms are kept apar,
from the "repeaterS' prison Officials
believing that in this wav rha,- viii
come out of Jail without HAVING; learn
ed the tricks Of hardened criminals
incorporated in the Bristol plan is
a reward system which provides an
incentive TO the prisoners to make
the most of their opportunities. I'm
der a grading system covering con
duct and general willingness. those
whose percentage is 80 or over are al
lowed TO work in the prison shop. n
this shop the women make all kinds
of articles, which are sold to the nub
lie by the prison officials and the prn.
ceeds go into the prison recreation
fund. From this fund is taken money
10 fnance trips to the seashore, the
ater and numerous other places ~
amusement and recreation. OnIv
| those who have worked in the shor
are allowed To share in the benefits
from the fund. In this manner The
women are inspired to do thex beer
and in addition they learn trades the
can follow in later life.
The prisoners are not crowded and
Mr.. Marshall said the food and dining
room furniture are better than those
at Rugby. IL any Of the girls bc
come incorrigibe they are taken aside
anu given motnerIN talk bv rhp
warden. This is the only form ~
punishment used except that fhev are
not allowed to work in the shop.
At the head of the prisons are in
telligent and humane officials VII,
take an active interest in those nm
der their care. The prisons ar.
visited frequently by prominent citi-
zens who make it their duty TO re
port any undesirable conditions. The
prisoners are allowed 10 talk freely
/ TO these visitors and can correspond
! at VIII with outsiders.
While visiting Derby Mr. Marshall
learned that in 10 years the number
of prisons has been reduced from
700 10 20. This shows plainly. ne
said. the extent to which crime in
England has been controlled.
In his many visits to the various
Ja1lS Mr.. Marshall found substantial IL
the same conditions TO exist in all.
He attributes the decrease in crime
IN England to humane treatment Of
prisoners, segregation of first Of
tenders, quick trials and education
Of convicts while in Jail.
Mr.. Marshall has returned 10 West
Virginia, whore he will start at once
TO attempt TO secure reforms of a
slnILar nature in American prisons