Year: 1870

The sthtc Prison Observation-Disclosures Com


victs in One Cell-NIore Accommodations


Called For.


There are at present confined in the State Prison
at Trenton N. j., about $50 c0nvicts, and fresh
rivals are daily pouring in from the different
counties throughout the state. This constant influx
should at once suggest the wisdom and
propriety OF taking immediate steps to in
crease the prison Accommodations. The institu-
tion Is crowded to its utmost capacity, as viii
appear evident from the fact that the
building was originally Intended for only 800 prison
ers allowing only occupant for each cell. Since
then the capacities Of the place have not been en-.
arged in any way, and the consequence is that two
convcts and in many instances three, are obliged
to live and breathe within the narrow compass OF a
single cell. 1t is true that bill was passed
by the Legislature providing for the erec.
ton Of an additional wing; but nothing
has been done thus far with view
Of accomplishing this desirable object. But
it will take year and more before the proposed
extension viii be fit for occupancy, the question
arises can the condition OF the inmates BE- anchor
ated In the lntervaly II the influx should continue
10 increase In the same proportion as heretofore the
prison authorities will be obliged to huddle toget
four or moro human beings Into space original
Intended for single individual. The effect Of TINS
crOwding sys EN- upon the health Of the prisOne rs
must be disastrous, as no amount OF sani ary pre-.
cautions Will be able to preserve pure and healthy
atmosphere Wnere so many human beings i've anu
breathe.


But the effects OF the system upon the morals Of
the inmates VIII be attended with still more disis-
trOus consequences any one acquaini ed with the
depraviCy of human nature will readily perceive. 1t
Is to the interest OF society that every effort should lie
made TO render the moral atmosphere in AMI around
public institutions as pure as possible especially IN
dealing with State Prisons Every influence OF a ma
ture calculated 10 improve the minds anu hearts Of
the cOnvicts should be thrown around them during
their ncarcerat on, 80 that when turned loose upon
society they may be fortified against the temptations
which led them to the commission OF errors.


The manner In which divine service is conducted
cannot be attended with satisfactory results. The
chaplain stands at the entrance to the wing OF the
uldng and rectteS aloud the service, or preaceeS
as the case may be- the prisoners remaining within
their cells, entlrey hidden from his view. They
supposed to join IL the service and pay attention to
the reverend gentlemans advice, but the presump-
ton Is that the utry lessons Of the preacher are
lost to his hearers. At least the success that has
hitherto attended his efforts would warrant this sup
position


1t is to be hoped that the proper authorities will
take speedy measures to remedy those evils by
making the proposed extension without delay. In
the new wing provision should be made for q suit
able dining room, which the institution does not
possess at present. the prisoners being Obi Red to
take their meals in their cells. lecture room or
library should be also provided, ana hall for public
worship 1t would be we'll II, du Ing the erectOn Of
the new building the different counties should re-
tain at the county jails those convicted OF minor
onences so as not to rlnge further upon the linn
tied accommodations at the State Prison.


In justice to those engaged In the management OF
the prison, Mr. HeDion and his assistants 1t Is right
to state that every precauon has been taken TO pre-
serve The sanitary condition OF the institution
Cleanliness is preserved, good discipline Is enforced
and everything Is done will view TO ameliorate
the condition OF The prisoners.