_From the Report of the Board of Control, Iowa._
This is carefully done in all our reformatories, but in the State
penitentiaries and penal institutions very rarely. It seems fitting
now, that the public desire is not only to hold the convict, but to
encourage self help, by a system of regular graded or progressive
classifications of prisoners, based on character, and operated on a
system of marks. Hope should be made an ever present force in the minds
of the prisoner, by a system of rewards for good conduct, that carries
with it a promotion from a lower to a higher grade.
In connection with this system of classification, a well regulated
parole and indeterminate sentence law will be enacted by the
Legislature; thereby placing the destiny of the prisoner in his own
hands, and by his own exertions to continually better his condition.
The object of imprisonment and prison government is for the protection
of society and for the reformation of the prisoner. It is plain the
State does not discharge its obligation until one or both these objects
have been clearly accomplished. If the prisoner cannot be reformed,
he must be held indefinitely, yet the parole system in connection
with established grades may be so administered as to secure these
results. It is better than a definite sentence (that does not reform)
without a provision of parole; but more effective when coupled with
the reformatory or indeterminate sentence, because it makes a stronger
appeal to the convict for his co-operation.
It is gratifying to know that this is to be introduced into all the
State penal institutions of Iowa.