A SANITARIUM, RETREAT, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WHERE CRIMINALS ARE
HANDLED WITH KID GLOVES.
The new prison at Fresnes, eight miles from Paris, is the largest in
the world. Takes the place of three old prisons, is situated in a
healthy district, and covers with its main buildings, flower-gardens,
and villa residences of officials, over half a square mile.
The prison is not built on the star plan, but consists of five
rectangular blocks, one of which is the infirmary. The plan is the
cellular, and the number of cells 1,824. Also accommodation provided
on the association system for 400 privileged prisoners; total criminal
capacity is 2,224. As a sanitarium for the criminal Fresnes is unique.
As his or her present home, it boasts the proud record of being only
half full, for crime or at least punishment by imprisonment for crime
is diminishing in France. The system at Fresnes is interesting; the
authorities believe in fresh air and sunshine, those foes of the
microbe, and friends of health. Hence the prison is a model sanitarium.
Otherwise the criminal is gently educated; he works at some trade, and
can purchase from the proceeds of his work, extra food and personal
requirements, with the exception of tobacco. When the prisoners go
to worship, which is not compulsory, or to school which is, they
wear hoods to prevent mutual recognition on release. In some of the
workshops this rule does not obtain. The reason for this apparent
inconsistency is not clear.
Even the officials receive instruction on such subjects as the
prevention of crime and prison discipline, and as a result of this the
excellent idea of the whole prison is admirably carried out. A final
feature of Fresnes is the severe simplicity of its architecture.