To me has been assigned the pleasant duty to express to you, in behalf
of the people of Ohio, a hearty welcome. We appreciate the honor of
having you meet with us, and also the noble work in which you are
engaged.
When the Association was first organized it was presided over for a
number of years by that noble man, Rutherford B. Hayes. After his death
another noble man from Ohio became your presiding officer; and I am
glad that General Brinkerhoff is still in our midst.
My understanding is that there are two purposes in punishing crime. The
first is to protect society; the second, to bring about the reformation
of the prisoners. With these ends in view the prisons should always be
healthful, but the prisoners should not live in luxury. The reformation
of the prisoner is most desirable, and he should be treated with that
end in view. If you succeed in reforming those men and women you have
accomplished a most noble work. In your efforts you need and are
entitled to the sympathy of all, and I give you a most hearty welcome
to the old “Buckeye State.”
The chairman introduced CORPORATION COUNSEL M. W. BEACOM, who
represented MAYOR JOHN H. FARLEY in his absence.
I wish to express the Mayor’s feeling of gratitude, that you have
chosen this city for your conclave. Your purpose is not to further
your own interest, but to uplift humanity. I take it that there is
a tendency in the caring for criminals to run to sentimentalism. I
think that all such theories should be laid aside, but the health and
environment of the prisoners should be good. In behalf of the Mayor and
the people of Cleveland I welcome you to this city.