day conditions. Every step has been contested by the advocates of the
_status quo_. Every step forward has come as the result of insistence
on the part of the advocates of progress. Gradually punishment became
less severe, the brutality of keepers was checked, filth and unsanitary
conditions were outlawed, food became a matter for consideration,
reformation a serious consideration, allowance for good behavior,
thereby shortening the imprisonment, was introduced. The indeterminate
sentence came into being, parole for prisoners and probation for first
offenders followed. As one looks back it is a long road that has been
traveled.
At first it was the reformer, the enthusiast who led the way in
advocating these things. Now it is the enlightened judge, the state
officer, the prison warden and many others in official capacity, as
well as the philanthropist and social worker who champion them. In view
of this condition, is there any place for such organizations as we
represent? We answer emphatically “YES.”
In the _first place_ it is essential that there be agencies at work
to stimulate the public to measure up to its responsibility for
delinquency and the delinquent.
Experience teaches that men as a rule are likely to be content with
present attainment. Our organizations are composed largely of men who
are interpreters of conditions.
The careful study then of facts and conditions that relate to crime
and the criminal, the discovery of the forces at work, which develop
delinquency, and wrongdoing, and the faithful presentation of these
facts and forces to the public, are some of the important functions of
a local organization.
In the _second place_ there should be agencies at work to encourage
the State to do all it can through proper official agencies. In
former days the State did little. The needed work, however, was too
great for private agencies. Gradually the State has been encouraged
to assume the burdens that rightfully belong to her, until we have
great institutions, splendidly equipped and manned. But officials
are only men and a very large percentage of them become set in their
habits. A few have kept young and have made progress, but it has seemed
necessary that a stick of dynamite such as Thomas Mott Osborne, should
occasionally be thrown into the machine, to break the crust of fixed
methods and start a new line of progress.
The progress made thus far by the State is commendable, but more
encouragement along this line seems essential. The present interest
in sanitation, employment, probation and parole is encouragement,
but should not the State do more to develop the man while in the
institution, so that he will be better fitted for a successful life
when released? What is the present state of mind on this subject?
During the past year the University of California, at the suggestion
of Calvin Derrick, an active member of this congress, sent out a
questionnaire to all classes of institutions in the country, on the
general subject of “Control and Correction.” The fundamental purpose
of this study was to learn what institutional heads thought of the
possibility of developing in boys and men the power of self-government
that is so necessary for a man when released from custody.
One hundred answers were received, and when they had been carefully
digested by thoughtful professors and Mr. Derrick, the following
conclusions were reached:
1. “That there are a few people in institutions who thoroughly believe
in the principles of democracy and their application to populations in
custody.”
2. “That almost all the people in institutions are ignorant of the
manner in which these principles should be applied, or could be
applied.”
3. “That the rank and file of institution people are so prejudiced
against the plan that they can not be induced to examine into it with
an open mind.”
If this be a correct expression of fact, the State through her
institutions surely still needs to be encouraged to put more thought
upon developing boys and men along lines that will fit them for the
duties of free citizenship.
In _third place_, it is essential that there should be agencies to
co-operate with the State, as there is much work that can be done more
successfully by private agencies than by State officers.
In caring for the prisoners and juvenile offender, there are many
things to be considered. There is the matter of employment which is
of first consideration. He must work to live. His health, social
opportunity and religious life should be considered, and in some cases,
especially among the young, his education should receive careful
attention. Another factor that enters into many cases is likely to be
overlooked. Prisoners have often come in contact with what they call a
“raw deal” from public officials. They may be mistaken in many cases,
but this does not change the man’s state of mind. He may still need
help and counsel when discharged or released from parole, but he will
have nothing to do with the public official. Such men will often come
to the organization which works through motives of friendship. It does
not solve the problem to say that such a condition should not exist.
It is a self-evident fact that such cases do exist. We see a condition
that corresponds to this in all departments of society. It is the same
principle that causes us to have different sects in religion, different
lodges, clubs, etc. The members of each group think that all others
ought to be satisfied with their organization and way of doing things,
but men differ and express their preference in choice.
We believe that the State should bear as large a portion of the burden
as possible, but we are also convinced that there must be organizations
which are not handicapped by official connection with the man’s
conviction and imprisonment for a certain percentage of cases that need
care.
In the _fourth place_, there should be the volunteer agency to furnish
a channel through which the citizen may wisely express his spirit of
Christian helpfulness.
The world needs men and women whose harmonious development of character
fits them for the best service. To permit our noblest impulses to die
for lack of expression is a very serious mistake. No surer way to kill
our desire to lift up the unfortunate can be devised than to turn the
whole matter over to the State.
The story is told that a friend gave a young minister’s family a cow
in order that the new baby might have plenty of good milk. Some time
later, when the giver of the cow inquired how she was doing, the good
wife said, “Nicely, but for some reason she was drying up. She said she
could not understand how it was as they were careful to use only as
much milk as the baby needed.” Their fatal mistake was the failure to
realize the nature of the cow. So we often fall into this same mistake
and find the springs of sympathy and the milk of human kindness drying
up because we are saving of the supply, and do not express the natural
impulses of the heart to do good and minister to those in need. * * *
In view of the evident need of such organizations as compose this
Association, what should be our aim? An extended statement is not
needful. It is plain, however, that this Association should attempt,
so far as possible, to standardize the work, and by a comparison of
results develop the most effective methods in our chosen field.
This cannot be brought about at once, as the spirit and purpose of the
various organizations vary to some extent and yet progress can be made
if this thought is kept in mind. The result of the questionnaire shows
that with a little effort, all organizations might present a fairly
accurate report of many fundamental things.
The second aim would naturally follow. A standardized work with
accurate reports would enable the members of our Association to have
a fuller knowledge of the results accomplished by all. This knowledge
of the greatness of our work would cause every worker to have a more
profound respect for his own chosen task. It would also convince all
men that we do not labor in vain in our effort to save the young from
the pitfalls of crime and to redeem and reclaim those whose career has
thus far proven a failure.
FOOTNOTES:
[B] Address of the President of the National Prisoners’ Aid Association
at New Orleans November 18, 1917.
A TEXAS PRISON FARM.
“The city of Dallas has been repaid for every cent it has spent in
establishing the municipal prison farm,” said Finance Commissioner
William Doran, after he had visited the place at White Rock. His reason
for making that statement, he said, was the moral effect the farm has
had on the prisoners.
When city prisoners were worked on the streets under most outrageous
conditions, they ran at every chance and often attempted to escape from
the city jail.
Since being taken to the municipal farm, not an attempt has been made
to escape. Three shotguns purchased by the city for guards have never
been unwrapped. When the men start to work they work hard, and when
they stop for a short rest they return to their work without being told.
“It is a remarkable sight to see the change in the men,” said Mr.
Doran; “I have watched their improvement from day to day, and it is
wonderful.”
HONORARY MEMBERS.
Maud Ballington Booth (1909) New York City.
Judge Ben B. Lindsey (1909) Denver, Colo.
[†]Frederick Howard Wines (1909)
Judge McKenzie Cleland (1909) Chicago, Ill.
[†]Gen. R. Brinkerhoff (1909)
Z. R. Brockway (1909) Elmira, N. Y.
[†]Prof. Charles Richmond Henderson (1910)
Dr. Hastings H. Hart (1914) New York City.
James A. Leonard (1914) Mansfield, Ohio.
Timothy Nicholson (1915) Richmond, Ind.
Amos W. Butler (1915) Indianapolis, Ind.
LIFE MEMBERS.
[†]Ashmead, Henry B.,
[†]Bailey, Joel J.,
[†]Baily, Joshua L.,
[†]Bartol, B. H.,
[†]Benson, E. N.,
[†]Bergdoll, Louis,
[†]Betts, Richard K.,
Bonham, Eleanor M.,
[†]Brown, Alexander,
[†]Bonsall, E. H.,
[†]Brooke, F. M.,
[†]Brown, T. Wistar,
Brush, C. H.,
Buckley, Daniel,
Carter, John E.,
[†]Cattell, Henry S.,
[†]Childs, George W.,
Coles, Miss Mary,
[†]Collins, Alfred M.,
Coxe, Eckley B., Jr.,
[†]Downing, Richard H.,
[†]Dreer, Edw. G.,
Dreer, Ferd. J.,
[†]Douredore, B. L.,
[†]Duhring, D. D., Rev. H. L.,
Duncan, John A.,
[†]Elkinton, Joseph S.,
Elwyn, Alfred,
[†]Elwyn, Mrs. Helen M.,
[†]Fotterall, Stephen G.,
Frazer, Dr. John,
Frazier, W. W.,
[†]Goodwin, M. H.,
Grigg, Mary S.,
[†]Hall, George W.,
Harrison, Alfred C.,
Harrison, Chas. C.,
[†]Hockley, Thomas,
Ingram, Wm. S.,
[†]Jeans, Joshua T.,
Jenks, John Story,
[†]Jones, Mary T.,
[†]Jordan, John, Jr.,
[†]Justice, W. W.,
[†]Kinke, J.,
[†]Knight, Reeve L.,
[†]Laing, Anna T.,
[†]Laing, Henry M.,
Lea, M. Carey,
[†]Leaming, J. Fisher,
Leeds, Deborah C.,
[†]Lewis, F. Mortimer,
[†]Lewis, Howard W.,
Lewis, Mrs. Sarah A.,
Longstreth, W. W.,
[†]Love, Alfred H.,
[†]Lytle, John J.,
[†]Maginnis, Edw. I.,
[†]Manderson, James,
[†]Milne, Caleb J.,
[†]McAllister, Jas. W.,
[†]Nicholson, Robert P.,
[†]Osborne, Hon. F. W.,
Patterson, Robert,
[†]Pennock, George,
[†]Perot, Joseph,
Perot, T. Morris, Jr.,
Pooley, Fred. J.,
[†]Potter, Thomas,
[†]Powers, Thomas H.,
[†]Price, Thomas W.,
Randolph, Miss Anna,
Rhoads, Joseph R.,
[†]Roach, Joseph H.,
[†]Saul, Rev. James,
[†]Santee, Charles,
[†]Seybert, Henry,
[†]Sharpless, Townsend,
[†]Steedman, Rosa,
Stephens, Emily J. I., M. D.,
[†]Stokes, Wm. C.,
[†]Sulzberger, David,
[†]Thomas, Geo. C.,
Thompson, Emma L.,
[†]Tracey, Charles A.,
[†]Townsend, Henry T.,
Votaw, Albert H.,
[†]Waln, L. Morris,
[†]Walk, Jas. V., M. D.,
Warren, E. Burgess,
[†]Watson, Jas. V.,
Way, John,
[†]Weightman, William,
[†]Weston, Harry,
Wetherell, William Henry,
Whelen, Emily,
[†]Whelen, Mary S.,
[†]Williams, Henry J.,
[†]Williamson, I. V.,
[†]Willits, Jeremiah,
[†]Willits, Jeremiah, Jr.,
Wistar, Edward M.,
Wood, Walter.
[† Deceased]
ANNUAL MEMBERS.
Allen, Clara Hodges,
Allen, H. Percival,
Baggs, Nicholas,
Baily, Albert L.,
Baird, John E.,
Barakat, Layyah,
Barnes, Rev. R. Heber,
Beatty, Robert L.,
Beiswenger, Rev. F.,
Beiswenger, Paul F.,
Belfield, T. Broom,
Biddle, Samuel,
Biddle, William,
Boggs, Samuel R.,
Booth, Henry R.,
Brink, Fred Swarts,
Brinton, Joseph Hill,
Burnham, William,
Butz, J. Treichler, M. D.,
Byers, Joseph P.,
Cassel, Henry C.,
Clark, E. W., Mr. & Mrs.,
Clark, Frederick L.,
Collins, Henry H.,
Collins, Henry H., Jr.,
Colton, Mary R.,
Colton, S. W., Jr.,
Colton, Mrs. S. W., Jr.,
Comfort, Henry W.,
Conard, C. Wilfred,
Cope, Eliza M.,
de Benedetto, Rev. A.,
d’Invilliers, Charles E.,
de Long, Mrs. Mary,
Dewees, J. Harvey,
Dewees, Watson W.,
Dripps, Robert Dunning,
Edmonds, Franklin S.,
Elkinton, Joseph,
Emlen, Samuel,
Fassitt, Mrs. Horace,
Fernberger, Henry,
Fleisher, Samuel S.,
Franklin, Melvin M., M. D.,
Frick, Esther,
Galenbeck, Louis C.,
Garges, Anna K.,
Garrett, Elizabeth N.,
Gerhard, Arthur H.,
Gerhard, Mrs. Arthur H.,
Gerhard, Luther,
Greene, Sallie H.,
Hackenburg, William B.,
Haines, Robert B., Jr.,
Haney, Rein G.,
Hallowell, William S.,
Harding, Miss M. W.,
Harris, Rev. J. Andrew,
Harris, J. Linn,
Hastings, Charles P.,
Heller, Clyde A.,
Hoffman, Jacob,
Kane, Florence Bayard,
Kaufman, John G.,
Kehler, Dr. B. Frank,
Kennedy, Harry,
Koelle, William,
Landis, Dr. H. R. M.,
Lamartine, Rev. Philip,
Latimer, Emilie T.,
Latimer, George A.,
Latimer, Rebecca P.,
Latimer, Rev. Thomas,
Leeds, Austin C.,
Lewis, William Draper,
Longshore, Frank H.,
Lovett, Louisa D.,
Maier, Paul D. I.,
Mallery, Otto T.,
Marshall, Bertha K. C.,
Martin, Hon. J. Willis,
Mayer, Mrs. Henry C.,
McCord, Rufus,
McDole, Charles,
McFedries, Annie,
Miller, Isaac P.,
Minnich, Rev. M. Reed,
Morris, Anna Wharton,
Morris, C.C.,
Morris, Marriott C.,
Morris, William,
Mullowney, John J., M. D.,
Newkirk, John B.,
Newlin, Sarah,
Niles, Henry C.,
Noblit, Joseph C.,
Obermayer, Leon J.,
Oetinger, Albert,
Ohl, Rev. J. F.,
Paisley, Harry,
Platt, Miss L. N.,
Randolph, Mrs. Evan,
Reeves, Francis B.,
Roberts, Owen J.,
Roberts, Chas. W.,
Robinson, Anthony W.,
Rosengarten, Joseph G.,
Roser, William B.,
Schaeffer, Paul N.,
Schoch, Mrs. Parke,
Schwarz, G. A.,
Scott, Norris J.,
Senft, Rev. F. H.,
Shoemaker, Comly B.,
Simmington, Charles C.,
Smallzell, John,
Snellenburg, Samuel,
Spangler, Mrs. M. G.,
Steele, Jos. M.,
Steere, Alfred G.,
Stewart, Henry C.,
Stone, Virginia G.,
Tatum, Jos. W.,
Thesen, Oluf,
Thomas, Mrs. George C.,
Tomkins, Rev. Floyd W.,
Tyler, W. Graham,
Walton, Harrison,
Warren, William C.,
Wallace, Mrs. Anabel,
Wentz, Catharine A.,
Wetherell, George S.,
Wetherell, Mary S.,
Wetherill, Rev. Francis Macomb,
White, Elias H.,
White, Elizabeth Wilson,
Wilkins, George W.,
Williams, Charles,
Yarnall, Wm. S.,
Ziegler, J. W.
INDEX
Acting Committee, Report of, 6
American Prison Association, 93
Annual Meeting, Minutes of, 5
Bequests, 25
Bilibid, 80
Capital Punishment, 52
Commission to Revise Penal Administration, 50
County Prisons, 15
Criminal Code of Pennsylvania, 89
Dietary at Penal Institutions, 56
Employment of Prisoners, 48, 55, 81, 84
Feast of Reason and a Flow of Soul, A, 82
Fines, 48
General Agent, Report of, 14
Honor System, The, 94
Indeterminate Sentence, The, 53, 98
Indiana Penal Farms, 85
Industrial Farm Law, The, 38
Members of The Pennsylvania Prison Society, List of, 109-11
Michigan State Prison, 74
National Prisoners’ Aid Association, Address of President, 103
New Jersey Prison Inquiry Commission, Report of, 79
New York Prison Association, Report of, 78
Offender, The, Review of, 77
Officers and Committees of the Society, List of, 3
Penal Farms, 85, 108
Penal Legislation of 1917 in the Commonwealth of Penna., 38
Prison and the Prisoner, The, Review of, 76
Road-making by Prisoners, 55
Texas Prison Farm, A Municipal, 108
Treasurer, Report of, 13
Trustees of Industrial Farms in Pennsylvania, 47
Utilization of Prison Labor, 84
Wardens’ Meeting, 26
The Pennsylvania Prison Society was founded under the name
“Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons,”
May 8, 1787.
It was incorporated under same name April 6, 1833.
The objects named in the Charter were three:
1. Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons.
2. Improvement of Prison Discipline.
3. Relief of Discharged Prisoners.
By order of the Court, the corporate title was changed January 27,
1886, to “THE PENNSYLVANIA PRISON SOCIETY.”
* * * * *
Copies of this JOURNAL will be forwarded on request to any address
without charge.
Financial contributions are needed to carry on the work of this Society.
All correspondence and contributions should be addressed to The
Pennsylvania Prison Society at 119 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia,
Pa.
* * * * *
Transcriber’s note
Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice.
Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. The following
printer errors have been changed.
=CHANGED= =FROM= =TO=
Page i: “Soceity for Alleviating” “Society for Alleviating”
Page 2: “Pennslvania Prison Society” “Pennsylvania Prison Society”
Page 4: “Mrs. Mary Ella deLong” “Mrs. Mary Ella de Long”
Page 4: “Mrs. Mary Ella DeLong” “Mrs. Mary Ella de Long”
Page 9: “improved accomodations” “improved accommodations”
Page 15: “The men now eat in a” “The women now eat in a”
Page 42: “dipsomania and anasthetic” “dipsomania and anesthetic”
Page 53: “88, under present law” “86, under present law”
Page 55: “on the public higthways” “on the public highways”
Page 80: “practical achievments of” “practical achievements of”
Page 81: “6. “We are convinced” “5. “We are convinced”
Page 82: “The Acting Committe of” “The Acting Committee of”
Page 102: “ground, Lake Ponchartrain” “ground, Lake Pontchartrain”
Page 105: “present day conditons” “present day conditions”
Page 108: “so far as posible” “so far as possible”