,,the ,,prison ,,chaplaincy1 ,,and ,,its ,,experiences4 ,,by ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,quinby1 ,d4 ,d41 ,,ex-,,chaplain ,,of ,n4 ,h4 ,,state ,,prison4 ,,in ,,two ,,parts4 ,,concord1 ,n4 ,h43 ,,published ,,by ,d4 ,l4 ,,guernsey ,,bookseller ,,and ,,stationer4 #ahgc4 ,entered1 according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahgc1 by ,d4 ,l4 ,,guernsey1 in the ,office of the ,librarian of ,congress1 at ,washington4 ,,morning ,,star ,,steam ,,job ,,printing ,,house1--,,dover1 ,n4 ,h4 ,,contents4 ,,part ,i4 ,,under ,,the ,,reformatory ,,system4 #a4 ,emotions at the ,idea of ,assuming the ,position1 and ,object of these ,pages1 #g #b4 ,our ,first ,meeting for ,worship1 #h #c4 ,the ,sabbath ,school1 #aj #d4 ,general ,appearance of the ,convicts1 #aa #e4 ,the ,warden1 #aa #f4 ,educational ,means found in ,operation1 #ab #g4 ,influence ,left by the ,former ,chaplain1 #ac #h4 ,prison ,order1 #ac #i4 ,chaplain's ,routine of ,duty1 #ad #aj4 ,general ,description of the ,prison and ,prison ,management1 #ae #aa4 ,general ,remarks upon the ,prisoners1 #bb #ab4 ,prayer-meetings ,commenced1 #be #ac4 ,pike1 the ,hampton ,murderer1 #bh #ad4 ,doctrinal ,discourses1 #cd #ae4 ,effect of the ,prayer-meeting on ,prison ,order1 #cd #af4 ,the ,new ,chapel1 #ce #ag4 ,prison ,repairs and ,mistakes1 #cf #ah4 ,profanity ,attacked1 #cg #ai4 ,efforts for a ,son1 from a ,mother's ,plea1 #ch #bj4 ,warden's ,efforts for a ,young ,man1 #dj #ba4 ,experience with noble appearing ,heads in ,prison1 #db #bb4 ,the ,warden ,admits ,presents to ,prisoners from ,friends ,outside1 #dd #bc4 ,warden ,decides to ,resign1 #de #bd4 ,prisoners' ,anxiety at the ,rumored ,resignation1 #dg #be4 ,governor and ,council ,memorialized by the ,prison ,s4 ,s4 ,teachers and ,chaplain1 #dh #bf4 ,prison ,funerals1 #di #bg4 ,educational and ,sabbath school summing up1 #di #bh4 ,religious ,success1 #ea #bi4 ,fourth of ,july at the ,prison1 #eb #cj4 ,the true ,principle of ,imprisoning and ,prison ,managing--on the ,idea of ,reform in the ,convict1 #ec #ca4 ,the ,commutation ,system1 #ei #cb4 ,chaplain's ,proposed ,attempt at ,tobacco ,reform1 #fj ,,part ,,ii4 ,,under ,,the ,,punitive ,,and ,,money-,,making ,,system4 #a4 ,warden ,chosen1 and new ,arrangements for the ,chaplain1 #fa #b4 ,chaplain almost ,resolved to ,resign1 but ,decides to ,continue and ,arranges his ,work1 #fd #c4 ,cells ,cleared of ,trinket-making and ,tracts1 #fe #d4 ,necessity for the ,chaplain's ,undertaking what ,he ,did1 #fe #e4 ,new ,phase at the ,prison1 and the ,chaplain's ,efforts1 #ff #f4 ,sabbath ,school ,commences1 #fi #g4 ,the ,warden's ,views ,considered1 #fi #h4 ,chaplain's ,restrictions1 #gc #i4 ,prisoner's ,aid ,association1 #gf #aj4 ,complaint of ,prison ,hunger1 #gf #aa4 ,chaplain's ,object in hearing from ,released ,prisoners and ,others1 #gg #ab4 ,b4 and ,e4's request1 and the ,connected ,abuse1 #gh #ac4 ,alleged ,prison ,conspiracy1 #hj #ad4 ,national ,prison ,reform ,congress1 #ha #ae4 ,money-making and ,punishing1 the ,paramount ,objects in our ,prison ,management1 #hc #af4 ,waste ,paper in the ,cells1 #hc #ag4 ,defective ,beds and ,bedding1 #hd #ah4 ,cracked ,wheat ,dinner1 #hf #ai4 ,bad ,fish1 c41 #hg #bj4 ,prison ,suffering from ,cold ,during the ,winter of '#gj and '#ga1 #hh #ba4 ,lighting the ,hall1 #ic #bb4 ,the ,aid of the ,association to ,released ,prisoners1 and ,warden's ,course1 #id #bc4 ,lecturing for the ,prison ,aid ,association1 #ii #bd4 ,prison ,correspondence under the ,new ,rule1 #ajj #bd #a-b4 ,chaplain under a ,system of ,espionage1 #ajb #be4 ,the ,chaplain's ,pacific ,efforts severely ,taxed1 #ajd #bf4 ,death of ,gideon ,sylver1 #aji #bg4 ,the ,sylver ,case ,excitement and ,hearing before the ,governor and ,council1 #aae #bh4 ,preparing for the ,adjourned ,session1 #aah #bi4 ,the ,adjourned ,hearing1 #abj #cj4 ,motives for ,desiring the ,chaplain's ,removal1 #abb #ca4 ,chaplain's ,change of ,course1 and the ,question as to who should ,conduct the ,prison ,correspondence1 #abd #cb4 ,change1 for a ,time1 in the ,warden's ,management1 #abg #cc4 ,the ,fate of ,henry ,stewart and others1 #abi #cd4 ,warden's ,want of ,courtesy to ,prisoners' ,visitors1 #acb #ce4 ,effects of the new ,order upon the ,prisoners1 #acc #cf4 ,comparative ,prison ,order for the two years1 #aci #cg4 ,good ,traits in the ,warden for ,prison ,service1 #adc #ch4 ,chaplain's ,inability to ,prevent ,knowing more or less of the ,prisoners' ,troubles and the ,prison ,management1 #adc #ci4 ,secular ,school ,success1 #add #dj4 ,sabbath ,school ,success1 #adg #da4 ,religious ,success1 #adi #db4 ,lack of ,truthfulness at the ,prison1 #adi #dc4 ,reported ,quarrel between the ,warden and ,chaplain1 #aea #dd4 ,prison ,report for '#ga1 #aec #de4 ,efforts of the ,prison ,aid ,association for ,legislation in ,favor of the ,prison1 #afc #df4 ,experience with the new ,government1 #afi #dg4 ,chaplain ,determines to ,have an ,investigation into the ,charges against ,him1 #agj #dh4 ,anniversary of ,p4 ,a4 ,association for '#ga1 and remarks on our ,jails1 #aga #di4 ,fourth of ,july at the ,prison in '#ga1 #agc #ej4 ,chaplain's ,removal from ,office1 #agd #ea4 ,prison ,fare under the new ,government1 #agf #eb4 ,the ,warden ,question1 #agg #ec4 ,experience at the ,prison subsequent to ,dismissal1 #agh #ed4 ,prison ,report for '#gb1 #aha #ee4 ,international ,penitentiary ,congress1 ,london1 ,july #c-ac1 '#gb1 #ahh ,conclusion1 #aig ,,the ,,prison ,,chaplaincy4 ,,part ,i4 ,,under ,,the ,,reformatory ,,system4 #a4 ,emotions at the idea of assuming the position1 and object of these pages4 ,the proposal of friends that ,i become chaplain of our ,state ,prison at first struck me with much disfavor1 from the idea that the position1 instead of affording the encouragement and satisfaction attendant upon my former labors in schools and churches1 must be up-hill work1 and repulsive to the finer feelings of the heart4 ,still1 having been no little accustomed to laying aside personal tastes and conveniences for the good of others1 ,i yielded1 and commenced the work on the first ,sabbath in ,july1 #ahfi4 ,the experience gained in this connection1 with the hints and suggestions on collateral subjects1 is set forth in the following pages1 not for the purpose of personal notoriety1 but for the sake of correcting important misconceptions by giving the true facts1 and making a humble effort towards awaking in the public mind a deeper interest on a subject in which every citizen should feel a concern1 and on which he should become duly informed1 and thus be prepared to act intelligently4 ,for this preparation he needs light1 which light the real working of things1 properly set forth1 would surely give4 ,experience is ever regarded as the best school-master1 the proper touchstone to all our theories4 ,never was the community more widely and deeply stirred than now on the questions1 ,what course will prove the most corrective of crime with the least public burden8 ,what is the true method of managing penal institutions8 ,these are questions of no trifling moment1 questions which bear largely on the public weal4 ,from the days of ,howard1 the philanthropist1 they have been rising in the public estimate1 now to stand among the more prominent of the age4 ,on these1 widely differing theories are brought face to face in earnest antagonism2 some contending for the sterner type of the vindictive1 for rendering the condition of the wrong doer as repulsive as possible1 thus to terrify him from erring1--others contending that they have found a better and more effective way in humane1 reform1 gospel efforts1--efforts prompted by the principles of enlightened ,christianity4 ,the writer1 while touching upon a somewhat wide range of points1 will constantly aim at as great brevity in statement as may be consistent with perspicuity1 go into detail only so far as shall appear needful to the end in view1 and feel amply compensated for his labors1 if the developments and suggestions here made shall in any degree aid the cause of prison reform4 #b4 ,our first meeting for worship4 ,in assembling1 while the ladies and gentlemen1 admitted from the city1 were taking their places at my left and front1 the female prisoners were being arranged at my right1 closely facing the wall1 with the matron and assistant beside them1 that they might not indulge in looking about upon others1 for such an act was held as a misdemeanor4 ,this done1 and the south door securely bolted1 that leading to the hall was unbarred1 and the male prisoners1 some one hundred and twenty1 were marched in by divisions and regular file1 taking their seats with perfect order before me1 and filling every available foot of otherwise unoccupied space in that small and ill ventilated room called the chapel1 thus packing it as closely apparently as could be4 ,what a sensation thrilled every nerve on this my first experience in attempting to dispense the gospel1 thus locked within walls of granite and iron1 with a military guard at each window ready to deal summarily with any who should attempt escape1 or commit a disorderly act4 ,then what mingled emotions of sorrow and pity at the thought of so great an amount of talent present1 which had been devoted to crime1 and the depths to which their iniquities had sunk the wrong doers1--enough to make angels weep4 ,the singing by the prison choir1 a young lady of the city presiding at the instrument1 was exhilarating1 voices good1 all in time1 and movement spirited1 the whole having a peculiar charm4 ,many a choir outside might have listened with advantage4 ,the ,scripture reading was responsive1 the chaplain repeating a verse and then the audience4 ,as the speaker commenced his sermon1 every convict's eye was fastened upon him1 apparently with the deepest interest1 continuing thus to the close4 ,this fixed attention1 with all the connected circumstances1 acted as a powerful stimulus to his intellect and heart1 causing thoughts and words to flow almost unbidden1 and those of a peculiar unction1 thus rendering preaching in the place easy4 ,the numerous moistened eyes and earnest countenances seemed plainly to say1 ,here are minds responsive to the truth1 a field which can be cultivated for ,god and humanity4 ,those anticipated feelings of repulsion did not arise1 but rather the assurance that success and pleasure would attend a faithful dispensing of the word for reforming and elevating the prisoner in his bonds1 as well as in efforts to save sinners under more favorable surroundings4 #c4 ,the ,sabbath ,school4 ,this met ,sabbath afternoon in two places1 the females1 eight in number1 in their work room1 with the matron and other ladies who might attend from the city as teachers2 the males in the chapel1 a number of ,christian ladies and gentlemen from outside attending and hearing classes1 some having long been laborers here in the work1 one having1 years previous1 helped set the school in operation4 ,the toils of these earnest workers were evidently being blessed1 under ,god1 to the good of their pupils1 producing impressions upon some1 which greatly aided them in their efforts at reform4 ,my attendance was with the latter1 and the interest was fully equal to that ,i had witnessed in the forenoon worship4 ,the prisoners were required to attend the latter1 while the ,sabbath school attendance was left to the inmates as a voluntary matter1 and yet some ninety males attended this1 about three-fourths of the whole company from which the audience was usually drawn1--a much larger percentage probably than any outside congregation can boast of4 #d4 ,general appearance of the convicts4 ,judging from appearance as they sat in the assembly1 a few were evidently hard cases1 narrow-minded1 sordid1 ugly4 ,to a number1 dame ,nature had dealt bountifully on the score of mind1 they having noble foreheads1 and bright1 sparkling eyes1 indicative of no small natural ability4 ,one would think that some of these would have shone conspicuously in any of the learned professions1 business circles1 or common industries of life had they bent their minds in the right direction4 ,certain visitors at the prison and ,state ,house1 in time of the legislative session1 were wicked enough to say that they found the likelier appearing company at the former place4 ,other inmates partook more of the low cunning1 the artful1 leading them to accomplish their ends by more adroit means1 while a small number seemed bordering on insanity1 two on idiocy4 ,in dealing with these1 as a whole1 while at large1 no doubt the police had found their own shrewdness1 at times1 keenly taxed1 and been made to feel that they were called to grapple with mind worthy of a better cause4 #e4 ,the warden4 ,he was found to be a man of generous impulses1 an earnest ,christian worker1 with a heart full of kindness1 professing to act for the prisoners' highest good4 ,he would furnish them with enough of suitable food1 good clothing and bedding1 all needed care in sickness1 with the requisite means for mental1 moral and religious improvement1 fully believing in the practicability of labor to reform the wayward and elevate the fallen1 that reform is the primary purpose of the institution4 ,as one great means to this1 he seemed to feel it needful that the inmates be kept under strict1 wholesome discipline1 and required at all times1 when able1 to perform their tasks fully and faithfully4 ,he was accustomed to hold correspondence with other prison officers of like faith with himself on prison management1 and profited by any feasible hints thus gained4 ,his motto was1 ,keep the prisoners on good fare1 provide them all needed means for reform and make all the money practicable from the prison as subordinate to these4 #f4 ,educational means found in operation4 ,by the combined effort of the warden and my predecessor1 what we may term a secular school had been established in the chapel1 to be held evenings1 in sessions of one hour each1 as often as a guard could be spared from other prison duties4 ,this was voluntary on the part of these gentlemen1 and was intended to be open for all the male prisoners of good behavior to attend1 and take such of the common branches as each should need4 ,the legislature had so far recognized the move as to vote the chaplain an increase of salary in consideration of his labors as teacher in the school4 ,but here it stopped1 and that short of its full duty4 ,it ought to have gone further1 and made the thing a fixed fact1 obligatory upon all prison officers1 as really as our common school system outside is upon town officers4 ,why not8 ,the ,state has taken the convicts under her care as wards1 moved them from their vicious surroundings1 and put them where1 with a little additional painstaking on her part1 many of these may be led to the daily habit of devoting their otherwise idle or squandered moments to storing up valuable ideas for future use1 a long step towards their true reform4 ,as leading in the same direction1 these gentlemen had adopted the custom of having occasional lectures in the chapel for the men by outside speakers1 also readings by a lady elocutionist1 and meetings for instruction and drill in singing4 #g4 ,influence left by the former chaplain4 ,this influence was of a highly salutary character among the prisoners4 ,a number would feelingly refer to his efforts for their best being1 and from which they had been constantly striving to profit4 ,some professed to have experienced a change of heart under his ministration1 and were still living in the exercise of daily ,bible reading and prayer1 being obedient prisoners1 duly attentive to all the prison rules1 and in good repute among the officers of the institution4 ,they continued thus till leaving prison1 and had not fallen from their integrity when last heard from4 ,eternity alone can unfold the amount of good secured to those once degraded men by these efforts4 #h4 ,prison order4 ,while intent on reform measures1 we were not for a moment to lose sight of the strictest order4 ,the warden would have the rounds for this carefully observed1 that no risk should be run with regard to the safe keeping of the prisoners and their due observance of the rules4 ,hence1 the chaplain was not allowed to hold his school in the chapel for instructing the men1 or have any gathering of prisoners there without a guard4 ,then1 previous to their admittance1 we were required to be certain that the south door to the chapel was securely fastened1 and the key1 for safe keeping1 passed through an opening to the guard-room4 ,and when the exercises were ended1 and the men secured in their cells1 on a given signal1 the keeper of the key would open for our release4 ,this order was not to be deviated from under any circumstances4 ,from this fact1 had the prisoners1 at any time1 risen in rebellion1 overpowered the guard and chaplain1 they would have found no means in the room for escaping4 ,or had any professed goodness1 or pretended to a great desire for education with the hope of being taken to the chapel under circumstances favorable to their getting away1 they would have found it of no avail4 ,good or bad1 professedly reformed or not1 all were treated alike in this respect4 ,and1 so far as ,i had the opportunity of observation1 the same strictness was observed in all other departments of the prison4 ,true1 one escaped1 but from no lack of internal watchfulness or order4 ,his time had almost expired1 he having been a faithful1 obedient1 well-disposed prisoner4 ,the warden set him at work doing chores about the stable and outer yard1 not supposing that he would leave for so short a period1 and thereby forfeit his commutation and render himself liable to be returned at any time through life4 ,but after serving here a few days he absconded4 #i4 ,chaplain's routine of duty4 ,in this were embraced1 not only the ,sabbath morning service and the ,sabbath school care1 but also visiting the cells for giving words of advice1 visiting the hospital for imparting religious consolation1 managing the secular school1 changing the library books for the inmates1 ,saturdays1 learning1 from the prisoners1 enough of their past history to enable him to judge of the instruction adapted to each1 and1 in fine1 to speak such words here and there as would conduce to the requisite order4 ,this gave a wide range1 an important field4 ,i seemed to have returned to my school keeping days2 and found my long habit of reading human nature in students of no little use1 aiding me to understand the best manner of approaching each so as to gain his confidence4 ,also my custom in school discipline1 which had at times been complained of as being too strict1 now served an excellent purpose1 prompting me1 at every step1 to move in decided contrariety to all irregularity and disorder4 #aj4 ,general description of the prison and prison management4 ,the old part of the prison was erected in #ahab1 favored by ,mason1 ,woodbury and other distinguished men of that day1 the avowed purpose being to have an institution where the criminals of the ,state could be gathered and put under reformatory influences4 ,thus it appears that the idea of reform was a fundamental one in the founding of the establishment4 ,some years since the north wing1 for the male prisoners1 was erected1 which is three-storied and contains #abj cells1 each about three and one-half feet wide1 seven feet long and seven high1 the bedsteads being of iron and made to turn up4 ,the south wing1 or old part1 contains a tenement for the deputy and cells for the female prisoners4 ,the warden occupies the main building1 or middle part4 ,here1 too1 are the cook room for the male prisoners1 the chapel1 the office1 guard room1 hospital1 dormitories for the guards and overseers1 and the reception room1 in which the library is kept4 ,the prison yard is surrounded on three sides by a granite wall1 perhaps sixteen feet high1 the prison itself constituting the wall on the fourth side4 ,in the yard are two buildings of brick1 each two stories high1 one much larger than the other3 the smaller1 on its lower floor1 affording a wash-room1 tailor's shop1 c41 the second story and attic rooms used for storage or any needed mechanical purpose1 sometimes as shoe shops2 the larger building is devoted to bedstead manufacturing1 the machinery driven by steam4 ,from this engine these two buildings are warmed by means of steam pipes1 the boiling in the wash-room being done by the same4 ,the hall is furnished with a steam boiler1 which not only warms that1 but also the guard and reception rooms1 and the chapel1 and the steam is used in the men's cook room1 all other warming and heating in the prison being done by wood fires4 ,to economize fuel as much as possible1 a steam pipe has been extended from the engine room to the prison to conduct the waste steam of the shop boilers for use in those apartments4 ,the female prisoners eat at a table in the warden's kitchen and from the same food as goes to his own table4 ,the men have a prescribed diet1 called rations1 the allowance of each being dealt out in a tin basin1--meat1 potatoes1 gravy1 c41 all together1 the potatoes unpared4 ,coffee is given in a tin dipper4 ,the meals being ready1 the men are marched through an entry by a long table standing contiguous to the kitchen and loaded with their rations1 each taking what belongs to him1 carrying it to his cell and partaking in solitude4 ,their mode of eating is quite a curiosity4 ,they generally use their beds for tables1 and each has a knife1 fork and spoon in his cell of which he takes the exclusive care4 ,he fishes out his potatoes and pares them2 but where shall he put the parings1 dripping as they are8 ,he has no extra dish4 ,then how shall he wash his knife1 fork and spoon8 ,he can use his tongue1 for he has nothing else1 and he may or may not have a towel on which to wipe them1 but his jacket sleeve or pants' leg is wonderfully convenient4 ,what a dehumanizing system6 ,why not let the men eat at tables the same as the women1 and have some decency about the matter8 ,then how much better in another respect4 ,by the present system1 rations must be dealt out to all alike1 giving the same quantity to each1 with the result of having more or less food returned or a part not have enough1 some eating more than others4 ,but if at a table1 each can eat as he needs1 and thus avoid suffering or waste4 ,the men are provided with means for ablution by a few bathing-troughs in their wash-room4 ,an old man gave me quite an amusing description of the operation1 thus3 ,the bathing department here is a wonderful institution4 ,they will march a file of men into the wash-room1 old and young together1 fill the troughs with water1 put in a little soap1 then a nigger or two to grease it with2 when done1 the men must strip and go in one after another4 ,a wonderful institution6 ,i never would go that4 ,the female prisoners are employed in mending and making apparel for the men1 and in domestic labors in the family apartment4 ,the feeble men are employed in light work about the hall1 such as dusting1 carrying water to the cells1 whitewashing1 sweeping1 c41 or in repairing clothes4 ,two able-bodied men are required in the cook room1 another in the wash-room and to do chores1 and part of the time still another4 ,the remaining men are let to a contractor1 who pays a stipulated price per day for each when he works4 ,the needed officers to the institution are the warden1 deputy1 physician1 chaplain1 hospital steward1 four overseers1 four guards1 and two night watchmen1 fifteen at least4 ,all of these must be paid from the prison earnings4 ,when to this is added the cost for supporting the prisoners1 the ordinary repairs1 printing the ,report and annual apprisal1 we have the net prison gain4 ,but the outsets1 with the strictest economy1 must always of necessity be large1 showing that crime is an important drawback to industry and thrift4 ,when ,i commenced my labors at the institution1 it was about emerging from an experience which had brought no little opposition to the warden from some in the city1 especially in the line of his reform moves4 ,he took the prison in '#fe1 the inmates1 numbering seventy1 being let on a contract of forty cents per day2 the bedding extremely limited2 the cells swarming with those pestiferous attendants on sleeping hours1 every crevice between the stones and bricks affording a safe resort2 the food for the inmates insufficient for prison demands4 ,he at once commenced a war of extermination in the cells4 ,having secured a change of bedding1 and taking a division at a time1 he would remove all the articles for washing and boiling1 and inject burning fluid into the cracks and crevices1 setting fire to it1 and thus literally burning out each apartment4 ,he found it essential to renew this attack1 however1 as months rolled round4 ,finding1 from the best authority at hand on prison fare1 that it is not safe to run the supply to a man lower than twenty cents per day in cost for the raw material as the market usually is1 and that flour bread is an economical food for prisoners1 as well as being humane1 he resolved to adopt this with a diet commensurate with nature's real demands1 built a baker's oven1 and hired a baker for instructing certain selected inmates in the art of baking1 and established the daily supply seen in the ,bill of ,fare at the end of this article4 ,under the head of vegetables are embraced all the articles commonly used as such on our tables1--onions1 beets1 carrots1 parsnips1 turnips and cabbage4 ,not1 however1 using all at any one meal4 ,in the chapel service the warden gave the prisoners liberty to look upon the speaker1--a great relief from the former downcast method1--and the chaplain introduced the responsive manner of reading1 denounced by some as a most dangerous innovation4 ,the ,sabbath school was held the year round1 instead of simply during the session of the legislature1 and a few months beside4 ,but it required close calculation and strict economy with the warden to meet the current expenses with the wages of forty cents per day to a man1 though he did that and gained a little4 ,the war ending1 the tide began to set towards the institution1 increasing the number in '#ff to #aaa1 '#fg to #aah1 and '#fh to #ace1 the highest number ever reached by the institution4 ,the current then turned1 the prisoners numbering in '#fi1 #abi1 and in '#gj1 #aah4 ,in '#fg the authorities relet the prisoners at ninety cents per day instead of forty1 a great advance1 brightening the financial prosperity of the institution4 ,but in doing this they had to make a great outlay in enlarging the shop1 obtaining a new engine1 boilers1 c4 ,there were1 also1 important repairs1 with improvements in the drainage and ventilation1 made4 ,these outlays were mostly made by the warden1 the ,governor1 for the time1 assenting and advising4 ,in '#fi the ,governor and council relieved the warden of all financial responsibility1 appointing one of their number to act as prison agent1 and make the purchases and meet the outlays at the prison1 in which year they put a new roof to the south wing and made other important alterations and repairs4 ,from the legislative grants and prison earnings all these expenses were met1 and the year closed with the institution free of debt1 in good repair1 and with all needed labor appliances1 which was a great relief to all having the care and responsibility of the concern1 rendering the task of keeping things tidy and in comfortable order much easier than formerly4 ,it is better and more economical for the ,state4 ,that constant patching up and fixing over in numerous places1 swallowing up money1 no one hardly knowing how1 is now nearly ended1 permitting the real gains of the institution to accumulate and stand prominently in view1 though everything there is not quite perfection yet4 ,the drainage and ventilation were found very defective and in bad order1 but by the remodeling are made as good1 perhaps1 as can be in the situation4 ,in this general fitting up1 the prison officers and men voluntarily contributed to quite an extent1 of which no account anywhere appears1 though the ,state enjoys the gain4 ,in the summer and fall of '#fi and the spring of '#gj1 ,i frequently saw the deputy1 out of the usual work hours1 going with squads of men to labor on the sewers or wherever they could advantageously4 ,the prison is lighted by gas4 ,in the hall the burners1 thirty-two in number1 are placed along the outer walls1 each from eight to ten or twelve feet from a cell1 but being old and leaking badly1 they give a poor light1 the bars to the cells casting shadows on the books or papers the prisoners may attempt to read4 ,hence1 one of the governors ordered candles to be furnished to the cells extra when desired4 ,these were so extensively called for that in '#fi the gas had been largely dispensed with for the candles4 ,in case a prisoner is attempting to run away1 or is rising upon an officer1 the officers are held at liberty to shoot1 knock down1 or use whatever means may be needed in self-defense or in preventing their escape4 ,otherwise prison rule does not allow an officer to strike a man1 but he must be punished by the solitary or ball and chain at the discretion of the warden1 who found it needful to use no little precaution as to the length of the former1 for too great severity in that tended to insanity on the part of the punished4 ,in letting the prisoners on contract1 the ,state furnishes the shop to the contractor rent free1 also the motive power1 shafting and belting1 keeping these in repair4 ,in managing the prisoners1 each officer has his assigned position and duty1 and everything is conducted with a precision closely approximating that of a military character4 ,the south door to the chapel1 spoken of1 opens to the female part in the south wing and to the pass-way down two nights of stairs and out of doors4 ,,bill ,,of ,,fare ,at ,new ,hampshire ,state ,prison4 ,,sunday3 ,breakfast--,baked beans1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,supper--,rice pudding1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,,monday3 ,breakfast--,flour bread1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,corned beef1 vegetables1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour bread1 molasses1 and coffee4 ,,tuesday3 ,breakfast--,corned beef1 warm brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,codfish1 potatoes1 butter gravy1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour bread1 molasses1 and coffee4 ,,wednesday3 ,breakfast--,fish hash1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,fresh beef soup with vegetables1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour bread1 molasses1 and coffee4 ,,thursday3 ,breakfast--,meat hash1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,stewed peas with pork1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour bread1 molasses1 and coffee4 ,,friday3 ,breakfast--,meat hash1 warm brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,baked fresh fish or chowder1 potatoes1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour broad1 molasses1 and coffee4 ,,saturday3 ,breakfast--,meat hash1 brown bread1 and coffee4 ,dinner--,fresh beef soup with vegetables1 and brown bread4 ,supper--,flour bread1 molasses1 and coffee4 #aa4 ,general remarks upon the prisoners4 ,when entering my service here1 the prison had more inmates than cells4 ,eight were females4 ,the community was reaping a sad harvest from the demoralizing effects of the late war4 ,six or eight were ,u4 ,s4 prisoners4 ,all treated me with due respect4 ,the most were easily approached1 free in conversation1 readily giving account of themselves1 admitting their crimes and the justice of their sentences1 which probably they would not have done to one in whom they could not confide4 ,a very few would plead innocence1 some1 no doubt1 rightfully2 three probably having been victims of fiendish plots4 ,two or three were very reticent1 one saying1 ,no one here shall ever know my real name1 native place1 or business of life4 ,it was heart-sickening to listen to their tales of wrong and suffering1 clearly showing that the way of the transgressor is hard4 ,sin has a most debasing effect upon its victims4 ,three-fourths or more doubtless came to prison directly or indirectly through strong drink4 ,true1 in many cases1 more remote causes lay back of this1 a native inclination to sin1 loss of parents1 parental neglect1 family infidelity1 vicious associates1 ignorance1 ,sabbath-breaking and the like4 ,a very few had used no strong drink4 ,a large share were young1 some mere boys on their alternate sentence4 ,many1 on entering1 could neither read nor write4 ,the crimes were various1 extending from the worst murder cases down to the lower grades of iniquity1 some perfectly fiendish1 horrible4 ,it would seem impossible for men and women to do such deeds4 ,but these inmates were evidently not all the wrong doers of the ,state who merited punishment4 ,in a few cases1 no doubt1 the prosecutor rather deserved the doom4 ,then there are those rum-sellers1 keepers of billiard saloons1 gambling dens1 and houses of ill fame1 all inciting to crime4 ,numbers of them stand really in the light of particeps criminis to our inmates1 and perhaps were more deserving of this confinement4 ,how long will the people see this class making criminals of our sons and brothers1 yea1 of our daughters and sisters too1 and remain inactive8 ,why do not the very stones cry out8 ,i found all the prominent religious persuasions here represented1 from the ,universalist to the staid ,quaker2 a number had been ,sabbath school attendants1 one quite an ,advent speaker1 who seemed positive he would be able to convert us all to his notions could he have the stand for a suitable time1 a privilege he earnestly strove for4 ,more came from the ,catholics than from any other sect1 and more from the shoe-makers than from any other business class4 ,when introducing the subject of personal piety to each1 no little care was required to bring it forward in such a manner that it should not strike the mind repulsively1 and thus fill it with needless prejudice1 but rather conciliate and convince1 leading to free conversation upon the subject4 ,in this a great advantage would be gained4 ,the larger portion acceded to the just claims of religious truth upon them1 some hoping that their imprisonment was being sanctified to their highest good4 ,one feelingly said1 ,i was swiftly floating on the stream of sin and corruption towards that awful gulf in which ,i must have landed ere this1 had not the prison walls caught and saved me1 as ,i trust4 ,some ,i found professing a belief in infidelity1 a few in real atheism4 ,as weeks passed on1 it became evident that something beyond human power was at work in the minds of a few4 ,personal conversation developed the fact that they were really and seriously considering their ways4 ,a case of much hope would occasionally present itself4 ,but1 says one1 these fellows were professing this with the hope of getting out4 ,that could not have been the case with some1 most surely1 as their term had nearly expired and they neither asked nor looked for a pardon4 ,the work must have been genuine with these1 if not with all4 ,nor could ,i see any reason to doubt the sincerity of any1 and ,i scrutinized closely4 ,the classification of prisoners1 as to their crimes1 affords an interesting subject4 ,it will be largely found that the wrong doing of each is of a specific character rather than a general4 ,thus that of one is simply in the line of murder2 that of another1 robbery2 of a third1 stealing1 or picking pockets1 acting the burglar1 assaulting female character1 or of whatever sort4 ,then1 thieves can be classified into horse thieves1 sheep stealers1 leather thieves1 watch and money thieves1 and so on4 ,some commit crimes only when influenced by strong drink1 and then steal1 quarrel or murder4 ,many can not help their wrong doing1 or will not1 and therefore should remain in prison1 where they can live as very good men1 and aid the ,state instead of cursing society by their wrong deeds4 ,they do not all steal for the gain1 but for the sake of stealing4 ,hence here is one who will hoard up his booty and never go to it afterwards4 ,i asked an old man1 a burglar1 what induced him to lead such a life1 and received this answer3 ,there is something peculiarly exciting in the engagements4 ,i never engaged in it for what ,i could obtain4 #ab4 ,prayer meetings commenced4 ,previous to the present fall1 no prayer meetings had been established at the prison1 the need of which we now greatly felt4 ,after much thought on the matter1 ,i asked the warden if we could not introduce them1 and he answered1 ,oh no1 that can't be4 ,there are so many hypocrites among the prisoners1 who would take advantage to say what they might choose1 and to the disgust of the others1 that we can not control the matter4 ,this came from no lack of interest in the subject1 for it was the very thing that had found a large place in his contemplations and desires1 though he had seen no time when he could feel it safe to take the step4 ,not being able to put the idea out of mind1 ,i soon brought it before him again1 but in connection with the ,sabbath school teachers4 ,after duly considering the pros and cons1 the question was decided thus1--,start such a meeting1 to be held weekly1 if found practicable4 ,next ,sabbath let each teacher1 when hearing his class1 select such of the number as he may think fitted for the exercise2 passing the names to the warden for him to invite them in at his discretion1 the meeting to commence the following ,monday evening4 ,to prepare their minds for the occasion1 the discourse1 the next ,sabbath1 was on hypocrisy1 the text being the account of ,ananias and ,sapphira1 with the attempt to point out the enormity and danger of that sin1 that the truly sincere should not be kept from duty by hypocrisy as seen in others1 or by being accused of it in themselves by the malicious4 ,at the close1 the warden1 grasping my hand1 said1 ,we will let all go in who choose4 ,we will make no selection1 and we appointed the meeting accordingly4 ,met at the time appointed1 nearly one hundred being present1 for it was a novel matter there4 ,in the commencement ,i clearly stated what would be expected of all who might engage in prayer or speaking1 referring to the subject of the sermon the past day1 and said that the opportunity was offered for those only to improve who sincerely desired to become better and were truly determined to act accordingly1 expressing the full conviction that none would presume to come forward under any hypocritical pretenses4 ,a few of the ,sabbath school teachers present took part to good acceptance4 ,then two or three of the inmates offered prayer1 and three or four spoke of their feelings and desires4 ,they could not have been more appropriate in their words1 spirit1 or manner4 ,to all appearances they were sincere4 ,perfect order prevailed1--a most profound and respectful attention4 ,much of the time the dropping of a pin upon the floor could have been heard4 ,an overpowering spirit seemed to pervade the room1 not so much in the words uttered as in the convictions of each man's own heart1 it was an impressive season4 ,how was my soul relieved at this triumph over our fears and rejoiced at the way ,god had evidently opened before us4 ,thus the meetings commenced and that too indicating1 as the first results1 the very blessing ,i had been hoping and praying for1 a deeper impressiveness to our ,sabbath and other religious efforts4 ,shortly after1 we found that hearts not sensibly touched before1 were being deeply impressed1 among them one of the worst cases perhaps in prison4 ,it was taking a new start in the right direction4 ,in laboring with these men now1 as at all times1 ,i felt that a great responsibility rested on me2 that this was no place for dealing softly1 petting them with insinuations that they had been more sinned against than sinning1 and that nothing was needed for them but a professed determination to amend1 with a few efforts in that direction4 ,duty seemed imperative that ,i should labor to bring the wrong doings of each as clearly and impressively as could be before him1 how deeply he had sinned against his own best good1 his fellows and his ,god1 enforcing the absolute necessity of true repentance1 and turning to the right through faith in ,christ2 that he must make a thorough1 radical work of the matter1 or it would avail nothing4 ,thus plainly1 yet coupled with a feeling heart1 ,i invariably met the prisoners on these subjects4 ,and where no evidence could be found of a realizing sense of sins committed and true compunction therefor1 we could found no hope in the case4 #ac4 ,pike1 the ,hampton murderer4 ,on entering1 ,i found him in prison1 not at work1 but confined to his cell according to our present law1 that1 when one is condemned to execution1 he shall be confined in the ,state ,prison one year1 at the end of which the sentence shall be carried out1 unless receiving a reprieve or commutation4 ,by law also1 the criminal has the right to choose his own spiritual adviser1 and1 much to my relief1 ,i found that ,pike had arranged with my predecessor about this before he left4 ,still ,i volunteered to the doomed man all the aid in my power1 for which he appeared highly grateful4 ,the plea of insanity had been used on the trial1 or that the accused was in a state of mind1 when committing the offense1 that rendered him irresponsible for the crime alleged1 which plea ,pike would ever make to me1 sometimes alluding to the great injustice of his being hung4 ,but as ,mr4 ,holman had undertaken to fathom that1 ,i never pressed him with any particular inquiry on the matter4 ,it would seem impossible for one manifesting the spirit ,pike always did to us1 to commit so horrid a crime1 and probably he never would had he been free from rum4 ,in prison1 he at all times appeared gentlemanly and kind-hearted1 helped me a number of days in repairing the library1 and seemed glad of the opportunity4 ,when laboring with those he afterwards murdered1 he was uniformly pleasant1 ready to do anything for them they needed4 ,they parted on the most friendly terms1 the old people earnestly urging him to continue with them still longer4 ,but when ,pike was under the influence of liquor1 he was a very different man1 and at times a highly dangerous character4 ,in this he was fully responsible1 for he could have let the drink alone1 and did when he chose4 ,i saw nothing leading me to doubt his full responsibility in the murder4 ,but others also are responsible1--those who helped him to his liquor and thus caused his madness4 ,against them1 also1 the blood of those mangled forms cries loudly from the ground to a righteous ,god for vengeance4 ,the community likewise1 which1 by supineness and inactivity1 permitted those persons to carry on their nefarious traffic1 must come in for its share4 ,the blame of that startling act does not all lie at ,pike's door1 though he was guilty enough4 ,when ,i attempted to urge upon him the importance of a full preparation for the dread event before him1 he seemed strangely inclined to put it off and almost callous to the magnitude of his sin4 ,he would admit that his career had been one of desperate wickedness1 but did not appear truly moved in spirit by its real enormity1 or as having genuine repentance over the matter1 a thorough breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart4 ,trusting to the idea of his non-responsibility as a shielding circumstance1 he no doubt felt almost perfect confidence1 till near the last1 that a pardon1 or commutation1 would be granted1 and ventured on that assurance4 ,i constantly discouraged the idea1 repeatedly urging him to put no confidence in that1 but earnestly to set about a preparation for the worst4 ,the final decision of the executive power1 not to interfere with the decision of the court1 came to me1 but in such a way that ,i was not at liberty to announce it till officially divulged4 ,still1 feeling so anxious for the criminal1 ,i went as far as the circumstances would allow1 and said to him1 ,from what ,i hear1 your case is finally decided1 but not in your favor4 ,and ,i am perfectly satisfied that my information is reliable4 ,but it was not official1 and the very fact of its being withheld inspired him with hope that ,i was mistaken4 ,the rulers1 no doubt1 did as they thought best in the matter1 but it would seem that there was an error on their part in not communicating their finality to the criminal as soon as made4 ,it was a grave matter to him1 and the last few days he reflected no little upon the course4 ,in our labors with the doomed man1 we had two prominent points before us1 one to fit his mind for going upon the gallows with the needed fortitude1 the other to lead him to a due preparation for appearing before his ,god4 ,during the last week1 by his desire1 clergymen from the city visited him4 ,a few of the singers from the city1 also1 by the warden's invitation1 occasionally called and spent a short time with him1 singing some of those devotional pieces so well fitted to his case1 which were followed by prayer and then all retired4 ,his cell was now in the hall4 ,this occurred when the other prisoners were in the shop at work1 for at no other time were visitors allowed at his cell4 ,two or three of his last days were spent in the hospital1 which then had no sick occupant4 ,the strictest care and watchfulness were observed by the officers1 so that1 whether in his cell or in the hospital1 he could not possibly escape if he attempted it4 ,the day appointed for the execution was ,tuesday4 ,monday the criminal frankly admitted to his adviser1 that he knew what he was doing that terrible night1 and was fully responsible for the deed1 which acknowledgment he signed in writing4 ,he also dictated a letter to his youngest brother1 faithfully warning him against following his own ways of wildness and drinking1 also a note containing good advice to two young men who had been officers in the prison1 and finally an address to be read on the scaffold4 ,brothers and other relatives took leave of him ,monday afternoon and ,tuesday morning4 ,the fatal hour was fixed at eleven1 ,a4 ,m4 ,pike was up in due season1 took a slight morning repast1 dressed for the day1 had devotional exercises1 and finished parting with friends at nine1 that he might have opportunity for becoming duly rested and composed in mind for that painful occasion4 ,at ten the other officers retired1 leaving him alone with us two4 ,what an hour before us8 ,i had never experienced the like before and hope never to again4 ,it was much like standing on the crumbling verge of time and looking into eternity's vast abyss4 ,we had a season of prayer1 then conversation for the purpose of learning his present feelings and convictions4 ,he professed a hope that ,god had forgiven his sins and would accept him at last2 said that no doubt it would be better for him to go then than be pardoned and return to the world once more1 for1 in that case1 his appetite might overpower him again and he do other horrid deeds4 ,still1 it was hard to die in the way he must4 ,personal conversation over1 we continued bringing to his mind fitting portions of ,scripture and appropriate verses from hymns and thus occupied the moments till eleven slowly arrived4 ,our door opens4 ,the sheriff with his attendants enters4 ,we march to the scaffold in the hall1 where are gathered many reporters for the press and other gentlemen4 ,the address being read and prayer offered1 ,mr4 ,holman at his right and myself at his left lead him upon the fatal drop1 and there support him while the preparation for the last is being made4 ,during the adjustment of the black cap and noose1 ,i feel a tremor in his arm4 ,he is taken forward from us and placed under the beam4 ,his legs are bound1 his arms pinioned1 the sheriff reads extracts from the doings of the court1 and gives the final sentence4 ,the spring is touched1 the drop falls1 the surgeon calls for the rope to be drawn higher1 as the feet touch the floor4 ,this done1 life ends in about a quarter of an hour4 ,as the drop fell1 ,mr4 ,holman settled back in a chair1 faint4 ,i led him to a window where he soon recovered1 but serious illness followed1 caused by the excitement and anxiety of his labors here4 ,now1 if men must be hung1 humanity would call for the work to be performed differently in these respects3 ,that mortal long reading from the court doings should be dispensed with1 that is1 long for the place4 ,it can be of no sort of use4 ,a short formula1 consisting of the last two or three sentences1 uttered by the sheriff1 would be all sufficient4 ,then1 again1 that black cap should be different4 ,binding the limbs consumed a few moments1 and the reading1 referred to1 still more4 ,but probably after the cap was on and the noose fitted over it1 the criminal exhausted all the oxygen available to him in three or four breaths1 and was forced to suffer the process of suffocation during that occupied time4 ,how near death he was when the drop fell1 ,i can not say1 but he appeared to be suffering greatly before the binding was completed4 ,that could all be remedied by having an orifice in the cap opposite the mouth for breathing4 ,further1 that sad mistake about the rope should never be allowed to happen4 ,he who permits himself to be appointed to such a duty1 ought so to understand his business that such an accident shall be impossible4 ,some of the papers1 especially in ,new ,york1 roughly criticised our efforts to prepare ,pike for his end1 said it was an outrage on society to give a wretch like him so much attention2 that1 in it1 we exhibited a sickly sentimentalism1 appeared as though we would raise crime to a saintship1 and more in the same line4 ,a few words only on this must suffice4 ,we supposed that the sentiment1 ,the criminal has a right to the benefit of the clergy1 really meant something2 that1 though this man had been condemned to execution by his compeers for a most outrageous crime1 he yet had a right to means for preparing himself to pass the ordeal of the scaffold with due composure1 and for becoming reconciled to his ,god1 if that could be4 ,we did not dream that anybody short of heathendom would object to this4 ,supposing we were appointed to work for that end1 we went to the task with a sincerity of purpose4 ,if we were not appointed to do just the things we did1 for what were we1 pray8 ,we simply followed the usual course pursued at the bedside when one is near death1 had religious conversation1 prayer1 singing1 parting with friends2 though1 in this case1 we had no extreme feebleness caused by disease to meet1 but rather crime1 in one of its most revolting forms1 to recognize in bringing gospel appliances1 concerning which crime we endeavored to be duly faithful4 ,hence1 all that feverish editorial brain-work over this pretended wrong1 and that amount of printer's ink and paper thus used were simply wasted upon1 what never occurred1 or that which was only a usual1 honest effort to do our duty with fidelity4 ,but this tirade1 no doubt1 came through the agency of some living not far away1 who designedly put a newsmonger on the wrong scent1 for the purpose of venting their own spleen at the idea of having those around who would treat a helpless1 fallen man better than a dog4 #ad4 ,doctrinal discourses4 ,in pursuing my labors among the prisoners1 ,i often met those skeptical views1 before alluded to1 which were sometimes quite boldly avowed4 ,some of them would constantly attend the ,sabbath school1 doubtless simply from the pleasure derived in puzzling their teachers with questions4 ,they were acute1 shrewd fellows1 keen in argument1 quick to see a point and turn it1 hard to meet4 ,to help these1 if possible1 ,i decided to give a few discourses on the evidences of the existence of a ,god as seen from the light of nature4 ,those of the skeptical class as well as others manifested no little interest in the subject4 ,soon evidences began to appear of a material softening among them in their opposition to ,bible truths4 ,one young man said to the warden1 ,when the chaplain commenced those discourses1 ,i felt sure of being impregnably fixed in my ideas4 ,after hearing one1 ,i would retire to my cell and sit down with the purpose of figuring out the want of conclusiveness in his arguments4 ,but the more ,i figured1 the more ,i saw that ,i was in the wrong and not he2 that1 from what we see all about us1 there must be a ,god1 whom ,i am convinced ,i ought to love and obey4 ,this man became altogether changed in his habits and entered upon a really hopeful course4 ,nor was he alone among those thus yielding1 who had long been accustomed to shut their eyes against the true light4 #ae4 ,effect of the prayer meeting on prison order4 ,these meetings had now continued a number of weeks with no abatement of interest1 having gained the reputation of being the best in the city4 ,but it became needful for us1 at this time1 to suspend all our chapel exercises for a while1 to give place to the proposed enlargement of the room4 ,hence1 at the close of the last meeting previous to this vacation1 the warden said1 in substance1 ,we have been holding these meetings several weeks4 ,at first ,i thought them wholly impracticable in the place1 but am truly glad to find ,i was so greatly mistaken4 ,as an act of simple justice1 ,i feel that ,i ought to bear testimony1 before you all1 to the influence they have exerted on the morals of the inmates4 ,since they commenced1 we have not had a single case for discipline in this institution1 a fact without precedent in the past1 so far as my knowledge extends1 for so long a time4 ,and ,i most devoutly hope that this state of things will continue and the meetings grow more and more powerful in their influence for good4 ,such a result of our efforts was in advance of what ,i had dared hope for4 ,though fully convinced that the influence must be in that direction1 ,i had not realized so clearly that we were setting in operation what would prove so effective an aid to order in the prison4 #af4 ,the new chapel4 ,at length the chapel was completed and made a gem of a room1 as it seemed to us1 in comparison with what it previously was1 having been enlarged to nearly double its former size1 extending the whole width of the building and taking in the windows on both sides1 thus giving us great improvement in air and general comfort2 the painting also was neat and cheerful4 ,we all felt truly thankful for so great a blessing1 thankful1 too1 for the opportunity of meeting again to resume our worship4 ,as the poor fellows entered1 one after the other1 and cast their eyes about upon the beauty and neatness before them1 ,i could see the joy flash over their countenances4 ,the singing sent a new thrill to the heart1 and it seemed much easier to speak to them4 ,everything appeared more hopeful for good4 ,during the recess1 ,i had been assiduous in visiting the prisoners1 ,sabbaths and other days1 and endeavoring to influence them in the right4 ,but now that the meetings had commenced1 we could rationally look for a greater success to our efforts4 ,nor did we look in vain1 for soon some professed a full determination to forsake their ways of sinning and seek to become what ,god required4 ,these indications1 as is usual in the outside world1 tended to give the general moral tone1 in the prison1 a deeper impressiveness4 #ag4 ,prison repairs and mistakes4 ,previous to the enlarging of the chapel1 general repairs and important alterations had been made in the south wing1 consisting of a new ,french roof1 a great improvement in appearance and utility1 new cells for the female prisoners1 and other rooms fitted for the officers and general prison use4 ,the mechanics worked most diligently1 and the money appropriated by the ,state was1 no doubt1 most economically laid out4 ,the agent1 one of the council1 evidently felt no little satisfaction in having it said that he could accomplish so large amount of work with so little money4 ,but either he1 or some one else1 made at least two grave mistakes4 ,one was in locating the cells for the females1 which are in the third story1 requiring the occupants1 in going to and from their meals1 and attending to much of their work1 to pass over two1 and sometimes three1 flights of stairs4 ,all understanding minds know that this must prey most sadly on female health1 and that apartments for this class should be as near the ground as can be4 ,the other mistake was in the stairs4 ,in the old arrangement the females had their private stairway1 where they could pass unobserved by any except their attendants4 ,but in the change1 that private way was laid aside and the women required to use the public stairs1 subjecting them to great inconvenience4 ,i called the attention of the agent to this matter1 but to no effect4 ,another thing of trifling expense should have been attended to4 ,the female wash-room should be arranged so that those laboring there1 in turning out the waste water1 should not be required to lift their tubs as high as1 and1 in some cases1 higher than their heads2 and1 while washing1 they should not be obliged to stand on ice so much4 ,blinds1 also1 should have been put to those large hospital windows to prevent almost broiling the sick in hot weather4 #ah4 ,profanity attacked4 ,profanity appeared to be a common evil in the institution1 not only among the convicts1 but also with many of those who were over them4 ,a prisoner said to me one day1 with no little emotion1 ,chaplain1 ,i am in a hard case4 ,swearing is my besetting sin4 ,if ,i become vexed with my work1 or anything else1 that is my resort at once4 ,in the meetings1 ,i hear preaching1 prayer and singing1 under the influence of which1 ,i feel a strong impulse to leave my sinful ways1 and seek to become good and live an upright life4 ,almost resolved on this1 ,i go to my work and am there forced to hear more or less profanity4 ,they will swear at me1 and ,i fall to swearing1 too4 ,thus ,i am in a hard case4 ,the deputy said1 ,there is swearing enough here daily to sink the whole concern clear down out of sight4 ,thus assured1 it seemed important that a move specifically against that sin be made4 ,true1 we might not reach those who most indulged in it1 as they never attended our gatherings1 but we could work for the prisoners4 ,hence1 one evening1 after speaking of the folly and sinfulness of the habit1 an appeal was made direct to the men1 soliciting all who would wholly abandon the practice to rise in their seats1 to which some forty responded4 ,at the next meeting1 on requesting those who had succeeded in keeping their pledge to rise1 the largest part signified their success4 ,the next day as ,i passed about1 some told me that1 the past week1 they had failed once or twice1 but felt determined to struggle on and conquer4 ,subsequently one and another would assure me of their full triumph1 that they had not been overtaken since that first week4 ,how far the reform went1 ,i shall never know1 but it was in the right direction1 such a reform as should be carried out everywhere1 for no gentleman will take ,god's name in vain4 ,it is a vulgar1 mean practice4 #ai4 ,efforts for a son1 from a mother's plea4 ,during the spring of '#ga and1 while our religious interest was progressing1 a mother visited her son in prison1 having a temporary home with a lady friend in the city4 ,we will call the mother1 ,mrs4 ,a41 the son1 ,b41 and the friend1 ,mrs4 ,c4 ,mrs4 ,a41 witnessing the subduing influences pervading our meetings1 and feeling a strong desire that her son might be benefited thereby1 determined to do what she could in that direction4 ,this son was a youth who might have stood high1 had he followed the right1 but he had gone deeply into crime1 causing his parents and friends untold sorrows4 ,still1 this mother clung to him as only a mother can1 hoping and praying for his rescue from his downward course4 ,the two families1 here represented1 had previously lived in near proximity and in happy union1 when ,b4 was an innocent youth1 just emerging from childhood1 a mother's pride and a father's hope4 ,considering this circumstance1 and knowing that ,mrs4 ,c4 had a class in the prison ,sabbath school1 and was an intelligent ,christian worker1 of good standing in the community1 ,mrs4 ,a4 conceived the idea that she perhaps might now essentially help her son1 and solicited her to make the attempt4 ,she replied1 ,i have no objection to attempting what ,i can to reclaim your son1 with the warden's assent4 ,this assent obtained1 the two met in his presence4 ,for a time ,b4 appeared averse to talking directly of his convictions concerning the soul's interest4 ,but she at length secured his confidence1 thus leading him to speak of his feelings and desires to reform more freely1 perhaps1 than he had to the chaplain or warden4 ,she referred to the past1 what he once was1 what his parents had done for him1 what he might have been2 to his fall1 what he had lost1 his present condition1 his mother's agonized feelings in his behalf4 ,the recital cut him keenly4 ,like ,peter of old1 he wept bitterly4 ,she then pointed him to the ,saviour as the only means of hope and relief4 ,thus she met him a few times and to good effect4 ,he had been really interested in his religious welfare for a long time previous4 ,but these efforts helped him greatly to decide fully to follow his convictions of duty4 ,he became more alive to his true condition1 perhaps1 than ever before1 would mourn over the heinousness of his sins1 and evidently appeared to be drinking the bitter cup of repentance4 ,he would be at times in real agony of mind at the view of himself4 ,while in this state1 the warden invited those especially interested in the subject of religion to meet in the chapel1 from twelve to twenty in number1 for an inquiry meeting4 ,we conversed with them severally and then proposed a season of prayer in which each should engage1 which they did1 ,b4 among the rest1 after which he appeared more calm1 as if he had obtained a measure of relief1 though he did not feel satisfied that he had really experienced a change of heart1 but seemed decided about pursuing the right4 ,we encouraged him to press on as he had begun1 and to take part in our meetings1 to the latter of which he replied1 ,no1 ,i will not attempt that4 ,should ,i1 they will say1 ',i am playing good with the hope of getting out4' ,that ,i won't do4 ,i despise hypocrisy1 however bad ,i may be in other things4 ,thus he took his stand1 still interested in daily reading ,god's word1 prayer1 ,sabbath school1 and the general religious exercises4 ,other prisoners noted the change in him and would say1 ,he has been converted4 ,but he was called to meet sore trials in the prison1 trials hard to bear1 of which we will speak hereafter4 #bj4 ,warden's efforts for a young man4 ,this young man1 here called ,e41 from the middle walks of ,english society1 parents well to do1 with a good trade1 superior mental powers1 commanding high wages1 came to this country to seek his fortune1 fell into bad company1 bad habits1 and finally the ,state ,prison4 ,the warden became deeply interested in him1 found that he was anxious about his religious state1 and seeing the success of ,mrs4 ,c4's labors invited ,mrs4 ,d4 ,f41 another prison ,sabbath school teacher1 resembling ,mrs4 ,c4 in efficiency1 character and standing1 to make an effort with him for his good4 ,she assented1 and met him in the presence of the warden4 ,she first took measures to satisfy herself that he was sincere and truthful with her1 and proposed numerous questions about his home affairs1 his history1 c4 ,he answered her inquiries with apparent frankness1 said that he was then under an alias1 not wishing by his wrongs to disgrace his friends or real name1 purported to give his true name1 which she was not to reveal1 the name of his minister and thus on4 ,mrs4 ,d4 ,f4 had been acquainted with this minister1 wrote to him1 as she thought best1 and in due time received an answer conclusively showing that ,e4 had been truthful in his personal statements4 ,she then conversed with him concerning his religious interests with about the same results as in the former case1 except that he did not give so clear an evidence of a thorough work as did ,b4 ,the warden was particular to have the prison visits of these ladies in his presence1 and sometimes that of the chaplain1 too1 not only that there should be no deviation from the rules of strict order1 but also as a safeguard against evil reports4 ,he well knew that there were ill-disposed persons who were ready to distort and misrepresent all his efforts at reform2 and had a lady been admitted to private interviews with a prisoner1 it would have given them just such stock to work with as would have delighted them4 #ba4 ,experience with noble appearing heads in prison4 ,facts have shown that1 in meeting an assembly1 whether in prison or out1 we can not always judge correctly in regard to the mental caliber of those composing it by the view of their heads4 ,the apparent superior development may be deceptive1 the work of disease4 ,among the noble appearing heads alluded to on a previous page1 a part were of that class1 or at least contained diseased minds4 ,we will look at two cases1 using substituted letters for the names1 as previously4 ,h4 is of good form1 head finely proportioned1 forehead high1 eyes bright1 all indicating1 at a little distance1 that he might possess no small share of intellect4 ,occasionally he will make pertinent1 well timed remarks1 but is greatly wanting in mental ability4 ,i have been informed that his mother was intemperate1 and had the delirium tremens just previous to his birth4 ,he1 also1 years before1 had at times appeared as though ,satan himself possessed him1 and was evidently insane1 which1 passing off1 would leave him all right for a season4 ,he has some remembrance of learning to read a little1 can count almost one hundred1 but has no power to combine numbers otherwise1 at least none that ,i could find after persistent labor in drilling him almost daily for some four weeks on the same figures2 thus1 in addition table #h and #a1 #h and #b1 c41 ending where we commenced4 ,ask him1 ,how many are #h and #b8 and he would as quickly answer1 #aa1 or #i1 as anything4 ,still he appeared earnest to learn1 and was about twenty-four years old4 ,he would detain me with him as long as possible to help him catch the idea1 and would often say1 ,when ,i go out1 ,i mean to find a good place where ,i can go to school1 for ,i intend to obtain a good education4 ,at times he would appear very religious1 and talk and pray in our meetings2 but1 should anything irritate him1 he perhaps would fly into a rage beyond all self-control1 in which1 if he could1 he would kill a man as quickly as he would a fly4 ,still1 an officer of the needed prudence and skill1 by studying his infirmity and managing with due discretion1 would have but little trouble with him1 and he would readily earn his living4 ,he would be an unsafe man to go at large1 as dangerous1 if fired with anger1 as any raving maniac4 ,he should ever be under firm control somewhere1 with proper treatment and labor4 ,it would be difficult for us to determine how far moral responsibility can be affirmed of this man4 ,god alone can decide that4 ,j4 was another fine looking man of some twenty-eight years1 gentlemanly appearing1 with a good education1 kindly disposed1 usually of good habits1 honest1 so far as known1 except in two cases1 and those in much the same way4 ,he would hire a team for a ride1 go to a hotel and put up1 exchange or sell the horse1 or harness1 or carriage1 or all together1 wander about awhile1 and then return home for his father to help settle the matter1 making no effort to escape arrest4 ,the first time he was arrested1 but not convicted1 as neighbors pleaded in his behalf4 ,the second time he was sent to prison4 ,on this trial neighbors urged the father to put in the plea of insanity1 but he refused1 as so many were resorting to that4 ,still1 all said that he had the best of reasons1 as his own brother1 or the young man's uncle died in an insane asylum1 and those exceptional acts of his must have been performed through an insane impulse4 ,receiving a pardon previous to the close of his sentence1 he went into good employment1 worked steadily about a year1 and took the same step again1 when the court put him under guardianship1 instead of sending him to prison1 which was no doubt the most judicious course2 for if kept from that horse hiring1 he will doubtless be all right1 as he has never manifested any inclination to wrong except in that particular point1 and that only when his mind was evidently unhinged4 ,there were others who exhibited each his peculiarity4 ,some of these1 could we look within their mental structure and there take a just survey1 would perhaps be found possessed of such a native taint1 or bias1 or disorder1 that their wrong doings1 for which they were in prison1 would be regarded in the light of misfortunes rather than crimes4 ,this subject of hereditary mental taint or disorder1 in connection with wrong doing1 opens to the phrenologist a wide and important field for investigation4 ,but when he is forced to the conclusion that the one has acted from a disordered impulse of mind1 uncontrollable1 and he therefore not responsible for his acts1 it can make no difference with the fact that the wrong doer must be restrained and put where he can not trespass upon the rights of others4 ,it will rather lead to the questions of where he shall be confined1 how employed1 after what manner treated1 and in what light regarded2 perhaps showing clearly the need of important modifications in our present system of prison management4 #bb4 ,the ,warden admits presents to prisoners from friends outside4 ,he would permit friends outside to send soothing dainties to the sick1 or packages of fruit or home comforts to the well2 or florists of the city to send bouquets to stand upon the speaker's desk on the ,sabbath1 for the prisoners to admire1 and each received a flower or sprig to carry to his cell as a memento of innocence and purity1 and a stimulus to love the ,author of such beauty4 ,it was really gratifying to see what cheer to the fallen these remembrances from the outside world would bring4 ,all packages thus sent to prisoners were most carefully examined by officers1 that nothing wrong should pass4 #bc4 ,warden decides to resign4 ,he had not found his place a bed of roses4 ,certainly it possessed its thorns1 and these1 at times1 largely predominated4 ,his efforts for bringing the prison1 in all its departments1 to what it was1 had cost him a great struggle1 many anxious hours of planning1 and at times perplexities in executing4 ,but his greatest vexation came because of opposition1 from certain ones without1 to what he felt assured was for the best good of the institution1 and from the misrepresentations of those opposed to all prison reform and improvement1 who think it an outrage to the ,state to treat a prisoner better than a brute4 ,he says one complained of him thus3 ,you give the prisoners too good fare1 and make things too comfortable for them1 on account of which they will wish to return4 ,whereas1 the prison is a place for punishment1 requiring you to keep the inmates on poorer food1 and food so prepared that it shall be a punishment to eat it1 and make everything around them a source of discomfort1 that1 after leaving1 they may thereby be deterred from crime through dread of being returned4 ,from all considerations1 the warden resolved to resign at the close of the year1 yet1 while remaining1 to continue the usual prison rations and efforts at reform4 ,his wife also heartily joined in his efforts1 having from the first done much towards the excellent fare of the prisoners1 and seeing that the sick were properly cared for4 ,hence1 on one occasion1 finding a man gradually wasting away with consumption1 the skin wearing from his emaciated limbs by the hard prison couch1 she sent in her own feather bed1 that he might pass the remainder of his days in what comfort he could4 ,but what shall we think of the assertion that the food should be so prepared that it shall be a punishment to the men to eat it8 ,can it be possible1 that one in ,new ,hampshire1 at this late day1 uttered a sentiment like that8 ,so the warden most positively asserts4 ,to say nothing of its inhumanity1 common worldly policy would repudiate such an idea4 ,of food thus prepared one at first would eat as little as possible to live1 his powers for labor therefore depart1 his appetite gradually fails1 and he goes down to death4 ,all who use horses or oxen1 except the worst of men1 would scout such a practice4 ,they say1 ,to have teams work well1 feed well4 ,so it must be with men1 whether in prison or elsewhere4 ,power for muscular labor can be furnished only by generous food4 ,then the fear that good prison fare would induce the prisoners to return purposely on recommitments1 must have been expressed without due consideration1 or being taught by prison facts4 ,statistics show that1 where the prison is the most cruelly managed and the inmates are kept on the poorest fare1 the greatest number return on second or third sentences4 ,then as to our own prison1 the very year this complaint was made1 more pardons were granted1 ,i think1 than had ever been before in one year since the founding of the institution4 ,and most surely none refused to accept of the offer and depart4 ,besides1 nearly all who had friends1 except those soon to go out by commutation1 were constantly importuning them to intercede for their pardon1 while those who had none1 were persistent in their pleadings with the warden1 chaplain and other prison officers to help them in efforts for the desired boon4 ,why this1 if good fare would be an inducement to return8 ,would the utterer of that sentiment have sanctioned the idea of leaving the prison doors all unlocked and unbolted for one night8 ,what a skedaddling there would have been1 old or young1 sick or well1 the infirm and decrepit1 hobbling off as best they could1 leaving their good fare behind and their cells to let4 ,what an idea6 ,the good prison living1 which at best can not be made equal to the comforts in our most common families outside1 lead men to desire to be locked up in those gloomy cells for its sake and subjected to the general prison regime6 ,that man may fear it who will4 #bd4 ,prisoners' anxiety at the rumored resignation4 ,this rumor soon spread through the prison1 not however to bring joy1 but sorrow4 ,i had not imagined that the prospect would cause the prisoners so much anxiety4 ,probably the slave of former days on the auction block1 about to be struck off to a new owner1 and all uncertain as to his future fate1 would experience feelings allied to theirs4 ,their first anxiety seemed to be about their educational and religious privileges1 lest these might be cut off or largely curtailed4 ,said one1 ,i have served on board of a whaleman and been accustomed to the most rigid discipline found there4 ,i fear nothing in the line of strictness of rules1 but can not bear the idea of being deprived of our school and meeting opportunities4 ,i would do almost anything for the sake of enjoying these4 ,this was the feeling4 ,then1 they were deeply anxious about the character of the man to be put over them1 whether he would be humane1 or the reverse4 ,and no wonder1 when we consider how completely they are left to his control4 ,probably no other state officer is so irresponsible as the warden of our state prison1--that is1 in a position where those under him are so completely at his mercy1 and where he can exercise real cruelty1 if disposed1 and cover it up with a fair outside show4 ,none but a man of humane instincts1 one especially qualified for the post1 should be put in that position4 #be4 ,governor and ,council memorialized by the prison ,s4 ,s4 teachers and chaplain4 ,sustaining the relation we did to the prison1 we thought it appropriate for us to set forth our views and desires to the ,governor and ,council touching the appointment of the warden2 not respecting who should be appointed1 but the principles to be secured4 ,hence1 by a committee1 we drew up a paper to be laid before them1 giving account of the religious and educational privileges we had been laboring to secure to the inmates for the purpose of throwing around them all the influences possible for securing good order in the prison1 and a preparation1 on their part1 for going out reformed1 and duly prepared to act the part of good citizens1 and also soliciting their honorable body1 that they would so recognize these arrangements and labors of ours1 in their contemplated appointment1 that they should not be curtailed1 but permitted to go on1 gathering around them such improved facilities as might be devised from time to time1 thus securing the best discipline in the prison and the highest ends of imprisoning4 ,we were treated on the occasions with due respect1 and permitted to speak freely on the points as we judged best4 ,some of the gentlemen responded in most commendatory terms at what we had been doing1 regarding the influence as highly salutary in regard to order and general good in the prison4 #bf4 ,prison funerals4 ,the methods of procedure at the interment of the prisoners had been various1 at times not very complimentary to a professedly ,christian people4 ,but more recently the custom had obtained of having prayer and remarks appropriate to the occasion1 the men being arranged in the prison yard1 after which they were to retire to their work4 ,in this way we conducted our first funeral after my entrance4 ,at the next1 we observed this form3 ,had all things ready when the men were had eaten1 say at twenty-five minutes past twelve1 and then took them to the chapel for the usual prayer and remarks1 which ended1 we conducted them in file through the reception-room for leave-taking of their lifeless comrade1 the body being there laid out with some little taste1 and then they passed on to the shop4 ,this method is chaste and appropriate1 hinders nothing about the shop labor1 and manifests due respect for the occasion4 ,the matter of funerals has ever been held as of great importance by all civilized nations4 ,nor is it any the less important to a well conducted prison than elsewhere4 ,proper funeral observances will tend to the good of the prisoners as well as to that of others1 and help impress upon them the idea of their own mortal career and accountability4 ,how much more like men they will cause the inmates to feel than would putting the body in a rough box and hauling it off the back way1 in a cart1 like a dead dog4 #bg4 ,educational and ,s4 school summing up4 ,the year closed upon our educational efforts with a good measure of success1 though of necessity limited in comparison with what ought to be accomplished by a like number in our public schools outside4 ,for1 it will be borne in mind1 that all our pupils had to perform their daily tasks at manual labor from early morn till night2 that their cells are not the most advantageous rooms for study2 that what they obtained they had to gain in these pent up places1 in the odds and ends of their time1 as best they could4 ,then1 again1 we could have our school only when the guards could be spared from their common prison duties4 ,still1 with all the drawbacks1 a number of the inmates made commendable proficiency4 ,they did what they could4 ,they had become inspired with the idea of putting themselves earnestly to the task of cultivating their intellects and hearts1 so far as they could1 and thus be prepared1 on leaving prison1 for common business4 ,some had really waked up to what they had lost by their sinful courses1 and now appeared determined to do their best1 in the future1 at making amends4 ,thus spurred on1 they were diligent4 ,and it was truly a pleasure to be permitted to help forward these minds1 arousing1 as they were1 to a higher and better life4 ,sordid indeed must be that heart which would not fire up with energy for encouraging such to go on4 ,some forty of the young were among those who were striving in this direction1 a very few others of that class not possessing sufficient mental capacity for learning4 ,then others had obtained a good education previously1 and chose to spend their time in reading from the library1 except that some would wish a better knowledge of arithmetic1 and perhaps other branches1 when about to close their term4 ,we had been favored with a few interesting lectures from outside gentlemen1 with three readings by lady elocutionists1 and a number of drill exercises in singing4 ,a gentleman also gave us a number of lessons in penmanship4 ,we had repaired the books of the library1 added nearly two hundred volumes1 obtained a new catalogue1 two large blackboards for drill exercises in arithmetic1 c41 a set of charts on penmanship1 a set also of outline maps in geography1 purchasing likewise such books or material as appeared needful to the school1 expending in all #bfj4de1 being allowed to use in this way the money gathered from the admission fees of visitors1 all of which we did not use4 ,we endeavored to do what we could towards beginning what we confidently hoped would soon become an institution duly established by the ,state with all needed provision for security4 ,the ,sabbath school continued with unabated interest from the first1 numbers varying but little1 seldom falling below eighty1 average1 eighty-six4 #bh4 ,religious success4 ,from my first day at the prison1 the religious state had been encouraging1 nothing to mar the interest transpiring4 ,true1 there had been no revival at any time1 but a steady1 healthful drawing in the right direction1 that from which the most is ever to be hoped4 ,a goodly number had1 at different times1 become professedly fixed in the determination to a thorough reform1 while the others had1 to appearance1 largely lost their prejudice against religious truth2 and entered more freely into conversation upon those subjects1 many admitting the justness of their claims4 ,and1 taking all things together1 our prospects had never appeared better than at the end of the year1 indicating that1 should our rulers possess wisdom enough to select the right man for warden1 still more cheering results might be anticipated from subsequent efforts4 ,but we could not presume to judge correctly as to how much of this profession was well founded4 ,that we had to leave for ,god to take care of4 ,we had one important certainty1 however1 connected with this matter1--the certainty that all true good is found with just such surroundings as we had at the prison1 the love of prayer1 interest in ,god's ,word1 delight in attending meetings1 desire for mental culture and a professed seeking for holiness2 but not with the contrary1 such as swearing1 contentions1 hatred of ,god's truth1 and the like4 #bi4 ,fourth of ,july at the prison4 ,the ,fourth came with no new warden appointment4 ,therefore1 the incumbent determined that he would celebrate this at the prison as his own yearnings prompted1 and as it would be observed at some other prisons4 ,hence1 at early morn1 he announced to the men that he was about to give them a real ,fourth1 causing their hearts to leap for joy4 ,at #i o'clock they met in the chapel for the reading of the ,declaration of ,independence1 singing1 c41 after which they marched into the prison yard1 where were tables beautified by floral decorations and spread by fair hands1 with picnic dainties1 lemonade being prepared expressly for the prisoners4 ,the blessing asked1 the men having done ample justice to the good cheer1 and the tables having been removed1 speaking by a number of distinguished gentlemen from various towns followed4 ,this ended and prayer offered1 the sports followed as various as the different tastes could devise4 ,nothing rude1 boisterous1 insubordinate1 or unkind appeared from any4 ,one standing outside the walls would not have supposed1 from anything heard1 that a real1 live ,fourth was being so greatly enjoyed within4 ,and probably the pleasures of the day were never more keenly felt anywhere1 in prison or out4 ,one and another would say1 ,this is the happiest day of my life4 ,a somewhat large delegation of ladies and gentlemen from various parts of the ,state was present1 who seemed delighted with the occasion4 ,the female prisoners partook of their picnic dainties in their own room1 but were permitted1 with their attendants1 to witness the yard scenes from the chapel windows4 ,everything passed off satisfactorily4 ,the speaking was excellent1 just fitted to the occasion1 showing the need of laws and prisons1 that those present were here for crimes1 yet that they could reform1 for which they should strive1 that numerous willing hands were reached out for their encouragement and aid4 ,the time at length came for separating1 when each man went to his cell with a cheer of heart which he had never carried there before4 ,and this cheer long pervaded their minds1 leading them to obey with greater alacrity4 ,nor did ,i hear of a case of a contrary character4 ,they would afterwards often refer to the occasion as that happy day4 #cj4 ,the true principles of imprisoning and prison-managing on the idea of reform in the convict4 ,for the sake of brevity these principles are here set forth mainly by questions and answers4 ,what is the object of imprisoning8 ,this object is fourfold3 #a4 ,to prevent the criminal from injuring the public4 #b4 ,to deter from committing crime4 #c4 ,to punish the wrong doer4 #d4 ,to reform the erring4 ,on the first two of these two points there is no dispute1 while some will not admit the third1 and others proscribe the fourth4 ,let us1 however1 admit the four4 ,who has the right to imprison and assign the terms and conditions to the imprisoned8 ,the ,state alone1 or society organized in a body politic1 has this right1 and that is to be exercised by due process of law1 in which exercise she is1 first1 in her legislative capacity1 to point out clearly1 by her enactments1 for what a man shall be imprisoned1 specify the terms of the imprisoning and the conditions to which the imprisoned shall be subjected2 second1 in her judicial capacity1 assign the wrong doer his merited doom2 and1 third1 in her executive capacity1 to carry out in him the decisions she has made1 no individual having a right to interfere with this in any way1 except as specially authorized by ,state enactments4 ,hence1 the criminal1 when standing at the bar and hearing the sentence of the judge1 can understand exactly what lawfully and justly awaits him1 provided that he demean himself uprightly in his new condition4 ,suppose the sentence1 in a given case1 is this3 ,you are to be confined at hard labor in our ,state ,prison for five years4 ,in this all that can lawfully be inflicted upon the convict is involved4 ,so say the judges themselves4 ,hence1 should any man1 or party of men1 bring upon him additional infliction during that time1 the imprisoned would1 just so far1 become the sufferer of a wrong1 and those making that infliction would be the wrong doers4 ,let us1 then1 analyze this sentence and thus ascertain its elements4 ,being confined in prison for the term1 all admit1 involves the idea that he is to enter those walls and not be permitted to pass out till his time is ended4 ,as the term1 hard labor1 is not defined1 it must be determined by the common custom of workmen at the same or similar business outside4 ,so say the judges again4 ,to illustrate3 if ten hours constitute a day's work with these1 so with the prisoners1--not twelve or fifteen4 ,again1 if1 in bedstead making1 turning one hundred posts1 in the one case1 is required for a day1 so in the other1 not one hundred and fifty or two hundred4 ,this laboring day after day1 during the specified number of years1 constitutes the hard labor in the meaning of the court4 ,the law assigns no further punishment to the imprisoned1 if duly submissive to wholesome prison rules4 ,but1 should he be stubborn1 refusing to perform his task1 or obey the regulations generally1 or should he rise in rebellion1 of necessity discretion must be left with the officers to use such means1 even to taking life1 as shall be essential in bringing the delinquent to subordination4 ,these means1 however1 may be limited by law1 as they are to a great degree in our ,state1 and are ever to be used as humanity dictates4 ,what rights does the ,state take from the criminal in imprisoning8 ,she takes from him the right to live and act outside of prison walls1 to be a master to himself inside1 and to receive his earnings as his own4 ,these constitute the sum total4 ,as he had used his liberty and the mastery of himself to the public damage1 she justly steps in1 deprives him of the one and takes upon herself the other1 thereby assuming the guardianship over him during the specified time4 ,she takes his earnings as a compensation1 so far as they will go1 for his damage and expense to community1 and as an important element in his punishment4 ,she becomes his guardian for the purpose of so educating him that1 on going out1 he shall live an upright1 harmless life4 ,what rights remain to the imprisoned8 ,there is a wide range1 a long list of these1 which the ,state does not pretend to cut off or interfere with1 such as the right to suitable food1 clothing1 lodging1 ventilation1 drainage1 care in sickness or infirmity3 in a word1 to what will tend to corporeal vigor2 the right to means for mental1 moral and religious culture1 or what will tend to the development in him of true manhood4 ,if this is not so1 which right is cut off or curtailed8 and where is the law that does it8 ,what duties does the ,state take upon herself in thus imprisoning8 ,these are of two classes1 one relating particularly to herself1 and the other to the imprisoned4 ,duty to herself is done1 #ast1 in protecting society from the crimes of the imprisoned1 which she does by imprisoning2 #bnd1 in keeping the criminal diligently at work1 thereby obtaining pecuniary compensation1 so far as can be1 for her trouble and expense on his account2 #c;d1 in using all feasible efforts for rubbing off the rust of sin1 washing away the corruption of iniquity1 found in those taken in charge1 and making of them true men1--good1 industrious1 honest1 upright citizens4 ,the latter part is of the highest moment1 far exceeding all considerations of mere dollars and cents1 drawing as much real manhood as possible from the material put in her hands4 ,if she takes one who is dangerous to society1 and works in him an entire reform1 she accomplishes a work in comparison with which gold and silver will weigh but little4 ,making men is the high mission of the prison1 and the ,state can not be regarded as having performed anything like her whole duty1 till she has used every feasible means to this great end4 ,the duty of the ,state to the prisoner is performed by securing to him what he needs in his corporeal1 mental1 moral and religious departments4 ,if she withholds in any of these1 so far she becomes delinquent towards the imprisoned1 a violator of his rights just as really as he had been a violator of others' rights when in his wild career of sinning4 ,more than this4 ,in such withholding she becomes chargeable with real cruelty4 ,for she has put the man in a state where he can not supply his own needs1 and1 if she neglects them1 he must suffer4 ,this is surely a grave matter1 one which should be looked to with the utmost care2--a place where the ,state can afford to be highly generous rather than expose herself to a suspicion of such a wrong4 ,what are the proper means of reform8 ,among these will be found1 the ,state guardianship1 the labor system1 strict discipline1 kind treatment1 stimulating hope1 mental1 moral and religious culture4 ,the ,state guardianship will tend to form in the convict the habit of duly regarding the rights of others and of looking up1 with respect1 to wise and beneficent direction2 the labor system1 that of uniform industry1 of profitably employing the time instead of in idle indulgencies2 strict discipline1 that of cheerful submission to wholesome rules1 regardful of the principles of right4 ,kind treatment will tend to inspire the recipients with confidence in the sincerity of the reform efforts used1 trust in the proffered friendship1 and an assurance of success in struggles for good4 ,stimulating hope will rouse the better nature to action and secure confidence in overseers4 ,cultivating the intellect will prepare one intelligently to conduct himself in the affairs of life1 and open to him sources of satisfaction far above those of his former life4 ,moral culture will arouse controlling ideas of the bounds of human rights1 and the importance of observing them4 ,the religious cultivation1 having been made through deep conviction of sin1 resulting in a hatred to wrong and a love for good1 will lay a broad and deep foundation for a life of right4 ,let these means be honestly and efficiently used1 and they will most powerfully influence to ways of goodness4 ,none of them can be spared4 ,each is a link in the chain which will be mighty to elevate the fallen4 ,and if one can not be reformed by them1 it is proof positive that he ought not to be at large4 ,what kind of prison officers are essential8 ,they should be of good moral character1 ever setting proper examples before the prisoners1 humanely disposed1 capable of complete self-control1 alive to efforts for reforming the inmates4 ,those more especially charged with the administration of affairs will need1 in addition1 to be good disciplinarians1 studying the peculiarities of each and endeavoring to heal the weaknesses of mind4 ,the warden should possess great breadth of mind and force of character2 be capable of bringing to his work large heart power2 patient1 yet decided2 abounding with humane instincts1 yet capable of using sterner means when essential2 ever keeping wisdom at the helm1 using true discretion1 and be controlled by a strong desire for the highest good of all4 ,he will be intent on studying how to address reform means to each with a view to the greatest success4 ,at the same time he should look well to the true pecuniary interests of the institution4 ,the chaplain should be truly a man of ,god1 enabled to bring large mental1 moral and religious force to his duties1 and alive1 heart and soul1 to the great work of raising up those under his care and presenting them to the world redeemed and saved4 #ca4 ,the commutation system4 ,this is a system established by legislative enactment a few years since2 on condition of good behavior and a faithful performance of duty in one1 to grant him a specified shortening in his term of sentence1 and complete restoration to citizenship4 ,it was really interesting to witness the effect of this provision on the convicts1 stimulating as it did their hope1 and leading them to do the best they could to obtain this much coveted boon4 ,the case of one will illustrate this feeling4 ,he had been in the solitary1 but did not seem to mind his sufferings there in the least4 ,his great anxiety was whether he should lose his commutation4 ,he suffered no little in mind in this respect4 ,indeed1 every day gave us a clear exhibition of the influence this system had over the inmates' minds for good1 helping the officers greatly in keeping order in their efforts at reform4 ,now1 if hope could be thus stimulated1 and that to such great advantage1 by this simple provision1 what might not be accomplished by following more largely the same line of policy1 that is1 the hope-stimulating line8 #cb4 ,chaplain's proposed attempt at tobacco reform4 ,the chaplain made this proposition to the governor and council3 ,put the prisoners on their option as to tobacco using with the condition that any who will disuse it1 receive1 once a month1 or quarter1 as the case may be1 the amount thus saved in money1 to be kept funded in the bank for him to receive1 on certain conditions as to time1 c41 after his release4 ,this proposition was made with at least four prominent objects in view4 ,the first was to convert as many as could be from tobacco using2 the second1 to give an additional stimulus to hope among the prisoners2 the third1 to create an interest in the men in looking after money matters1 a care for small items2 and1 fourth1 to help them form the habit of saving and laying up4 ,this privilege was1 of course1 to be granted on condition of good behavior1 and therefore as effective as could be toward prison order4 ,the proposer conceived that here was an element of great power for good to the prison and ,state4 ,this forming a habit1 in the former careless one1 of looking particularly into the smallest items of money1 with carefully saving and laying up1 might work an entire revolution in more than one1 leading them to habits of honest industry and thrift1 an immense gain to the individual and the community4 ,but the rulers did not see fit to heed the proposal4 ,if they had1 no doubt quite a large number of the prisoners would have adopted the plan4 ,,the ,,prison ,,chaplaincy ,,part ,,ii4 ,under the ,punitive and ,money-making ,system4 #a4 ,warden chosen1 and new arrangements for the chaplain4 ,some weeks of the new year had passed1 when the warden's place was filled by the choice of ,j4 ,c4 ,pillsbury1 of ,concord4 ,report said that the delay had been by reason of a division of sentiment on the case in the council chamber4 ,i directly waited on the new incumbent1 at his office1 to arrange for my duties4 ,he seemed to feel that he had been put there for correcting important abuses that had grown up in the prison management1 in what particular department ,i did not learn4 ,but he laid out my work as follows3 ,chaplain1 we will have the meetings held in the chapel as heretofore2 that is1 the males assemble ,sabbath mornings at nine and enjoy the same exercises as usual1 none else to be admitted except at my special invitation2 ,sabbath school continue ,sabbath afternoons1 and ,i will select such teachers as ,i think best4 ,wednesday evening prayer meetings to continue1 ,i inviting in some of the religious men of the city to help carry them on1 and not a prisoner be allowed to open his head in them4 ,these fellows are here to be punished4 ,they must not be called men1 but criminals1 for such they are4 ,such in substance was my programme1 on which this colloquy followed between myself and warden3 ,warden1 you did not speak of admitting the female prisoners to the ,sabbath worship in the chapel4 ,no1 ,i don't purpose to admit any females to that service4#a ,footnote #a3 ,i understood his objection to be1 that the sight of a woman is demoralizing to a prisoner4 ,but we can have a screen so arranged1 that the women can not be seen by the men1 though assembled as formerly1 and ,i will be at the labor and expense of fitting it4 ,no1 ,i won't have a woman in the chapel4 ,but do not the rules require the warden to assemble the females as well as males in the chapel ,sabbath mornings for worship8 ,oh1 ,i call the women's work-room their chapel4 ,but1 if ,i am to hold a service with the women in their work-room after the chapel service1 it will double my labors1 and then not be as interesting and useful to them as if hearing the discourse with the speaker fresh and unfatigued4 ,i don't ask you to hold a second service with the women1 for giving them a sermon4 ,only go into their room any time in the week1 some evening if more convenient1 and offer prayer1 and that will be all sufficient4 ,how about commencing the school in the chapel8 ,oh1 ,i can't have anything to do with that1 we are so tired1 when night comes1 with our other duties4 ,thus matters were before me4 ,what a cutting off6 ,the question would be1 ,is this cutting off a part of the proposed correction of prison abuses8 ,no secular school1 no religious instruction of note to the female prisoners1 and the screws put upon our prayer meeting so tightly as to render them of but little account to the prisoners4 ,as to the latter1 ,i felt that1 could the prisoners enjoy the privilege of taking part in them as previously1 having only the warden1 guards and myself present1 it would be preferable to the new plan4 ,this ,i proposed1 to which the warden finally assented1 and that from the fact1 as ,i supposed1 that it would rid him of so much outside attendance4 ,this then was gained1 though the other points remained immovably fixed4 ,i understood the warden to remark1 ,it is of no use for the chaplain to preach and labor with a hope of reforming these prisoners1 for they can't be reformed4 ,then this expression1 as of his saying1 was told me1--,i will break up that ,methodist camp meeting at the prison4 ,what did the assertion mean8 ,was it a slur on our previous religious efforts8 ,or was it indicative of a shortening of our religious privileges8 ,we had1 at no time1 any rush at our meetings1 but few being admitted for want of room4 ,a small number had attended and helped in our prayer meetings1 more in the ,sabbath school4 ,all denominations were alike interested in the matter4 ,indeed1 we had no denomination about it4 ,i brought the matter of the school and that of the females assembling in the chapel for worship to the notice of the governor1 but the warden prevailed4 #b4 ,chaplain almost resolved to resign1 but decides to continue and arrange his work4 ,thus things put on so forbidding an aspect in every way1 that it did not seem that ,i could accomplish any further good at the prison4 ,true1 ,i could draw my salary with almost nothing to do1 the name go out that the institution had a chaplain1 but being expected to drift on with the current1 whichever way it might set1 and at the end make up a glowing report of the prison doings and success1 no matter what the facts might be4 ,but my feelings rebelled at such an idea1 and ,i thought1 for a time1 that ,i must resign1 and almost resolved upon the step4 ,then the question would arise1 ,is it right to leave those who have appeared so earnest to improve and reform8 ,something said1 ,no4 ,friends1 too1 learning my feelings on the subject1 said decidedly that ,i must remain at the post4 ,i was in a hard place4 ,there were the sentiments as uttered above1 then the general spirit manifested1 speaking louder than words1 that reform moves are all interlopers in prison1 having no sort of business here4 ,after looking the ground carefully over in my mind and thinking of all the connections1 ,i saw that1 by a greatly increased amount of labor1 ,i could furnish the prisoners with a partial substitute for the chapel school4 ,i had a right to visit them in the privacy of their cells1 from morn till the hour for retiring in the evening4 ,i could therefore hear their recitations there separately4 ,no one could justly complain of this4 ,hence1 ,i decided to remain1 and laid out my work thus3--,sabbath1 usual service with the men from nine to ten1 and services in the women's work-room till eleven2 then in the hospital with ,jones1 the murderer1 and others as their cases allow1 till twelve2 ,sabbath school services in the afternoon1 besides visiting cells as much as possible2 on other days1 to spend noon and evenings visiting the cells in turn1 hearing recitations and imparting instruction in the common school branches2 besides changing the books ,saturdays1 as already1 to change them at any other time when called for4 ,thus ,i voluntarily undertook three times as much real hard work for the prisoners as my duty had previously demanded4 ,the new order seemed to render it imperative1 for ,i could do nothing in the educational line without it4 #c4 ,cells cleared of trinket-making and tracts4 ,the former warden was accustomed to distribute tracts among the prisoners4 ,he also1 by the assent of the government over him1 had allowed the men1 who desired it1 to employ their otherwise idle moments by making small trinkets1 as hair chains1 paper folders1 tooth-picks and small fancy boxes in imitation of what was done in certain other prisons1 thereby1 as was supposed1 securing greater contentment and better order among the men4 ,the new warden condemned all this as a great violation of good prison order4 ,the candles1 also1 were condemned1 and everything of the kind1 with all the writing material or waste paper found in the cells1 was removed1 the spoils carefully measured1 and the number of bushels sent the rounds of the papers as an evidence of the former abuses in this prison and of his labors to correct them4 ,i asked if the prisoners did not need to have the waste paper1 at least1 remain4 ,oh1 said he1 they will look out for that themselves4 ,i could not then see how1 but subsequently learned1 much to the cost of the ,state4 #d4 ,necessity for the chaplain's undertaking what he did4 ,this necessity arose1 not simply from the demands of the inmates for educational and reformatory means1 but also from considerations of good prison order4 ,true1 the warden had the vanity to think he could control the men in whatever way he might undertake4 ,the show of his cane would be sufficient for any emergency4 ,but there was human nature in the prison as well as out1 and1 from the circumstances1 it would be strange if it did not show itself4 ,by taking away the prisoners' educational privileges1 and the various articles referred to1 much idle time would be left4 ,how would this be employed8 ,these men would naturally feel angry at being deprived of what they had enjoyed so long1 and prized4 ,this now unemployed time would give them ample opportunity for studying means of revenge1 and some would no doubt turn their acumen in that direction4 ,if a prisoner had any smartness1 he would feel1 from the circumstances1 almost impelled to give vent to mischief1 and thereby make as much trouble as possible4 ,but1 could ,i step in1 and1 by dint of effort1 keep those minds agreeably occupied1 ,i should do so much towards helping the warden to the desired subordination and order4 ,no previous time in my prison experience seemed to demand so great efforts in that direction as now4 ,hence1 duty appeared calling me to step forward1 as ,i did4 #e4 ,new phase at the prison1 and the chaplain's efforts4 ,the first ,sabbath morning came for chapel worship under the new order1 and a sadder appearing company ,i never met1 their countenances being expressive of anxiety and gloom commingled4 ,the singing dragged1 the instrument standing voiceless1 as the one who had usually made it speak1 was of the sex here proscribed1 and the warden had not found another to take her place4 ,it was hard preaching1 for these once earnest hearers seemed to have hearts too full for hearing4 ,but ,i endeavored to give words of hope1 and to direct their minds to a heavenly ,father who will ever carry his trusting children through the scenes they are called to pass4 ,of course ,i could make no allusion to present circumstances1 or appear to recognize any change in the surroundings2 but somehow ,i could not call the hearers criminals4 ,i pursued the usual course1 addressing them as men1 or friends1 or perhaps brothers1 for ,i was occasionally guilty of all that2 but the word criminal never hung on my lips when addressing the inmates on subjects of improvement4 ,in my view1 such a course would have been like attempting to light a fire by applying the match with one hand and dashing on water with the other4 ,at the close of our services1 as the warden1 in his peculiar way1 was giving some of his orders1 ,i could see the crimson flush on more than one cheek1 indicative of the feelings stirred within1 the character of which ,i could only conjecture4 ,one of his assertions was1 as ,i understood it1 thus3 ,i am warden here now4 ,the days of bouquets and flowers are played out here1 and more in the same vein4 ,in the women's room the countenances were not so anxious4 ,they rather liked this part of the change1 for it would free them from the task of preparing1 ,sabbath mornings1 to appear in public4 ,still1 anxiety was not entirely wanting4 ,sabbath school was this day omitted1 as the warden had not obtained his corps of teachers4 ,on going my rounds for private counsel to the men in their cells1 ,i found1 in most cases1 gloom and discouragement1 they having generally heard of the warden's disbelief in their reform4 ,it was really wonderful to witness the change a few days had wrought in the moral aspect of the prison4 ,a frost in ,june would not make a greater change on the face of nature4 ,i could but ask myself1 ,why are things thus8 ,at what are our rulers aiming8 ,i went to each with all the cheer ,i could1 exhorting them not to indulge in these downcast feelings1 but to look upward with hope1 and gave them the assurance that their educational privileges1 as well as religious1 would be continued1 only with some change in their application1 and pointed out in brief the manner1 saying that each could advance in study as rapidly as in his power4 ,if any referred to their cell amusements being taken away1 ,i met them with the remark1--,don't trouble about that4 ,you shall be furnished with all the books you can read and study1 and ,i will hear your recitations4 ,in this way1 your time can be pleasantly and profitably occupied1 perhaps making you the gainers4 ,a few of these former trinket workers became more interested in their studies1 but the most could not1 by reason of their sight1 thus being left to endure their privation as best they could4 ,when one would refer to his discouragement on account of the warden's disbelief in reform1 ,i would meet him thus1 ,you are to look only to yourself and your ,god in this matter4 ,what a fellow mortal believes or disbelieves concerning you is of no account4 ,you have the power to go on in the right and be a good man4 ,i know you have1 and others who are good and true1 men upon whose views we can all rely1 also know it4 ,what matter if the warden does think as you suppose8 ,it is only his opinion4 ,he wishes you to do well1 and will be glad if you succeed in the right4 ,but1 should you turn back1 it will confirm his views that you can not reform4 ,you will meet with harder things than this in life1 yet must not think of yielding the struggle1 let what will arise4 ,these efforts tended materially to lift the cloud from the prisoners' minds1 and give them more hope4 ,it really gladdened the hearts of many to learn that the privileges1 which they had come to love so well and esteem so highly1 were still to be theirs4 #f4 ,s4 school commences4 ,the next ,sabbath the ,s4 ,s4 was resumed4 ,nearly the usual number were present4 ,a few ,christian gentlemen from the city were teachers1 a sufficient number to guard each prisoner and see that nothing contraband passed4 ,these were good men1 some having long been laborers in the school4 ,on the whole1 things appeared more encouraging than on the ,sabbath previous4 ,that frosty appearance had in a measure departed1 though it was by no means wholly gone4 #g4 ,the warden's views considered4 ,the idea that prisoners can not be reformed is contrary to ,scripture1 history1 and experience4 ,the former gives the assurance that the vilest1 the chief of sinners1 those whose sins are as scarlet or crimson1 may be saved4 ,then history deals in facts where such have been radically reformed1 and have become good men4 ,some who were once in prison are now upright1 industrious citizens4 ,hence1 the assertion shows lack of confidence in ,scripture assurances and historical knowledge4 ,but one asks1 ,do you think it possible to reform all1 or a large proportion of prisoners8 ,we can assume it of those here as of the world in general4 ,whether out of or in prison1 we are to sow the seed1 and some will germinate4 ,we must work1 use all right appliances1 and leave the event with ,god1 not knowing which shall prosper1 this or that4 ,again1 the objection comes3 ,prisoners will be often hypocritical1 profess goodness from sinister motives1 pretending to have reformed for a time1 and then become as bad as ever4 ,admit all this4 ,but are not just such traits found in the world all about us8 ,where are there more wicked wretches than some outside the prison1 who have put on the livery of heaven to serve the devil in8 ,what meaner men inhabit ,god's earth than some who have succeeded in working themselves into the church1 and can boast of coming to the communion regularly8 ,how many profess and fall away on every hand1 yes1 sink deeper in corruption than before6 ,the fact is1 this pretended argument to the disadvantage of the prisoner is all a sham4 ,the prison1 if rightly conducted1 possesses certain means of reform1 which can not be had outside4 ,to illustrate3 ,here is a young man1 who has never entered a school-house1 or a place of worship1 but has spent his time with vicious companions and in vicious habits4 ,he falls into prison1 where his home is a cell and silence his constant companion4 ,here he is removed from his former surroundings and opportunities for sinful indulgence4 ,the loneliness and tedium of his condition soon become unendurable4 ,he must1 in some way1 have relief4 ,but no means lie within his reach except those connected with reform appliances4 ,to these he is forced1 by the pressure of his nature1 to resort1 simply for self-gratification1 which he can find in hearing the human voice and in the connected exercises4 ,he hears truth which he had never heard before1 but which is permitted to fall on his mind with its full weight4 ,he is thus led to reflect1 repents of his sins1 and becomes really a reformed man1 a brand plucked from the burning4 ,the tendency of things1 then1 in a properly conducted prison1 is reformatory4 ,therefore1 let ours be managed on that principle1 and all in our ,state1 worthy of such a place1 be there assigned for the requisite time1 and1 no doubt1 one good1 devoted1 wide-awake man could do them more good than they now receive from all the religious means and labors outside put together4 ,the sight of a woman is demoralizing to a prisoner4 ,the reader will readily understand in what respect4 ,if this be true1 what a demoralized class must be our grown up1 unmarried sons1 our bachelors and widowers1 with women constantly in sight4 ,then how wickedly does the warden himself proceed in taking certain of his men among the women to work2 and in permitting women and girls dressed up in their finery to perambulate freely about the shops and buildings in sight of the men4 ,but1 it is answered1 the men are not allowed to look at visitors4 ,true1 but not being allowed is one thing1 and not looking is quite another4 ,if any man can make himself believe that1 when a woman is conducted right into the presence of a prisoner1 he will not obtain a sight of her1 he possesses more credulity than falls to the common lot of men4 ,the fact is1 visitors about the shops are seen by the prisoners and thought of and talked about by them1 no matter who pretends to the contrary4 ,every one knows this1 who knows anything of a prison1 let him say what he will4 ,then why select one spot1 the chapel on the ,sabbath1 as a place where the sight of a woman is to be branded as a most polluting sin1 and no objection raised to her being seen elsewhere almost daily and hourly8 ,consistency is a jewel4 ,if the sight of a woman is so demoralizing to a man confined in prison1 how demoralized must he speedily become on leaving and meeting them everywhere6 ,and what sinners prison managers in numerous other ,states have become through admitting women to moral labors in their institutions6 ,what egregious sinning on the part of that ,state which employs a woman as chaplain of its prison1 and she permitted to go freely from cell to cell in her ministrations of mercy6 ,in the army1 in hospitals1 or whatever place men are found needy and dependent1 true women are freely admitted as ministering angels1 with no thought of demoralization4 ,yes1 the world lauds the heroism and devotion of many of these in poetry and song4 ,so far as ,i could learn1 the influence of the women in the chapel did not produce the effect alleged4 ,i inquired of some on this point1 at the time of their leaving1 and solicited the real truth4 ,take the answer of an intelligent young man1 one whom ,i have no doubt is sincere and reliable1--,the influence on my feelings were not in a wrong direction1 but wholly to the contrary4 ,i should have been ashamed of myself at indulging an impure thought towards that lady under whose care ,i was so long in the ,sabbath school4 ,i rather felt humbled and filled with gratitude1 that she should condescend to take me1 a poor1 wicked prisoner1 not able to read or write1 and labor so patiently and persistently to help me to what ,i now am1 redeemed1 ,i trust1 and made a different man1 largely through her labors4 ,they were her words of hope and assurance which first stimulated me with the idea of an earnest effort to rise from what ,i was4 ,the fact is1 some men have their passions and will think1 whether seeing any of the other sex or not2 and more or less are inclined to deeds of wrong4 ,but1 in the opinion of our best minds1 the true course to pursue is1 to admit judicious ladies1 those of character and influence1 to help in labors of reform4 ,motives of safety required the cell clearing4 ,this was the pretended reason1 but could not have been the real one1 according to the warden's own words4 ,one day1 in passing along the cells with company1 he remarked1 ,gentlemen1 vigilance1 vigilance1 is the only safety here6 ,lock me in one of those cells1 and ,i would walk out in half an hour4 ,there is no safety in this prison but in the watchfulness of the guard4 ,this being true1 the small articles which the warden found in the cells could make no difference in regard to safety1 therefore1 their removal must have been from other motives4 #h4 ,chaplain's restrictions4 ,these were not given at once and in detail1 but were learned by experience4 ,one afternoon1 the prisoners being in the shop1 ,i took the key1 as sometimes before1 when needful1 to enter the chapel by the south door1 where there could have been no possible danger had the men been passing to their cells2 having gone a few steps1 ,i heard the voice of the warden calling out1 sternly1--,chaplain1 here1 what are you doing with that key8 ,i informed him1 and received the reply1 ,bring that key right back4 ,you must not touch a key4 ,quietly obeying1 ,i returned the article and never touched it again1 thinking1 ,if he will speak out to me as an irritated father to a vexatious boy1 what can be expected for the prisoners8 ,he had a perfect right to require me not to use the key1 and ,i had a right to a gentlemanly treatment4 ,i uttered not a word1 though ,i could not help thinking4 ,afterwards when needing to enter the chapel1 ,i must ask a guard1 perhaps a mere boy1 to go and unlock and lock the door for me1 which seemed really ludicrous4 ,shortly after1 ,i heard the warden speaking of his enormous burden in the line of watchfulness1--,i have to watch not only the prisoners to keep them right1 but also the workmen1 overseers1 guards1 steward1 physician and chaplain4 ,at another time ,i asked him to change the position of a class in the ,sabbath school to accommodate the singing1 and received an answer not so insolent in tone as before1 but1 with the connected circumstances1 equally clear for me to understand that ,i must propose no move1 make no suggestion whatever about the school1 leaving everything in that line to him4 ,i could open and close the school and hear also those not otherwise provided for4 ,again1 finding a man in his cell with no lesson1 he having broken his glasses1 ,i passed them to the deputy to be repaired4 ,days passed1 and no glasses were returned4 ,meeting the warden1 ,i alluded to the matter4 ,he replied1 ,chaplain1 ,i would have you know that when a man needs anything1 he must speak of it to the deputy or to me4 ,you have no business with these things4 ,to my inquiry1 ,am ,i to understand that now1 after speaking to you about the glasses1 and putting them in the deputy's hands1 the man must speak to one of you himself1 before they can be returned8 he answered1 ,certainly4 ,hence1 on my next round1 ,i said to the owner1 ,please speak to the warden or deputy about your glasses1 and they will return them1 probably1 all right1 not giving him the least hint as to how matters really stood1 though ,i could but think1 ,here is red-tapeism with a vengeance2 not permitted to speak of anything in my own department4 ,waiting for a time1 and thinking that neither law nor gospel would object to my lending him my own1 this ,i did1 which he used until liberated4 ,true1 after some weeks1 glasses were brought him1 in which1 however1 he could not see4 ,thus ,i was effectively taught my bounds1 to touch nothing about the prison but my books1 to suggest no change any way1 and to bring nothing to the warden1 or deputy1 about a prisoner1 which bounds ,i was ever careful to observe4 ,there was an attendant rule to this red tapeism1 as ,i understood it1 that bore hard on the prisoners1--that one must ask for a thing but once4 ,some would ask me to help them to an article1 when ,i would say1 ,you must go with that to the deputy1 or warden4 ,they replied1 ,i have1 with the promise of it1 but it does not come4 ,or1 perhaps1 ,i ventured to ask the second time1 and received the stern reply1 ',don't you ever mention that to me1 again4' ,a forlorn condition this1--the ,state placing her wards helplessly under a man who is not to be reminded of a request1 which had slipped his mind1 perhaps1 through the multiplicity of business4 ,surely1 such a man should be very considerate and particularly careful about attending to the needs of his dependents4 ,the lessons taught me1 the spirit manifested with all the surroundings1 gave me to understand that ,i must walk in everything with the utmost circumspection or be mercilessly dealt with4 ,true1 ,i had ever labored to do all things in my prison management just as ,i should1 ever acting with an eye single to the best prison order2 but circumstances now evidently demanded of me a double care1 that my every step should not only be right but appear right1 and no shadow of grounds for complaint be any way found4 #i4 ,prisoners' ,aid ,association4 ,in the spring of '#gj1 a company of ladies and gentlemen organized under the ,n4 ,h4 statutes into a corporate body by this title1 to hold its annual meeting in the city of ,concord1 the second ,tuesday of each ,june1 the avowed purpose being to aid the discharged convicts by proper advice1 and help them to places of labor without delay1 where they may enjoy the needed society privileges1 guardian care1 and a general influence in favor of their best success1 paying for them such small bills as may be necessary for this purpose4 ,the legislature of that season voted the ,association three hundred dollars1 to aid it in its benevolent work1 ,i being appointed agent for that purpose4 #aj4 ,complaint of prison hunger4 ,late in the summer1 a man1 leaving prison1 complained that the prison living was not as good as that of the past year1 the rations being poorer in quality1 and less in quantity2 that1 at times1 he had really so suffered with hunger that he could not sleep at night4 ,i questioned him carefully1 and he appeared honest in his statements1 still1 this being the first ,i had heard of such complaints1 ,i would not form an opinion from this assertion1 for he might be telling the story to injure the warden4 ,but he gave this account here and there in the city1 so that it was circulated widely4 ,a lady1 as she asserts1 asked the prison physician if the rations had been reduced1 and he replied that they had to some extent4 ,the reader will understand1 that while ,i had no right to converse with the inmates about their food1 and other like subjects1 and did not while they were there confined1 yet1 when they had been released and become citizens1 nothing lay in the way of my freely conversing with them on all matters as with others4 #aa4 ,chaplain's object in hearing from released prisoners and others4 ,this object was purely to learn the true working of things1 and thus be prepared to conduct myself understandingly in all my prison duties4 ,i had served a year under a certain system1 studying with care its workings and effects on the men1 and had now entered service under one that seemed measurably different1 the operations of which1 also1 ,i ought to comprehend4 ,i would1 therefore1 listen to those who were released1 study what might come to hand in this way1 from personal observation in official intercourse1 or from reading authors1 and use whatever hints were gained1 to the best advantage4 ,but one says1 ,those fellows from prison will lie4 ,grant that4 ,grant that here are twenty of the greatest liars in the ,state about to leave prison in course4 ,but they have no opportunity1 while there1 for mutual conversation and planning a particular story to tell on leaving2 nor do they even know of having an opportunity1 outside1 to talk with me or any particular one4 ,they severally leave their confinement1 each giving account of his experience1 which ,i put down4 ,on looking these carefully over1 a line of substantial agreement is found running through the whole4 ,we cut off whatever1 in any1 seems essentially deviating4 ,but every judge in the land will admit that that general line contains the truth4 ,this illustrates my course of procedure1 and my grounds for believing prisoners4 ,then1 again1 where one voluntarily1 without my alluding to the matter1 gave me an account of a subject1 part of which ,i knew to be correct1 ,i had every reason to believe the remainder was correct1 also4 #ab4 ,b4 and ,e4's request1 and the connected abuse4 ,these men1 before spoken of1 had become much interested in the moral and religious instruction given by those lady friends1 ,mrs4 ,e4 and ,d41 to whom they had been introduced in the manner already pointed out4 ,request was extended to the warden that they might have the privilege of corresponding1 but he peremptorily refused2 why1 none could conceive1 though some would contend that the reason must be found in the vindictive1 for the correspondence was to go through the usual channel and be open to his own inspection1 that1 had anything objectionable appeared1 he could have suppressed it1 or stopped the whole correspondence4 ,those ladies were capable of writing excellent letters1 letters by which any right-minded man would be benefited1 the warden himself being judge4 ,i have no doubt that should he meet some of their productions1 unaware of their authorship1 he would pronounce them of a superior character1 and say that the more of such writings the prisoners can have to read1 the better4 ,the men did not ask for a personal interview with those ladies1 but simply their words2 words which would stimulate them to higher aims1 and enable them the better to endure the trials of prison life4 ,the warden possessed the right1 if he chose to exercise it1 to interdict this correspondence wholly4 ,but ,i protest that he had no right to defame those ladies1 villify their character1 and speak of them to those men1 and to prison visitors from whatever part of the country1 as those mean women1 those base women1 those low women4 ,as before stated1 they were ladies with the best of characters1--earnest ,christian workers1 invited to the interviews by the mother and warden1 and always having them in the presence of the latter4 ,these visits were for a most praiseworthy purpose4 ,if it is ever right for a high-minded1 upright1 ,christian lady to call on the fallen for the purpose of helping them rise from their degraded state1 those ladies are to be commended for the efforts they made in behalf of those prisoners4 ,but these men were forced to suffer no little abuse in relation to those visits1--not by fellow prisoners1 understand4 ,they were taunted in the most vulgar1 low1 indecent language4 ,one day it went so far with one1 that he became aroused beyond endurance1 and replied1 ,you know that is a ---- ---- lie1 filling the blanks with two most profane words as qualifying lie4 ,on my next round he told me his trouble1 what he had said1 how he was being assailed1 and that he probably must relinquish all idea of being any better4 ,i replied1 ,don't you understand what all this is for8 ,it is the work of ,satan1 for your destruction4 ,they would excite you to anger and turn you to your old life of profanity and wickedness2 if possible1 sink you as low as ever4 ,you have but one course to pursue1 and that is1 to pay no attention to them4 ,let them say what they may1 give it no more notice than the idle wind4 ,be sure and not suffer yourself to become irritated1 or say a word in return1 and they will probably leave you4 ,but if not1 endure it patiently1 and pray ,god to forgive what you have done amiss and keep you in the future4 ,in following this course1 he succeeded better4 #ac4 ,alleged prison conspiracy4 ,the next one who left made no complaint of the living1 he had been sick and received all the food he desired1 but he asserted that trouble was brewing at the prison2 that they were planning to kill the warden4 ,i made light of the idea as something of his own conjuring up1 that the prisoners would not undertake such a matter4 ,finally he said1 ,mark my words1 ,chaplain1 there will be blood shed over there within a month4 ,this man was a singular genius1 and ,i thought he might wish to start such a story to nettle the warden4 ,besides1 they were as vigilant as possible at the prison1 and the inmates would find them alert1 should they attempt to rise4 ,from all considerations1 ,i thought it not worth while to speak of the case to any4 ,still1 it would do no harm to prepare and deliver a discourse from the text1 ,vengeance is mine and ,i will repay1 saith the ,lord1 designing to show the impolicy of attempting to take vengeance into one's own hands1 and that vengeance should be left for ,god to repay4--,the discourse was given1 and things passed on as usual1 no signs of an outbreak appearing1 and ,i finally gave the matter up as one of the man's imaginings4 ,but1 the next spring1 one of the prisoners1 when leaving1 alluded to a combination of a number1 the year previous1 and said considerable preparation for the work had been made1 but after hearing that ,sabbath's discourse1 so many abandoned the project that the leaders had to relinquish their effort4 ,this was repeated in substance by another4 ,hence1 after all1 it appeared that what the first man said may have been true1 and that1 possibly1 my poor labors may have been of service to the warden1 perhaps saved his life4 ,certainly1 ,i did what ,i could4 #ad4 ,national ,prison ,reform ,congress4 ,in ,october this body assembled for deliberation at ,cincinnati1 ,o41 it being the first gathering of the kind4 ,delegates were present from a large number of the ,united ,states1 also from the ,british ,provinces and ,south ,america1 but ,i was the only one from ,new ,hampshire4 ,the great1 central ideas pervading the body were the finding of the best method of prison management and how to introduce this to general and uniform use4 ,all the subjects so earnestly grappled there1 would hinge around these4 ,the field was somewhat widely examined and much discussion awakened1--discussion earnest1 though courteous4 ,the religious element largely predominated1 and great harmony prevailed4 ,true1 an atheist attempted to throw in a firebrand by making a cat's paw of the ,jew1 but wholly failed1 not exciting a single remark in reply4 ,a ,u4 ,s4 judge was present1 several ,state judges1 a number of governors and ex-governors1 lawyers1 clergymen1 philanthropists in private life and prison officials1 showing that the move had taken strong hold of that class1 especially1 which will push it forward4 ,those prison officers present who had ever persisted in the knock-down argument of former generations1 were moved forward many years4 ,i thought of ,n4 ,h41 and wished that some of her fossils could have been present and become vitalized4 ,what a blessing it would be to the ,state6 ,the points considered and settled1 so far as that body could settle them1 were drawn up in thirty-seven articles for general distribution4 ,one set forth reform as the paramount object of imprisoning1 another1 that kindness and humane treatment should prevail in all prison management4 ,but the reader would be well repaid by sending for the ,transactions of the body1 a work of some seven hundred pages1 and carefully perusing it4 ,it will cost three dollars1 and is to be had of ,rev4 ,e4 ,c4 ,wines1 ,d4 ,d41 ,no4 #dh ,bible ,house1 ,n4 ,y4 ,the convention was not only pleasant in itself1 but also in its surroundings4 ,the city extended it a welcome through an excellent address by the ,mayor1 inviting the body to a dinner and visit to its public institutions and places of interest1 and furnishing coaches to convey the members4 ,it also provided a convenient hall for the sittings4 ,a number of the city societies also invited us to their gatherings4 ,this ,congress arranged for its perpetuity by becoming an incorporate body in some ,state and holding its sessions biennially4 ,this has been consummated by obtaining a charter in the ,state1 of ,new ,york1 ,ex-,governor ,seymour being ,president1 and ,rev4 ,e4 ,c4 ,wines1 ,cor4 ,secretary4 ,it also took incipient steps for an international congress to be held in ,london1 ,england1 choosing ,dr4 ,wines also as ,commissioner to carry the proposal into effect4 #ae4 ,money-making and punishing1 the paramount objects in our prison management4 ,for a time1 ,i had been at a loss about the real objects of the present manner of conducting prison affairs1 but it had become evident that money-making and punishing were those objects4 ,to the former the prison agent and warden seemed bending their united energies as best they could4 ,they would make a better exhibit of gains than ever before1 a great compliment to the one as a financier and to the other as a prison manager4 ,to this end1 they would bend their efforts in purchasing and disbursing1 having1 to appearance1 left all moral considerations out of the question4 ,i was informed that the warden said1 ,i will clear five thousand for the ,state this year1 if ,i have to use up every man in doing it4 ,then punishment was to go hand and hand with this gain making1 as the warden was reported as saying to the prisoners1 ,i mean to use you so that you will not wish to come back1 meaning1 of course1 usage beyond what the law and courts contemplate4 #af4 ,waste paper in the cells4 ,the warden's clearing the cells of this has been spoken of and a connected point1 ,i could not comprehend4 ,in the course of months1 all became clear4 ,the fly leaves of the library books1 and some of the other leaves1 were gone1 which told the story4 ,had it been the season previous1 ,i should have detected the matter sooner and stopped it1 but now ,i could not4 ,then1 when the general repairs were made to the library1 ,i found that many of the books had been lost1 to avoid which1 in the future1 ,i adopted a new method here1 of charging every book let out and crediting its return4 ,but this required no little increase of labor1 in consideration of which1 the former warden furnished me an assistant in the book charging and book inspection4 ,on two ,saturdays after the new warden came in1 ,i asked for the usual assistance1 but1 from what passed1 ,i found it best to ask no more for aid1 and decided to do the work myself as best ,i could1 continuing the account keeping1 however1 though with no possibility of the former inspection4 ,i supposed the warden desired me to curtail the book changing1 for1 passing the table one day1 loaded with books ready for the hall1 he said1 ,why1 chaplain1 the men don't need all those books4 ,my reply was1 ,they called for them all4 ,well1 said he1 they can not read them2 meaning1 as ,i took it1 that ,i should not furnish so many4 ,but ,i was particular to give out all called for1 a more generous supply1 it is true1 than formerly1 for the purpose of keeping the men engaged and quiet under his peculiar management4 #ag4 ,defective beds and bedding4 ,those iron cross bars to the bedsteads cut the straw1 hence the former warden made it a point to refill the beds once a quarter1 but the latter filled them perhaps once in six months4 ,indeed1 some would be neglected till nothing could be found in the bed-tick but a mass of chaff-like substance to which the straw had been reduced1 thus leaving the occupant with little besides the bare slats on which to sleep4 ,men would at times complain that1 from that cause1 they could obtain but little rest at night1 and were in the morning so sore and stiff that1 for a time1 it would be difficult for them to move4 ,during the fall they did not attend to the needed general mending and refitting of the old comfortables and bedspreads1 though some were ragged and filthy1 or worn so thin as to be but little better than so many strainers4 ,the cells on the lower floor were exceptions4 ,but few of these were used4 ,all the beds were kept well filled2 having good spreads1 sheets and pillow cases4 ,they made a few comfortables for these unused beds1 and indeed all these cells were kept in good order1 nicely dusted1 c41 and the doors were set open by day for visitors to admire4 ,hence1 ,i would hear them crying out1 ,how nice you keep things here6 ,what comfortable beds6 ,how neat6 ,i would think within1--not aloud1 for that would not do1--,o that you could look into those higher up4 ,you might cry out1 ',pig's nests6' ,these new comfortables were made only two-thirds the usual width1 answering well for an unused bed4 ,still ,i did occasionally see one on a bed in use4 ,as ,i was informed1 a gentleman from outside had a view of those upper cells1 the warden saying1 in excuse for their condition1 that he put the more slovenly in them1 those who would not keep their cells in order4 ,but the real truth of that matter is1 some of the neatest men occupied those higher cells intermingled with those not so neat1 the men being located as to their cells according to their position at work in the shop4 ,the sheets were so scarce as not to afford a full change for washing1 requiring some to use dirty sheets1 for a time1 from another's bed1 though less dirty than their own4 ,the former warden had been aiming to have1 so far as could be1 two suits to a man1 a common1 every day suit1 and one better for ,sabbaths1 c41 it being thought that this would tend to refine and elevate the prisoners4 ,hence1 he left them with a generous supply1 well fitted up4 ,but it would need more or less renewing and refitting in the fall1 which it did not receive1 but was made to answer by patching4 ,hence1 patched and ragged clothes would be of no uncommon occurrence1 as all became thin from long wear1 the under-clothing1 especially1 much needing repairs and renewing4 ,the main seamstress left the next ,april1 and told me that after this warden came in1 up to that time1 they had made one new suit and one other jacket1 the new suit for the ,newmarket murderer1 who was too large for any they had on hand4 #ah4 ,cracked wheat dinner4 ,in the fall1 there was much complaint among the prisoners that their ,monday dinner1 which they formerly prized as the best in the week1 had been changed to a dish that few liked and many could not eat4 ,it was boiled cracked wheat with a little meat chopped in1 no sauce or other relish upon it4 ,i mentioned the case to the doctor1 who said1 ,they purchased a quantity of potatoes1 half a peck of which ,i took to my house and cooked1 finding only one or two1 among the whole1 fit to put into the human stomach4 ,hence1 ,i looked over my army dietary1 found the cracked wheat answered a good purpose1 and proposed it here4 ,the potatoes were watery4 ,my attention had now been so loudly called to the prison living by the complaints of those liberated1 that ,i determined to observe for myself1 so far as opportunity might offer1 keeping my own counsel in this as in all other matters1 that ,i might be the better prepared to judge of the truthfulness of their stories4 ,notwithstanding the cracked wheat1 those potatoes were set before them4 ,if not at this meal1 they were at others1 but largely returned untouched4 ,the substituted dish would also be regularly returned by a large number4 ,but why purchase these potatoes not fit to be put into the human stomach8 ,true1 many such were in the market1 but there were good ones1 too1 though costing more money4 ,families in the city found no difficulty about obtaining a good article4 ,these1 of course1 came at a low figure1 favoring here1 as did everything else1 this money-making idea4 #ai4 ,bad fish1 c4 ,in the fall1 the agent informed me1 he had made for the state what he considered a great bargain1 in the purchase of between one and two tons of fish4 ,he said1 ,i found this in the hands of a man who had attempted to prepare it after a certain patent1 but had1 some way1 missed his point and could not sell it4 ,had he succeeded1 it would have brought thirteen cents a pound4 ,he offered it to me for three4 ,i took some to the prison1 and they said that they could use it1 hence1 ,i purchased the whole4 ,he further remarked1 that the article was covered with a reddish mold4 ,this1 ,i was informed1 is a sign of decay in fish4 ,he also alluded to the great reduction in price he obtained on his prison supply of molasses4--,it should be understood that this is used at all times in prison1 on bread1 as a substitute for butter4 ,after this1 those leaving prison had these additional grounds for complaint4 ,they complained1 also1 that the tobacco was very bad in quality and scant in quantity1 the very cheapest article4 ,one said that the scent of the fish carried into his cell at noon1 would not be gone on his return at night4 ,a woman1 a waiter on the prison family table at the time of the purchase of the fish1 informed me of its ordeal there4 ,nothing having been said to call her attention that way1 but of her own accord1 she said1 ,they bought a lot of bad fish at the prison1 and the warden would have some prepared for the family table4 ,he ate of it himself1 pronounced it good1 and wished the deputy1 guards and overseers to eat of it also2 but they would not1 though he offered one a dollar1 if he would4 ,now1 as this woman's story was true as to the purchasing of the article and its quality1 we have every reason to suppose it true in other respects4 ,one said of the cracked wheat1 that he could not force it down2 it would made him sick2 that others about him were similarly effected in their attempts to eat of the article4 #bj4 ,prison suffering from cold during the winter of '#gj '#ga4 ,from the character of the food and clothing1 the one not fitted to generate the needed supply of warmth within1 nor the other to give the requisite protection without1 the men1 to pass the rigors of winter1 especially such as that of '#gj and '#ga1 without suffering1 would need an unusually generous supply of artificial heat in the hall and shop4 ,but instead of that1 they were forced to experience the biting reality of a cutting off here1 too1 the place being too important for money-saving not to be used4 ,true1 it would cost something1 but the custom had been to keep the hall comfortable through cold weather4 ,early in the morning they would let the steam into the shop and have that warm when the men were ready to commence their work1 and keep it so during the day4 ,but a different policy had now been adopted4 ,the present fall had nearly passed and no steam had been admitted into these apartments at all1 the cook-room and reception-room drawing from the waste steam and engine boilers4 ,people outside had long been using fires constantly and freely4 ,at length1 a remark of the warden to company1 revealed the theory he was pretending then to act upon4 ,the temperature1 at the time1 was low in the hall1 and some excuse evidently appeared to be needful4 ,the remark was this3 ,i have not let the heat into this hall yet1 for ,i think it best to do with that as people ought to do with regard to under-clothing1 keep it off as late as possible in the fall1 and it will do them more good in winter4 ,and1 besides1 these stones were so heated up last summer1 that they have not become fully cooled yet4 ,what a happy thing for the men1 when shivering here1 as they do with the cold1 could they find some of that stored up heat1 thought ,i4 ,but they could not1 and hence were called to experience a severe foretaste of what lay before them in still colder weather4 ,but at length the hall boiler was set to work1 bringing warmth and gladness to the men4 ,and how cheerful and thankful they appeared6 ,it was really a comfort to witness their relief1 as ,i went about my labors4 ,this1 however1 was only for a few days1 for a great drain was being made upon the wood-pile1 incurring too large a draft upon the prison gains to be endured4 ,the boiler was stopped1 to be run no more for the winter1 dependence for heat here1 in the future1 to be had upon the steam1 waste or otherwise1 from the shop boilers1 and even that but sparingly4 ,the custom adopted was to let the steam into the hall pipes just before the men were to enter from work1 could it be spared from the cook room1 sometimes perhaps ten or fifteen minutes1 and then turned off early in the evening4 ,that1 of course1 could do but little good1 and hence a really keen atmosphere would at times be felt in the hall1 causing much suffering there4 ,how great the contrast to that of the office1 which was so warm that the occupants would be at work with coats off2 or the reception room1 where ,i would perspire in labor upon my books1 and enter the hall to find it much like going directly out of doors4 ,twice ,i thus took severe colds1 after which ,i usually wore an overcoat to this apartment during the severe weather4 ,when those keen nights came on1 some of the men would beg of me most pitiably for more bed-clothing1 asserting that they were suffering alive1 it sometimes seeming as though they must perish4 ,i could only direct them to the warden or deputy for this4 ,one said1 ,i have asked the warden1 who replied1 ',you have more clothes on your bed now than you ever had at home1' and passed on4 ,this man had one of those strainer-like spreads and another somewhat thicker1 doing well enough for early fall1 but not a suitable protection in such weather4 ,another said1 ,suffering so with cold that sleep is out of the question1 ,i arise1 dress1 wrap about me what bedding ,i have1 and walk my cell for the night1 in that way keeping as much as possible from suffering4 ,the first evening after hearing these earnest pleadings1 ,i met the steward and asked if he could not furnish these men with more clothing1 with the answer1 ,the fact is1 these fellows are down on the warden and determined to keep asking for something4 ,to which ,i replied1 ,they very much need more clothing1 and must greatly suffer without it4 ,he answered1 ,oh1 our soldiers in the army suffered a great deal more than these fellows do1 and you thought nothing of that4 ,the fact is1 you have too much feeling for these men4 ,i left1 with the remark1 ,i think we ought to have some humanity about us4 ,thus was the attempt made to plaster over this outrageous cruelty by alluding to events which could not1 in the very nature of things1 be avoided4 ,i say outrageous1 for there was bedding enough on those unused beds1 such as it was1 to have done something towards relieving this suffering1 but they would not permit them to have that4 ,then ,new ,hampshire possessed wood and water enough to keep that room comfortable4 ,if the boiler needed repairs1 workmen for doing that were at hand2 or1 if it needed renewing1 that could have been easily accomplished4 ,or they might have set large coal stoves at work4 ,but all did not thus lack for bedding4 ,some1 by oversight or favoritism1 had a surplus1 using comfortables as a substitute for straw4 ,a man thus supplied sent one of his extra number to the relief of another1 as this sufferer subsequently informed me4 ,on those cold ,sabbaths1 the men would wrap their bed clothing about them1 sit reclining on their beds1 and read4 ,the warden would not allow the shop to be warmed at all4 ,those cold mornings and those cold days it was excessively severe4 ,the overseers had to bundle up with extra clothing to prevent suffering4 ,one day the men had become too much benumbed to work and the foreman stopped the machinery1 let the steam into the shop1 thawed them out1 and then went on again4 ,having heard the warden say that the water in their reservoir was low1 causing him fears of its failing1 and meeting the governor1 to his inquiry about our prison affairs1 ,i alluded to the coldness there and the warden's remark1 and received the reply1 ,why1 it won't do to let the men suffer with the cold4 ,if need be1 he must haul water from the river1 and he sent the warden a letter to that import4 ,but no water was hauled1 and no amelioration had from the cold till1 at length1 when the severest weather had nearly passed1 one of the council visited the prison and ordered a coal stove to be placed in a part of the hall1 which gave a measure of alleviation4 ,still the men continued to suffer more or less till the change of weather brought the desired relief4 ,they will ever look back to that as a suffering winter4 ,the women probably suffered less from the cold than the men4 ,still1 they were put on short allowance and were obliged to carry their wood up those two flights of stairs1 taking it from quite a distance out of doors1 some of it being very large4 ,one of those cold ,sabbaths1 entering their room for meeting1 ,i found it so cold as to endanger my health1 and1 not then knowing the restrictions1 ,i attempted to kindle the fire1 but found only a few coals in the stove and one large stick in the box1 which ,i placed with the coals1 but with little effect4 ,we had short exercises1 and ,i left them to endure this temperature as best they could4 ,the women would watch the warden and steal a little extra1 when he stepped out of sight1 thus occasionally enjoying the genial warmth2 if detected1 however1 to receive a gratuitous lecture4 ,finding1 at length1 that this extra labor was preying sadly upon their health1 and having repeatedly importuned the warden for relief in vain1 they turned to his wife1 who informed him of the real effects being produced1 with the assurance that the continuance of this drudgery would shortly bring the sufferers upon beds of sickness1 requiring him to hire outside help1 to care for them and perform the tasks in which they had failed4 ,this gained the victory1 but not till great injury had been done to the victims1 the strongest1 on whom the burden of carrying the largest had fallen1 having thus laid the foundation for weeks of severe sickness and leaving prison an invalid1 though previously a robust1 healthy woman4 #ba4 ,lighting the hall4 ,the candles having been banished from the cells1 the gas was set at work when evening arrived4 ,but at length the men began to complain of the great strain upon their eyes1 and finally of failing sight4 ,advising them to lay aside reading and study till relief could be had1 ,i reported the matter to the doctor1 and1 ,i think1 to the governor4 ,not seeing any remedial move1 however1 ,i resorted to the dollar and cent consideration1 and1 on investigating1 found that1 while they were paying #ej per month for that poor light1 ,i could light the cells with candles1 three a week to a cell1 probably for fourteen dollars4 ,i offered to obligate myself to do it for twenty1 and receive only the actual cost whatever it might be below2 also to see that no additional trouble came from the melting of the tallow4 ,this argument prevailed1 and the warden was ordered to furnish the candles1 though he allowed only two a week to a cell4 ,some of the men were amused and some provoked at the manner of his announcing the change3 ,i have concluded to furnish you with candles1 for your good1 and hope you will use them as such2 for1 it seems1 they knew by what means the relief had come1 though how ,i never understood4 #bb4 ,the aid of the ,association to released prisoners1 and warden's course4 ,the ,association proved itself as advantageous to the discharged prisoners as the most ardent laborer for its establishment had hoped4 ,an unusually large number left prison the present year1 forty-two4 ,in warm weather many would not require pecuniary aid1 while others would4 ,thus1 one required cooper's tools to the amount of six and one-half dollars2 another1 a railroad pass to ,ohio1 for twelve dollars2 a third1 a pass to ,wisconsin1 at thirty-one dollars2 a fourth1 carpenter's tools at six dollars2 then smaller sums1 here and there4 ,the ,wisconsin man left prison sick1 and must have been a public charge here1 while his friends would give him a home1 if with them1 though unable to pay his fare thither4 ,the ,association had not arranged for furnishing the men with clothing1 supposing the ,state would properly attend to that1 as previously1 through her warden4 ,but as the winter now approached1 the society found itself driven to the necessity of helping in this1 too1 by the fact that the present warden would furnish the men with only the same outfit as in summer1 the under-clothes they might happen to have on at the time1 added4 ,and1 in making out this summer suit1 he would construe the letter of the law in the superlative degree1 which says1 ,a suit of cheap clothing1--he obtaining the cheapest1 the most miserably poor4 ,to illustrate1 a man left prison in one of those suits1 and1 before walking a mile1 was obliged to call and borrow sewing implements to repair them4 ,the day after1 another left1 and had worn the shirt furnished him about one day1 when1 taking him to a shop for the purpose of trying on a coat1 ,i found that one sleeve of the shirt had wholly parted from the body1 and the other about half4 ,another man had worn his pants less than twelve hours when they needed mending4 ,i went to the shop-keeper and lectured him for such dealing1 to which he replied1 ,i have to be governed by the price the warden will pay4 ,he will not pay for anything better4 ,if he would1 ,i should furnish a better article1 and prefer that to this method4 ,at almost every turn ,i was met with this money-making system4 ,well1 this could be endured in warm1 balmy weather1 though truly annoying to the poor fellows2 but in the full rigors of the winter of '#gj and '#ga1 it was cruel1 to say the least4 ,let us take a few specimens of this practice4 ,in nearly the severest weather of that winter1 a man came to me from the prison to be sent home1 some two hundred miles beyond ,bangor1 ,me4 ,as ,i looked at him ,i was perfectly astonished that we had a man among us who would think1 for a moment1 of sending away a dependent1 human being1 and sickly1 too1 in such a plight2 a rather thin coat1 vest and pants that might last him two or three days2 no collar1 cravat1 mittens1 overcoat1 or boots1 but brogans1 and those not mates1 one of which so pinched his foot that he was forced to remove it shortly after coming in4 ,his person and clothes were filthy indeed1 not having seen water for weeks4 ,i could but exclaim1 ,what a condition6 ,the law says1 'a suit of cheap clothing suited to the season1' and this is such a suit6 ,in addition to all this1 as the man asserted1 the warden asked him1 on passing out1 ,how long do you think it will be before you will contrive to get back here again8 ,was not that cool8 ,he himself robbing the fallen one of his just due1 a suit of comfortable clothing fitted to the season1 and turning him away under those circumstances which would almost of necessity force him to steal to avoid perishing1 and then taunt him with such a question8 ,as yet1 our ,association had not practiced clothing the men1 and of course the warden had no reason to suppose we should4 ,keeping my feelings under calm subjection1 ,i went to the prison and asked him if he did not purpose to furnish the man with boots1 overcoat1 c41 to which he responded in his short1 pompous way1 ,no2 when ,i was deputy here1 the men were sent out in just what they happened to have on at the time4 ,after talking till evidently of no further avail1 ,i remarked1 ,i am a native of ,new ,hampshire1 and have some regard for the honor of my ,state1 and ,i will never disgrace it by sending a man to ,maine in such a plight as you propose4 ,i shall fix him up4 ,to which he answered1 ,i would not carry the matter too far4 ,well1 ,i did not carry the matter too far1 but took the man to the store1 shivering by the way1 and purchased for him the needed articles1 cheap but good1--boots #e4jj1 overcoat #f4ej1 and so on1--and returned home with him1 where he cast off his filthy rags1 took a warm bath1 donned his new under-clothes and came out feeling like a different man1 though feeble4 ,he took a bad cold that day by being out in his thin apparel1 and passed a hard night1 leading us to fear that he would have a fever4 ,but his anxiety helped him the next morning1 when he set off1 the railroad men giving him a free pass1 thus showing that humanity was not all dead in this region4 ,soon another was released in a somewhat worse condition1 as to clothing1 than the above1 though with better health4 ,his drawers had one leg wholly minus1 the other coming down nearly to the knee1 what pretended to remain being in tatters4 ,two from western ,maine were pardoned one evening and went away early the next morning in the suit given by the warden1 without my knowledge4 ,the severe weather must have caused them no little suffering1 especially as they must end their journey by a long walk through a deep snow1 with their brogans1 and one of them was a sickly man4 ,another1 liberated without my knowledge1 started on foot for ,providence1 ,r4 ,i41 to follow the railroad track4 ,learning the fact in a few moments1 ,i hastened after him1 but to no avail4 ,i heard that his outfit was similar to those above described4 ,i should have clothed him comfortably and furnished a pass by rail1 had ,i overtaken him4 ,the warden now maintained that he had no concern with the men after leaving prison1 and usually took no pains to inform me of their departure2 hence1 if ,i did not keep a close watch myself1 more or less would leave without my knowledge4 ,my practice usually was to obtain a list each month1 from the deputy1 of those who would leave during the four following weeks4 ,the reader will see that ,i had a good opportunity of knowing the state of the men's under-clothing1 from those thus leaving2 and further1 ,i would find more or less mending their clothes on the ,sabbath4 ,one day a man was at work on his pants1 which had become perfectly indecent to wear4 ,on a week day1 finding a man in bed in his cell1 ,i inquired if he was sick1 to which he replied1 ,no1 ,i am having my pants mended4 ,another man brought out the shoes he had been accustomed to wear in prison4 ,no1 he could not do that2 but they came out2 how1 ,i never knew1 and he brought them to me4 ,it would be difficult to tell which most abounded1 holes or leather4 ,i knew they were his1 for ,i had often seen them on his feet in the prison2 though they appeared much worse on a near inspection than at a distance4 ,an aged prisoner1 whose feet were large and lame1 wore his shoes sandal fashion1 tying them on with such strings as he could find4 ,when ,i would ask him how he did1 he usually replied1 ,oh1 lame and suffering terribly with my feet4 ,having nothing but his stockings to protect them from the cold1 this must have been severe in winter1 though1 when in the shop1 his fellow prisoners would heat bits of plank and pass to him1 on which he could stand and thus be relieved in a measure4 ,i asked him if he could not wear his shoes in the usual way1 to which he said1 ,no1 they are too small4 ,had ,i very large ones ,i could4 ,i have asked for such1 but they will not obtain me any4 ,the requisite shoes must have been made purposely for the convict1 large and of very soft leather1 costing1 no doubt1 more than ordinary shoes4 ,but they would have brought great relief to an old1 suffering man4 ,but our ,prison ,aid ,association1 notwithstanding its efforts for good1 met those who opposed it4 ,hence1 one told me that the concern was organized for the purpose of running an opposition to the prison1 all ,i could say to which was1 ,if helping the men1 as above described1 be running an opposition to the prison1 it was organized for that very purpose2 otherwise1 not4 ,but the man was1 no doubt1 nettled that the prisoners were looked after on leaving prison1 and not permitted to go as the warden provided4 ,some1 again1 pretended that the influence of the ,association was in favor of having the prisoners remain in and about ,concord4 ,this was the very thing we labored against1 or one of them1 at least4 ,the ,agent1 and every active member1 invariably used their influence in favor of their going to other places1 and especially to keep them away from their old haunts and associations4 ,i knew1 however1 that there were influences used here1 and among prison officers1 too1 to keep men in the city4 ,some1 for whom ,i had provided good places away1 were tampered with and thus influenced to remain4 #bc4 ,lecturing for the ,prison ,aid ,association4 ,to widen the influence of this body and become personally acquainted with places where we could send our men for suitable employment and care1 the idea was conceived of giving occasional lectures1 in favorable localities within the ,state1 on the interests in question4 ,for this purpose1 ,i went out four times during the winter4 ,besides treating upon the objects and needs of the ,association1 ,i alluded to some of the prison matters1 such as the proposition in the governor's then late message for the management of the institution to be put under a permanent ,board1 the responsibility of which the legislature largely shirked1 by turning the whole matter into the hands of the governor and council2--for reasons given1 the very place where it should not be2--expressed the hope that the next legislature would do its full duty upon the matter2 referred also to the much needed repairs just made1 and hoped they would be carried still further1 improving the manner of lighting the prison by having a small gas jet at each cell1 also provide a library room1 c42 but of course ,i wholly avoided alluding to the internal management of matters at the institution4 ,my attention was called particularly to this point1 however1 in one place1 by the question being publicly asked by a gentleman1 ,how are the prisoners treated there8 in reference to which ,i begged the gentleman to excuse me from answering his question1 as ,i wished to keep the mind on other points4 ,that was true1 but it was not the whole of the truth4 ,the question itself was not a proper one to answer then in that place4 ,could ,i have conscientiously said1 ,well1 it would have been done in a moment and been all right1 but that ,i could not do1 and besides1 ,i hoped that our rulers would soon get their eyes opened1 or the next legislature put things on a proper basis and matters pass off without having anything publicly said4 ,indeed1 ,i knew but little then of the prison workings in comparison with what ,i afterwards learned4 #bd4 ,prison correspondence under the new rule4 ,the former warden had solicited me to assist in the correspondence1 and ,i would write for a prisoner occasionally1 but pass it to the warden for his examination1 till he said1 ,you need not pass them to me1 send them yourself4 ,you know what to write just as well as ,i do4 ,hence1 ,i sent a very few in the course of a year without his examination4 ,the reader will understand that all letters1 to and from a prisoner1 must be thoroughly examined1 that nothing prohibited may pass4 ,they are allowed to speak of personal family matters1 but nothing of general1 secular affairs4 ,the prisoner would not be permitted1 of course1 to express any dissatisfaction at prison fare or treatment4 ,the new warden put the entire matter of correspondence into the hands of his deputy1 without asking me to do anything about it4 ,hence1 when subsequently solicited to pass a letter as before1 ,i would answer1 ,i have no right to do that1 and can not4 ,you must pass your letter to the deputy4 ,on one occasion1 being rather hard pressed to step over the bounds and pass a line1 with the assurance it should never be known1 c41 c41 ,i gave the decided negative1 adding1 ,it makes no difference whether known or unknown1 the step will be violating the prison rule and my purpose is so to proceed that at all times and under all circumstances1 ,i can say with a clear conscience1 ,i have duly observed every rule4 ,this ended all attempts to influence me in that direction4 ,still1 ,i supposed it proper and nothing inconsistent with good prison order1 for me to speak of a prisoner's health and success to a friend whom ,i met outside and to the prisoner of having met the friend and of personal family concerns2 or to encourage the prisoners to write to their friends1 if thus requested by letter2 or to write to friends myself1 by request of the prisoners4 ,i did something in this line a very few times1 perhaps not a half dozen in all4 ,meeting a sister of a prisoner out of the city1 one day1 ,i answered her earnest inquiries about his health1 and his reform efforts1 carrying back to him also a word about her health and a request that he write and send to the new place to which she was about to locate4 ,a man had a petition before the governor and council for pardon4 ,as agent for our ,association1 ,i inquired of him if he had friends to whom he could go1 if successful1 or what arrangement he would need made for him4 ,he answered that he left friends in ,england1 years before1 knew not whether then living or dead1 but he would like to return to them if living4 ,writing as he directed1 ,i soon received a reply stating that some were living1 and some were gone1 and the earnest desire that he return home at once to see his father alive1 of which ,i informed him1 and on account of which his pardon was soon granted1 and he left4 ,finding a man1 who had been here a number of months1 in a gloomy and despairing state because friends had not written him since being here1 thus giving him reason to feel that they had cast him off1 in which case he could not think of living1 ,i wrote to these friends1 urging them to what they ought to have performed before4 ,soon he addressed me1 when passing1 with a tone of cheer unknown in him since entering prison3 ,chaplain1 my folks have not cast me off4 ,i have received a good letter from them4 ,they will stand by me1 which makes me feel a thousand dollars better4 ,nor has he learned how his friends were stirred to write4 ,thus1 in a few cases1 ,i acted in this direction and that for the purpose of removing anxiety without and securing cheer and quietness within1 though making no allusions to the one about prison managing or to the other of secular affairs4 #bd #a-b4 ,chaplain under a system of espionage4 ,the former warden had been accustomed to keep his eyes upon the officers1 as well as upon the men1 to know that everything was moving orderly4 ,the new incumbent took the same course1 the correct one so far as that was concerned1 in order to keep all matters in the prison perfectly straight4 ,nor did it lay me under any restraint1 as ,i wished to do right1 for the place1 in everything1 even though no eye might be upon me4 ,my only anxiety in the course would be that ,i might so walk as to have my steps appear as they really were4 ,hence1 my conduct there was constantly as though under the strictest inspection4 ,and1 of course1 under these circumstances1 ,i would do nothing but what ,i supposed to be correct1 even if otherwise inclined4 ,thus1 having passed a number of months with our new warden1 a prisoner said1 one day1 as ,i approached his cell1 ,be careful1 ,chaplain2 they are watching you to see if they can't find some cause for turning you out4 ,asking no questions1 ,i passed on1 not knowing what he meant4 ,but it started a new idea4 ,am ,i under a system of especial surveillance8 ,i then recollected having seen the guards frequently about where ,i would be hearing lessons1 though ,i had not noticed but that they were looking after the men4 ,by giving attention now1 however1 it was plain to see that they were listening to what ,i said4 ,at length an overseer left the prison1 and1 on leaving1 unfolded to me the whole matter1--that they were set by the warden to watch my actions1 note with whom ,i conversed1 hear what was said1 put it down1 and report to him4 ,he said1 ,i was set evenings to watch you from the guard-room1 through the spy-hole1 but never found anything to report4 ,learning this1 ,i could but exclaim1 ,consistency indeed6 ,the warden can furnish men enough for a system of espionage over me in the hall1 when toiling under such disadvantages and fatigues to help the convicts in their efforts for knowledge1 but will not spare even one to guard in the chapel1 where ,i could teach with comparative freedom from all these drawbacks4 ,usually1 in this cell instruction1 we spoke very low1 just to hear each other and thus not disturb those in near cells1 or interfere with the rule about stillness in the apartment2 but1 after this discovery1 when seeing the guards hanging about1 ,i would purposely speak loud enough for them to hear1 and also when the warden himself would be listening to my ,sabbath school instruction4 ,and they had the privilege of hearing as good1 wholesome truths as ,i was capable of bringing out4 #be4 ,the chaplain's pacific efforts severely taxed4 ,we are beings of want1 and if locked in a cell unable to provide for ourselves1 it is wonderful to think how many things we should need to have furnished by others1 or suffer4 ,true1 we can curtail our wants to a number very much fewer than artificial life would claim1 but1 when coming to the indispensables1 they are not a few4 ,hence1 prisoners1 under the kindest treatment and well-furnished with food1 clothing1 warmth1 and all that nature would seem to crave1 will need to call more or less frequently for attentions1 or find themselves lacking not a little4 ,but under the saving system of this year1 calls from the cells must multiply1 and1 if unheeded1 give occasion for uneasiness1 angry feelings and disorder4 ,hence1 under such circumstances1 the chaplain would naturally be called into the most active service4 ,for1 if we can not offer a man food enough to satisfy the cravings of his appetite1 the next thing is to reconcile his mind to going without1 or so engross his thoughts1 that he shall not so keenly feel the gnawings of hunger4 ,or1 if one is cold1 and we can not bring the means of warmth1 by presenting a satisfactory excuse or interesting the intellect1 we may do him essential service in helping him calmly endure what he otherwise could not4 ,precisely on these principles ,i acted1 and engrossed the prisoner's attention as earnestly and interestingly as possible1 always1 when practicable1 taking special pains to immediately furnish the thing called for2 or to excuse1 when ,i could2 or turn one's sufferings to as profitable a lesson as could be1 to him4 ,hence1 when the cold was reigning almost unmitigated in the cells1 for a few days1 ,i would repeat to one and another what ,i heard the warden say1 that the water was low and he feared it would wholly fail4 ,among the replies1 one said1 ,well1 then1 we must bear it the best we can1 though it is hard4 ,one day1 coming to a man's cell to hear a lesson1 he said1 ,i have no lesson1 ,i have been in the solitary4 ,they did so and so to me1 at which ,i got mad1 and would not do as they wished1 and they put me in there4 ,i thought it likely1 from the circumstances1 that the impatience of an officer and his irritating course had much1 too much1 to do with the matter4 ,but that was not for me to hint at1 even4 ,i rather said1 ,well1 you say you got mad and have been in the solitary4 ,see what you have suffered for getting mad4 ,how much better for you to govern your temper4 ,you know where you are1 what you did to bring yourself here4 ,you understand what is required1 and that refusal on your part is of no avail4 ,now1 why not govern yourself1 no matter what they say8 ,if you really think they bear hard upon you1 control your angry passions1 and do what they require as cheerfully and promptly as possible4 ,thus1 you can become accustomed here to governing yourself1 that1 when you go out1 you will be the better able to meet the vexations of the world4 ,now1 will you not try this course8 ,he replied1 ,i don't know1 ,chaplain1 it is a hard case4 ,in a few days he remarked1 ,chaplain2 ,i have been almost constantly thinking of what you said the other day1 have come to the conclusion that your way is the best1 and am resolved to attempt putting it in practice4 ,with most hearty congratulations on his new resolve1 ,i left him again4 ,some weeks after ,i received from his lips this satisfactory report3 ,well1 ,chaplain1 ,i have been practicing your method since our last conversation1 and find it works like a charm4 ,i have but little trouble now1 and am determined to keep on as ,i have begun4 ,thus he proceeded till released4 ,this man was naturally irritable and easily angered4 ,he had not previously labored to control himself in regard to this important point2 but now1 when summoning all his better powers to the task1 he resolutely addressed his mind to it1 and a noble victory was his4 ,there was another man here who also could be easily aroused1 but was perhaps still more stubborn1 when angry4 ,he1 too1 had been an inmate of the solitary more or less4 ,to him ,i appealed in a manner similar to the above1 and1 after persistent labors1 succeeded in inducing him to earnestly try the proposed course1 and with like results4 ,but he was a man who needed frequent encouragement to help him calmly endure the vexations and annoyances almost constantly surrounding him4 ,hence1 he maintained his self-control and kept from trouble while he had one to labor for his continuance in well-doing1 but afterwards he fell into difficulty again1 and would consequently become an inmate of the solitary4 ,thus ,i proceeded1 and1 by assiduous efforts1 robbed this dark abode of many hours of occupancy4 ,there were others not rendering themselves liable to the dungeon1 but who would become filled with angry1 revengeful emotions at what they were forced to endure4 ,i would labor to induce these to use what they experienced as a means of self-culture1 to leave the acts of others in the hands of ,god1 submit calmly to what they could not avoid1 do their own duties faithfully1 and in all things keep themselves strictly in the right4 ,thus ,i was almost constantly called to speak a word here and a word there to a pacific end1 and labored untiringly in that direction4 ,in the women's department1 also1 these efforts were found needed4 ,one of the inmates1 whom we will call ,k41 had often caused them no little trouble4 ,with all their efforts1 she would contrive to keep almost a constant broil among them4 ,hence1 ,i decided to see what could be done1 in her case1 by moral and religious efforts4 ,therefore1 one ,sabbath1 after our usual service1 ,i remained awhile for personal conversation with the inmates respecting their desires and feelings on the subject of reform1 purposely coming to ,k4 last4 ,after conversing awhile with her on religious subjects1 ,i came to the direct inquiry1 ,now1 ,k41 will you not turn from your former course and seek to become a true ,christian8 ,she looked upon me as though perfectly astonished at the question1 and answered1 ,why1 ,chaplain1 that would be of no sort of use4 ,here ,i have been going on in my career of life these twenty years1 and1 should ,i attempt to turn now and become good1 no one would put the least confidence in me4 ,it is of no kind of use4 ,i labored to assure her that she was mistaken in this idea1 that would she truly repent and turn from evil1 people would see it1 and learn to confide in her the same as in others who had reformed1 also asserting that she had the power for making of herself a most excellent1 useful woman1 if she would use it aright4 ,i referred to what she might have been1 what she had lost1 how much she had suffered1 the condition to which she had brought herself1 and the prospect still before her1 if she went on4 ,at length the tears began to glisten in her eyes2 she yielded and said1 ,chaplain1 ,i will try4 ,the next ,sabbath ,i asked her how she succeeded1 with the answer1 ,not much1 but ,i am trying the best ,i can4 ,retiring from their room1 ,i asked the attendant how they had prospered the past week4 ,oh1 said she1 first rate4 ,we have had a perfect reformation4 ,everything has been peaceful and quiet1 no fretting and scolding1--a perfect change4 ,and so it was when ,i left the prison4 ,but ,i learned that ,k41 after my leaving1 became discouraged1 was thrown from the track and returned to her former habits4 ,and no wonder1 there was so great a lack of prudence and skill in managing there1 so much of a vexatious character4 ,my position was one of difficulty1 needing all the wisdom and discretion ,i could command4 ,the prisoners were looking to me for direction on the one hand1 while jealous watchfulness followed every step on the other4 ,thus ,i went on1 constantly doing what ,i could for the best good of the institution in whatever way practicable4 ,no matter what course others took concerning me or the prison1 my duty was to act with fidelity and in the fear of ,god1 which ,i endeavored sacredly to do4 ,one rule ,i constantly carried with me1 never deviating from it on any occasion1 which rule was1 not to give a word1 or hint even1 against any prison officer or prison move4 ,this seemed essential to the best being of the prisoner4 ,for1 if really wronged1 my deviation from that rule would tend to impress him more deeply1 make him feel his wrong more keenly1 and excite to greater irritability1 resulting1 on his part1 perhaps1 in more disorderly acts1 and1 consequently1 greater trouble4 ,then1 on my own part1 such a deviation must be perfect suicide1 so far as the plan might be concerned1 showing the authorities conclusively that ,i was unfit for the position1 and giving them the most urgent reasons for putting another in my place4 ,a moderate share of common sense would teach one to keep very wide of such deviation4 ,then it could be of no avail4 ,if censurable things were being done in the prison management1 the rulers were the parties for one to approach respecting them1 those having the power to apply the remedy4 #bf4 ,death of ,gideon ,sylver4 ,this man had been in the army1 was a good soldier1 strong and vigorous2 very quiet and obedient2 faithful to his task and never complaining1 but seemed intent on doing the best he could to please those over him and thus share their good will4 ,he was set to carrying lumber in and out of the dry room1 exposed to extremes of heat and cold1 at times perhaps having wet feet from want of proper shoes1 till1 failing in health1 complaining of distress about the chest1 the doctor ordered him to lighter and less exposed work1 when he was set to running a planer1 said1 however1 to be a very hard machine to run1 though subsequently made easier by rollers attached4 ,here he grew no better1 but had severe attacks4 ,one day1 in his distress1 he fell on his knees1 girding his arms about him and groaning repeatedly4 ,the deputy took him from the shop and returned him relieved4 ,but soon he wholly failed1 was taken away for the last time and kept in his cell1 part of the time quiet and then groaning more or less intensely4 ,to my inquiry about the locality of his distress1 he put his hand over the left lung4 ,sabbath evening1 ,feb4 #ajth1 ,i think1 his distress came on with great severity1 he1 making no little ado1 said1 to my inquiry whether he needed anything more1 ,i have a powder to take1 which will no doubt relieve me1 and appeared disposed to make the best of his condition4 ,meeting the steward1 ,i asked if all was being done for the man that could be1 with the answer1 ,yes1 ,i think there is4 ,the fact is1 not much ails him4 ,he is nervous2 thinks he is dreadful sick1 and makes a great ado4 ,i passed on1 thinking that ,sylver must be a very sick man notwithstanding these views1 that1 when one naturally so patient and quiet makes such demonstrations1 there must be reason for immediate assistance4 ,it seemed to me that the hospital was the proper place for him1 and that he ought to be there receiving suitable warmth and close attention4 ,but understanding that ,i might say no more1 and meddle no farther1 ,i retired1 feeling that the man was in a forlorn condition4 ,the cold in the hall was not as severe now as formerly1 for the weather had become milder without1 and that coal stove1 before referred to1 stood not far from ,sylver's cell4 ,this helped in a measure1 but came short of the warmth needful to a sick man like him4 ,things passed thus1 with more or less of his moaning when ,i was in1 till ,wednesday evening1 on which1 by reason of the prayer meeting1 ,i did not visit the apartment4 ,thursday noon ,i heard no moaning1 but when the men had retired for their work1 ,i called to visit the sufferer and found his cell empty1 he having been carried to the hospital4 ,i went to my dinner1 purposing to return and visit the hospital immediately after2 but1 being detained1 at length saw a coffin carried to the prison1 and1 on inquiry1 learned that ,sylver was dead4 ,he died a few minutes past twelve1 when ,i was known to be at work in the hall1 but nothing was said to me about the event4 ,how my heart sank within me1 though1 of the events of that terrible ,wednesday night1 ,i then knew nothing4 ,the facts subsequently came to light in their revolting features4 ,they were gathered from the steward1 overseers1 guard and released prisoners1 investigated with all care1 and are1 no doubt1 correct1 as follows3 ,sylver grew worse ,wednesday evening1 groaning often4 ,the steward came1 and1 after giving him the usual attention1 said1 ,now1 ,sylver1 there is no use in your making such a fuss as this4 ,dry up and go to sleep4 ,sylver replied1 ,i would1 if ,i could2 but my sufferings are so great ,i can't help it2 to which the steward responded1 ,yes1 you can1 if you only think so4 ,dry up1 if you don't want to go into the solitary1 and left1 with the groans falling on his ears as he passed from the apartment4 ,at nine the night watch went to his task in the hall1 and found the inmate almost incessantly groaning1 with interludes of prayer1--,lord have mercy on me2 do help me2 forgive my sins1 and so on1 also suffering intensely with the cold1 locked in his cell that none could approach him in attempts at relief4 ,the watchman's heart was stirred1 for humanity's promptings were not dead in him4 ,he looked about for something that might afford warmth to the agonized man1 and found some bricks1 which he warmed and passed through the grating to the sufferer1 who for a time had strength to take and place them around him for relief4 ,the other prisoners could not sleep4 ,raps would be heard from one and another for the watch to go to them and explain4 ,others would cry out1 ,call the deputy and have that man cared for4 ,at about eleven1 the prisoners began to stir determinedly1 when the watch called a guard and sent for the deputy to come and care for ,sylver4 ,but he gave no heed to the summons1 except to send the guard back to the hall1 who went to the sick man's cell1 made efforts to still him1 and left4 ,those near said they heard the word gag there used1 and understood that the sufferer was receiving threats of being gagged1 in case he did not stop his noise4 ,as the guard retired from the hall1 all hope of relief for the doomed one came fully to an end1 he being now literally left to his fate4 ,he would still engage in prayer1--,lord1 have mercy on my soul2 ,lord1 why won't they come and do something for my relief8 ,had the cell door been left unlocked1 the watch could have done much more towards affording the needed warmth1 and been more effective in efforts for his relief4 ,but that privilege would not be allowed4 ,at length the man became too weak and exhausted to take and use the proffered bricks1 which ended the offices of kindness the watch was struggling to perform4 ,finally1 the moaning grew more and more faint1 and was of such a tone as to give clear indication that death had commenced its work4 ,the sad hours wore slowly away4 ,the morning finally arrived1 and the men were called to their tasks1 the now feeble moans dying upon their ears as they passed out4 ,at length1 when suiting his convenience1 the warden went to the dying man's cell4 ,seeing the result of their work1 he hastened for the doctor1 whom he found just starting on an imperative call4 ,but he hurried to the prison to see the man a moment and direct the means to be used till his return4 ,he found him thoroughly cold1 as though dead1 and ordered him to be taken at once to the hospital1 the most vigorous rubbing to be used by two men1 and other means for restoring warmth4 ,for a time he revived somewhat1 but these efforts1 however beneficial they might have been in season1 were of no avail now1 for death soon closed the scene4 ,the brothers1 summoned by a telegram1 were present in a few hours4 ,a post-mortem examination was had1 at which one asked1 ,what was the matter with the man8 to which the doctor answered1 ,probably some difficulty about the heart4 ,an invited physician responded1--,from what ,i hear1 ,i think it a clear case of congestion of the lungs2 one of the worst cases of which1 it was found to be4 ,a consulting physician said that the case must have been a number of days in progress4 ,the reader must make his own comment on this whole affair4#b ,my feelings were never more stirred4 ,we were terribly shocked at ,pike's murder of the ,browns1 those feeble1 old people4 ,but he dispatched them at once2 neither1 perhaps1 experiencing a moment's sensibility of suffering4 ,true1 the man lived a number of hours1 but was probably not sensible of pain4 ,but ,sylver1 in his agonies1 begging and pleading for help1 was forced to pass that terrible night carefully locked in his cell1 and no heed given to his cries4 ,had they ended his sufferings with a single blow1 without any threats of the dungeon or gag1 he would have been thereby saved from the piercing agonies of those slowly dragging hours4 ,would not that have been compassion in comparison with what they did8 ,but one says1 ,that would have been murder4 ,true1 and what was that treatment in reality8 ,with due care and attention the man might have recovered1 but they so proceeded that it was absolutely impossible for him to live4 ,no man with a lung difficulty could survive such treatment4 ,the blow of an ax1 severing his head from his body1 could have been no surer means of death4 ,footnote #b3 ,important facts on this matter are withheld in the narrative above1 as the possessors were unwilling1 at the examination1 to divulge them publicly except under the shield of an oath4 ,i know the deputy attempted to exonerate himself from blame before the governor and council1 by asserting that the guard1 sent for him1 failed to do his errand correctly1 and that he understood himself called to still the noise among the men1 and for this sent the guard back4 ,had that really been the case1 why did not the guard go among the men and endeavor to still them8 ,why go to ,sylver's cell and expend his efforts there8 ,or1 admitting the deputy's statement to be true1 did that help the matter for him in the least8 ,if summoned by the watch to quell a rising tumult1 was he1 as an officer1 acting the part of duty by remaining quietly in bed and sending nothing but a guard to the work1 who could effect no more than the watch himself8 ,all the circumstances combined in forcing one1 understanding the matter1 to the conclusion that they acted knowingly and intentionally respecting the man4 ,do not understand me as charging them with intentionally and deliberately murdering their victim1 for this ,i do not1 but that he fell a sacrifice to a system of prison management that they were intent on establishing2 a system under which the officers are to be the sole judges of the prisoners' needs1 use them as they may choose1 put them in whatever condition they may see fit1 and they in turn not allowed to utter a word1 nor give the slightest expression of feeling any more than the dumb1 driven ox4 ,if they die1 it is of no account2 he is only a prisoner1 as an officer said to me1 respecting another who had died4 ,on entering the hall the evening after ,sylver's cruel death1 ,i found the prisoners greatly excited4 ,one exclaimed1 as loud as he thought prudent1 ,murder6 murder6 ,they have murdered one of our number4 ,another remarked1 ,well1 we see what the fate of any of us may be1 if taken sick4 ,marked anxiety was depicted upon all their countenances2 and who would wonder8 #bg4 ,the ,sylver case excitement and hearing before the ,governor and ,council4 ,the brothers were greatly aroused at what they could see and gather about this death1 felt that deep iniquity had been practiced in connection with it1 and resolved on a criminal prosecution of the warden4 ,but1 finding1 from legal counsel1 that they probably could not make a case in that line hold1 they were thrown into doubt respecting what to attempt4 ,meanwhile the story of the affair spread in the community1 carrying with it exaggerated reports1 that ,sylver was really murdered2 was gagged and left to die alone1 and thus on4 ,when passing the streets in the city1 ,i would be inquired of1 if such were really the facts1 to which ,i would respond in the negative1 that he died in the hospital with attendants about him1 but could explain no farther4 ,execrations at the prison management were often heard4 ,whether true or not1 ,i never ascertained1 but report had it1 that the doctor felt called upon to demand an investigation of the affair before the governor and council1 and that the warden favored looking into the other departments1 and so a hearing was appointed to be had at the council chamber one ,friday evening1 in the latter part of ,february1 or in early ,march4 ,i was summoned to be present1 but with no intimation for what purpose4 ,the ,sylvers1 when cherishing the idea of a criminal prosecution1 had looked about a little for evidence1 and had secured the statements of an overseer at the prison1 when the death occurred1 written out in the form of an affidavit and sworn to before a justice of the peace1 and also those of a released prisoner4 ,these were in the hands of the lawyer they had employed1 or purposed to employ1 to manage for them4 ,this lawyer appeared1 but it was understood that the brothers had become disheartened and ceased to interest themselves in looking up evidence1 preparing for a thorough investigation of the death in question2 why1 we know not4 ,none were put on oath1 hence the hearing failed of bringing out important matter1 as the men having it1 would not divulge unless under oath4 ,i was called on first to testify and asked to state about the ,sylver case1 but1 as before related1 ,i then knew but little of material value4 ,the transactions of that ,wednesday night1 ,i had1 at that time1 heard something of1 but to me they were only matters of report1 and among the points requiring the efficacy of the oath to bring them out4 ,hence1 ,i could say nothing of them4 ,i was asked some questions about the prison living1 but on points concerning which ,i knew but little1 and then was turned directly to my own prison management4 ,it seemed by the questioning that1 in this summary manner1 with no opportunity to prepare for defense1 ,i was virtually put on trial for a violation of prison rules on two points1--the correspondence1 and passing information to prisoners1--and called on to testify against myself4 ,but ,i had nothing to cover up1 had acted in all cases as ,i thought to be right1 so frankly stated my whole proceedings in the matters1 as near as ,i could recollect on the spur of the moment1 and also explained my motives1 excepting that ,i could not1 of course1 allude to anything of the warden's procedure as making my efforts especially needful to the best order of the prison4 ,no one else was called to testify on these points2 but ,i was kept standing during the narrations and questionings till so far exhausted that1 perhaps between ten and eleven1 ,i had to ask the privilege of sitting4 ,then ,i was called on to state about my lecturing for the ,prison ,aid ,association1 whether ,i had alluded to the prison or not4 ,having become somewhat confused in mind1 for the time1 ,i could not recollect a single allusion ,i had made1 and therefore answered unqualifiedly1 ,i have not1 not thinking to say1 ,i have not to my present recollection4 ,the ,governor replied1 ,there must be some mistake in the matter1 for ,i have received two letters from places where those lectures were given1 stating differently1 and he called for another witness4 ,as to the ,sylver matter1 the effort was made to leave the impression on the mind that the patient really died of a heart difficulty1 though he probably would have died of the congestion1 but not so soon4 ,no pretense1 however1 was made that any unhealthy condition was found about the heart1 except in the attending physician's assertion1 that1 on puncturing the pericardium2 a little gas1 as he thought1 whizzed out1 and that he recollected of having read in two medical works1 of cases where such a gas collection had proved fatal4 ,the physicians whom the ,sylvers employed on the post mortem1 were not present1 and hence no light was gained from that source4 ,the lawyer presented the written statements of the released prisoner1 referring to the death1 the cold1 food matters1 c41 at the prison1 but this was summarily swept from the board by the testimony of the steward3 ,there is not a word of truth in his statement4 ,i happened to know personally1 then1 that some of the points in that statement were true1 and what ,i did not know myself agreed exactly with the general testimony of the men leaving prison4 ,but ,i was not referred to on the point and thus that testimony was useless4 ,the affidavit from the overseer1 ,i think1 was not presented4 ,at about two o'clock at night1 the hearing was adjourned until the next ,monday evening1 after which ,i arranged with the ,governor to see him ,monday1 ,p4 ,m4 ,i saw the letters referred to1 which contained the grossest misrepresentations1 uttering sentiments ,i never thought of1 or1 if ,i had1 should not have expressed there1 unless demented4 ,i went home with a strong conviction that efforts were being made1 by whom ,i knew not1 to turn the whole force of thought upon me and make of me a scape goat in the matter4 ,i retired1 but not to shut my eyes in sleep for the night4 ,for a time my mind remained in confusion about those lectures1 but after resting awhile1 and the excitement had passed off1 all came clearly to view1 as given on a former page4 #bh4 ,preparing for the adjourned session4 ,saturday morning ,i wrote to a few understanding and reliable gentlemen1 who heard the lectures in question1 alluded to the letters and their allegations1 and by return mail received answers1 asserting that1 as nearly as they understood1 and by inquiry from others who heard1 no such ideas were received as charged in the missives1 giving some ideas that were uttered1 a very different sentiment from the letters1 and what no one could censure4 ,that day1 ,i met the writer of one of those letters in the city1 and to my inquiry1 he replied1 ,oh1 ,i did not hear the lecture1 or know anything about what was said1 personally2 but my son was present1 and gave me what information ,i had4 ,i could but think1 ,a bright son that6 ,in the afternoon1 ,i called on the ,governor as appointed1 and found him very much excited over the matter4 ,he talked almost incessantly for a long time1 but occasionally giving me opportunity for putting in a word4 ,i attempted to assure him that he was laboring under a great mistake about my acts at the prison1 that ,i had not been guilty of anything he had in mind1 and that he must have been misinformed4 ,but my assurances seemed to carry but little weight4 ,he finally said1 ,mr4 ,quinby1 your management at the prison has caused me more trouble and anxiety than all my ,state business put together4 ,i was perfectly astonished4 ,there were my incessant and most arduous labors for peace and quietness in the institution1 my great painstaking1 with the sole view of leading the prisoners to do right in every respect1 with never a hint from me1 to a prisoner1 of disapprobation of any prison officer or his acts1--with never a word of dispute between any of us as officers1 besides my careful observance of all the prison rules to the letter1 as ,i understood them1 to which ,i had ever felt impelled by a sense of duty1 and on which1 for a long while1 ,i had felt the importance of double and thribble care4 ,how could my management in these things cause the ,governor such trouble and anxiety8 ,the truth now flashed in mind1 that setting the guards and overseers to watch me1 had its purpose4 ,then1 there must have been a long and persistent course of running to his ,excellency with a tissue of misrepresentations4 ,had it really befallen me as it befel the man going down from ,jerusalem to ,jericho8 ,things certainly looked in that direction1 and perhaps it was nothing more than might have been anticipated2 for1 if one would persistently slander innocent ladies1 it would be natural for him to misrepresent me4 ,if1 at every opportunity1 he would defame the character of another1 could ,i rationally suppose that mine would be any safer in his hands8 ,having left the ,governor with the settled conviction that my days of incessant prison toil were virtually ended1 a gentleman of influence in the place1 rode up to me in haste1 with the remark1 ,step aboard1 ,mr4 ,quinby1 you must have legal counsel in these matters4 ,a combination is formed to crush you1 and the really guilty go free4 ,i have volunteered to engage such lawyers1 and they wish to see you at once to learn the true state of things and how to take hold of the case4 ,though ,i insisted that it would be of no avail1 he gave no heed to that1 and soon landed me at the proposed office door4 ,i related1 in brief1 the general facts as they had occurred1 and the interview just had with the ,governor1 to which the eldest of the number replied1 ,your case is a foregone conclusion4 ,it is already decided4 ,you can not do a thing4 ,but another proposed to consult with the attorney already in the work1 and arrange as thought advisable4 ,returning home1 ,i found a friend waiting to inform me of the proffered service of still another lawyer4 ,thus friends were aroused and clustered around ready to help1 as ,i had not anticipated4 ,no little excitement prevailed in the place4 #bi4 ,the adjourned hearing4 ,i went to this with ideas clear1 thoughts collected1 mind pretty thoroughly aroused1 and feeling ready to attempt a vindication of the right4 ,being again called on first1 ,i commenced1 referred to the assertion that ,i made the previous evening about not alluding to the prison in my lectures1 that ,i was wrong in this1 that ,i did refer to it1 stating on what points1 and the sentiments uttered1 presenting the letters that ,i had received1 showing that ,i uttered no such ideas as alleged1 and gave a general outline of my reform moves at the prison and the motives that impelled me to voluntarily assume such excessive labors1 closing thus3 ,and now1 gentlemen1 if1 after doing all this1 ,i am to be crushed1 it will be a hard case4 ,they now referred to the other cases on which but little more was brought out4 ,before closing1 one of the council1 turning to me1 remarked1 ,now1 ,mr4 ,quinby1 if you know of anything wrong at the prison1 not here developed1 we wish you to be free and state it1 for we desire to understand the truth4 ,but ,i did not think it best for me to say anything farther then1 for1 if ,i did1 it would be opening a square fight with the warden1 which ,i by no means desired1 and for which ,i did not feel myself prepared4 ,it would have been really stepping forward as leader in the matter1 a position which ,i did not wish4 ,then1 again1 as ,i supposed1 such prejudice had somehow been aroused against me1 that1 should ,i attempt to make further development1 it would be of little or no use1 and perhaps be worse for the cause than my silence4 ,besides1 ,i hoped that the time would come1 and that not far distant1 when our rulers would have their eyes opened1 and matters be so effectually sifted as to find the real truth4 ,thus1 the hearing closed1 and we left the deliberating body to make up judgment1 which was that no blame is to be attached to any one1 or to that amount4 ,this was just as ,i had anticipated respecting the ,sylver case1 the food1 c41 for the investigation really amounted to little in those respects4 ,i was truly disappointed1 however1 concerning myself1 not that any wrong1 or even a shadow of it1 was brought against me1 but1 as ,i judged from the ,governor's remarks and the general drift of things1 that certain ones had worked underhandedly1 and so effectually as to render my removal a sure matter4 ,but they did not succeed4 #cj4 ,motives for desiring the chaplain's removal4 ,one asks1 ,what could be the motive of any for seeking your removal1 if you had uniformly proceeded at the prison as before set forth8 ,that was the puzzle to me1 for not a word had been said in that direction1 except the note of warning from the prisoner1 till conversing with the ,governor1 and then nothing specific2 hence1 ,i was left wholly to conjecture4 ,my persistent effort to keep alive1 as far as possible1 what ,i could of the reform system of the past year1 was1 no doubt1 repulsive to the warden1 and in order to be rid of that1 he would need to be rid of me4 ,this might be one motive4 ,again1 no little stir was being made in the city about prison usages1 prison suffering1 c4 ,probably he thought ,i was at the bottom of that2 that ,i wrote down facts inside1 and divulged them outside4 ,hence1 the nettling that one of my practices caused4 ,occasionally1 ,i would be solving a long question in arithmetic for the prisoner at the striking of the signal for retiring to the shop1 at which ,i would step aside1 sit down1 finish my solution1 return the slate to the prisoner's cell1 and leave4 ,i also1 at times1 noticed that the deputy was watching me far more earnestly than the men4 ,then the question was asked at the hearing1 what ,i was writing on these occasions4 ,now1 if he considered me as the cause of this stirring up1 he1 of course1 would wish me away4 ,this would be a strong motive4 ,but ,i was not4 ,true1 ,i wrote the stories of a number of the men1 as they came out1 or till all were found telling over and over the very same thing1 in substance4 ,these1 however1 ,i laid away in my drawer1 saying nothing about them to any one4 ,but these men would also call on their former ,sabbath school teachers1 or other acquaintances they had met in prison1 and relate to them their stories1 and thus they spread4 ,neighbors would call at my house1 and be talking these matters over1 ,i being as reticent as possible1 but would not come out squarely and lie in the matter by contradicting the accounts4 ,and1 further1 the points which ,i had brought to the governor's notice were1 without doubt1 unsatisfactory to the warden4 ,then1 also1 my fitting up the prisoners as they left4 ,he perhaps desired a man for the place1 who might wish it so much as to be willing to pass on with doing but little of what ,i was attempting4 ,for months ,i supposed these the great motives which prompted that removal4 ,but the next year ,i learned of another and perhaps greater than either of these4 ,a man1 retiring from prison1 said to me1 ,chaplain1 how amused we would feel sometimes1 last year1 when you were preaching1 at the appearance of the warden1 to see him turn pale1 and then red1 and hitch on his seat4 ,we understood it4 ,another1 usually present1 not a prisoner1 said also that he had noticed the same thing4 ,at the time in question1 ,i was treating upon the moral code from ,sabbath to ,sabbath1 and would1 in one discourse1 take up lying1 and point out as clearly as ,i could its influence upon the one practicing it1 and upon society in general2 then1 perhaps1 stealing1 or swindling and thus on4 ,in these efforts1 ,i was intent on discharging my duty to the prisoners1 on leading them from those sins1 having nothing to do in the matter with the warden as to any of his steps in life4 ,if personal applications were made1 ,i was not responsible for that4 ,i arranged for no such purpose4 ,but when the man1 on his release1 made the remark given1 the idea flashed in my mind that here was a stirring motive to efforts for getting rid of me1 with the hope of obtaining one who might be willing1 on coming to certain sins1 to let the plow of truth turn out1 and not go straight through4 ,whether that running to the ,governor and that stirring him up so greatly1 was prompted by one or another of the above reasons1 or all combined1 or something else1 still1 ,i never ascertained4 ,had charges been preferred against me openly and squarely1 ,i could have met them face to face1 known what was what1 and shown their falsity4 ,but as things were1 ,i was left in the dark as to how to proceed1 and to what conclusions ,i should come as to the motives prompting to the struggle to my disadvantage4 #ca4 ,chaplain's change of course and the question as to who should conduct the prison correspondence4 ,after this hearing1 ,i decided to change my course in two respects1 the one about going out to lecture on ,association matters1 the other about writing to prisoners' friends4 ,these ,i wholly abandoned4 ,true1 nothing was said to me suggestive of these changes1 nor had ,i taken any wrong step on the points1 but1 in the investigation1 ,i was led to see that these were the sources whence misconception would be the most likely to arise1 and where evil-minded persons might pretend a wrong1 with some show of plausibility1 without really any shadow of grounds in truth4 ,i would not only shun every evil1 but every appearance of evil1 or what might be construed into an appearance4 ,great sensitiveness pervades too many minds on the idea of attempting to show benevolence to a released prisoner1 they holding it as a wrong to society4 ,these will not hear on the subject understandingly1 but with prejudice and a proclivity to misrepresent4 ,though the class does not embrace1 in its numbers1 the more intelligent1 worthy citizens1 yet it contains more or less who possess the power of casting mists of blindness before the well-disposed and honest seekers for the right4 ,in this class1 we find the ideas of the brutal and vindictive freely cropping out in their utterances4 ,those fellows ought to suffer4 ,they were put in prison for punishment1 now let them have enough of it1 so that they may thus learn to do better1 no matter if it were ten times worse4 ,these persons seem to think that the correct way of prison management would be to select the most hard-hearted1 cruel men of the ,state for officers1 and deliver the convicts into their hands1 for them to exercise their brutal feelings upon as fully and freely as they may choose4 ,these points1 then1 evidently need to be agitated in the ,state1 by lecturers and through the press1 but it were better that this work be done by others than by the prison chaplain4 ,the loss of my occasional writing was severely felt1 especially by outside friends4 ,thus1 on ,fast day of '#ga1 a prisoner wrote a letter to a sister in the ,west1 and asked for an envelope and stamp that he might send it1 but weeks and months passed and none were forthcoming4 ,there was the idea1 ,you must not ask a second time4 ,the sister became deeply troubled at not hearing from or about the brother1 not knowing whether he were dead or alive1 and wrote to me1 earnestly beseeching to be informed4 ,but as ,i was now under the ban1 ,i did not answer her4 ,she also wrote to the ex-warden1 but he was away and did not answer4 ,in the fall1 when that gentleman of ,concord was chosen warden1 she wrote to him1 but1 as he was sick and knew nothing of the matter1 he did not respond4 ,and no doubt she also wrote to the warden himself2 but probably has not heard to this day4 ,formerly1 ,i should have written her something like this3 ,your brother is alive1 in usual health1 and progressing well4 ,don't be over-anxious till he may write you4 ,in this way ,i could have satisfied her1 measurably1 at least with no reflection1 in any way1 on prison management4 ,this neglect of the deputy seemed the more cruel from the fact that the man was a most faithful1 obedient prisoner1 and that this sister had previously furnished him with ample writing materials1 that he might write frequently with no expense to the ,state1 which materials the warden had confiscated on coming into office4 ,in connection with this matter1 the important question comes up1 ,in whose hands1 really1 should the prison correspondence be placed8--in those of the warden or chaplain8 ,the correspondence1 to be well managed1 requires no little labor1 especially if the inmates are permitted to write as they should and receive answers in return4 ,if1 in the warden's hands1 it would tend to crowd other business too much1 or itself be too much neglected1 the latter having been the fact4 ,to avoid all this1 in various places1 they put the management in the hands of the chaplain4 ,this would seem the more appropriate1 being rather in his line of duty1 and more easily performed by him4 ,a schedule of the points of information1 which should be allowed to pass1 could be marked out by the competent authority and laid before him for his guidance1 that matters might be correct in that respect4 ,this question ought to receive the careful attention of our law-makers1 for proper letter writing should not be restricted in any degree in the prison4 ,good letters from home and friends will bring with them no little reformatory power and influence to quietness and order4 ,indeed1 the privilege1 by proper management1 can be made a great force in disciplinary efforts among the prisoners4 #cb4 ,change1 for a time1 in the warden's management4 ,shortly after the death of ,sylver1 a man1 occupying a cell near by1 was taken sick1 but could sit up the most of the time4 ,as he said1 the warden went to him and remarked1 ,i am warden here4 ,be free1 and ask for whatever you need1 and you shall have it4 ,he permitted this man to sit with his cell door unlocked1 and to go to the stove when he chose1 and1 to all appearance1 properly cared for him1 giving reason for much commendation4 ,true1 he was shortly to leave prison1 and his statement would go towards counteracting the reports of prison cruelty circulating outside1 and some were uncharitable enough to contend that this was the object of the better treatment4 ,one evening1 about this time1 ,i found a prisoner in his cell appearing as though he could live but a few hours1 and perhaps minutes1 unless immediately attended to4 ,he had been in the hospital a number of weeks with a lung difficulty and1 though he had not recovered1 was transferred sometime that day1 ,i think1 to his cell1--to a colder atmosphere4 ,here1 he found it difficult to speak or breathe4 ,i hastened to the warden for him to attend to the matter4 ,he hurried for the physician1 who soon arrived1 and had the sufferer returned to the hospital1 where he died some weeks after4 ,this was one of my only three requests or suggestions that were granted or favorably attended to by the warden while ,i was under him4 ,true1 ,i was not denied many times1 for ,i early learned not to propose anything or make any request1 except when absolutely needed4 ,this changed course in the warden1 however1 did not continue many weeks4 ,that hearing and its acquittal had passed1 and the ,sylver affair was dying away1 when1 at length1 ,i thus found him returned to his former spirit4 ,though early in the season1 on a warm day1 he had divested the sick of their flannels1 and ,i suppose all other prisoners4 ,soon the weather became cooler1 and ,i found a sick man in the hospital suffering greatly for want of his flannels1 which articles1 as he asserted1 he had not previously been without1 summer or winter1 for twenty years4 ,he was trembling with the cold1 which much enhanced his distress4 ,going to the warden1 ,i presented the case1 and received the reply1 ,if he wants his flannels1 let him ask the doctor4 ,he could meddle in the matter enough to divest the man of the needed articles1 but would not move to put them on1 and thus mitigate his sufferings4 ,it was then early in the afternoon1 and the man would have to suffer till the next forenoon1 the usual time for the doctor to make his visit4 ,when he came1 as ,i was informed1 he lectured them severely for removing the flannels at all4 #cc4 ,the fate of ,henry ,stewart and others4 ,henry was said to have been exceedingly unfortunate in his parents1 they having been largely chargeable with his proclivities to evil4 ,he was highly excitable1 easily thrown into a perfect phrensy of passion1 insane at times1 and1 on the whole1 very difficult to manage1 requiring a large amount of patience and skill in those over him4 ,they needed to study his peculiarities and accommodate their treatment to his particular case1 much the same as would the driver of a vicious1 balky horse4 ,the former managers had so treated him1 that he had really improved1 and his condition was appearing more and more hopeful4 ,but in the new order1 where officers were not expected to bother themselves over peculiarities1 it was different with ,henry4 ,though laboring with faithfulness generally1 what was bred within would appear in outward acts4 ,when a spell came on1 they would shake him up1 as the deputy said 7the import of which ,i did not fully understand71 and put him in the solitary4 ,at length his insanity1 or whatever had impelled him1 would pass off1 and he come out in his right mind4 ,confinement to his cell would probably have been just as effective in securing his good deportment and less injurious to his health4 ,whenever ,i visited him1 he would appear hopeful1 tell what a good boy he proposed to be1 how he meant to live1 and not get into any more trouble2 that he should soon be out1 and would then strive to be a good man4 ,many air castles the poor fellow thus built1 but to see them fall4 ,the prison fare and general management was now highly unfavorable to his proclivities1 tending constantly to make them worse4 ,men repeatedly told me that the officers would severely beat him1 and that he was sadly abused4 ,one day1 in a freak of insanity or anger1 he struck his overseer to the floor with a bed-post1 coming within a hair's breadth of ending his life1 and was aiming a second blow1 which a fellow prisoner arrested1 and thus saved the overseer4 ,henry was put in the solitary1 and ,i know not how long kept there1 nor how used2 but when1 at length1 ,i found him in his cell1 he was greatly changed4 ,i was perfectly astonished6 ,he was not only insane1 but changed in physical appearance2 shrunken in flesh and with a strange expression of countenance4 ,for a time1 ,i could hardly believe it was ,henry1 but finally had to admit that it was really he4 ,i have seldom seen one with a fever change more for the time4 ,soon his insanity took a boisterous turn by night1 keeping the other prisoners all awake1 which induced them for a time to confine him to the solitary during these hours1 and keep him in his cell by day4 ,but his howls so disturbed the prison family1 that they next resorted to keeping him in the shop by night1 lying upon his back1 his feet chained together1 with a post between them4 ,thus1 they continued for a season1 but finally1 the governor sent him to the insane asylum4 ,shortly after1 ,i was speaking to one of ,henry1 in hearing of the warden1 as being insane1 to which he replied1 ,no1 he is not insane4 ,he is ugly1 of which ,i could have cured him1 had his time not been so near out4 ,i thought1 ,you would have cured him by death1 and were very near it4 ,as he was taken to the asylum1 the warden said to me1 ,chaplain1 ,i wish it understood that he is taken out to be tried for attempting to kill his overseer1 thereby expressing the desire1 as ,i understood it1 for me to give that version of the matter to the prisoners4 ,what an idea6 ,i answered in my mind1 the chaplain going about lying for the warden6 ,fisher was naturally of a low order of mind1 but still possessed knowledge enough to work well at many things under the direction of another1 was to come out the early part of ,march1 but whom ,i missed from his cell a while previous1 and1 from his long absence1 began to suppose they had sent him off unbeknown to me4 ,but the day previous to the expiration of his sentence1 ,i found him again in his cell1 completely demented4 ,i was told by more than one1 that his overseer1 attempting to direct him in a certain way about his work and not succeeding1 seized him by the collar1 plunged him head foremost to the floor1 and then jerked him about1 he probably now uttering some disrespectful words2 then the deputy was called and took him to the solitary1 ,i was also informed1 and plunged him against the outer prison door1 on the way1 with such force as to push it open4 ,when first finding him in his cell1 as stated1 ,i asked where his father lived1 and he answered1 ,enfield1 as ,i understood it4 ,but after that1 ,i could not obtain even a sound from his lips4 ,he kept almost constantly spitting1 would frequently laugh to himself1 but ,i could learn nothing about his legal residence4 ,i was expected to care for him1 and would not turn him loose to suffer and perhaps perish2 but ,i found that ,i should be liable for damage1 should ,i send him to another town4 ,true1 the ,state1 by her prison management1 had reduced him to this wretched condition1 and ought to bear the expense of maintaining him1 but there was no law or provision for that4 ,hence1 finding it my only safe and legitimate course1 ,i obtained a decree from the probate judge1 took him to the insane asylum1 and notified the commissioners of that county1 of the same4 ,no doubt1 with proper prison fare and treatment1 both of these men might have come out able to earn their living1 under proper guardians1 which they would have needed2 and that the fate of both was directly chargeable to the prison treatment4 ,there was one1 also1 who left after my departure from prison1 belonging to another ,state1 who had become nearly as demented as ,fisher4 ,hence1 they obtained for him a railroad pass1 and put him on board the cars with a label fastened upon his arm1 directing him to be transferred to such a ,state and town1 where his friends were supposed to live4 ,he1 too1 ,i doubt not1 was reduced to that demented condition by the prison treatment for he was far from such a state at the beginning of the year4 #cd4 ,warden's want of courtesy to prisoners' visitors4 ,by rule1 no friend is allowed to see a prisoner except in presence of the warden or a subordinate that he may hear whatever is said4 ,the time allowed for a visit is usually short1 and the parties1 of course1 wish to make the most of every moment4 ,but no little complaint was made1 that1 when the interview was in the warden's presence1 he would engross much of the time in recounting his exploits in prison management1 the disorders he found1 the corrections he had made1 how they would deceive his predecessor1 but could not deceive him1 and the like4 ,no matter how far one had come1 or at what expense1 he would1 perhaps1 be treated thus4 ,some1 on going away1 having had an opportunity of saying but few words to the prisoner whom they visited1 would utter remarks which were anything but complimentary to the man thus imposing upon them1 as they regarded it1 and to the ,state for allowing such things to occur4 #ce4 ,effects of the new order upon the prisoners4 ,the mental effects have been spoken of in three cases4 ,these were the most marked of that type4 ,the effects on the physical system were also very apparent4 ,it could not be otherwise1 for the men lost no little flesh4 ,one man said he weighed himself about the time the order in question commenced1 and found his weight some one hundred and eighty pounds4 ,he left after being under the system a little more than six months1 and had lost some twenty-five pounds in weight4 ,and ,i should judge this to be a fair general average1 according to their appearance1 of the change in most of the prisoners4#c ,footnote #c3 ,the ,bill of ,fare at the prison for this year can not be given1 as it was not1 to the writer's knowledge1 published4 ,and why not this result8 ,a large number did not pretend to eat any dinner on ,mondays1 and many more ate but little4 ,there was such a general carrying back of the food at this meal1 that ,i decided to count particularly and see exactly what the facts were4 ,on two consecutive ,mondays in ,april1 ,i think1 ,i did this and found a dozen or over1 not even taking their dishes to their cells1 so had nothing to eat2 thirty-two each day1 returned their basins1 all1 ,i think1 with the bit of bread gone1 a large number not having touched the wheat part1 some having eaten a very little1 and others more1 but all returning more or less of that2 then the dishes of the remaining prisoners would be empty4 ,those were the only days ,i counted so carefully in the spring1 but judged them to be fair samples for that time of the year4 ,but the number was not small who did not pretend to take this meal while the cracked wheat appeared4 ,then1 as informed1 they would pursue a similar course with certain other meals1 for instance1 when the fish was served4 ,some would not take the soup meal4 ,the ,sabbath morning repast of baked beans was ever spoken of as good1 satisfactory both in quality and quantity4 ,one man said his custom was to save some of the beans as a relish for his meals early in the week4 ,the peas were complained of as bad4 ,one overseer said to a prisoner1 who was making his dinner of these1 ,i would as soon take so much shot into my stomach4 ,the lack of vegetables was severely felt1 especially that of onions1 though ,i was informed they purchased a bushel1 or so1 in the winter1 of very small onions1 or scullions1 as many call them4 ,in the spring1 ,i found a man in his cell sick1 who said he was having symptoms of the scurvy1 a difficulty he had in the army1 that he was suffering much for the want of vegetables1 and that he knew of others also suffering from these scurvy symptoms4 ,the warden1 of course1 well knew of this dislike of the food1 but the men must take what he allowed or go without4 ,a man asserted1 on leaving prison1 that the warden said to him1 ,all ,i have against you is1 that you would not take your rations better4 ,he replied1 ,i purposed to obey the prison rules1 but did not feel myself bound to eat what ,i could not relish4 ,one who was sick in his cell with a dispeptic difficulty1 said he could not take brown bread as it soured on his stomach1 but could eat white bread1 for which he had asked1 but to no purpose4 ,i mentioned the matter to the steward1 asking if he could not have the white bread4 ,he answered1 ,no4 ,they indulged him in that under the former administration and he thinks he must continue to have it1 but now every one is to fare alike1 so he must take his chance with the rest4 ,but the reader will ask1 ,did not this warden allow the men who chose1 to take anything extra8 ,certainly4 ,the former custom had been to place brown bread1 cut in slices1 near the rations1 each man having the privilege of taking as many slices extra as he might choose4 ,or1 he would convey dishes with extra rations to certain cells afternoons if requested1 or when the occupants were to work extra evenings4 ,this warden allowed any1 desiring1 to take of the brown bread extra1 but only one slice each4 ,i would now1 also1 though very seldom1 see dishes of cracked wheat setting on the beds as extra rations1 or basins of hash-skins4--,the reader understands that1 in making hash1 more or less will dry1 or burn upon the sides of the kettle1 leaving a thick skin when all the eatable part is removed4--,this skin1 scraped from the kettle1 composed these hash-skins1 perfectly dry as husks4 ,this was to save everything and have nothing wasted4--,the reader will understand again1 that when distributing books to the cells1 and looking after the books1 ,i could not avoid seeing these things4 ,with the failing flesh also went the strength to work4 ,a man described the effect on himself1 thus3 ,on first going into the shop after eating1 ,i feel quite vigorous for my task1 but soon a peculiar goneness comes on1 and finally becomes so that what ,i do is through fairly driving my system4 ,he had been very vigorous1 able to go through almost anything1 but what he had passed here proved sufficiently powerful to bring him down4 ,an overseer told me1 that the men in his division became so weak that it required great effort on his part to keep some of them at their task1 they being hardly able to stand up by their machines4 ,but his duty forced him to keep them there as long as they could do anything1 though a part became unable to accomplish more than one quarter of their ordinary work4 ,his heart would really ache for the fellows4 ,it should be recollected that everything in the shop1 but tending them1 is done by machines1 each operation having a machine for performing it1 the business of the prisoners being to pass the articles to and from the respective workers4 ,hence1 the amount of work turned out did not1 of course diminish in proportion with the failing strength of the workmen1 as must have been the case in the old method of hand planing1 sawing1 c4 ,i subsequently learned that food would be carried into the shop for the suffering men1 but ,i know not to what extent4 ,at first mentioning1 ,i thought that it could not have been done1 and expressed the doubt1 but my informer explained how1 showing a perfectly feasible way4 ,the effect of the new system was plainly visible1 too1 on the health of the men4 ,this1 of course1 could not be avoided4 ,a man1 who was very healthy1 and vigorous to work when it commenced1 ran through the winter into early spring when he began signally to fail1 said he could not eat the rations any longer1 and went without food of any amount1 still constantly performing his task1 till his system entirely broke down1 and he was taken to the hospital for a drugging course1 the doctor remarking to me that he had failed with no apparent cause4 ,i think the want of food was sufficient cause4 ,had he received proper care and suitable aliment1 he would1 doubtless1 have been spared this sickness4 ,i was informed that1 when he was near death's door1 he was pardoned1 to die with his friends4 ,another1 who had fallen a victim to prison treatment and was in the last stages of consumption1 said to me1 ,had they used me as well when ,i was in health and able to work as they now do1 ,i should not have been here at this time4 ,calling the next day1 ,i learned that he had received pardon and been carried home1 that he might die there4 ,his stay1 ,i learned1 was very short4 ,how many of these pardons were granted in view of death1 ,i never knew4 ,they were gratifying to friends most certainly1 but would make the prison mortality appear smaller than it really was4 ,for1 surely1 if a man sickened in prison and received pardon as above1 his demise should of right be set down as among the prison deaths4 ,a man came out in the spring1 having been a prisoner one year2 was well and robust when entering1 but the ordeal of the winter brought on a rheumatic difficulty1 so that towards its close he was really sick1 and1 as he remarked1 solicited the warden for the privilege of laying off and doctoring a little1 with the answer1 ,i know what the matter is with you1 you wish to get rid of work2 you can go to the shop2 and he was given no respite1 nor was anything done for him while there4 ,he went home so used up1 that1 as his father asserted1 it did not seem that he could have lived at the prison but a few weeks longer4 ,he revived1 however1 with home air and home treatment1 worked considerably through the summer1 but1 as fall came on1 had a return of the rheumatic trouble contracted in prison1 with which he suffered many months1 and died4 ,a number of others1 too1 on their leaving1 ,i found completely broken down1 who were sent away to friends1 or places of their usual abode1 to be maintained by relatives or at public expense4 ,a man1 when leaving1 said that he had there sometimes been forced to work1 when so sick that five dollars a day would have been no temptation to him for thus laboring4 ,one was reported to me as having been kept to his machine till fainting1 and then carried to the hospital4 ,one1 with a consumptive difficulty1 not able to work in the shop1 was put in the cook-room to do what he could there1 and kept at his task till1 one ,sabbath eve1 he was taken to the hospital where he died the next ,tuesday morning4 ,but why pursue this dark recital8 ,all such management1 of course1 made the prison sickness appear less in the physician's account than the reality4 ,it seemed fortunate to the men that the term of sentence to many so expired as to leave them under this rule but a comparatively short time4 ,in conversation with an overseer here1 who had large experience1 the idea was started as to how long time would be required for the system reigning at the prison this year to use up completely the number it commenced with1 could all have been kept truly under its influence1 with no respite or mitigation4 ,his conclusion was some two years4 ,nor could ,i think he was much out of the way1 that is1 take the case as it bore on a large share4 ,the system left its legitimate effects on the minds of the inmates1 aside from driving to insanity and idiocy1 namely1 irritability1 angry feeling1 or moroseness4 ,under the former rule1 the men1 when leaving1 would generally express much gratitude towards officers and friends for the interest taken in their welfare1 apparently filled with a hope and inspiration here gained1 prompting them to strive for their own best good1 from which no little advantage1 to them1 might be hoped4 ,but under this rule1 how different6 ,men fully admitting the justice of their sentence1 and having come with the purpose of serving it out submissively1 and with not a word of fault-finding1 would go away complaining of the wrongs done them in the general prison fare1 their hearts filled with bitter feelings1 prompting them to execrate those from whom they had suffered these wrongs1 and curse the ,state for putting such men in power over the prison4 ,one who was so reduced that he found it a task to walk about1 remarked1 on leaving1 ,i have some accounts to settle with them over there 7meaning the warden and deputy71 and if ,i recover1 ,i shall return to ,concord and settle with them4 ,i will have my pay unless they are the strongest4 ,some would leave with the feeling of don't care as to what course they should take4 ,what was said above as to losing flesh among the prisoners1 should be taken with some exceptions4 ,the cooks could manage to satisfy their demands of appetite4 ,so also could those doing common chores4 ,some were naturally very small eaters1 and some would eat all furnished them1 however prepared4 ,the females had such food as went to the warden's table1 and1 so far as ,i learned1 what they needed1 and ever appeared in good heart1 except when sick4 ,a female prisoner1 for some offence1 was condemned to her cell for a week and to feed on the rations from the other part1 which was held by her probably as a ,god-send rather than a punishment1 for it gave the females the very opportunity desired for really seeing on what the men had to live4 ,after this1 when a woman left she was not slow in her declamations against the miserable fare of the men1 and how they must of necessity suffer4 #cf4 ,comparative prison order for the two years4 ,some represent that the present warden found great abuses in the prison1 all of which he has corrected4 ,no doubt1 this idea has quite extensively prevailed1 and that interested parties have taken no little pains to extend the impression as widely as possible4 ,let us1 then1 look to the point with care1 and give full credit for whatever has been gained in that direction4 ,the warden banished from the prison all bouquets and flowers1 and talked of them in the most sneering manner1 contending that the practice of presenting them to prisoners was the most outrageous wrong4 ,he has put an end to all attendance1 from the city1 upon prison meetings of every class1 except when he may give special invitation himself2 has abolished all lecturing to the inmates by outsiders2 and would have abolished the secular school1 but for the persistent efforts of the chaplain2 has ended the custom of having the female prisoners assemble with the males in the chapel ,sabbath mornings for worship1 requiring all moral efforts made for them to be put forth in their work room4 ,he has also ended all funeral observances at the prison1 cut off all distribution of religious tracts to the prisoners1 and all trinkets or trinket-making in the cells1 and has forbidden the receiving of presents from friends1 excepting tobacco1 c4 ,if there were prison abuses in any or all of these1 he has effectively corrected them1 and should receive the full credit4 ,then there were those two orders which he established in the shop1 and he should be credited with whatever good they secured4 ,the one was1 that a man1 meeting company in a door or pass-way1 must turn and face the wall till they had passed1 thus professedly not seeing them1 though1 before turning1 he must have enjoyed the sight of all4 ,the other rule was1 that the men1 when waiting for work1 must stand at their machines1 and by no means sit down4 ,in respect to account-keeping1 no comparison can be made1 for1 previous to the service of this warden1 the arrangement had been entered into for him to have no concern with that1 the financial matters being attended to by an agent4 ,we come next to the behavior of the prisoners1 the great point really to be looked at1--the one which outsiders1 no doubt1 always suppose to be meant1 when reading or hearing about gains in prison order4 ,in the chapel1 with the most critical observation and careful weighing1 ,i could not discover the slightest difference4 ,the behavior was good1 equally good at all times1 in both years4 ,so1 also1 in the hall1 as far as my knowledge extended4 ,as to the shop1 ,i could not pretend to judge from personal observation1 but an overseer1 who served under both1 gave me all needed information4 ,he said1 that he found it more difficult to keep order in his division the second year than during the first2 that some were more excitable1 revengeful1 inclined to vent their spite on their machines1 if nothing else2 to throw those out of order and break things generally1 costing him far greater effort to manage them4 ,the uniform testimony of the men leaving prison has been in the same direction1--that they were more inclined to watch their overseers and take the advantage to commit little misdemeanors1 as would naturally arise from this increased prompting to vent their ill-feelings4 ,so far as ,i learned1 more contraband information was smuggled in during the second than the first year2 certainly ,i heard it often alluded to4 ,they would hint at outside matters that ,i knew nothing of1 and in a way that showed considerable knowledge of them4 ,take an illustration3 ,the day after ,pike's nomination as governor1 a prisoner said1 half inquiringly1 ,well1 it seems that ,pike is nominated4 ,i could not say ,no1 in truth1 and1 from my position1 was not allowed to say1 ,yes4 ,hence ,i answered1 in a joking way1 ,how much you think you know about the outside world2 to which he replied1 ,i do know4 ,i had a paper brought me that very afternoon1 before it was dry1 giving an account of the whole proceedings4 ,he will be elected1 too1 and we shall have different fare at the prison4--,what one knew would be communicated to others1 so1 of course1 this fact was generally understood among the inmates4 ,i have since learned1 that1 during the second year1 a somewhat regular correspondence was carried on between the two wings1 three couples1 ,i think1 thus making their arrangements for marriage1 to be consummated shortly after their release4 ,and the enjoyment to them was1 that some of these letters were passed directly before the warden's face and eyes1 without his notice4 ,one letter from the south wing was miscarried1 and fell into his hands1 for which the sender was locked up and thus gained the knowledge1 above referred to1 of the men's rations4 ,but1 nothing daunted at the fate of this missive1 she prepared another and sent it before her release1 or very soon after1 which passed in safety4 ,besides this irregularity1 parties in prison corresponded with those even out of the ,state1 giving a pretty full account of the prison management1 a friend of mine being shown quite a pile of these letters4 ,hence1 taking all things into account as to the deportment of the prisoners1 we are forced to the conclusion that no improvement was secured the second year over the first1 but rather a loss1 that is1 so far as ,i saw or heard4 ,the warden1 of course1 did his best towards preventing all prison abuses1 for he considers himself a very smart prison officer1 so shrewd that no prisoner can get the advantage of him4 ,but he sometimes found more than his match4 ,some thought it not a very hard matter to pull the wool over his eyes4 ,the question has more than once been asked1 ,is it possible that he can be so befogged8 ,why not8 ,he is an old man1 between seventy and eighty1 of great self-esteem1 perhaps entering his dotage4 ,if such a man be placed in so responsible a position1 what may we expect8 #cg4 ,good traits in the warden for prison service4 ,he possessed two most excellent and important traits for a prison officer4 ,he was usually at his post1 would be but seldom away and then only for a short time1 but once1 ,i think1 for a few days1 during the year4 ,he would also be almost constantly looking after things himself1 not leaving matters altogether to subordinates4 ,true1 some would complain of finding him in unsuspected and rather out-of-the-way places1 but it taught them ever to be on the alert1 ready for inspection at all times4 ,while1 however1 these traits1 with a moderate share of judgment1 would qualify one for running a steam engine1 other and still higher and more important qualities are needed for managing a prison4 #ch4 ,chaplain's inability to prevent knowing more or less of the prisoner's troubles and the prison management4 ,if the chaplain is alive to the prisoners' moral needs1 their sorrows of heart and intent on affording the requisite advice1 in searching for knowledge how to direct his words1 he will often1 of necessity1 learn more of things in general than he desires4 ,the case of the young man spoken of in ,sec4 #be1 who had been in the solitary and gave this as an excuse for no lesson1 is in point4 ,he was making no complaint1 but simply excusing himself4 ,this plea1 however1 brought with it an idea that no little lack of prudence may have existed in a point of prison management1 but of which ,i could not judge without knowing further circumstances4 ,thus there are numerous incidental ways by which knowledge will come to mind unbidden4 ,men1 thinking themselves ill-treated1 or who see others wronged1 will speak of these things before he can stop them1 and thus some knowledge of wrong1 perhaps1 is gained4 ,for example3 ,a man in his cell1 no little excited1 commenced3 ,how my blood boiled this afternoon at seeing them throw ,s41 that sick man1 on those timbers1 and hurt him so4 ,but just as soon as ,i saw his drift1 ,i called out1 ,hold on4 ,you know ,i must not hear about that4 ,before ,i could stop him1 however1 enough was in the mind to raise the supposition that the feeble one was being abused1 which idea subsequently received confirmation from the fact of his death4 #ci4 ,secular school success4 ,my course was to commence at ,no4 #abj and call at every cell in succession1 where the inmate would engage in study1 till arriving at ,no4 #a1 and then over again in regular order1 being able1 to go the rounds1 as we called it1 about twice a week1 each receiving my attention only so often4 ,i had quite a variety of exercises4 ,two commenced their alphabet1 although some twenty-four years old4 ,a number took reading in easy sentences1 with spelling4 ,some thirty took arithmetic in its various stages1 a few1 as in the year previous1 taking it up in review a while before leaving4 ,a number in this branch made good proficiency1 considering their disadvantages4 ,two took book-keeping1 one doing but little1 the other obtaining such a knowledge of the science as to prepare him to keep books passably well4 ,but this was under difficulties4 ,having no blanks for practice1 ,i obtained for him three large slates1 one for day book and so on4 ,but soon ,i found him with blanks all ruled4 ,true1 they were made of brown wrapping paper1 on which he would write with a pencil4 ,asking no questions1 ,i looked to his work as he pushed on with all energy and determination4 ,no one could be more diligent4 ,one1 having been a machinist1 expressed a desire1 a while previous to his liberation1 for an opportunity to practice somewhat on mechanical drawing4 ,i obtained some patterns1 carrying him one at a time4 ,he would copy them with great exactness1 and had been called on occasionally to draw working patterns for machinery in the shop4 ,how lamentable that a man of his talents should go into service4 ,one took ,latin1 went through the grammar1 and became able to read somewhat in the reader4 ,he expressed a determination to obtain an education1 when released1 for which he was striving1 when last heard from4 ,one1 a house painter by trade1 took arithmetic1 and ,english grammar4 ,he was quick to learn1 and a keen1 smart fellow4 ,he frequently expressed the wish that he could learn something of ornamental painting1 and thus be able to work on signs and fancy carriages1 when liberated4 ,i1 of course1 could do nothing for him at that1 directly4 ,but it occurred to me that perhaps ,i could1 in a measure1 indirectly4 ,i could perhaps start him somewhat in penciling1 thus leading his mind to a practical knowledge of making the sketches and outlines of what he would wish to paint4 ,this idea he grasped with avidity1 commencing1 in a drawing-book that ,i furnished him1 on simple outlines1 thence to shading1 and finally to foliage1 showing as good improvement as is usually found in our schools4 ,and this exhibited the more talent in him from the fact that ,i could give only a few general hints at the work1 from what ,i had gathered by hearing teachers when directing their pupils4 ,hence1 when coming to difficulties1 he was left to work upon them as best he could1 till conquered4 ,having a work on ,perspective1 from which ,i had gained a few ideas1 ,i gave him some hints on that4 ,but we had nothing to practice upon but the inside of the prison1 the walls and windows4 ,he labored somewhat on the idea of the vanishing point1 and that of the diminution of the angle of vision as distance increases4 ,thus1 the reader will see1 our school took a somewhat wide range4 ,i would interest the mind1 so far as could be1 in what would profit1 and thus beget a love for truth and turn the attention away from wrong4 ,with the wholesome ideas gathered in these studies1 ,i would also inculcate the moral1 to elevate the thoughts and heart to the truly good4 ,here1 ,i constantly kept in view the idea of the best interest of the prisoner and the ,state4 ,this labor was most fatiguing4 ,standing there at the cell doors with no means of sitting1 ,i would1 at times1 become so completely exhausted as to be obliged to retire to rest a while4 ,then1 taking the air from the cells would occasionally be most repulsive and injurious to health1 the whole weakening to the system4 ,i attempted to have a short school exercise with the females twice a week1 but word soon came that they could not be spared for that1 and the effort was abandoned4 ,the pupils did as much1 perhaps1 as could rationally be expected1 under the circumstances4 ,could we have had the school in the chapel1 greater results would have crowned our efforts1 with much less labor4 ,though ,i was wholly cut off at first from having an evening school in the chapel1 near the latter part of ,january1 the warden informed me that ,i might have one there on ,thursday evenings1 if ,i would give up the prayer meeting1 but not to begin till warmer weather4 ,i could not harbor the idea1 for a moment1 of relinquishing the prayer meeting1 and supposed ,i must wait for the proposed ,thursday evening effort till the warden moved4 ,at length1 ,i found that he was waiting for me1 when it was too late to move in the matter at all4 ,indeed1 had we attempted the effort when first spoken of1 it would probably have been more trouble than benefit4 ,as to the penciling1 nothing was said by any in disapprobation of it1 yet1 after that hearing1 with the thought that possibly this might be one of the points of offense1 ,i took from him all the materials except1 perhaps1 the slip on perspective1 which he greatly regretted4 #dj4 ,sabbath school success4 ,the prison year commences the first of ,may4 ,the former warden continued some ten weeks into the second year1 during which time the ,sabbath school attendance remained as usual1 averaging eighty-six4 ,on the first ,sabbath of the new order nearly the same number were in attendance4 ,but many had no teachers provided1 and ,i could have nothing to do about arranging for the school's best interest4#d ,the following ,sabbath brought a great falling off1 still greater the next1 and so on4 ,in a few weeks the warden peremptorily dismissed one of the teachers he had invited1 telling him that if he would call at another time1 he would give his reason4 ,footnote #d3 ,in speaking of the ,sabbath school teachers employed1 page #fi1 the author intended to say1 such a number that each teacher could have a guard stand by him and see that nothing contraband passed4 ,at first1 a prisoner would occasionally ask a question1 as usual1 and a little discussion spring up2 but the warden at once crushed all this1 requiring the teachers simply to put the questions as in the book and the pupil to give the answer and nothing more4 ,the number continued to fall off until it went below thirty1 giving me fears that none would attend1 all my efforts for their continuance being of no avail4 ,no excuse would usually be given4 ,but one said1 ,i won't attend with such a warden1 and ,i judged this the general reason4 ,at length ,i found uneasiness pervading the teachers1 one having determined to resign2 but ,i entreated him to remain for the sake of the prisoners and the ,sabbath school1 for1 if he left1 his class would follow1 dropping the number to twenty or under1 and all would be likely to take the same course4 ,he did not feel satisfied with laboring under such circumstances1 with a guard1 may be a mere boy1 at his side to watch him1 and he1 perhaps1 turned off as unceremoniously as the other4 ,he preferred going of his own accord4 ,but my plea prevailed1 and he remained4 ,the average attendance after the advent of the new order was forty-eight2 for the whole year1 fifty-seven4 #da4 ,religious success4 ,the contrast between the religious element of the present year and that of the past was painful4 ,still1 among those who at first gave up all hope of struggling against the tide1 a few were induced to forsake that ground and struggle on2 thus we hope something of the past was saved4 ,in my discourses ,i felt impelled to dwell more largely on the moral code1 to which the inmates gave respectful attention4 ,the prayer meetings were well attended1 though but few of the inmates would take any part4 ,one of the ,sabbath school teachers was usually present1 and labored with good effect4 ,we took up more of the time in ,bible exposition1 which would occasionally seem to awaken some interest4 ,as to our true religious success this year1 or the real good accomplished1 none but that ,being who knows all things can decide4 ,one thing is certain1 much earnest1 prayerful effort to that end was made1 much hard labor performed4 ,but it is difficult rowing against wind and tide4 ,still1 we probably shared in as large success as could reasonably be looked for under all the circumstances4 #db4 ,lack of truthfulness at the prison4 ,we are often told that no confidence can be placed in the word of a prisoner4 ,but in my experience under the new rule1 ,i was taught the sad lesson that ,i could place no greater confidence in the assertions of some of the officers4 ,a complaint of this character had repeatedly been made by released prisoners4 ,still1 it required personal experience to enable me to appreciate its full and lamentable force4 ,hence1 the shock ,i felt at the virtual request of the warden for me to join in the falsehood course1 by telling the prisoners that ,henry ,stewart1 when removed to the insane asylum1 was taken out to be tried for attempts to murder his overseer4--,then1 again1 there were the assertions ,i repeatedly heard the warden make to prison visitors1 on passing through the cook-room4 ,we give the prisoners good food and enough of it4 ,we purchase the best of articles the market affords1 and have the food well prepared4 ,he would repeat this in earnestness and apparent sincerity1 as though he really believed it himself4--,subsequently1 a gentleman of the city1 of undoubted veracity1 being about to visit the parents of a prisoner1 called and asked the warden how he was1 with the answer1 ,he is all right2 you may tell his folks that he is all right4 ,in a few days after1 it was found that1 at the very time of this assertion1 the man was so sick that the doctor had nearly given him over to die4 ,then ,i would sometimes smile and sometimes feel sorrowful at his changeable appearance2 perhaps if one of influence and authority came in1 he would put on peculiar airs of suavity1 and expatiate upon how things were and should be in prison1 while one without that influence might enter and receive entirely different treatment4 ,i here see how our rulers may have been led on at times1 unaware of the true state of things in the institution4 ,how easy to cover up6 ,then in the female department1 ,i called for a convict in order to arrange for her disposal on leaving prison1 and was told1 ,the assistant is in the city with the key to their apartment1 therefore you can not see the woman4 ,but how was ,i surprised shortly to learn that1 at the moment of this assertion1 the assistant was in the kitchen at work1 and known to be there by my informant4 ,is it any wonder that such people disbelieve in prison reform8 #dc4 ,reported quarrel between the warden and chaplain4 ,the idea has been circulated1 how extensively ,i know not1 that the warden and chaplain had a quarrel between them at the prison4 ,it seems to have pervaded some minds in the legislature at ,concord in '#ga1 being used to the disadvantage of a bill before that body in regard to the prison1 the fate of which perhaps was made to turn on that4 ,no doubt a certain ,concord gentleman1 who had an ax of his own to grind in connection1 knows very well how this report was made so prevalent4 ,whether he or another started it1 ,i know not4 ,but that idea had not the slightest foundation in truth4 ,the circumstances of our official intercourse in all that passed1 have been faithfully set forth in the preceding pages1 and the reader can see for himself that there was no quarreling4 ,when the warden told me to bring the key back and not touch it any more1 ,i did as required1 without uttering a word4 ,when ,i told him what ,i should do about fixing up the ,maine man before sending him away1 his remark was in no fault-finding tone4 ,when he pointed out my work at first1 and in our connected colloquy1 all our words were civil and courteous1 no unpleasantness in tone2 and when he informed me on the point of the man's glasses and the sick man's flannels1 ,i gave him no unkind answer4 ,and where was the quarreling8 ,nowhere4 ,it did not exist4 ,he taught me my bounds after the manner he did1 and ,i accepted them and conformed my moves thereto with not a lisp of fault-finding4 ,he never spoke a word in disapprobation of what ,i was doing1 but that all was agreeable to his mind4 ,again1 where was that place of quarreling8 ,not in the prison between the warden and chaplain4 ,whenever we met1 it was on the most civil terms1 we invariably passing the compliments of the day4 ,true1 we each had our notions on prison reform1 he thinking that attempts in that direction are useless1 that1 when one has fallen into prison we can not reform him1 that punishment is the great mission of the prison1 and thus on2 ,i1 supposing that reform is practicable1 that we should faithfully use all available means for it1 and make it the paramount object of imprisoning4 ,on the question of prison order we were exactly alike in sentiment1--perfect order1 strict discipline1--though1 perhaps1 varying as to the ultimate results1 he securing that as a deterrent to crime2 ,i1 as an important and indispensable element in reform1 leading the once erring to that state of mind in which he will hate wrong and love right4 ,then1 as we had not a word of debate over our differing ideas1 so there was no clashing in carrying them out4 ,the warden established his line of policy1 as he had a legal right1 then ,i surveyed the ground and decided to go on with my reform efforts1 so far1 with respect to time and place1 as ,i could consistently with his arrangements1 at all times looking to the best prison order1 and at no time to interfere with any of his moves4 ,this was our prison quarreling1 and the whole of it2 a very peaceful affair4 ,how happy1 if all quarrels were of this character6 ,i felt assured that1 though what ,i was endeavoring to promote in our prison was held by those at present in the ascendant as being an interloper in such an institution1 and wholly out of place there1 truth would at length prevail4 ,prudent labors1 persevering efforts1 patient waiting and firm trust in the great ,leader1 would now1 as ever before1 result in the triumph of the right4 ,with such views ,i daily toiled in quietness1 interfering with nobody around me4 #dd4 ,prison ,report for '#ga4 ,i had looked for a pretty free use of whitewash in this1 but it goes immeasurably beyond my anticipations4 ,i really expected to find some regard for truthfulness in the statement of facts4 ,but1 in my astonishment at reading1 ,i would inquire1 ,have ,i fallen into a general confusion of names8 ,is black indeed white8 ,let us read1 p4 #ac1--;,he the warden 444 spends his whole time in and about the institution1 not having been absent to the value of half a day since he entered upon his duties4 ,thus we have it4 ,sum up the time spent by the warden during the year in going to the ,p4 ,o41 or in calls out on business1 or errands1 or attending meeting on the ,sabbath1 or journeying to ,new ,york even1 and the whole does not amount to the value of half a day4 ,this prepares us for any statement we may find4 ,if we admit that1 we can anything4 ,let us1 then1 look at the food question4 ,on page #f4 we have1--,the food furnished the prisoners has been selected with more than ordinary care and great pains have been taken in having it well cooked and served4 ,we have a regular weight from which the rations are made1 and any man1 wishing for more than the regular allowance1 is always furnished with an extra quantity4 ,p4 #ac1--,the warden is not only valuable as a disciplinarian but is economical in his management of the affairs of the prison1 at the same time allowing to the prisoners liberal rations of food of the best quality1 but none to waste4 ,this can be admitted just as easily as the quotation preceding4 ,how rejoiced the prisoners would have been to realize the truthfulness of this assertion one short week1--,selected with more than ordinary care6 ,regular weight6 ,liberal rations of food of the best quality6 ,that will do1--decaying fish1 potatoes not fit to put into the human stomach1 and all4 ,but when the ,report comes to the chaplain it uses a black wash with quite as unsparing a hand1 thus1 7,p4 #ac7 ,but the warden has not had that sympathy and assistance from the chaplain1 which should be mutually rendered to each other by officers of the prison4 ,the chaplain1 for reasons best known to himself1 has not acted in harmony with the warden in the discharge of his various duties1 a matter very essential to the discipline of a prison4 ,he has on the other hand1 manifested peculiarities of his own which have been very detrimental to the discipline1 and1 we have reason to believe1 have caused some uneasiness among the prisoners1 which has made it more difficult for the warden1 and1 in some instances1 causing punishment which would otherwise have been avoided4 ,but let us read what the warden says 7,p4 #i71--;,in conclusion1 ,i desire to express my thanks to all the officers connected with the institution1 for the prompt1 cheerful and efficient manner in which they have discharged their several duties4 ,the chaplain was one of those officers4 ,what1 then1 shall we believe8 ,who tells the truth8 ,what has become of straightforward dealing8 ,where is that trait once called honor among men8 ,the reader1 having fully informed himself of the real facts1 will pronounce the above charge against the chaplain as unqualifiedly untrue from beginning to end4 ,but one says1 ,that first assertion must be true4 ,the warden could not have shared your sympathy in his acts4 ,no1 that first assertion is not true4 ,it is equally false with all the rest1 that is1 in the sense of the writer1 which evidently is that the chaplain did not sympathize with the warden in his desires for order1 and labor with him to that end4 ,order is the first thing to be sought in prison as everywhere else4 ,it has my fullest sympathy and for the very purpose of helping towards it1 under this warden1 ,i voluntarily undertook what ,i did4 ,the warden has not had that assistance from the chaplain1 c4 ,the reader has seen the chaplain putting in a pacific word here and there1 doing all he could to interest the mind in its privations1 helping men keep down their angry passions1 robbing the solitary of its occupants1 excusing1 entreating1 helping to order in every way possible1 and is held up in that light4 ,not acted in harmony4 ,not a discordant word or step is the truth4 ,manifested peculiarities of his own4 ,peculiarities6 ,what were they8 ,honest devotion to duty and not an eye to personal popularity2 most arduous toils engaged in for helping to the best interest of the prison2 patient efforts for reforming and elevating the fallen4 ,all ,i said or did there would come within some of these points4 ,were those peculiarities8 ,what then must be the character of the prison management8 ,if the chaplain's moves were held as peculiarities it could have been only from contrasting the animus and acts of those who ruled with his4 ,they would hold the prisoners as so many dumb1 driven cattle2 he1 as human beings1 with instincts of reason to be addressed and emotions of right to be stirred2 they1 in all cases1 would move their brute fears1 threaten1 scold1 drive2 he1 a part of the time at least1 would appeal to the manhood sentiments1 persuade1 entreat1 expostulate2 they would regard them as morally hopeless1 to be cruelly treated1 and made money of2 he1 as those for whom hope lives1 and on whom redeeming influences should be used1 and efforts made for coining from them gold purer than earth affords4 ,nor are these moves of the chaplain peculiarities in many other ,states1 if in ,n4 ,h4 ,nor are they original with him4 ,other minds had brought out such ideas and pushed them somewhat widely into public acceptance1 and he was only attempting to introduce something of their benign influence here4 ,detrimental to discipline4 ,what gross darkness6 ,made it more difficult for the warden4 ,change difficult to easy and the truth would be told4 ,causing punishment4 ,what an idea6 ,the chaplain saw the changes attempted to be brought upon the prisoners1 and thought he understood something of the effects which the move would produce on their minds and the results likely to follow4 ,he knew that to some extent he had the confidence of the men1 that they were looking to him as their friend1 and as working for their best good2 that1 therefore1 he could1 by carefully using his influence in a quiet1 unassuming way1 help slide the matters round the very sharp corner which was being turned1 and thus1 on the one hand1 make things more endurable to the inmates1 and1 on the other1 easier for the rulers4 ,with an eye single to this purpose he acted1 and has the satisfaction of possessing pretty clear evidence that he prevented a measure of trouble in the prison1 and thus rendered the warden some aid at least1 and made his task somewhat easier4 ,indeed1 he did what he could in that direction1 though with no blowing of trumpets4 ,and1 after doing all this1 to be held up in this light by the agent is a pretty hard cut4 ,now1 one of two things is true in regard to all the quotations above made4 ,the assertors either believed they were telling the truth or they did not4 ,if the former be taken1 if they really thought they could purchase the articles they did and from them make the best quality of food2 if they really supposed the chaplain's moves were as deleterious as they represent1 what does it show in regard to their judgment as fitting them for place and trust8 or1 if the other1 what of their character as to truth and veracity8 ,let them take which horn of the dilemma they may choose4 ,one perhaps says1 ,the writers were so informed about the chaplain4 ,could that be any extenuation of their wrong8 ,if such insinuations had been made to them1 why did they not first give some intimation of it to him1 thus giving him the opportunity of showing their falsity8 ,why did they not have the parties face to face1 and thus learn the truth8 ,but1 instead of this1 they published what they did1 and that to the injury of an innocent man1 so far as their influence could go4 ,but what could have impelled the assertors to such a course8 ,the author does not pretend to know1 but it looks as though the object was in this way to push the chaplain to resign1 and they thus be rid of those reform efforts4 ,hence p4 #ac1--,the prison is a penal institution1 and is intended for punishment1 not primarily as a reformative one1 as some people think4 ,here is1 undoubtedly1 the key to this raid on the chaplain4 ,but what is its full import8 ,these reformers fully believe that the sentence of the court must be strictly carried out1 and that1 too1 as an element of reform4 ,the above sentence must mean that the prisoner is put there to be punished as the ,state directs by its laws and courts1 and1 in addition1 for the managers to use him so that he will not wish to come back1 or to punish him as they may choose4 ,if the sentence means anything1 it must mean that4 ,this being the true way1 let us have it so understood1 and1 next summer1 let the legislature recognize the idea by a specific act1 and then let the judge change his sentence accordingly1 putting it1 ,your sentence is1 that you be confined at hard labor in the ,state ,prison at ,concord for ---- years1 and that you there be further punished at the discretion of the prison officers acting for the time being4 ,let this be announced to all evildoers2 and1 further1 let the warden1 agent and all1 give a true account of the severity of their several punishments1 to be published yearly1 that the prison may thus appear as deterring to crime as possible4 ,away with this covering up and pretending to the best living and best usage generally1 thus making the institution appear so attractive4 ,a lady visited a friend there and returned1 having been made1 by the warden's palaver1 perfectly reconciled to the friend's condition1 remarking1 ,they are kept so well there1 and used so kindly1 that one can not feel bad at all about a friend in the prison1 except from the fact that he can not have his liberty to go out as he chooses4 ,i protest against such proceedings4 ,but let the truth stand forth1 just as it is1 that the wicked may really know upon what they must depend4 ,why not put out the sentiment squarely that reform moves have no place in the prison8 ,let us be truthful in this1 too4 ,then dismiss the chaplain and save that expense to the ,state1 for he can be of no use4 ,it is made evident that the writers would banish from prison all reform moves from this assertion1 p4 #ac1--,we think1 sometimes1 the matter of reform or sympathy for the prisoners is carried so far1 in attempting to reform1 as to lead the prisoners to believe that they are injured persons instead of transgressors1 which is1 in our opinion1 wrong1 and has a bad tendency4 ,is not the writer here a little muddled8 or would he hold up these reformers as so absurd a set as to think of reforming men by making them believe they are good already and really sinned against8 ,indeed1 would not the labors of such men of straw be bad8 ,true1 the writer pretends to found his objections to the reform efforts on the fact that they are carried too far1 not perhaps1 feeling exactly ready1 at this late day1 to come out squarely against efforts to raise the fallen1 and to induce the erring to become good citizens4 ,no1 but it is carrying the matter too far4 ,just as though we could go too far in efforts for saving the drowning man4 ,away with such a sham6 ,this indirect charge must have been aimed at the chaplain1 for he was the only prison officer1 that year1 who could rightly be accused of such a crime as attempting reform moves4 ,we are again told that ,mr4 ,p4 had brought the institution to where it was with firmness1 but with kindness and a ,christian spirit1 which unfolds the writer's views of kindness and the ,christian spirit4 ,no doubt the prisoners were just wicked enough to say1 ,lord1 deliver us from all such ',christian spirit4' ,we are further assured1 that ,mr4 ,p4 has accomplished wonders in this direction1 for1 in our view1 there is now no better disciplined prison in the ,n4 ,e4 states4 ,that is a very comfortable feeling1 very much more so than the emotions of some1 who1 going into others ,states1 are made to blush at the taunts thrown out about our prison management1 that such things will do for you ,n4 ,h4 folks1 for those so far on the background4 ,but let us turn to the financial part of the ,report4 ,long before the document made its appearance1 it had been heralded far and wide in the papers that those now running the prison had made it produce a clear gain of over five thousand dollars in nine months4 ,of course1 making this announcement was for personal popularity4 ,let us look at the figures after the ,report comes to hand4 ,number of prisoners1 #he males and #f females4 ,profits reported for nine months and twenty days1 #eagc4ea1 including #cif4fe paid on roofing shop4 ,without deducting this item1 we have #eegj4af gain over the real running expenses1 which1 for a whole year1 would amount to #fiad4fg4 ,let us compare this with the gain of the ,massachusetts ,state ,prison for '#gb1 that ,report being at hand4 ,its number of inmates were #edc4 ,if our #ia prisoners gained what they are represented1 then #edc1 in that proportion1 would gain #da1bfj4jf1 without considering the advantage in larger numbers4 ,reckoning that in1 it would raise this gain to some #de1jjj1 no doubt1 the gain of ,massachusetts in proportion to ours4 ,but what was her gain8 ,it was #ad1fce4bc1 ours being1 in proportion1 more than three times as much as hers1 we thus leaving her all out of sight4 ,the writers say1 p4 #aa1 in regard to ,mr4 ,p41 ,his management has been perfectly satisfactory to your committee4 ,the results of his administration are the most conclusive proofs of its efficiency4 ,do any wonder that the committee should be satisfied with such showing1 if looking to nothing but to the dollars and cents8 ,but does not the announcement itself show an aggravated wrong to the prisoners1 or a false representation8 ,it must be one or the other1 if not both4 ,there is no possible way to accomplish all this by honest shrewdness in financiering and rightful treatment to the convicts4 ,all articles of food have their market value4 ,if really suitable for use1 the value is fixed for the time being1 from which no material deduction can be had4 ,things have their wholesale and retail prices4 ,true1 these vary more or less1 from accidental causes1 such as the abundance or scarcity of the article1 the state of the money market1 or the season of the year4 ,buyers1 by watching these accidental influences1 may purchase more or less to their advantage4 ,and one can look to these points1 and profit from them1 as well as another4 ,prison providers1 especially in large establishments1 will purchase1 of course1 at wholesale1 and those at ,charlestown enjoy quite as good advantages1 to say the least1 for sharing in these accidentals as those at ,concord2 and they no doubt look out quite as shrewdly4 ,if1 however1 one is willing to turn from articles fit for use1 he can find those as cheap as he desires1 going down from thirteen cents to three or one1 if he likes4 ,then this boast of great gains at our prison gives a suspicious look1 to say the least4 ,if we allow for all that cruel cutting off1 previously depicted1 and even more1 that would not bring the accounts to what would appear probable4 ,the agent1 in purchasing legitimate articles1 manifested no skill beyond others4 ,he certainly ran behind on wood as as ,i happened to learn by experience4 ,the man who furnished the prison with this1 agreed to supply some for me1 of the same quality and price1 but failed to bring it at the time1 which forced me to look elsewhere for what ,i needed and which ,i found1 with no extra painstaking and at a bargain1 reckoning price and quality1 better by one dollar at least per cord4 ,but if this withholding from the prisoners what they so greatly needed and what was their just due1 will not bring the accounts within the region of probability1 to what source shall we look for the discrepancy8 ,let us examine the accounts carefully and see what we thus find4 ,true1 it is said1 ,figures won't lie1 but men1 when disposed1 may so use them as to lead wide of the truth4 ,in our examination we find the same dealing as before pointed out4 ,important items of expense in running the institution are deliberately omitted in reckoning4 ,thus1 there is the warden's salary of #ajjj1 the chaplain's1 #gej1 printing the ,report1 #aba1ih1 appraisers'1 #gh1 amounting to #aidi1ih4 ,subtracting this from the pretended gain1 #fiad1fg - #aidi1ih1 gives #difd1fi4 ,let us see what this would be with the ,charlestown number of men1 #bi1fbe1ef1 over two times the comparative gain at ,charlestown1 a very large margin to be accounted for in our withholding4 ,certainly we can not afford to boast very loudly over these figures1 but should rather blush4 ,the reader should bear in mind1 that the prisoners are let at both places on contract1 ours at ninety cents per day1 and those in ,massachusetts for over one dollar1 so that her prison managers enjoy an advantage over ours for rolling up gains4 ,and when we talk of gaining more than twice as much as she1 we have reason to fear that those hearing us will say1 that too many of those dollars were ground out of the flesh1 and blood1 and sinews1 and life even of the prisoners1--not a very welcome sentiment4 #de4 ,efforts of the ,prison ,aid ,association for legislation in favor of the prison4 ,the ,governor1 in his message of '#fi1 proposed that the prison be put under the management of a ,board especially appointed to that purpose4 ,but1 instead of this1 and in connection1 making such other provisions for the institution as were really needed1 the legislature simply passed the whole matter over into the hands of the ,governor and ,council1 as this ,board1 an improvement somewhat1 no doubt1 over the former system1 but an arrangement1 which1 in the views of many of our best citizens1 carries with it grave objections4 ,the ,board1 thus constituted1 is a changeable body1 the members never remaining in office more than two years1 and sometimes but one4 ,as a result1 the prison must necessarily be managed largely by the inexperienced1 for the men1 generally1 no doubt1 come to the office without having given any special attention to the subject4 ,this is much like setting a company of untaught landsmen to navigate a ship4 ,again1 the prison is liable to no little changeableness in its mode of being directed1 a great detriment to its welfare1 unless it be from bad to good4 ,men will possess their varying notions1 and some1 though lacking a knowledge of the best prison interests1 will persist in having their peculiar views put in practice1 however conflicting and contradictory4 ,it is also now liable to be left largely in the hands of the warden to be run as he wills1 besides being exposed to the unfavorable effects of political party influence4 ,finally1 the institution can receive only its part of the largely divided attention of its managers1 and thereby1 at times1 be liable to inconvenience4 ,but the best interest of the prison evidently demands the control of men especially adapted to their task1 men who shall form a body with all possible permanence1 possess ripe experience1 be free in their rule from partisan control1 who shall make the institution their speciality1 and manage after some fixed policy involving the most enlightened principles1 principles of true reform4 ,the ,association took up these matters1 and for the purpose of obtaining legislation looking as undividedly in this direction as possible1 appointed a committee1 of which ,rev4 ,mr4 ,sanborn of ,concord served as chairman1 who should1 after due investigation and correspondence with other ,states1 prepare the requisite bill for legislative consideration4 ,after much labor1 the following1 as subsequently amended1 was presented to the legislature at its session in '#ga4 ,,state ,,of ,,new ,,hampshire4 ,,in ,,the ,,year ,,of ,,our ,,lord ,,one ,,thousand ,,eight ,,hundred ,,and ,,seventy-,,one4 ,an act in relation to the ,penal ,institutions4 ,be it enacted by the ,senate and ,house of ,representatives in ,general ,court convened3 ,,section #a4 ,there shall be a ,board of directors of ,prisons to consist of five persons appointed by the ,governor1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 who shall hold office for five years1 except that the five first appointed shall hold their office for #a1 #b1 #c1 #d and #e years respectively1 the commission of each designating his term of office4 ,thereafter one ,director shall be appointed annually in the month of ,june1 to hold his office five years4 ,such ,board shall have charge and superintendence of the ,state ,prison1 and shall have such power1 and perform such duties in respect to ,county ,jails1 the ,reform ,school and other penal and reformatory institutions within the ,state1 as the ,legislature may by law impose upon it4 ,the ,board may1 from time to time1 elect from its own members or otherwise1 a ,secretary1 who shall perform such duties as the ,board may prescribe1 and shall receive such salary as the ,legislature may determine4 ,the other members of the ,board shall receive no compensation1 other than reasonable and other traveling expenses1 while engaged in the performance of official duty4 ,and the limit of such expenses shall be in amount ---- to each individual1 which shall not be changed except at intervals of five years4 ,,section #b4 ,such ,board shall have power1 ,i4 ,to appoint the ,warden1 ,deputy ,warden1 ,chaplain1 ,physician and ,surgeon of the ,state ,prison1 and shall have power to remove either of such officers1 for cause only1 after opportunity to be heard in his own defense upon written charges4 ,all other officers and guards of the prison shall be appointed by the ,warden thereof1 and shall be removable at his pleasure4 ,,ii4 ,to define the powers1 duties and compensation of such officers1 except the compensation of the ,warden4 ,,iii4 ,to establish by-laws for the government of the prison4 ,,iv4 ,to provide for the purchase of all articles necessary for the use of the prison1 or the health and comfort of the officers and prisoners4 ,v4 ,to provide for the sale of all articles manufactured in the prison or not needed for the use thereof4 ,,vi4 ,to make contracts1 if expedient1 for the support and employment of the prisoners or any portion of them4 ,,vii4 ,to make all necessary additions1 alterations and repairs within the prison or its inclosure4 ,,viii4 ,to provide such books and instruction as may be considered necessary for the convicts4 ,,ix4 ,to draw its warrant through its ,secretary upon the ,state ,treasurer in favor of the ,warden for all appropriations made by the ,legislature for the ,state ,prison4 ,,section #c4 ,such ,board shall visit the ,state ,prison at least once every month1 and oftener1 when thought necessary1 for the purposes of ascertaining whether the laws1 rules and regulations are faithfully observed4 ,,section #d4 ,the ,governor may remove either of the ,directors of the ,prison for malfeasance or misfeasance in office1 after having furnished him with a copy of the charges against him1 and giving him an opportunity to be heard in his own defense4 ,,section #e4 ,all acts and parts of acts1 inconsistent with this act1 are hereby repealed1 and this act shall take effect from and after its passage4 ,this bill was presented and went to the judiciary committee of the ,house1 a body composed of two ex-judges and other gentlemen of influence1 all of whom favored it1 some saying to me1 privately1 that it was the very thing needed4 ,the committee reported it unanimously4 ,it passed the ,house with no opposition1 and so also the ,senate1 the final vote having been taken when some private interest in ,concord started up to defeat the measure and induced a member of the ,senate to move a reconsideration of that vote4 ,his move prevailed1 and the bill was referred back to the ,senate committee1 before which this interest appeared in objection to the measure1 while friends were present in its advocacy4 ,the committee again reported unanimously in favor of the passage of the document1 but on taking final action it was postponed to the next session of the legislature4 ,here was the point where the story circulated of the warden and chaplain quarrel1 that this bill was the embodiment of certain peculiar notions of the latter which he was pushing to the disadvantage of the former1 muddling some of the ,senate1 and thus leading them to think it not best to be mixed up in the matter1 and so to vote that the measure be put over4 ,it is wonderful to think how slight an influence will sometimes thwart an important measure in passage at the legislature4 ,a mere whisper of some whim1 a little prejudice against another1 perhaps may put it all aside4 ,how little attention is given to merit6 ,this is true even of ,hon4 ,senators4 ,to one of these ,i spoke about his vote within ten minutes after he had given it1 and he replied1--,i don't know1 ,i am sure1 how ,i voted1 for ,i did not care anything about it4 ,the fact is1 this bill did not originate with me4 ,i had nothing to do with it1 not being on the committee who framed it4 ,but1 as ,agent of the ,association1 ,i spent more or less time at the ,state ,house1 looking after the interest of the measure4 ,the next session the bill came up in the ,senate again1 and1 through the same interest as before1 probably1 it was indefinitely postponed and another put on passage in its stead1 which went to the ,house committee on prisons4 ,but they did not think it worthy of being reported1 and that died4 ,a member of the committee remarked that it appeared to be a scheme started by one for the purpose of making a comfortable place for himself4 ,and he1 no doubt1 had the right of it1 for the prominent provision was that the ,board should consist of three1 one of whom must be a resident of ,concord1 and not be allowed over four hundred dollars4 ,that would be a nice thing for the ,concord man4 ,thus matters stand at present so far as legislation is concerned4 ,if the reader will give attention to the bill above presented1 he will see that it is very comprehensive1 and might easily be carried out4 ,it contemplates the needed permanence1 each member being in long enough to obtain large experience in prison management1 yet changing sufficiently often to avoid the ill effect of remaining in office too long4 ,it further contemplates small expenses1 as each member of the ,board is to charge nothing for his time4 ,it has been suggested that the bill be further amended1 by striking out the words and other instruction1 in ,article ,,viii41 and inserting the following ,section after ,sec4 #c1 thus1 ,section #d3 ,this ,board shall consider the reform of the prisoners the paramount object of the prison1 and shall secure to them such secular1 ,sabbath school1 moral and religious instruction as1 in their view1 shall be most conducive to this end1 but not therein to conflict with the labor interests of the institution4 ,one objects to the above bill1 that1 as it proposes no compensation for the time spent by the members of the ,board1 men of efficiency can not be found to act upon it4 ,if the concern is to be run simply for money-making1 that would be the fact2 and of right should be4 ,but1 when we come to labors for raising these fallen ones from their crimes and degradation to uprightness and a higher life1 in a word1 to make true men and women of them as we ought1 it is quite another thing4 ,in that case we have men1 good and true1 men fully qualified for the task2 men who1 while carrying out the primary objects of the prison1--good order1 good discipline and true reform every way1--would also present the best truthful show of legitimate gains in dollars and cents4 ,certainly it is demeaning to our ,state to think otherwise4 ,we have men among us1 of noble minds and large hearts1 who1 by honest industry and true integrity of purpose1 have raised themselves to that position in the public estimate where they deservedly share the fullest confidence of their fellows1 for ability and fidelity to the highest and purest aims1 and who feel that they owe it as a gratuity to society to lend a measure of their talents in managing her public interests4 ,hence1 no difficulty is found in obtaining men to act with the highest efficiency as trustees to our colleges and seminaries without compensation4 ,so1 too1 enough can be found really fitted to run the prison as proposed4 ,another objection to the bill has been1 that it does not make it obligatory for one of the ,directors to reside in ,concord4 ,as the object of the legislation is for the special advantage of the prison1 rather than to make a place for a certain ,concord gentleman1 it was not thought needful to insert such a limitation4 ,then1 again1 railroad facilities are so great as to do away with the need of such an enactment4 ,that whole matter can be safely left in the hands of the appointing power1 who should look for the best men to the position4 ,but the bill1 with the connected ideas1 is here placed before the reader1 with the ardent hope that it will be thoroughly studied by him1 improved where it can be1 or a better one substituted1 and thus the best system of prison management practicable be hit upon and made a law as soon as may be1 thereby running the institution on principles commensurate with the prevailing intelligence of our people1 the genius of our ,christian civilization1 and in keeping with the times in which we live and what is being accomplished in other ,states4 #df4 ,experience with the new government4 ,in ,june1 '#ga1 the ,democratic rule gained the ascendency at ,concord4 ,when the new rulers became established in their places1 and were able to give attention to prison matters1 the ,governor sent for me to call at the council chamber1 which ,i did4 ,his desire1 as well as that of his council1 was to know really about the state of things at the prison4 ,it seemed that statements had been made to them tending to show something of their true character4 ,i gave some general intimations as ,i understood matters1 but could not1 from the circumstances1 enter into particulars as on the preceding pages2 and1 indeed1 had not then so learned some of the facts that ,i was at liberty to speak of them4 ,they professed a determination to have the prisoners properly treated1 with enough to eat and of good food1 though the ,governor said he had not posted himself on prison matters at all1 not thinking it worth while from the circumstances4 ,it will be understood that he was elected1 not by the popular vote1 but by the legislature1 and1 previous to its assembling1 he could put but little confidence in his election there4 #dg4 ,chaplain determines to have an investigation into the charges against him in the ,prison ,report1 but relinquishes the idea4 ,on reading the ,prison ,report for that year1 ,i felt not only shocked at the character of its general statements1 so far as the warden and committees were concerned1 but also determined on having an investigation into the charges against me4 ,touching one's character in that way is no trifling matter1 and ,i did not feel like sitting quietly down under representations so entirely false4 ,had ,i been guilty1 ,i would have borne the deserved rebuke without a murmuring word4 ,some proposed that the new ,governor and ,council make a general investigation of the prison matters1 and ,i put this in with the rest4 ,but they were not inclined to that unless parties preferred charges1 in which case they would hear and consider them4 ,hence1 ,i decided to call for a hearing on those allegations1 and prepared the papers according to legal advice1 but thought best1 before sending them in1 to consult certain influential friends in the place about attempting the move1 and received a decided remonstrance against it2 they arguing that the step would stir up strife1 make divisions and party alienations2 that1 in the uncertainty of things1 ,i had no assurance of obtaining satisfaction1 and the like4 ,supposing this to be given in sincerity1 and that1 perhaps1 it might be for the best1 ,i gave the matter up1 and threw aside my papers4 #dh4 ,anniversary of ,p4 ,a4 ,association for '#ga and remarks on our jails4 ,this was held in the ,representatives' ,hall1 at ,concord1 the second ,tuesday evening of ,june4 ,ex-,gov4 ,smyth1 ,president in the chair4 ,attendance not large4 ,the ,agent gave a full report of the past year's doings1 showing that good success had attended their efforts1 and that the enterprise was taking hold of the public mind in a measure1 though with some opposition4 ,it had been a year of planning1 commencing and going forward as a new struggle in the ,state2 the object of the ,association being to aid those released from prison by furnishing them with good1 immediate employment1 under proper influences and with suitable surroundings1 helping with money only as indispensable1 and then not intrusting it to those aided to disburse4 ,an important beginning had been made1 much hard work performed1 and a measure of good evidently accomplished1 giving favorable indications for the future1 with the needed energy and effort4 ,only #ajj4ej of the #cjj appropriated by the ,state had been expended4 ,in preparing this ,report1 the ,agent had written to all the jails in the ,state1 proposing over thirty questions for answers1 in order to develop the state of crime and the penal working in our commonwealth4 ,only a part responded1 but enough to furnish us with important subjects for study and effort4 ,the good of society1 the welfare of the ,state1 loudly call for our better minds1 our more influential workers to give most earnest attention to these matters4 ,we should here make a great effort for improvement2 an effort entered into by ministers of religion and those of justice1 legislators and all4 ,woman1 also1 should come to the help4 ,as now managed our jails are prolific schools of crime4 ,the old1 hardened offender and the young1 in comparative innocence1 are huddled together1 the latter to be taught in deeds of wrong and adroit methods of performing them of which he had never dreamed before2 instruction that1 perhaps1 fires his mind to enter these ways of sin as a business for life4 ,does not this look to the need of a classification1 in these institutions1 that we now have not8 ,in some cases the women's cells are in the same wards with the men's1 and they can freely talk together1 though locked in separately1 and probably never allowed to associate further4 ,but there is a living remembrance of wrong1 daily seen in ,concord1 which should cause us to blush1 in the person of an unfortunate boy1 who had his birth in jail1 the mother having been in durance there one year previously as a candidate for ,state ,prison1--another sad lesson for comment and remedial labors4 ,our jails are cultivators of indolence4 ,men1 women and children are locked in there with no useful employment1--except in that at ,manchester1--nothing to do but to impart and study lessons of crime2 and some manage to remain there the most of the time1 preferring this to honest labor4 ,these all go to swell the burdens of the tax-payer4 ,why not have some sort of industries connected with these places8 ,set these fellows at work on something4 ,keep them out of idleness1 so far as can be4 ,if the employment does not bring in largely of dollars and cents1 it will1 in what may be better4 ,and are not some of our jails themselves nuisances1 a disgrace to the ,state8 ,we need1 at least1 two work-houses4 ,they may not be of great expense at ornamenting1 but appropriate1 substantial1 fitted every way to their use4 ,then fill them with this vagabond population now floating back and forth between the establishments catering to vice and the jails4 ,give them really corrective sentences4 ,modify essentially this short-time-sentence system4 ,if one's wrong habits are not corrected by one sentence1 let the next be longer1 or till thoroughly reformed1 reform being the object aimed at4 ,then should we take the keepers of these rum-shops1 billiard-saloons1 gambling-dens and houses of ill-fame1 with those of their frequenters that need be1 and put them here at work1 too4 ,this would be a wonderful purifier of society4 ,give each a dose1 say of six months1 when1 if that don't cure1 repeat it till the work is accomplished in them also4 ,then1 here are numerous other connected questions for us to study1 discuss and settle in regard to securing a general punitive system1 a system in advance of what we now possess1 more corrective of crime4 ,and what shall be done for those children coming up in idleness1 ignorance and vagrancy8 #di4 ,fourth of ,july at the prison in '#ga4 ,the observance this year was in exact contrast with that of last1 the one bringing gratification and pleasure1 the other1 gloom and punishment4 ,the workmen and other help desired prison work to cease that day1 for their enjoyment1 which was granted4 ,but1 instead of studying any means for giving a moment's pleasure to the inmates1 they were locked in their cells for the day4 ,but ,i spent the hours with them1 going from cell to cell1 and making efforts for removing the intolerable tedium1 not unfrequently hearing the contrast between the last ,fourth and this1 alluded to with deep sighs4 ,it would have been great relief to them could they have continued their work in the shop for the day4 ,hence1 the remark of one and another1 ,how cruel to keep us shut up here6 ,oh1 how much more agreeable to be out at work6 ,i would rather work four times as hard as usual than be confined here4 ,thus1 they expressed themselves4 ,if punishment was the purpose1 that was effectively obtained4 #ej4 ,chaplain's removal from office4 ,the custom had been for the chaplain to remain in office till resigning1 or for an indefinite period4 ,this seems to be needful1 if he is the right man1 for it takes time for him to become acquainted with the inmates and establish himself in their confidence4 ,frequent changes in this office is bad policy4 ,after serving in the place a while and finding so much interest connected with this department of labor1 ,i decided to throw my whole energies into the work for a time and see what fruits could be gathered therefrom4 ,i was also at no little labor and painstaking in a change of location1 moving near the institution1 to be in close proximity to my work4 ,things progressed till1 a few weeks after the ,march election of '#ga1 a ,democratic neighbor remarked that1 should his party come into power1 ,i should have a competitor1 the next summer1 for my office4 ,it was understood that the competing gentleman's plea was1 that1 more than twenty-five years previously1 he had been appointed to the place and served nine years1 but when the ,democratic party lost the power1 he was set aside2 yet he had been living all these eventful years true to those principles1 and now on the party's return to power he should be restored also to his former place4 ,it was understood1 too1 that he had received the promise of the position on this contingency4 ,the new ,governor obtained his election1 after which ,democratic friends of the city and elsewhere assured me that my place would not be disturbed1 especially as ,i was doing so much for the prisoners2 and one of their leading men undertook to attend to the matter when the ,governor and council should come to the prison questions1 and present the general wish from all parties that ,i remain4 ,i proceeded with my usual work for six weeks1 when1 just at night1 one day1 ,i received word that ,i had been dismissed4 ,directly referring this to that gentleman1 ,why1 said he1 that is a mistake4 ,this very afternoon1 not two hours ago1 at the council chamber1 they assured me they should not act on the prison offices till their next meeting some two weeks ahead4 ,but notwithstanding his assurances1 the step was taken just on the heel of their adjournment4 ,on inquiring of a councilman1 if1 in this dismissal1 they had been influenced in any measure by the aspersions in the ,report1 he said they had not2 that they did not doubt but that ,i had been faithful in my duty1 assuring me that the reason was wholly political2 to which ,i had no excuse to offer1 as ,i had been guilty of voting the ,republican ticket2 and if ,i must be dismissed on that ground1 of course no more words were needed4 ,but there did seem a lack of straightforwardness for them to move as they did in the matter without giving this gentleman the opportunity of presenting what he wished4 ,the gentleman appointed was a good man1 but feeble1 and acknowledged to a friend that he could not do what had been done for the prisoners the previous year4 ,but the idea seemed to prevail that he could do what was desired by the warden4 ,hence1 as is understood1 the secular school is largely a thing of the past1 and finally the ,sabbath school is given up4 ,now1 this is a very nice place for him in his advanced years1 he being over seventy1 where he has no care1 and but little labor4 ,but what of the effects upon the inmates thus left with so much idle time on their hands8 ,anything but good4 ,a young man1 the previous year1 was quiet and orderly1 closely attentive to his studies1 making good advancement2 but1 when left with all these unemployed moments1 he turned his thoughts to planning an outbreak1 was arrested in the execution1 and for months condemned to the ball and chain4 ,whereas1 had his mind been kept employed as formerly1 no doubt he would have continued quiet4 ,does it pay thus to cut off educational and moral privileges and share such results8 #ea4 ,prison fare under the new government4 ,i did not serve under this government for a period sufficiently long to enable me to learn from personal observation very much as to what would be gained in the fare of the prisoners1 but thought some steps were being taken in the right direction4 ,the cracked wheat dinner was abolished for meat and potatoes4 ,the evening after1 ,i found the prisoners rejoicing over it4 ,one exclaimed1 ,didn't we have a good dinner1 to-day8 ,they have put away that wheat stuff1 and now give us good meat and potatoes4 ,oh1 isn't it good8 ,a woman1 leaving prison1 gave us an account of the warden's scolding1 that ,councillor ---- was about poking his nose into everything4 ,this1 if true1 gave signs of a determination to know and remedy matters4 ,but they had to work under difficult circumstances4 ,they did not begin sufficiently near the bottom4 ,as informed1 they went quite thoroughly into fitting up the clothing and bedding1--a welcome move1 for no set of fellows ever needed it more4 ,the next winter1 however1 ,i said to a man who was leaving1 ,you fare better over there this year than last1 do you not8 ,you are kept warmer1 are you not8 ,to which he answered1 ,i don't see much difference4 ,certainly1 ,i was looking for a different answer from this1 and did not know what to make of it4 #eb4 ,the warden question4 ,it was supposed and reported that the warden would be removed2 then we learned that the political muddle prevented1 some contending for a straight1 out-and-out ,democrat1 others1 for a ,labor ,reformer1 the party with whom they had bargained and thus gained the power4 ,then there was another element which seemed largely to prevail1 and which some thought acted more powerfully than all others1--the fear as to how the prison accounts would stand at the end of the year4 ,they had found out the condition of things in the prison1 and learned something of how they had been run the previous year1 and had every reason to suppose that they could not possibly make so large a show of gains as was then made4 ,a highly important matter to them1 for1 should they run behind1 their opponents would1 of course1 use it to their party disadvantage in future political campaigns4 ,what could they do in the matter8 ,of course1 the most feasible way was to keep the same warden1 with the hope1 by his manipulating1 of a less falling off2 or the fact of their having made no change here1 would blunt the force of the falling-short argument materially4 ,hence1 party interests would prompt them1 on the one hand1 to remove the chaplain for a partisan2 and on the other to retain the warden for his aid to them politically4 ,thus1 it seemed that party considerations ruled the whole matter1 and that the rulers1 instead of rising to the true dignity of their position1 and inquiring about the real interests of the prison1 the best man for the place1 bowed obsequiously to the shrine of party4 ,true1 late in the fall1 or in early winter1 they moved in the matter by appointing a gentleman of ,concord to the wardenship1 but under such circumstances1 that he could not1 for a moment1 think of accepting1 though doubtless he would have improved matters had he done so4 #ec4 ,experience at the prison subsequent to dismissal4 ,this experience was limited1 but sufficient to open another dark chapter in the history of poor human nature4 ,i still acted as agent to the ,association4 ,in ,august1 a man was to leave1 concerning whom they started the story that an indictment was made against him1 ready for his arrest on leaving prison2 but they promised that if he would leave within a half hour after his dismissal1 he could go safely4 ,i had a place for him near a friend with whom relatives had deposited money on his account1 but whose locality ,i supposed he did not know4 ,very early1 on the morning of his release1 ,i1 by a message1 solicited the warden to forward him to me1 so that ,i could send him on the five o'clock train4 ,but seeing nothing of him1 ,i at length went to the prison office and asked the warden if he would please let the man out1 as ,i could send him by the next train4 ,he answered1 ,he has gone1 ,sir2 went this morning at five1 for ,new ,york4 ,i now turned to the deputy as usual previously1 and asked1 ,will you please furnish me with a list of those going out this month8 ,he answered1 ,no1 ,sir2 when the warden said1 ,you have had enough to do with the prisoners1 already4 ,you are not to have any more concern with them4 ,i answered1 ,very well1 and1 turning to go out1 remarked to a man about to leave1 for whom ,i had a place in readiness1 ,come to me as you leave here1 and ,i will give you directions as to where to go4 ,the deputy followed me1 indulging in a tirade of most abusive language4 ,as he finished the words1 ,you had better not be over here making a fool of yourself1 but keep away lest you get kicked out1 ,i had arrived at the top of the stairs1 where ,i stopped1 supposing he proposed to kick me down1 remarking1 in a subdued tone of voice1 nothing frightened or excited1 ,here ,i am4 ,if you wish to kick me down stairs1 you can4 ,i came in civilly on business1 supposing1 as a citizen1 ,i had a right to that4 ,the deputy ejaculated1 ,a d----d poor citizen1 the warden also having followed1 and joining freely in the vituperation4 ,seeing no active signs of putting the threat in practice1 ,i started on and came safely away1 but was subsequently informed by one then standing at the foot of the stairs1 that he kicked towards me1 when ,i had taken a few steps4 ,but he did not hit or injure the object of his rage4 ,in this experience ,i was more fortunate than a guard1 who1 as he asserts1 when leaving service there1 was followed to the front door and kicked down the steps by the warden1 upon the ground1 the foot hitting his back and causing such lameness that he had not then1 after four months1 recovered4 ,he was purposing to prosecute the warden for damages4 ,thus1 while they have smiles and words of suavity for some1 they can deal freely in such abuse to those who doubt their highest perfection4 ,now1 if they would treat me and others thus1 what would they do to the prisoners8 ,one will say1 ,they were irritated towards you1 for you had told the ,governor and ,council about the prison management4 ,that was no doubt the fact4 ,and they will become irritated with the prisoners also1 who are helplessly in their power1 where they can treat them as they please4 ,as to the two prisoners1 whether the one pretended that he would go to ,n4 ,y41 and took passage accordingly1 or was forced to that1 ,i never knew4 ,but he would have taken passage to any place the warden proposed1 in order to escape from his hands1 as1 through his influence1 he doubtless feared the arrest4 ,for the ticket1 the warden expended the man's five dollars allowed by the ,state1 and advanced him five more1 probably supposing that it would be paid him by the ,association4 ,the man1 as ,i learn1 rode until he felt safe from being seized1 when he left the cars1 traveling on foot for lack of means to go by public conveyance1 and1 at length1 arrived at this friend's1 in as bad a plight1 probably1 as any before spoken of4 ,he said he had been sick1 confined to his cell for weeks1 was neglected1 and sometimes was not furnished with water to wash for days together4 ,the warden1 himself1 accompanied the second man to a place in the city1 and put him to work as he had previously arranged4 ,soon hearing of his locality1 ,i called1 found his new pants with a bad rent1 after only part of a day's wear1 and furnished him with suitable clothing1 pointing out the place also of my arrangement to which he could go1 or remain where he was4 ,another leaving prison1 and calling on me1 remarked1 ,i asked the warden where you lived1 to which he answered1 ,i don't know2 an additional specimen of the truthfulness there4 ,but one queries1 ,why was the warden determined that you should not see the men coming out8 ,he could have had but one reason1 the fear that they would tell me the stories of their sufferings4 ,the one ticketed for ,n4 ,y41 ,i learn1 gives some spicy accounts4 #ed4 ,prison report for '#gb4 ,this claims a better financial show than that of the previous year4 ,thus says the warden1 p4 #d1 ,i am permitted to record another year of financial success4 ,then the committee1 p4 #aj1 ,the financial affairs are in a highly prosperous condition4 ,you will find1 by looking at the treasurer's report1 that there has been a net gain1 to the ,state1 of #e1eja1jc1 after paying all outstanding bills1 which is a greater gain than the previous year1 considering the less number of convicts and the larger outlay for clothing1 c4 ,when we consider the large appropriations that have been required from year to year to run the prison1 it must be encouraging to the tax-payers of the ,state to know that the prison has added the two past years1 #ajgfj1bj to the revenue of the ,state1 with no outstanding bills1 and no complicated matters to embarrass the institution4 ,this1 surely1 is a glowing picture2 one so greatly enjoyed by its authors1 that it would seem almost too bad to spoil it by letting in a gleam from the light of truth4 ,we see from the ,report that our present managers here follow closely in the footsteps of their immediate predecessors as to their statement of financial facts1 though intent on outdoing them in appearances at least4 ,like them1 they reckon only a part of the expense in running the prison1 leaving out the warden's salary1 and other large items1 and thus pretending the gains to be what they are not4 ,they could equally as well have omitted the sums paid the physician1 deputy1 guards and overseers1 thereby making the figures indicate a gain of over twenty thousand for the two years1 instead of over ten thousand4 ,the principle of statement would have been the same and equally truthful4 ,it certainly appears as though they were straining every nerve to secure the greatest personal and party popularity on the dollar and cent question4 ,nor would we1 by any means1 censure them for that1 provided they proceed with a due regard to truthfulness1 the rights of the prisoner and the best interest of the ,state4 ,but the people can justly require them to give these a proper place in their plannings and efforts4 ,the pecuniary question is of high import and not to be lost sight of for a moment1 but should not be allowed to swallow up every other interest with a miser's greed and with even a measure of disregard for what is really true4 ,in estimating the entire amount of expense to the community1 this year1 in running the prison1 of right we should reckon a somewhat large item not above alluded to1 the sum expended in caring for those made invalids the past year by the prison management1 and thus sent out to the public charge4 ,of these there are probably six at least1--those two sent to the ,insane ,asylum1 and four others4 ,thus1 deducting all the real expenditures1 but a small list of gains are left4 ,to be able the better to judge comparatively and see the drift of things in our prison management1 let us select the more important items from the ,reports of the years '#gj1 '#ga and '#gb1 forming them into a table1 taking the average number of the prisoners for each year1 obtained by adding the numbers at its beginning and end1 and dividing by two4 ,under the food and clothing items1 let us insert what they pay in ,massachusetts ,state ,prison per day for food1 and per year for clothing1 to a prisoner or per capita3 #ahgj4 #ahga4 #ahgb4 ,average number1 #abc #a-b #ajd #a-b #he #a-b ,expense for ,overseers and ,guards1 #e1ifj #jc #f1cad #ia #f1fac #cb ,physician1 #ajj #jj #bej #ch #bhb #jj ,provisions1 #h1eha #cb #e1daf #da #c1bhc #jj per capita1 #fi #dh #ea #hc #ch #ci per day1 per capita1 #ai #ad #a-e #aj #a-b per day in ,mass4 ,prison1 #ah #ah #f-aj #ah #g-aj ,fuel and ,lights1 #a1aie #dc #ied #da #fhb #ac ,clothing1 #a1ifc #id #a1ddg #hf #a1dgb #bd per capita1 #ae #ij #ac #he #ag #ba in ,mass4 ,prison1 #ba #fg #ai #dj #ah #gb ,library1 #bfb #ie #id #hd #j ,ordinary ,repairs1 #a1icg #fd #a1jeg #jh #a1jbi #ej ,earnings of ,convicts1 #be1cch #bb #bb1fai #gj #ai1acd #de per capita1 #bji #bb #baf #da #bbc #gi ,this table tells its own story and is in perfect unison with all that has been uttered on former pages4 ,the guards and overseers1 the same in number1 and with no additional labors1 receive increased pay from year to year4 ,nor has there been any going up in the scale of wages outside to cause a demand for this4 ,nor were they more experienced and intelligent1 thereby claiming higher compensation4 ,many were mere boys1 some not overstocked with intelligence4 ,they had one boy of seventeen for overseer in the shop4 ,the physician's pay has also received a yearly rise in the scale1 though with a large diminishing in numbers of prisoners and1 as the ,report says1 a remarkably healthy state among them4 ,how can we reconcile this8 ,true1 the first year he attended only when called1 and subsequently every morning4 ,but why the difference between the second and third years with the fewer men and alleged healthy state8 ,this is what needs explaining4 ,but we find the food expense going the other way1--#ai1 #ad #a-e and #aj #a-b per day to a man4 ,what a cutting off6 ,will it go on thus till the story of ,hierocles about the man's horse shall be verified in our prison8 ,so1 also1 of the lighting and fuel with no change of space to be warmed1--#a1aie #dc1 #ied #da and #fhb #ac4 ,no wonder there was such suffering from cold that second winter1 before pointed out4 ,then what of the third8 ,no change in the prices of the market can account for this variance4 ,it must have been sheer withholding the necessaries of life4 ,we see that the ,charlestown food allowance per day1 for those years respectively1 was1--#ah1 #ah #f-aj and #ah #g-aj1 increasing a trifle4 ,nor does any great extravagance appear in that first year with us1 nineteen cents1 one cent lower than authors say should be1 though one higher than ,massachusetts4 ,the allowance to the library is also suggestive1--#bfb #ie1 #id #hd and #j4 ,true1 during the first year the library was repaired1 enlarged and newly catalogued1 but the second year the appropriation was about what is annually demanded for keeping the books properly replenished and in suitable order4 ,it is as small a sum as should be thought of4 ,that cypher1 therefore1 for the third year1 shows an unwarrantable neglect4 ,these figures are especially suggestive1 too1 on the educational and moral points1 perhaps a good index of them4 ,and what a show6 ,down1 down6 ,what a picture for ,new ,hampshire6 ,grant that the chaplain preaches to the men ,sabbath mornings1 meets them in the prayer-meetings1 c41 to what does it amount in the midst of such surroundings8 ,true1 it gratifies them to assemble1 hear the human voice1 and sing4 ,that is about all the good that can be looked for under the circumstances4 ,the labor figures1 too1 are expressive1--#bji #bb1 #baf #dd and #bbc #gi1 what each earned per year2 poorer fare and more work4 ,we admit that this rise may1 in part1 be credited to the fact that1 from the former warden's suggestion1 our rulers had arranged for the doctor to visit the prison daily and examine the cases desiring excuse from work1 by real or pretended sickness1 with the anticipation of saving more or less labor1 which that warden supposed he had lost from being left himself to do this excusing1 and without medical advice1 which measure commenced when the new warden came in4 ,but1 besides this1 enough remains unaccounted for in that way1 no doubt1 to render it highly probable that too many of those complaining of having been driven to work when sick1 had just cause for such complaints4 ,those figures on repairs are important1--#a1icg #fd1 #a1jeg #jh and #a1jbi #ej4 ,that first year made the last of those spent in that general fitting up1 enlarging and repairing as preparatory to running the institution at more income1 less expense1 and1 consequently1 larger gains than ever before1 thus laying the foundation for its present prosperity4 ,those sums for the second and third years would have been mere trifles but for keeping the shop appliances in repair1 and that of the first very much less4 ,now that the contractor keeps these appliances in order himself1 this repair bill for a long while to come should be very small4 ,hence1 when we hear the laudations of the present apparent financial prosperity of the prison over that of a few years ago1 we are not to infer that those former rulers were any the less shrewd1 far-seeing1 or energetic in financial matters than those of later date1 but that the latter are only reaping from what the former sowed4 ,the table shows us how the increased gains are secured2 mostly by withholding the necessaries of life from the men1 and yet driving them to more work4 ,but we turn from examining this table more directly again to the ,prison ,report of '#gb4 ,it says1--,as complaint has been made that the prisoners were not properly fed and clothed1 or that the food was deficient in quantity and quality1 we say to you that we think no prisoners in this country are so well fed and clothed as the convicts of the ,new ,hampshire ,state ,prison4 ,what shall we think concerning the judgment of those writers8 ,it seems that they have become conversant with the prison fare in all the ,states of our country1 and1 after careful examination1 have deliberately formed the opinion that the fare in the ,n4 ,h4 ,state ,prison1 at ten and one-half cents per day1 is really better than that elsewhere at eighteen cents4 ,then again1 ibid3 ,no article of food has been furnished by us that was not good1 sweet and wholesome2 and as good in quality as will average upon the tables of the tax-payers of the ,state4 ,the remarkably healthy look of the convicts is plain proof that they are well cared for1 have a plenty to eat1 and that which is good4 ,it seems that the authors of this part of the ,report have not only traveled far and wide over our country and surveyed each prison1 but have also called on every tax-payer of our ,state1 scrutinized their tables carefully1 and found that their average living costs not over ten and one-half cents per day to each individual4 ,when found they time for all this8 ,or are we to understand that they are purposely using the whitewash their predecessors left8 ,the chaplain is again1 in this ,report1 brought forward thus1 pp4 #aj and #aa1--;,at the commencement of our labors as ,prison ,committee there was a want of harmony between the former chaplain and the officers of the prison1 which seemed to us against the interests of the prison1 and ought1 in some way1 to be removed4 ,we could see no way to obviate this difficulty other than the removal of the warden or the chaplain4 ,after due consideration1 with the best information we could get1 we thought best to recommend the removal of the chaplain and the appointment of ,mr4 ,smith to that office4 ,by this change harmony was at once restored4 ,mr4 ,smith has rendered faithful and effective labor1 to the entire satisfaction of the committee and officers of the prison4 ,mr4 ,smith's prison experience1 together with the deep interest he has for the welfare of the prisoners1 seems to indicate him to be the right man in the right place4 ,rather hard on the former chaplain1 said one of our editors4 ,but what shall we believe8 ,one of the subscribers to this article told him that he was removed on purely political grounds1 as previously narrated4 ,then there was that corroborative assertion by the democratic neighbor that ,mr4 ,smith had received the conditional promise4 ,now this declaration is published to the world4 ,where is the truth8 ,were they unwilling to put it out squarely that they had made a political foot-ball of the prison8 ,or would they rather sacrifice the character and reputation of an innocent man1 who had labored as best he could for the good of the institution8 ,they pretend to have acted in view of a difficulty between the chaplain and warden1 and with the best information we could get1 we thought best to recommend the removal of the chaplain4 ,where did they obtain that information8 ,there was1 of course1 but one source1 and1 from a year's experience1 the writer understands something of its character1 that it would not be impossible for men regarding themselves rather shrewd to leave1 wholly misconceiving the real truth4 ,but what shall we say of this course of condemning a man unheard1 and on ex parte assertions8 ,is that the part of honorable dealing8 ,but the whole subject is left with the reader to pass judgment upon in view of the facts already set before him4 #ee4 ,international ,penitentiary ,congress1 ,london1 ,july #c-ac1 #ahgb4 ,this resulted from the move already spoken of at the gathering in ,ohio in '#gj4 ,dr4 ,wines1 there selected to the important work of bringing about the proposed assemblage1 received due governmental qualifications by a commission from our ,president according to a special act of ,congress1 the ,secretary of ,state also opening the way by communicating with the various governments represented at ,washington1 respecting the great subject4 ,on this mission1 the ,dr4 visited ,europe in '#ga1 received a cordial welcome from the various governments1 and found them generally in readiness to enter heartily into the move4 ,after due consultation1 ,london was settled upon as the place of meeting1 a committee1 to provide for which and facilitate its general objects1 was chosen in ,london with the ,right ,hon4 ,sir ,walter ,crafton as ,chairman and ,edwin ,pears1 ,barrister at ,law1 ,secretary4 ,this committee is represented as composed of all political parties1 with ,lord ,carnarvon really at the head1 similar committees being formed in most of the other countries moving in the enterprise4 ,to prepare work for the congress and secure its objects1 a circular was addressed to the various ,states containing thirty prominent questions on imprisoning and its connected points1 for answer4 ,on assembling1 this body found itself composed of delegates duly commissioned from twenty-two different governments1 ,russia and ,turkey included1 all the ,states of ,europe represented but ,portugal1 delegates present from ,india1 ,victoria and other ,british colonies1 ,south ,america1 and eighteen of our ,united ,states1 then representatives from various penitentiaries1 benevolent societies for giving aid to released prisoners1 magistracies1 c41 c41 #bih in number1 a gathering the like of which1 in some respects1 had never been held4 ,here were judges1 professors of criminal law1 prison managers1 philanthropists1 and various gentlemen skilled in the working of criminal jurisprudence4 ,here the commissioned dignitaries from kings and emperors found themselves met with delegates from voluntary associations and democratic institutions4 ,how could they1 in justice to their dignity1 submit to this8 ,but the matter was amicably adjusted1 and all came upon a democratic level and acted in the greatest harmony1--an important gain to manhood4 ,the meeting was held at a ,hall of the ,middle ,temple2 at the opening1 ,earl ,carnarvon presiding and making the inaugural address1 giving welcome to the foreign delegates and making numerous important suggestions4 ,at the next session ,dr4 ,wines presided1 and gave an address full of information as to the purpose of calling this congress and the objects to be gained1--a universal harmony in prison managing1 which managing should have certain broad principles underlying1 permeating and vivifying it4 ,at a soiree given by the ,english committee to foreign visitors1 the ,prince of ,wales and suit attended1 thus showing the sanction of the ,english government to the congress4 ,this sanction was also expressed by the attendance at one session of the ,home ,secretary of ,state1 ,right ,hon4 ,austin ,h4 ,bruce1 giving an official welcome to the gathering1 and expressing a hope of being materially profited by the deliberations4 ,the meeting1 on the whole1 was an important affair1 of high interest from beginning to end4 ,its transactions are published in a volume of #gif pages1 to be had of ,rev4 ,dr4 ,wines1 ,new ,york4 ,then one of the commissioners from ,new ,hampshire1 ,mr4 ,allen ,folger1 wrote out a synopsis of the doings1 which has been published in a pamphlet of #ej pages1 by the authority of our ,state1 for distribution1 showing the interest our ,governor and ,council take in these matters4 ,the questions before spoken of were taken up by each country and elaborate answers given1 papers were read upon them and thorough discussion had4 ,the order was not to take any votes but to bring in facts of the various prison workings1 to interchange views1 criticise and thus sift out the best1 in which1 evidently1 great enlightening of mind was obtained1 and a great advancement made in the right direction4 ,on page #ecg of ,transactions we have the following reform sentiments3 ,man1 in the state of penal servitude1 is no longer a thing1 but a moral being1 whose liberty human justice has not the right to confiscate absolutely and irrevocably1 but only within the limits required by the protection and security of social order4 ,the logical sequence of this view is1 that it is the duty of society to reform the criminal during his temporary privation of liberty1 since1 in this way only can the peril of his relapse be successfully combatted1 and the public safety effectually maintained4 ,the reformation of imprisoned criminals is not1 therefore1 in our day1 a work of philanthropy1 but an obligation of the ,state4 ,in one or two prisons they have been so successful in reform efforts1 that1 having taken some of the very worst criminals1 they have led them to such order and good behavior1 as to be able to dispense with locks and bars1 rendering the prison more like a great family1 kindness being the great controlling element4 ,in the abridged report of the proceedings of the ,international ,congress1 under the head of ,cumulative ,imprisonment1 we learn that the following question was submitted1 and several important suggestions followed its presentation4 ,,question3 ,ought prisoners on reconviction to be subjected to more severe disciplinary treatment than on the first sentence8 ,it was opened by ,m4 ,peterson1 of ,bavaria1 who maintained that cases required treatment according to the degree of demerit shown on the prisoner's trial1 and therefore1 that instead of laying down one principle1 the right course was to leave the judges to decide what should be done in each case4 ,m4 ,ploos ,van ,amstel1 of ,holland1 and ,m4 ,stevens1 of ,belgium1 advocated a merciful treatment as likely to have more effect than severity4 ,mr4 ,aspinall1 of ,liverpool1 read resolutions which the ,liverpool magistrates had passed1 to the effect that it was desirable that cumulative principles should be applied to the punishment of all crimes and offences1 and that the magistrates should be empowered to transfer well conducting and deserving prisoners to homes for the remainder of their sentences4 ,voluminous statistics showed that there were numerous reconvictions up to seventy times1 and that the conclusions arrived at1 by the magistrates1 was that it would be better for the prisoners and better for society if the cumulative principles were carried out4 ,dr4 ,guillaume1 of ,switzerland1 mentioned his experiences in some of the cantons of his country1 which had led him to the conviction that it was better to give the reconvicted such sentences as would enable the prisoner to learn a trade1 by which he could earn his living in the labor market without being obliged to fall back upon the lines of crime1 than to give short and severe punishments1 which1 by including a lessened diet1 sent the criminal back into the world1 not only unimproved in morals1 but deteriorated physically4 ,it would seem1 according to his views1 that the design of imprisoning is1 to bring back to society those once injurious1 but who are now changed to good citizens4 ,mrs4 ,julia ,ward ,howe1 of ,massachusetts1 advocated the merciful and kindly treatment as being the way to make a permanent impression upon the criminal classes4 ,m4 ,robin1 of ,france1 stated that his experience led him to set his face against all pains and penalties in prison1 as against ,christian principles1 and advocated the teaching of trades4 ,all in all1 strict adherence to ,christian principles should be at the bottom of the treatment of criminals4 ,count de ,foresta1 of ,italy1 held that the question was rather one of law than prison discipline4 ,he urged that there was a line of prison discipline beyond which it was impossible to go without turning the discipline into cruelty4 ,another question touching ,prison ,labor1 was brought forward and considered1 as follows3 ,,question3 ,should prison labor be merely penal1 or should it be industrial8 ,it was opened by the reading of a long and interesting paper by ,mr4 ,frederick ,hill1 brother of the late celebrated ,recorder of ,birmingham4 ,the substance of the paper was that labor1 to be made useful and productive1 follows natural laws1 which are the same in prison as out of prison2 that it is an advantage to the prisoner to fit him for usefulness and to make more easy his reform2 that it will help pay the cost of his conviction and imprisonment2 that upon release1 he will be better armed against relapse into crime1 as well as much better prepared to obtain an honest living than those whose labor has been merely penal2 that the pains and privations necessarily attendant on the process of moral reformation are so great as to make it unnecessary1 for the maintenance of the principle of deterrence1 to superadd artificial pains and penalties4 ,colonel ,colville1 ,governor of ,colbath ,fields ,prison1 one of the largest ,london prisons1 spoke very strongly against the tread-mill system of punishment which is in nearly all the prisons of ,england1 and almost unanimously condemned by the prison officials4 ,the general opinion of the ,congress was in conformity to views expressed by the speakers mentioned4 ,under the question touching the moral value of visitation of the prisons by women1 we find the following sensible views expressed3 ,while the character of the visiting women depends upon chance1 they are as likely to be indiscreet1 and to interfere unwisely as otherwise4 ,if they were selected as men are1 or ought to be1 for their fitness1 their work would be done with good judgment and discretion4 ,then1 again1 criminal men separated from their families and from all gentle influences1 need the ministry of good women for their reformation4 ,the motherly influence of pure1 gentle women will sometimes control and subdue the violent1 when even blows would fail to do so4 ,the whole force of the ,international ,congress went in favor of the idea of reforming the prisoners4 ,for this the body advocated stimulating the prisoners' self-interest1 thus3 ,in this way1 the prisoner's destiny during his incarceration should be placed1 measurably1 in his own hands2 he must be put into circumstances where he will be able1 through his own exertions1 to continually better his condition4 ,a regular self-interest must be brought into play4 ,in the prison1 as in free society1 there must be the stimulus of some personal advantage accruing from the prisoner's efforts4 ,giving prisoners an interest in their industry and good conduct tends to give them beneficial thoughts and habits1 and what no severity of punishment will enforce a moderate personal interest will readily obtain4 ,they also advocated using the moral force3 ,in criminal treatment1 moral forces should be relied on with as little admixture of physical force as may be2 organized persuasion to the utmost extent possible should be made to take the place of coercive restraint1 the object being to make upright and industrious freemen1 rather than orderly and obedient prisoners4 ,brute force may make good prisoners1 moral training alone will make good citizens4 ,to the latter of those ends the living soul must be won2 to the former1 only the inert and obedient body4 ,to compass the reformation of criminals1 the military type in prison management must be abandoned1 and a discipline by moral forces substituted in its place4 ,the objects of military discipline and prison discipline1 being directly opposed to each other1 can not be pursued by the same road4 ,the one is meant to train men to act together1 the other to prepare them to act separately4 ,the one relies upon force1 which never yet created virtue2 the other on motives1 which are the sole agency for attaining moral ends4 ,the special object of the one is to suppress individual character and reduce all to component parts of a compact machine2 that of the other is to develop and strengthen individual character1 and1 by instilling right principles1 to encourage and enable it to act on these independently4 ,they tell us again that the self-respect of the prisoner should be cultivated to the utmost and every effort be made to give back to him his manhood4 ,there is no greater mistake in the whole compass of penal discipline1 than its studied imposition of degradation as a part of punishment4 ,such imposition destroys every better impulse and aspiration4 ,it crushes the weak1 irritates the strong and indisposes all to submission and reform4 ,it is trampling1 where it ought to raise1 and is therefore as unchristian in principle as it is unwise in policy4 ,farther1 ,the system of prison discipline must gain the will of the convict4 ,he is to be amended1 but this is impossible with his mind in a state of hostility4 ,no system can hope to succeed which does not secure this harmony of wills1 so that the prisoner shall choose for himself what his officer chooses for him4 ,but to this end the officer must really choose the good of the prisoner1 and the prisoner must remain in his choice long enough for virtue to become a habit4 ,this consent of will is an essential condition of reformation1 for a bad man can never be made good against his will4 ,nowhere can reformation become the rule instead of the exception1 where this choice of the same things by prison keepers and prison inmates has not been attained4 ,they assert1 too1 that the officers should possess a hearty desire and intention to accomplish the object of reform in the prison4 ,regarding these officers they also say thus3 ,in order to the reformation of imprisoned criminals1 there must also be in the minds of prison officers a serious conviction that they are capable of being reformed1 since no man can heartily pursue an object at war with his inward beliefs2 no man can earnestly strive to accomplish what in his heart he despairs of accomplishing4 ,doubt is the prelude of failure2 confidence a guaranty of success4 ,nothing so weakens moral forces as unbelief2 nothing imparts to them such vigor as faith4 ',be it unto thee according to thy faith1' is the statement of a fundamental principle of success in all human enterprises1 especially when our work lies within the realm of mind and morals4 ,finally1 they assure us that work1 education and religion 7including in this latter moral instruction7 are the three great forces to be employed in the reformation of criminals4 ,,conclusion4 ,the two systems of prison management1 previously alluded to1 are now before the reader so far as these pages have elucidated1 the reformatory on the one hand1 and the punitive and money-making on the other4 ,and which do you prefer8 ,will your choice be for the honest effort to raise up the fallen1 to do our duty to the erring1 to throw what influences can be about these disturbers of society to lead them to become upright citizens8 ,or1 will it fall upon the crushing1 cruel1 vindictive course1 the process of making them more debased1 sordid1 revengeful8 ,do you prefer manhood-producing with its benign effects1 or money-making attended with the blighting of the higher aspirations of the soul8 ,this subject has been taken up in the narrative form1 that the writer could the more easily1 by incidents1 and in the briefest way1 bring out the peculiarities of the two systems in their workings and the animus impelling them4 ,he has brought forward nothing in the line of facts and incidents except what had come under his own observation1 or been so reported to him that he had no doubt of its truthfulness4 ,many of the incidents in ,part ,,ii4 he would gladly have passed in silence1 regretting exceedingly the necessity of bringing them out4 ,but a solemn sense of duty seemed to impel him to this task4 ,he has delayed any move hoping the turn of events would excuse him from penning these truths for the public eye4 ,but his conscience and his ,god will condemn him1 if longer delayed4 ,he has brought forward names with no unkind feeling1 or purpose to expose or wound1 but to show the way things have moved4 ,no matter what course others may have taken towards him1 he has endeavored studiously to follow the exhortation he has so often given to the prisoners in yielding all that into the hands of ,god1 for his disposal4 ,this matter is now before the people4 ,will you not study the questions carefully and act8 ,will not ministers of religion and of law1 merchants and artisans1 all those in the various industries of life1 men and women come to the help8 ,true1 the latter1 however pure and exalted1 is now forbidden entrance to the chapel in labors of love for the fallen men4 ,hence1 that somewhat recent shock to the community in the stern refusal of ,elizabeth ,comstock's request for permission to address the inmates on their moral and religious interests4 ,how long shall such things be in our prison8 ,how long shall the light of science1 of morality and of pure religion be virtually shut out from that abode8 ,how long shall we work so as to make bad men worse1 hard hearts harder1 the depraved more iniquitous1 the pestiferous more destructive to the safety and quietness of society8 ,till the people shall stir effectively1 make their voice heard and their power felt4 ,why not change our system of imprisoning and put it fully on that of reform8 ,why not adopt the course of dismissing prisoners only on condition of good evidence of reform and on further condition of being returned in case of relapse into crime8 ,why not arrange for those who will not reform1 as some will not1 to serve in prison for life1 thus freeing society of their depradations8 ,then why not use them humanely while keeping their time occupied in useful employment1 still permitting each to enjoy the means of mental1 moral and religious culture4 ,many1 thus situated would1 no doubt1 live really good1 pious lives1 who1 from their moral weakness1 could not resist the temptations to crime which are met on every hand without4 ,to such1 the prison should act as a kind1 beneficent guardian4 ,transcriber's ,note3 ,the following typographical errors which were present in the original edition have been corrected4 ,in the ,table of ,contents1 ,b4 and ,e's request was changed to ,b4 and ,e4's request4 ,in ,part ,i1 ,chapter #a1 a missing quotation mark was added after managing penal institutions4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #a1 a missing quotation mark was added after correction of prison abuses4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #f1 laborers in she school was changed to laborers in the school4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #aa1 a line of sustantial agreement was changed to a line of substantial agreement4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #ai1 ,on said of the cracked wheat was changed to ,one said of the cracked wheat4 ,in the original text1 two chapters were numbered #bd4 ,the second of these has been renumbered #bd #a-b 7which matches the numbering in the ,table of ,contents74 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #bd #a-b1 a missing quotation mark was added after a system of especial surveillance4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #bf1 ,had they endeed his sufferings was changed to ,had they ended his sufferings4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #bg1 asked to state about the ,silver case was changed to asked to state about the ,sylver case1 and the patient really died of a heart difficult was changed to the patient really died of a heart difficulty4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #ce1 a missing quotation mark was added after take anything extra1 and a missing comma was added between irritability and angry feeling4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #cf1 a missing quotation mark was added after it seems that ,pike is nominated4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #dg1 they were no inclined to that was changed to they were not inclined to that4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #ea1 a quotation mark preceding ,one exclaimed was deleted4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #ed1 ,prison report for #gb was changed to ,prison report for '#gb1 and a missing quotation mark was added after no complicated matters to embarrass the institution4 ,in ,part ,,ii1 ,chapter #ee1 the teaching of rades was changed to the teaching of trades1 a quotation mark following without turning the discipline into cruelty was deleted1 should it beindustrial was changed to should it be industrial1 a quotation mark was added following industrial1 a quotation mark was deleted following views expressed by the speakers mentioned1 and a quotation mark was added following to act on these independently4