Canaries for Criminals.

Lake County Press, Issue 904, 29 March 1900, Page 7

Canaries for Criminals.

Convicts in the Michigan State Prison have many more favours than those of almost any other penitentiary in the United States, and It is the belief of the management of the institution that for this reason there a\ fower outbreaks of lawlessness than are found elsewhere. Among the favours granted to them there is that of keeping and caring for birds. There are fully 600 feathered songsters in Michigan’s principal penal institution, all owned and cared for by the convicts, and. as soon as daylight approaches on bright mornings, their sweet notes are heard in striking contrast to the natural feelings of" their owners. Many of the most hardened criminals, who, from theiy general appearance and history, would not be expected to care for anything of a refining nature, tenderly care for and caress their Tittle pets. More than threequarters of the cells in the prison contain one or more canaries, and they are also found in various shops throughout the institution. During the day the cages are hung outside the cells, to give the birds light and air, but as soon as the convict returns from work at night the cage is taken Inside. This practice has 'been carried on in the prison -for years, and the officials say that, instead of any detrimental effect being noticeable, the little songsters have proved ;; benefit as they not only give the cells a more home-like appearance, but also wield a decided influence in the way of humanising the most reckless and hardened criminal.