EDUCATION AND CRIME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9390, 1 April 1892, Page 3

EDUCATION AND CRIME

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —My introduction to tho quotation from Matthew Arnold should have read thus:— "Tho late Matthew Arnold, who was not a Christian, saw this. In February 1888, in a preface to his report on the schools of Germany, Switzerland, and Franco, ho summarised his views on popular education thus." AVhile writing let me add that I omitted an important fact yesterday—viz., that in my international comparison of "theft" last Saturday I purposely gave the " annual trials," not "convictions." All criminal authorities agree this is the correct way to estimate the thievish propensities of a country, peoph: often escaping conviction on technical or otlier grounds. Sir Robert Stout's caution, therefore, was anticipated. Indeed, Mr Morrison says convictions are more difficult to obtain in British countries than on the Continent. America is a striking contradiction to the assertion that as tho State connection with religion becomes weaker and education moro diffused crime abates. Alexander AVinter, F.S.S., in his recently-published book, "The Elmira Reformatory," shows (p. 6) an "enormous increase of criminals and offenders against the law in the United States," thus : — Proportion oi- Prisoners per 1,000,000 Inhabitants. In 1850 290 prisoners „ 1860 007 „ 1870 853 „ 1880 U6O or an increase of 400 per cent, in 30 years ! America without any State church more criminal than England! And after having spent more on education than any other country! "But she has a larger population." AVell, Eugland and Ireland have larger populations than Victoria, and less crime. No ; the problem cannot be solved thus.—l am, &c, March 30. Joseph Braithwaite.