PRISON REFORM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13524, 22 February 1906, Page 8

PRISON REFORM.

TUB MASSACHUSETTS SYSTEM. "The reformatory at its best" is the term applied to the State Reformatory of Massachusetts, situated at Concord, in a published description, our American correspondent writes. This institution contains on an average over 800 inmates mostly young men, and the records of the State show thai, roughly, 75 per cent, of all iho;o committed to the reformatory do not afterwards figuro in the criminal annals of Massachusetts. This is a record that speaks well for tho system. The Concord reformatory is ret apart for young offenders and for first offenders. The age limits are 16 to 40. Inmates are graded into three- divisions. The now prisoner takes his place in tho second grade, from whioh ho may rise to the first or backslide to the third. His fate is in his own hands; 1000 credits earned in soven consecutive months will advance a prisoner from the second grade to the first. A 6 a further inducement-, if he be perfect for the first four months ho will bo given a bonus of 150 credits, making it possible to reach promotion in six n:ontlis. One who has been convicted of a felony mu6t. maintain a perfect record in the first grade sis "msfltlu before he'can

lie considered for parole. If convicted only of a misdemeanor, an inmato may bo considered for parblo after three months of perfect conduct. It is possible for one who lias received a maximum sentence of five years to earn his liberty in one year by 1 exemplary conduct. A three-year man may go out in nine months.

The instruments availed of in the work of reform are manual and physical training, and religious, ethical, literary, and intellectual instruction. The training for uneducated lads begins with sloyd, and the superintendent states that this strengthens the'mind, stimulates the enthusiasm,'awl opens the way for industry of a higher grade. Half of each day is spent in some form of manual training, and half in what are known as (lie "productive trades," of which there are nine, prosecuted for profit's sake. Kdueal ional work js done through an evening school. The lillrd grade men are dressed in red, and are herded by themselves. Tho other two grades are allowed to mingle rather freely, and (o sit quietly and talk when they are not at work.

In no ca c o docs punishment take the form of corporal chastisement. Bad conduct brings deprivation of privileges and sometimes solitary confinement, with a meagre diet. But it is mode profitable for prisoners to do right and unprofitable for them to (h wrong, and so ihe problem of discipline is not a troublesome one.