HAPPY DAYS IN MICHIGAN PENITENTIARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 59

HAPPY DAYS IN MICHIGAN PENITENTIARY.

"Do not climb over "wire fence or cut wire, but go to gate if you want to escape," is the sign Harry L. Hurlburt, Warden of the Michigan State Penitentiary, has posted about the brick and tile plant connected with that institution. We are told thafNme hundred prisoners are employed at this plant, which is eighteen miles, from the prison proper, that they are without guards or keepers and sleep in a dormitory which is free from bars or other devices to prevent escape. This unique method of handling prisoners is a part of the system inaugurated by Warden Hnrlburt for the government of the Michigan Penitentiary. The new system is said to have transformed "one of the most notorious, most hardened penal institutions in the United States into a huge, modern, and altogether businesslike industrial colony." Mr Hurlburt is described by William B. Stone in the Kansas City Post as "not a penologist," but "just a plain, blunt mixture of Irish and English, combining the good traits of both races." When he became Warden of the prison at Jackson two years ago, that institution,. we are told, was in ill repute, brought on by lack of discipline and years of bad management. The parole system was a failure because the prisoners had no incentive to "turn square," the cruelties of the old penal system still being in vogue. Mr''Hurlburt immediately set out to improve conditions — The first step taken by him was to impregnate the entire environment of the place with his wonderful good nature and trust in his fellow beings. Then followed in quick succession abolition of the "stoolpigeon" system, that vicious arrangement whereby prisoners are rewarded for essaying the role of Judas; the establishment of a real honour system for the one which had previously existed in theory only. The inmates were individually assured by Warden Hurlburt" that only one thing would be rewarded, and that was the manifestation to be "square," and their reward for sujfeh would take the form of parole after serving the minimum sentence. And for such behaviour Hurlburt is a stickler. He is square and demands squareness from his men. ; 'Every man that comes to me as a prisoner makes a contract with me," he said. "I absolutely forget what I may know of the dark spots in his life. It's so easy for any one to make a mistake that will lead him to prison. My mission is to help that man over the rough places of his path. But I must have his help and that aid from him comes in the form of a verbal contract entered into with me wherein he "says that he will obey the rules of the institution, accept my proffers of assistance, and help me to minimize the days that he nmst remain there. That contract is jus'b as sacred' as any that is ever drawn. And if it is not respected by the other party, he must suffer." "What is the most severe form of punishment you have at the prison?" questioned the reporter. The answer was almost beyond belief. • "Well," he smiled, "we confine a man in his cell, thus denying him the privilege of the recreation yards, and let him think over his error. They .- invariably see the right side." They no longer refer to the State prison at Jackson as a penitentiary, it is said. The Warden explains that the penitentiary has been replaced by a Sfate industrial plant. There are 1054 inmate?! of whom 264 are outside "trusties." 194 of them sleeping and living Outside the walls unguarded. We i*ead further . of the WardeaLs treatment of these men : Products of the prison are exhibited throughout Michigan at the. State and county fairs; These exhibits are solely in charge of prisoners—usually one serving a life sentence. They are left without any

form of guard, Kext year Hurlburt contemplates exhibiting at the Kanas State Fair and says he will send a number of these j>risoners, absolutely unguarded, to handle the showing. Further evidence of his complete confidence in his men is shown by frequent journeys to Detroit. Often he has business in that city which requires the aid of several men. He loads up a big touring-car with "lifers" and off goes the party to the city. "The first thing I do, he 'said, "is to fulfil the desire that may lead those men to attempt an escape. We go to a hotel, have dinner, and then probably to the theatre in the evening. Then they are satisfied and I have never had one attempt to escape under those conditions. A few weeks ago I was preparing to take ten of them to Chicago with me and recheck some binder twine, but the matter was adjusted before we started."

Rehabilitation of the men, rather than their punishment, is Warden Hurlbert's aim. He says they should, be prepared in prison to assume an honourable place in the world when they are given their freedom:

"For that reason the purchase of the most expensive and modern equipment and machinery is justified. A man working with old tools cannot be expected to operate modem ones when he leaves prison. Thus, we provide our men 'with the last word in those things." ''The great work that lies before us in penology is that which keeps a man out of prison," he said. "It's all very well, and necessary, to aid him after he leaves, but so much more can be accomplished by taking hold of him before he gets there. Then is when he stands most in need and then is when he will most quickly respond to help and encouragement."

Mr Hurlburt declares that such an end is his • great aim in life. When he has brought the Jackson prison to the desired condition, he plans to take up the new work now being fostered by the women of Michigan under the title of "star commonwealth." The basis of that plan deals with the boy—taking the youth who is unrestrained by parental ties and making a. home for him. Farms are contemplated for this plan, farms where boys will be given a comfortable home, modern school privileges, a.nd all the joys and pleasures that go "hand in hand with the development of character.

"I believe that such a scheme will do more toward minimizing our penal institutions than anything else on earth. Because we thus help them before they go to prison, not after."