Part 3

Many of our interests have centered about the problems of adolescence. We all know that criminalistic tendencies, those which perhaps control the career of a life time, nearly always first show themselves before the 19th or 20th year. The physiological aspects of this period are the ones that have been most frequently dwelled on, but for our purposes they may be ignored except as they influence the psyche. Overgrowth and restlessness and other phenomena at this time do not directly create criminalism. They have first to effect the mental life which directs action. We have found a fair field for investigation here, and one that opens up whole vistas of possible usefulness. Various new points of departure for legal procedure are to be developed from data gathered concerning this period of life, not the least of which is criticism of that strange arbitrary discrimination under the law which says that boys at 17 and girls at 18 are suddenly responsible, mentally formed, able to properly care for themselves, when a few minutes or days previously they were not. Our studies show that these age limits were not based on practical observations of human beings.

Not the least interesting and therapeutically important part of psychological study of offenders is ascertainment of the mental mechanisms and mental content which stand in relation to delinquency. However it may be with older persons, and such experienced men as Parker in New York suggested that with adults this is a rich field for endeavor, we have studied many cases of criminalistic tendency in young people in which the whole trouble centered about some psychically untoward experience or some mental conflict. From this was developed a definite antisocial grudge, or at least an antisocial attitude. These cases, well understood, present some of the most curable criminalistic causes.

We must pass with bare mention such data as those on obsessional mental imagery and the formation of mental habits, both of which psychical phenomena play a considerable part in driving towards delinquency. To appreciate what sets the mental machinery turning out antisocial deeds we have to dig deep into many human experiences and many mental activities.

It was easily to be seen at the beginning of the work that there would be value in both extensive and intensive studies. The former would give a survey of the field which might lead to establishment of definite knowledge of the larger needs of the situation, would perhaps point the way to better legislation and public provision for various classes of offenders. The intensive work would furnish better understanding of types and the possibilities of their treatment. Then we soon realize that the careful and prolonged study of individual offenders was a rational preliminary to working up statistics from which general conclusions could be safely drawn. Time has justified this opinion. Nothing is rasher than to make general statements about social needs upon the basis of tests, observations and figures that have not been proved to solve the point at issue.

As an incident to the work with offenders the psychologist in court is occasionally asked about the reliability of witnesses. We have been gathering data upon this point in hundreds of cases by some tests, and find the matter a very difficult one to generalize upon. In this we agree with various foreign students of the subject. The ability to be a good witness is a highly individual matter, and frequently involves the conditions of a given occasion, upon which tests do not throw any light. Occasionally from psychological study one can render a strong positive or negative opinion concerning individual capacities, but much more frequently it seems to us that no safe opinion can be rendered.

We would still maintain, as we ever have done, that the greatest hope for amelioration of the heavy burden of delinquency is in very early studies and early understandings of individual cases. Not only for scientific purposes but also for practical treatment the young individual with delinquent tendencies is best handled. Not entirely, since some social offences may first arise in late adolescence, but in a large share of cases some of the most valuable criminological work can be done by specialists in child study. Even in early periods of life intensive studies must be made, especially of children of the psychopathic type. We are more than glad to see the purpose all over the country.

One word more about method. Those who early suggested to us that intensive, continued study of a dozen offenders of a dozen different types would be worth more than a thousand short examinations spoke from a strong standpoint. Continuation studies are most valuable. They are necessary not only for giving understandings of types, but also for so understanding the individual that proper social adjustment of his case can be made. Our work shows plainly that except in the case of the grossly defective a short cross-section study is absolutely inadequate for the work in hand, namely, scientific treatment of the offender.

As we continue to see it, then, the purpose of psychological work with offenders is nothing more or less than the understanding of the causes of misconduct. By no other methods will such causes be known, and those who fail to reckon with the fundamental psychical conditions and processes which underly delinquency will never get far in developing better methods of treatment. Psychology in this field is perfectly willing to be judged by results, and that is the best self-recommendation that it can offer.

The application of well-rounded and safe psychological studies in court work (not the pseudo-psychology that our friends decry) offers to the law the important addition of a scientific method. It presumes to gather in all the available facts that bear on the conduct in question, to set down opinions of diagnosis and prognosis, and then to follow these up in connection with any treatment given to see how correct they may have been, and to offer the chance of such readjustment as may be necessary. There is a direct study, then, of predictability. Now this is exactly the method of every science that aims at self-improvement. Unfortunately, this scientific endeavor at self-improvement has heretofore not been the standpoint of the law. Nothing has been any more striking to us than our observations on this point. Now through the opening avenue of practical studies of mental life and conduct applied to offenders in connection with court proceedings, we see every reason to believe that the outlook may be much better for dealing with the whole problem of delinquency and crime.

THE EASTERN PENITENTIARY OF PENNSYLVANIA

[The following article from The Umpire, a paper printed at the Eastern Penitentiary, gives a graphic description, from a prisoner’s standpoint, of that century-old prison, where once the rule of perpetual solitary confinement was imposed. Today it is noteworthy for the liberality of its rules.]

Sometime in the early “Forties,” Charles Dickens, the eminent author, visited this institution, and the result of it is found incorporated in his “American Notes” published in 1842.

He strongly criticised the methods in force at that time and depicted conditions well calculated to arouse the indignation of every one with a spark of kindly feeling in their make-up.

Many people believe these same conditions exist at present, for Dickens’ works are read quite as freely today as they have been at any time since they first left the press.

Then again, many people confound this institution with “Moyamensing,” which is the county prison, and _somewhat_ different.

Some of our contemporaries, and especially those in Western States, are evidently under the impression that the system in vogue fifty years ago is yet in force in this institution, and so far from giving any indication of being fully abreast of the times as they claim, one would suppose they must have enjoyed a period of oblivion, second only to that of dear old Rip Van Winkle.

More especially for their benefit therefore, it is said that the Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, situated in the city of Philadelphia, has for at least five years maintained a system of humanitarian treatment of its inmates which is the STANDARD FOR THIS COUNTRY, IF NOT FOR THE WORLD.

Among the benefits enjoyed by the people in this place, first is WORK. Every man who is able, finds some occupation suited to his capacity. Thirty-five per cent. of them are engaged in different occupations in which they share in the profits to the extent of from $5 to $15 per month. Labor unions have decreed that not more than this number shall be so employed. But all others are engaged in some labor, for which the State makes a very small allowance, sufficient to keep them in tobacco, which is permitted in every form excepting cigarettes.

What these earnings amount to may be told right here, through figures taken from the last annual report:

Sent to relatives, etc., $24,626.75; drew in cash on discharge, $6,721.91; spent for sundries, $12,036.90; on hand in savings banks, $3,795.00; cash to their credit in office, $12,278.18. A _per_ _capita_ “wealth” of a trifle over $10.

The average population is a little over 1400, but at this season of the year we hover around the 1500 mark. Of this number, 500 are attending the schools of this place, which are under the supervision of a salaried teacher, who is assisted by inmates selected on account of their qualifications for this kind of work. In addition, there is a correspondence school for the higher branches of English, where men receive instructions in their cells from visiting teachers.

We have trade schools, where men are taught carpentry, brick laying, plumbing, plastering, and the different branches of electricity. Instructions are both theoretical and practical.

We have a band of 40 pieces with an auxiliary band of the same number under the direction of a salaried musician, who is in attendance six days a week.

We have an orchestra of twelve pieces wholly under the direction of the inmates, who arrange their own programs without suggestions or interference from the officials, and the Saturday night concerts they give throughout the year will compare favorably with those of any similar organization in the outside world.

We have a hospital which is maintained for the sick, and not as a loafing place for influential prisoners, which is the custom in so many penal institutions. The physician with his family resides in the institution and responds quickly to calls at any hour during the day or night. The inmates are weighed once a month, and any deviation of more than five pounds is called to the attention of the physician, who immediately examines the man, to learn the cause. Many cases of serious disease have thus been caught in their incipient stages, and cures affected by prompt attention. The hospital patients are waited on by salaried trained nurses day and night, while the druggist is also a salaried official of the institution.

In addition to the regular resident physician, there is a consulting staff made up of some of the most widely known specialists in the State, who give freely of their best services.

We have a dentist who is in attendance daily from 2 P. M. until as late as necessary, and every class of dental work is executed by him.

An optician is in attendance twice every week.

We have fewer rules to obey than the people outside the walls and every one of them is for the comfort of the men, and not to degrade or annoy them.

The silent system was abolished so many years ago it is forgotten it ever existed.

At no time is a man’s hair clipped, unless he so desires it, and he may wear any style of facial adornment in the way of whiskers that suits his fancy.

We wear no stripes, but a uniform of blue and white mixed cloth. About one fourth of the men are permitted to have their clothes made to measure by the prison tailor, and these are cut and finished in a style equal to any $15 suit in the open market. A vici kid dress shoe is now being issued in place of the old time “brogans.” It has already proven its economy.

Every man is given a complete new outfit, when he enters the prison, and this is renewed from time to time as it wears out. No used clothing is given to an inmate. When a man is discharged, what clothing he had is sent to the incinerating plant, and destroyed.

The cells vary in size and average 8 × 12 by 12 feet high, with a sky-light let into the roof and controlled by the inmate. There are double doors, but the outer one is never entirely closed, day or night. A steam radiator with individual control and portable electric light is in every cell.

The men are permitted to furnish their cells at their own expense in any manner they choose, and many of them are really luxurious.

Any kind of a musical instrument, excepting a drum, is permitted, and some men have installed pianos and organs. Canary birds are the only pets allowed, and there are hundreds of them carolling all over the place from early morning until dark.

Running water from the city mains is in every cell but it is only used for domestic purposes. The drinking water is boiled and then passed through iced coils, so that we have unlimited quantities of iced water summer and winter.

Every cell has a heavy white porcelain hopper, entirely free from sewer gas and odors. When they erect a monument to Warden McKenty, they will mention this hopper.

The Catholic chaplain celebrates mass every Sunday morning at seven o’clock, and at nine o’clock nine Protestant services are held simultaneously on the different blocks, by upward of one hundred people. At three in the afternoon, visiting choirs from different denominations render a sacred concert on the Center.

The men are allowed all kinds of tools and material necessary to any work they may care to undertake for pleasure or profit, and the management encourages such efforts by finding a ready sale for the product. One man made $700 last year another $400 and a dozen of them are earning more than $200 a year through work of this kind.

Every man has the privilege of the yard daily for a time, during five days in the week. Sunday is the day when everything is closed down tight after church services.

The baseball league is now in its fourth year and numbers nearly one hundred men. Games attended by the inmates, are played daily except Sunday during the season. Quoits and hand ball are in evidence at all hours.

A semi-dark cell is the only form of punishment. The officer inflicting it usually apologizes for being forced to go to this extreme.

We have 90 officers, and there is not a brute in the whole lot, and only three “cranks.”

We are within ten minutes walk of the business center of one of the great cities of the world, and there are no roads upon which we may be employed in repairing. This is a matter for congratulation.

Philadelphia had the road building system in force 125 years ago, and it was the sight of the humiliation and indignities suffered by the prisoners from malicious onlookers that inspired the thought resulting in the erection of this prison. Road building for prisoners in Philadelphia would mean a backward step of over 100 years, before the West and particularly Oregon was born.

The United States Government, with a full appreciation of the humanitarian methods in force here, is sending its prisoners to this institution from points as far as the middle West.

Much more could be said in favor of the Eastern Penitentiary, but let this suffice: We have every comfort, and benefit accorded to prisoners in any penal institute in the United States, --and then a whole lot more.

At the same time THE UMPIRE does not recommend it as a place of residence.

EVENTS IN BRIEF

[Under this heading will appear each month numerous paragraphs of general interest, relating to the prison field and the treatment of the delinquent.]

_Warden Bridges._--The Boston (Mass.) Record says:

Warden Bridges wishes to retire from the post at the State Prison which he has held for more than 20 years. He is past 78 years of age. If Gen. Bridges insists upon his retirement the State will lose the services of a man who through a long career in a post of extreme difficulty has maintained the dignity and efficiency of an important branch of the public service in a manner which will never be forgotten. The trials and suspense of such a position as Gen. Bridges has held for two decades are hardly weighed by the average citizen, who regards them as matters of course, and expects, in this State, thorough efficiency. During these past 20 years that public expectation has not been disappointed. It has been worth much to the Commonwealth to have had a man of Gen. Bridges’ sort at the head of its State Prison.

He assumed his present position in 1893 when he was appointed by the late Governor William E. Russell. Only one prisoner remains who has been an inmate continuously since General Bridges took control. The man is Jesse Pomeroy.

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_Convict Labor and Labor Unions_--According to the Cedar Rapids (Ia.) Times, Union labor’s war to prohibit state authorities to allow honor prisoners at the penitentiary at Fort Madison to work for outsiders as painters, plumbers, etc., at Fort Madison, will now go into court, following the passage of an ordinance by the Fort Madison city council, which prohibits prisoners entering the city only on official business. Police will be ordered to arrest them and the ordinance provides for a fine of from $1 to $100 in violation of the ordinance. The war against the system has been going on for two years. The Governor and State labor commissioners have been appealed to but nothing was done. The State board of control allowed Warden Sanders to put honor prisoners outside in competition with union labor. Leaders of union labor took the matter to the city council, which resulted in the passage of the prohibitory measure and will now be tested out in court.

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_Says Georgia to Tennessee_--The Atlanta Georgian has this to say in a recent issue:

“Since Governor Hooper of Tennessee and his party of prison investigators, who came to Atlanta last week to inspect convict conditions in Georgia, have returned home they have given interviews to Tennessee papers upholding the Tennessee system of convict control as superior to that of Georgia, particularly from health and humanitarian viewpoints.

“To one who has spent several years in each state and has had opportunity to observe the prison systems of the two states--not in a three-day cursory inspection, but at frequent intervals extending over these several years--the view’s of the Tennesseans seem open to question.

“In Georgia all the able-bodied men convicts are worked out of doors, under the direct supervision of state and county officials and inspectors, constructing public highways.

“In Tennessee about half of the able-bodied convicts are worked under ground in state-owned and operated mines, having exceedingly little opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight necessary to the physical well-being of a man. The other able-bodied half are worked in factories within the penitentiary walls at Nashville under the lease system that Georgia five years ago abolished as inhuman and unjust.

“A small per cent., too old or too infirm for mine or factory, are worked on a farm adjacent to the Tennessee penitentiary. Georgia has equally as good a farm at Milledgeville for its prisoners of the same class who are not fitted for work on the roads.

“Tennessee convicts in the mines and in the factories come in direct competition with organized free labor. Georgia’s road building convicts are worked for and not in competition with other classes of labor.

“It is true that the temporary road building camps, which of necessity must be moved from place to place as construction progresses, do not possess the permanent sanitary improvements that Tennessee has installed inside the walls and at the mines--a condition to which the Tennessee party calls attention--yet this is more than offset by the health-giving open-air life led by the Georgia prisoners.

“It is a matter of record that both Governor Hooper and his predecessor, Governor Patterson, pardoned hundreds of Tennessee convicts because they were victims of tuberculosis, produced by the close confinement in the mines and factories. Without comparative statistics on which to base the assertion, the writer is confident that in the last five years there have been at least fifty per cent. more cases of tuberculosis among Tennessee than Georgia convicts, despite the fact that Georgia with its larger area and population, has about fifty per cent. more convicts than Tennessee, of whom eighty per cent. are negroes against Tennessee’s sixty per cent. of negro prisoners.

“Governor Hooper says Georgia is making fine roads. There may not be as many prayer meetings in the Georgia road camps as in the Tennessee mines, but Georgia is not blindly killing off the bodies with tuberculosis while trying to save its convicts’ souls. Georgia believes in saving both, but says to save the body first and have a better chance at saving the soul.”

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_A New Warden at Sing Sing._--Warden Clancy, who made a creditable record at Sing Sing, has resigned, and Superintendent of Prisons Riley has appointed Thomas T. McCormick of Yonkers as warden. Which leads the New York Evening Post to say:

“Sing Sing Prison has long been a disgrace to the State, but this fact was never so familiar to the people as it has been during the past few months. The Superintendent of Prisons appears, however, to think the present an auspicious moment for placing in charge of the prison a man whose only recommendation for the post, so far as known to the public, is that he has been successful in the plumbing business, and that he is one of the mainstays of the Westchester County Democratic machine. In the face of things like this, the men and women who are laboring to get our penal institutions properly conducted have need of all the faith and resolution they can command to keep on in their endeavor. But they _will_ keep on, and the time will come when the idea of appointing the warden of a great prison for any other reason than his special fitness to conduct it wisely and well will seem too monstrous for belief. We must not forget the encouragement there is in the fact that, bad as these things are now, we have got beyond the utter shamelessness which was so often shown in former times.”

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_The New York Commission on Prison Reform_--The New York State Commission on Prison Reform which was appointed by Sulzer a year ago has just filed the preliminary report of its findings. The commission of which Thomas Mott Osborne is chairman was authorized to examine and investigate the management and affairs of the several State prisons and reformatories, the prison industries, employment of convict labor and all subjects relating to the proper maintenance and control of the State prisons of the State. The Commission has made careful study of these several matters and the report which has been released contains many interesting and valuable suggestions.

The abolition of the ill-famed Sing Sing prison is recommended and the erection on its site of a receiving station for the observance and study of all persons sentenced to imprisonment in a State prison for medical examination and treatment of those afflicted with diseases and for weeding out those found to be mentally defective--the latter to be sent to separate institutions devoted solely to the care of the mentally defective.