Part 5

_Prison Society’s Visitors and Visiting._—We now come to speak of what, under all considerations, is, we believe, the most important part of the action and services of the Society—that which is accomplished through the agency of the Visiting Committees. To give to those who have not been on the appointment a clear view of the manner and extent of the action in this direction, it may be best to mention the preliminary arrangements. At the Annual Meeting of the Society forty-four members are elected, who, with the officers ex-officio, form the “Acting Committee.” After the election, this Committee organizes and subdivides itself into two Visiting Committees, one of them allotted to the County Prison, and the other to the Eastern Penitentiary. These sub-Committees next organize and allot to each of the members a certain division, or portion of a block or corridor, containing only such a number of cells as will admit of his paying frequent visits to each of the inmates. The Committees hold meetings monthly, at which time each member is expected to make a report of the number of visits he has paid to the prison, and the number of interviews he has had with the prisoners, particularly designating such as took place _inside of the prisoners cell_, which interviews are considered to be much more likely to be serviceable than those at the cell door. When any thing of especial interest occurs, it is expected also to be added to the report. The reports, at least as regards the Penitentiary Committee, are required by the rules to be in writing, and 182 of such reports have been made by them during the year just past, giving an account of 776 visits to the Penitentiary, and of an aggregate of 8942 interviews with the prisoners—6149 of which were inside of the cells, and 2793 at the cell doors. These interviews are believed to average about fifteen minutes in length, though each case is governed by its own circumstances. With some, very little more than a friendly salutation seems called for, as there is no ground to work upon, with hope of being serviceable; while, with others, a half hour, or in some instances even an hour, may be profitably spent. In performing these visits with the hope of doing good, it is deemed essential to approach the prisoner in a spirit of kindness, and thus convince him that, although the world may have cast him off, and notwithstanding the degraded condition to which his crimes and depredations on society have brought him, there is one at least who cares for his soul, and who feels that, although he has justly forfeited his liberty, he is still a fellow being, and a candidate for Divine Mercy, and therefore entitled to such a measure of the common comforts of life as the law allows him. When the prisoner, by this means, becomes fully assured that the visitor has no sinister purpose in view, but is alone prompted by desires for his good, he becomes willing to hear freely, even if he does not assent to the importance of such counsel as may be addressed to him. Under these circumstances, the visits sometimes become deeply interesting occasions, both to the visitor and the visited. Here, where no human eye sees, and no human ear hears them, the overshadowings of Divine Love are sometimes witnessed to soften that heart which had been so long hardened, that even the criminal himself had believed that it would never again be susceptible of feeling; and the visitor acknowledges that, through the same influence which softened the heart of the prisoner, he has been enabled to hand forth counsel suited to the case before him. Some of these interviews, are mere kindly, social opportunities, in which no religious instruction is attempted. The prisoners are encouraged to be obedient to the rules of the prison, and respectful in their deportment toward the officers; and in the daily reverent reading of the Holy Scriptures, and committing portions of them to memory. They are also recommended to adopt and maintain habits of cleanliness, both in their persons and cells, which is entirely in their power, as each one has a hydrant at his command.

Those who have had little or no school education, are urged to avail themselves of the opportunity now afforded them, through the aid of the teachers employed by the Institution, to acquire a knowledge which will not only prove a source of enjoyment, but will be of real service to them after leaving the prison walls. The results in some instances are remarkable. Our space, however, will only admit of a short reference to two cases, which are by no means solitary ones. One visitor reports—“No. 4186, when I first visited him, did not know the letters of the alphabet. He said he had tried to learn and could not. I persuaded him to make another attempt, and endeavored to impress upon his mind the necessity of at least learning to read his Bible, that he might learn his duty and regulate his future life. He did make the attempt, and can now read and write very well.” No. 4340, a German prisoner, at the time of his entrance into the penitentiary, could not read or write a word in the English language. Fifteen months afterwards he could read in our language with such facility, that he rarely met with words which he could not understand, and much of his English writing was beautiful. The Visiting Committee of the Penitentiary appoints a sub-Committee to attend to the cases about to be discharged by the expiration of their terms of confinement. It is their duty to see each prisoner before the expiration of his term, to inquire generally into his condition and prospects, give him such counsel as to his future course as seems to them suitable, supply him with such articles of clothing as he requires, sometimes to give small sums of money for their immediate necessities, and to aid them in obtaining employment, or to get to their friends, as the case may call for. Some of the more hopeful among them are encouraged to write to the Committee, informing as to the manner of their getting along, &c. They occasionally receive very satisfactory letters.

The importance of the visitors from our Society, in aiding to carry out the intention of the law, that the prisoners should be frequently seen by proper persons other than the keepers, will be better appreciated when the fact is adverted to, that the law directs that “the Inspectors, in their _weekly visits_ to the several places of confinement, _shall speak to each prisoner_ confined therein.” And with regard to the Warden, the law says, “he shall visit _every cell and apartment_, and see _every prisoner_, under his care, _at least once in every day_.”

In speaking on the subject of visiting, and the care extended to discharged prisoners, we have more directly referred to the Penitentiary than the County Prison, for particular reasons. A prominent one is, that the Penitentiary illustrates the “Pennsylvania System,” while the County Prison, on account of the crowds sent there for vagrancy, intoxication, disorderly conduct, &c., does so very imperfectly. Another is, that the population of the latter, being of a less permanent and settled character, the same systematic course of visiting cannot be carried out, and consequently a detailed record of the proceedings there has not reached us. The visitors allotted to that prison have discharged their duty very faithfully, and the members, in the course of the year, have had numerous interviews with those confined there.

“_The Association of Women Friends._”—The care of visiting the female departments in both prisons has been left with “The Association of Women Friends” (to whom our Prison Society makes an annual appropriation), who have undertaken the service from a conscientious sense of duty, and, we trust, with much benefit to the visited. In the year 1861, they paid 1065 visits to the female prisoners in the Penitentiary and County Prison, of which 499 were at the former, and 566 at the latter. They state in their report that they “are encouraged from time to time, by many little evidences, that their labors are not in vain in the Lord. In a few instances, apparent amendment of life has been the result of His blessing on their feeble efforts.”

_Death of Richard Williams._—Since our last annual meeting, Richard Williams, who had long been pleasantly associated with us as a member of the Acting Committee, and who had been a faithful, kind-hearted, and useful visitor at the Eastern Penitentiary, has, in the ordering of inscrutable wisdom, been removed from works, as we trust, to the fruition of rewards amongst the blessed.

EDWARD H. BONSALL, TOWNSEND SHARPLESS, CHARLES C. LATHROP, ALFRED H. LOVE.

PHILADELPHIA, _1st Mo. (Jan.) 23, 1862_.

APPENDIX.

REPORT ON THE SUBJECT OF LAW SHORTENING SENTENCES.

The Committee to consider the expediency of applying to the Legislature for a graduated diminution of sentences, dependent upon the continued good conduct of prisoners, having conferred together, and being favorably impressed with the advantages likely to arise from the adoption of the plan, concluded to ask a conference with the Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary.

Their application to the Board was referred to the Visiting Inspectors, and an interview was accordingly had with them, at which your Committee received sufficient encouragement to induce them to give the subject further consideration.

At a subsequent meeting of your Committee, it was agreed that a Report should be prepared in favor of an application to the Legislature; and also a schedule of such apportionment of the time proposed to be deducted, as might appear suitable. It was also agreed to prepare a memorial for the consideration of the Acting Committee, addressed to the Legislature, asking for a modification of the law in that particular; and setting forth that several other States have adopted the principle, and that in practice it appears to be cordially approved by those who have administered the several laws under these provisions. Both of which documents are herewith submitted.

The Committee have herein embodied a summary, showing the different States which have enacted a law upon the subject, with their respective gradations, with other information relating thereto: viz., in MASSACHUSETTS, the law says: For less than _three years’_ sentence, _one day in each month_ may be deducted for good conduct. For sentences, from _three to ten years, two days in each month_; and for _ten years and over, five days_. The _Inspectors now propose_ to increase the time, and that for _less than three years, one day_ in each month; _three to seven years, two days; seven to ten years, four days; ten years and over, five days_. They say, as an aid to discipline, it is of great value; affecting some, who are insensible to other motives; and is a strong inducement to good behavior. The Warden fully indorses this, and says, another year’s experience confirms it.

MICHIGAN says: For the _first year, one day in each month_; for the _second year, two days_; and after that, _four days in each month_. For a willful violation of the rules, Inspectors have the power to deprive of any or of all the time gained. The Inspectors have recently recommended to the Legislature, that it should be made _four days_ in the month, _from the beginning_. The WARDEN commends this as a wise measure. He says the law works _first rate_, and there is but little punishment.

WISCONSIN says: At the end of each month, the Commissioner shall give to each prisoner who has conducted well, a certificate, diminishing his term, _not exceeding five days in each month_. All certificates to remain on file, subject to being annulled for subsequent misconduct. A certificate of good conduct, at the expiration of sentence, _restores to citizenship_. The Warden recommends, that, after good conduct for two years, _ten_ or _fifteen_, or _even twenty days_, for _long sentences_, might be deducted from each month.

In IOWA, the law says: For the _first month, one day_ shall be diminished for good conduct; at the end of the _second month, two days_ additional; _third month, three days_; and for the _fourth month, four days_; and _four days for each subsequent month_ of such continued good behavior.

In OHIO, the law of 1856 says: For the _first month, one day_ shall be deducted for good conduct; _for the second, two days_; _for the third, three days_; for the _fourth, four days_; and for the remainder of his term, _four days in each month_. After three years’ experience, viz., in 1859, the law was further modified, increasing the number to _five days in each month_. It is, however, provided, that the Directors may diminish the time gained, either in whole or in part, for willful violation of the rules. If their conduct be uniformly good, they shall be entitled, at the expiration of their time, to receive a certificate from the Warden, on presentation of which to the Governor, they shall be restored to all the rights of citizenship.

The Inspectors say: “We cannot too strongly recommend that feature of the ‘new law’ which offers a premium for good behavior, by deducting a portion of their term of imprisonment.” They also say: “Banished as they are from the social enjoyments of life, without some motive, the mind naturally sinks into a stagnant indifference. The diminution of sentence, and the restoration of all rights of citizenship, are powerful incentives to good behavior.”

The Warden says: “Among the reforms already introduced (in Ohio), none has evinced the power of controlling the wayward in so striking a manner as that provision of our law allowing a diminution of time for good conduct.” He says: “The former officers of this prison bear testimony in their reports to the benefits derived from this law; but I think,” he says, “they fail to express even a moiety of what is really its due.” He further adds: “If it be a fact, and I presume none will dispute it, that no person can continue to _do right_ (whether forced or otherwise), for any considerable length of time, without being to some extent permanently benefited—then whatever is the greatest incentive to good conduct, is in my opinion the best calculated to accomplish the greatest amount of good. That the diminution of time _is this incentive_, none that have watched its operations will feel disposed to dispute; and I know they will not think of denying, that, combined with our _overwork system_, it has done more to preserve order and restrain vicious passion than all other incentives together. Language fails to describe its effects. Its work must be seen to be appreciated.

He further says: “As no special provision was made for United States prisoners, they received none of the benefits of this law; but on application to the Attorney-General, an opinion was obtained, by which these convicts also receive the same benefit.”

Your Committee, in arranging their schedule, have taken into consideration, that a sentence of equal length, under the system of separation, is a greater privation to the prisoner than under other systems; and therefore the scale of abridgment is more liberal, and particularly after the third year, and progressively so, according to the increased length of sentence.

The advantages likely to result from the contemplated improvement, commend themselves so fully to our better feelings, that little need be said by way of illustration; but the expression of some views may perhaps be important. In the preamble to the resolution of our appointment, it is suggested that “_the hope of reward is to the human mind one of the strongest incentives to good conduct_;” and in the relation in which we are considering it, the principle may be applied with its fullest force; from the fact that prisoners are shut out from the ordinary sources of pleasurable influences. Everything, therefore, partaking of the character of a reward is received and dwelt upon by them with considerable interest. This, we think, must be evident to those accustomed to visiting prisoners, in a friendly and familiar manner. Many of them, who for the first time, find themselves within the limits of a cell, of which they are to be the inmates for a series of years, experience a shock, which operates with great force upon their feelings; and whatever may have been their previous condition in life, yet possessing the attributes and aspirations common to our nature, they may be acted upon by like influences.

Separated from the world, and deprived of the enjoyments to which they may have been accustomed, a feeling of despondence often covers the mind; and the absence of the usual sympathies and incentives leads to great discouragement.

Such of us as may have been deprived of our ordinary inducements to exertion, even for a short period, can in some degree feel for those, so completely shut out from such impulses. It is these influences that usually stimulate and control most of our pursuits in life; without them, existence to many would be a burthen.

A long and dreary confinement is before the prisoner, and whether the sentence be for a greater or a less period, to his imagination it seems to be of almost interminable length; and under present circumstances, feeling that no effort on his part can diminish it, the future seems enveloped in a cloud. The prospect, therefore, of even a _brief abridgment of sentence_, would be looked forward to with great delight. It would serve as a kind of morning star in his horizon, the prospect of which would quicken the pulse and encourage to effort—or as an anchor to fall back upon, when clouds of depression overshadow the mind—or when a state of irritation or impatience, arising from nervousness, might, like a storm, overcome his better judgment, and drive him to some act of desperation.

In confirmation of the position, that rewards have a potent influence on the inmates of Penal Institutions, it may be mentioned that one of our Committee, in a recent tour in Europe, visited the Parkhurst Prison (for lads and young men), in the Isle of Wight, when he was informed by the Governor of the prison, that in the year 1849, when there were no special rewards existing, that the number of offences recorded were between five and six thousand. In the following year, 1850, a modified system in that particular having been introduced, the number of offences were reduced 25 per cent., while, in the following year, viz., 1851, a small amount of wages and other privileges being allowed, the offences were reduced to 678; that is, from near 6000 to about one-eighth of that number. The Governor of the Institution added, there had also been an increased cheerfulness and greater obedience to officers. Comment is unnecessary.

Your Committee may here remark, that the range of thought with prisoners is often so limited, and their sources of enjoyment so few, that everything of a pleasant character is dwelt upon with much interest; so much so, that they can often tell the _precise day_ they were last visited, and by whom, although weeks or months may have elapsed; but a morbid feeling at times prevails with others. They think that society has done its worst toward them; and under that impression their minds are strongly embittered; and sometimes a determined feeling of revenge is unhappily induced. But the abiding consciousness that provision has been made by this _same community_, by means of which they may materially shorten their term of imprisonment, will, we think, serve to awaken a feeling of gratitude, and keep before them continually a _door of hope_; which, whether considered in a temporal or in a spiritual point of view, is so essential to the happiness of all human beings.

“Hope to the heart both strength and comfort give; But hope without an object cannot live.”

Besides, the _discipline of mind_ required for maintaining advantages gained, will silently but steadily be doing its work: and the _habitual_ observance of rules of good order, to which many have never been accustomed, may open a new field of thought and of action; and under the divine blessing cause a change of character. In addition to which, the satisfaction derived from a correct course of conduct would be a suitable subject for our Committees to enlarge upon, in their visits; showing, that, by pursuing a similar course on their release from prison, numerous advantages would probably follow.

Little circumstances often change a man’s course in life, and sometimes cause a great improvement in conduct; and the simple appliance of enabling them thus to shorten their sentence—giving evidence of a disposition to temper justice with mercy, might produce the desired reformatory effect; and your Committee, in view of the experience gained in other institutions, can hardly doubt of its beneficial results in our own. For who shall say what slight incentive, or what word of kindness or encouragement, may not change the whole man and his future destiny.

But an objection has been stated to the measure proposed; and that is, that the worst men are generally well-behaved in prison; and that such would derive more benefit than those disposed to reform. So far as that might be the case, _even their good conduct_ would be a good example to the others; _certainly it could do no harm_; and even the worst of men might be benefited by bringing a new influence to bear upon them. But this objection, as we conceive, is not of sufficient force to prevent the adoption of what is proposed; if it were, our public institutions might perhaps be closed, and even private charities abandoned, because impostors sometimes partake of their advantages. The Inspectors of the Massachusetts prison, as before stated, say that this plan has an effect upon some who are insensible to other motives.

Such things are not unfrequent in ordinary life, and many a wayward youth has been diverted from the downward course by a gentle admonition, or by a casual observation, perhaps not even intended for his ear. And how many of _us_ have been preserved from allurements and temptations to evil, by the kind and watchful care of a tender and religious mother; a privilege which many of these unfortunates have never enjoyed. Under like circumstances, can any of us say, that our own lot might not have been like theirs; and indeed may not the happy and salutary influences by which we have been surrounded, have been the means of preserving us from a like unhappy condition? Many persons are impressed with the idea, that a man convicted of crime, and sent to a penitentiary, must necessarily be changed in his entire nature; and that there is no hope of a restoration to usefulness. But it is not all who are sent to prison that are deliberately and determinedly depraved; as some of us know. Many of them have been the dupes of designing men, who have escaped; others have been placed in unfavorable circumstances, and through sudden temptation have fallen; others, from indulgence in strong drink and exposure to evil company; and others, perhaps, from the bad example or neglect of parents.

Their arrest and conviction, have brought many to a sense of their folly; some of whom, no doubt, through humiliation and prayer, have sought for and obtained forgiveness.

Is it not, therefore, wise in us to endeavor to do what we can, and leave the result to Him “who maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good; and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust?” “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that; or whether they both shall be alike good.”