Part 2

Our Prison Agent, John J. Lytle, is at the Penitentiary nearly every day of the year, and in advance of a man’s going out, provides through this Society what the State does not, a new suit of clothing when needed, and procures a railroad ticket if he is to go to some distant home, and then when the man has a place to work (if a trade), he provides tools and a suitable boarding-place until the man is able to do for himself. After a time he may have fallen, or met with misfortune, and again he comes for help that he may again be placed in position where he can earn a support; in all these cases the prisoner is identified by his prison number, which no man ever forgets. In order to carry on this work for the discharged prisoners, the income from the funds of the Society is but a third of what is needed; and as the Legislature and Governors have failed the past six years to grant the Society the accustomed $3000 annually, we have been compelled to solicit donations from benevolent donors for the discharged prisoners of the Eastern Penitentiary. The aid given for the discharged prisoners of the County Prison, is from the income of the Society.

It seems hardly just that we be compelled to solicit for discharged prisoners of the Eastern Penitentiary from Philadelphians, when many of the convicts are sent there from most of the eastern counties.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY PRISON, MOYAMENSING.--A recent personal inspection of every nook and corner of this old prison (erected 1835) revealed the fact, that under the present Board of Inspectors, with generous modern ideas for alterations and improvements, it might truly be called an up-to-date city prison; scrupulously clean and in order everywhere, inside and out. Our highly esteemed Superintendent, Robert C. Motherwell, Jr., shows his especial adaptation to the work; for during the past year 45,688 persons passed in and out under his eye, about 3,800 per month; of these the received were white males, 17,788; white females, 1,889; black males, 2,508; black females 653. Total, 22,835; of these 532 were boys under sixteen years old. Total discharged, 22,853. This large number of juveniles, caused the remark of a keeper, that if he had to choose between the care of 12 boys or 500 men, he would prefer the latter. These boys are never placed in a felon’s cell, but in a portion especially assigned them, and are always apart from the other older prisoners.

All the repairs or alterations are done by the convicts, and many are employed in the shops. There is now a first-class steam-heating arrangement, and electric plant with sufficient voltage for an electrocution-chair in place of the gallows, if the State so directed. In connection with this, is a Kenyun steam disinfectant apparatus (the latest and most approved device) for the renovation of clothing, mattresses, and bedding from vermin, microbes, and possible contagion; treating it by high pressure of steam then by vacuum.

The officers of the Moyamensing prison are all well tried conscientious men, and have a very promiscuous lot of people to deal with. There is a very good library of 2,700 volumes, used by all the male departments, besides other reading matter is furnished. The cleanliness and hygienic atmosphere of all the corridors and cells could not pass unnoticed. Three religious services are held in this prison every Sunday, and excellent volunteer choirs contribute, which are greatly appreciated.

Rev. Joseph J. Camp, the highly-esteemed Prison Agent of the Inspectors for the past sixteen years, interviews many prisoners brought in, and often goes to court when the case comes up for trial.

Mr. Frederick J. Pooley, our meritorious Prison Agent of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, is doing good work and assists the Rev. Jos. J. Camp. He has to do principally with those minor cases which are discharged with short detention and without trial, by order of the magistrates.

The Acting or Visiting Committee of this Society appointed to the County Prison, have done good work in aiding reform of both men and women; often have helped to shed that ray of light into the heart of some suffering one, by kindly advice and good reading matter; some have even taken pains to look after many women on their discharge, keeping in touch with their better interests long after.

The Woman’s Ward, under the care of Miss Anna B. Harshaw, matron, impresses you as one whose genial disposition and good judgment, well prepares her for the care of her charges. During the past year there were received 1,889 white women and 653 black; average, 212 per month. On January 1st, there remained 62 convicts and 33 awaiting trial. The entire building is clean and neat, even the cells, the kitchen, storeroom, and laundry: here twenty women are daily at work, (do the work by hand) for the whole institution, a number are employed in making up and repair of clothing, for the men also. They have a good library and other reading matter, and are often visited by the ladies of the Acting Committee.

COUNTY PRISON CONVICT DEPARTMENT, HOLMESBURG JUNC., Under the efficient care of Capt. Charles A. Abel, Deputy Superintendent, a recently constructed plant, to which are sent all the convicts of the county’s charge, the number at present being about 450.

They have various kinds of trades work (limited of course). This institution is the same as all the penal institutions of the State, save one, lacks two things:--classification or grades, and manual work for all the convicts. There is a large choir of colored men, who, on Sunday afternoons, in the rotunda afford, pleasure for the rest of the institution, as part of the religious exercises. In all these departments of the County Prison, Sunday religious exercises are provided, and often good volunteer choirs, under the direction of the management.

The County Prison’s daily charge is little more than eleven hundred.

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, January, 1901, George W. Hall, our high esteemed Treasurer for the past ____ years, tendered his resignation, and was unwilling to be re-elected to that office on account of recent sorrow and apparent failing health, desiring to be relieved from some of the responsible active duties and cares of this life. We appreciate his good judgment, and a Trust Company was appointed until the annual meeting when Charles M. Morton was elected to fill this office; unwilling to part with our faithful officer, he was elected one of its Vice-Presidents.

HOUSE OF CORRECTION, at Holmesburg Junction, usually has about 800 inmates, and consists of those sent there for drunkenness or for minor offences committed through intoxication. Most of these are compelled to work; a large number in the stone quarry, facing stone, and breaking for road-dressing, different sizes are sifted by hand labor. On Sunday all are required to be at chapel service and they have many reasonable privileges. It is a very well conducted institution in which this Society takes an interest; but the majority, on being dismissed immediately return to their dissipated habits and are often recommitted. Heretofore these prisoners were taken from the lower part of the city, on police tugboats to the House of Correction wharf, but in consequence of the Act of Congress recently going into effect, some other plan is devised until the boats are modified. The new law requires that the boats shall carry a sufficient number of lifeboats in proportion to the number of prisoners, and as the tugboats are only equipped with one yawl they cannot be used for this work until the necessary changes are made.

JUVENILE OFFENDERS. Judge Audenried believes in a sound spanking, as a more beneficial punishment than imprisonment, when a lad first shows inclination towards evil, and many times rather than send a boy to the House of Refuge, he has allowed him to go upon the parents promising no longer to spare the rod.

A matter of great importance to our Commonwealth, to cite a case--a girl of fourteen years was recently convicted of petty larceny, sentenced to prison for three months. Appeal for mercy, on the ground of first offence, did not avail. But to jail, to be influenced for a worse career, instead of a reformative effect. The courts could not be held accountable for this state of affairs. Indeed it would be hard to find anywhere a more conscientious and just judge than Judge Biddle, before whom the case came. Our Judges are not lawmakers, and must interpret the law as it exists, and follow the statutory provisions enacted by the Legislature, and there is no discretionary or limited powers. It is deplorable that offenders of tender years should not receive intelligent and discriminating treatment under the law. But the fault is in the inadequacy of the law. Pennsylvania seems to be far behind some other States in penal, and particularly in reformative legislation respecting children. In other States, notably Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, legislation has been provided for juvenile and adult offenders, which has already born much fruit and promises greater results for the future. The working of the probation system in Massachusetts--where it has been in operation nine years appears to have more than justified the hopes of those who introduced the reforms. In Massachusetts more than 5,000 are released annually on probation, and the relapses to criminal life are very few. The system seems specially adapted to minors. There is every reason why Pennsylvania should take some forward step in enacting laws relating to young offenders.

Where modern legislation of this character has been tried it has had very great beneficial influence in reforming offenders and saving them from a criminal life, and in addition has saved the State money.

Where we were clearly shown at the last National Prison Congress, that our actual cost of crime in Philadelphia was $3.50 per capita for the whole population of the country, equal to $3,250,000 for this city it seems appalling, and we need to use the best known methods of reform to lessen the exacting taxation.

THE POLICE MATRONS at our station-houses have all proved well chosen and competent helps to the distressed wife and children, and to many a young girl who has commenced a life of shame brought under their observation by the officers. The entire number of women reported by the sixteen matrons, during the fiscal year as under their charge was 4,233. Of these many were aged, demented and homeless; those lost or seeking shelter were 773. Many were young, some strangers in the city, and to city life, who were restored, by a little effort, to respectable homes; some victims of the crimes of others or shamed and discouraged by disgrace.

The entire number of children reported is 2,978. Brought by parents, 279. Brought on personal charges for offences, 756. Lost, 1,498. The monthly reports of these devoted Matrons, to the Associated Committees, are filled with special cases of interest, and stir all true devotion to earnestness to devise new plans to reach and help the sufferers.

Mrs. L. W. Fletcher of the 6th District and Mrs. J. Poole of the 19th District are the oldest matrons in the work, having held appointment since September, 1886. Mrs. Fletcher has to do with that known as the tenderloin section, Eleventh street above Race. Within this district dwells a larger portion of girls and women whose vocation makes them liable to arrest more than any of the other thirty districts. Mrs. Fletcher has proved well-fitted for the work, the combination of good common sense, sympathetic gentleness and determined spirit which is hers, is one that is needed in the Sixth District more than any other perhaps. Mrs. Fletcher speaks of the many unfortunate girls brought to her as “her girls.” “They are to be pitied as much as condemned. Force of circumstances, I have learned, drives the majority of them into the lives they lead. Contact with them has taught me that few of them are wholly bad. Many can be made to see the folly of vice and led to abandon it.” She speaks authoritatively, and keeps track of many reclaimed, who are happy in their several employments as wage-earners, and owe their present happiness to her timely advice and sympathy.

Chinatown is in this division, and it exerts its worst influence; but kindness wins. They are not locked up in cells, but the matron places them in an upper room or ward. The matron is very seldom used roughly, her appearance seems to command respect, even from the most abandoned. She often accompanies them to court trial, and it is a comfort to them, they never fail to appreciate.

All our seventeen police matrons seem to be well-fitted for their work. Some of our lieutenants who have heretofore opposed having matrons for the female portion at station-houses, are beginning to see the folly of their former judgment. Our statute law requires every station-house to have a matron. Why is it not obeyed in the other fourteen districts?

WOMAN’S PRISON.--The women of the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., are urging the establishment there of a Woman’s Prison. How much better if it were a Reformatory. This is sadly needed in State of Pennsylvania, and especially in Philadelphia for the 350 women in our Penitentiary, County Prison and House of Correction; at the present time there is a movement to ask the Legislature to establish a Reformatory prison for women in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.

TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF JOHN J. LYTLE, GENERAL SECRETARY.

In presenting this, my Twelfth Annual Report, I feel more and more solemnly impressed with the magnitude of the work in which I have been for so many years engaged, the importance of which cannot be overestimated and I have faithfully endeavored to perform my duty, seeking for Divine guidance in all of my undertakings. The Pennsylvania Prison Society has its officers and an Acting Committee of fifty other members, who, by act of the Legislature, are made official visitors to the Penitentiary and County Prisons. They are particularly interested in visiting the Eastern Penitentiary and the two County Prisons in this city, and the House of Correction--though we have members who visit the County Prisons of the State and make reports to the General Committee. The members, after a careful visitation of the convicts in their cells, endeavor to gain their confidence, and thus become friends to them, which is kept up frequently long after their discharge. We encourage a correspondence with them after they leave the prison, so that we can retain an influence over them for good and continued good.

Many interesting letters have been received, showing that what has been done was warmly appreciated, and instances are not wanting where they are leading honest lives, and are willing to admit that the lives they had been leading were dragging them down in ruin and could thankfully say that their incarceration had been a blessing to them, and they had determined with the Lord’s help, to lead better lives.

We have earnest, faithful Christian women members of the committee who visit the women prisoners of the Penitentiary, the County Prisons, and the House of Correction. In this connection I desire to call attention to the efforts which are being made to establish a temporary Home for discharged women prisoners, an institution which has been much needed, where they can remain a short time until they can obtain situations, in the meantime being under Christian influences. There is also the Howard Institution for discharged women prisoners, situated on Popular street, near Sixteenth street, where they have a comfortable home and are taught house-work and laundry, and being expected to stay at least six months, there is hope for reformation for those who desire to lead better lives.

CORRESPONDENCE.

There continues to be an increasing interest in the subject of Penology, very much attributed to the publicity given through the meetings of the National Prison Congress held in various parts of the country. I receive very many letters asking for information and especially from libraries asking for complete files of our “Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy,” speaking of it as a very valuable publication. As our back numbers are now all disposed, and as requests continue to pour in upon us, I would be pleased if any to whom this Journal is sent, have back numbers previous to 1900 which they do not wish to keep, would send to the Secretary Fifth and Chestnut Sts., Phila.; it would enable us to fill orders from libraries.

WORK OF THE SOCIETY AND ITS ACTING COMMITTEE.

The Acting Committee meets monthly when reports are received from the Visiting Committee of the Eastern State Penitentiary, the two County Prisons, House of Correction, “Associated Committee of Women on Police Matrons,” General Secretary and from many of the County Prisons of the State.

It is much to be regretted that the press of our city gives so much publicity to the time when noted criminals are discharged. The impropriety of this is especially noticeable where the separate system prevails, for it undoes the secrecy which is so essential to reform. By it old crimes are recounted, and no matter how much a man desires to reform the way is closed for his obtaining employment, and he sees nothing else than to go back to his former criminal life. Every one should have an opportunity to reform, and his former career should not be published to the world. There have been cases where the press told in advance when a certain criminal was to be released, and I have seen crowds of men and boys waiting to see such a one come out.

THE EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY.

For the benefit of those who have not seen our former Journals it may be again well to state that the institution is visited by a sub-committee of the Acting Committee set apart for this service, to each of whom is assigned a particular division, which he under the Constitution and By-Laws is expected to visit “at least once in two weeks and oftener if convenient.” (Extract from the Constitution.) Rev. Joseph Welch and his able assistant, Rev. H. Cresson McHenry devote their whole time to visiting the prisoners, and are doing a noble work for their spiritual good. Their task is a great one for with a population of over 1,200 it taxes their time to the utmost--this then is where the members of the Acting Committee perform valuable service.

From monthly reports received from those members it appears that 731 visits have been made to the Penitentiary during the past year, and 15,616 visits have been made to prisoners either inside the cells or at the cell doors. As many of the members failed to send in reports, the number visited will much exceed this.

The total amount expended for the relief of discharged prisoners from the Eastern Penitentiary and County Prison during the year was $3,364.03.

As the Legislature has for many years failed to make any appropriation for furnishing clothes or tools to those discharged, the whole burden of doing this rests upon our Society. Our income is entirely inadequate to do even a tithe of this large expense. We could only accomplish it by the liberality of our donors, for which we thank them, and desire their continued aid.

As for my own especial work at the Eastern Penitentiary, I visit there daily in addition to the many other duties I have to perform in connection with my office as General Secretary. I feel as time rolls on solemnly impressed with the magnitude and importance of the work in which I have for many years been engaged. No person leaves that prison without my visiting him several times previous to discharge, ascertaining their needs, and providing them with suitable clothes, that they may make a respectable appearance in looking for work; pleading, too, with them to give up all their sinful ways, and give their hearts to the Lord--for there are no joys comparable to the “Joys of God’s Salvation.” As I visit from cell to cell, not only at the time of discharge, but long previous to that, a feeling of awe comes over me as I realize that here is a soul to be saved or lost, one who has had no thought or concern for his soul’s salvation, and the query arises, have I, have we as visitors, done our duty, our whole duty, in telling him there is the promise that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” and that Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer, came into the world to seek and to save those that were lost, and in Him there is pardon and plenteous redemption. I have during the past year made 352 visits to the Penitentiary, and have seen and conversed with the convicts, either in the cells or at the cell doors, over 4000 times. I have procured 164 railroad tickets for discharged prisoners to take them to their homes outside of the city, and have taken many to the depots, providing them with a good breakfast before starting. The cost of these tickets was $377.50.

I have assisted many after their discharge with temporary help, starting them in business in a small way that they may become wage-earners, thus preventing re-commitment. Tools are furnished to discharged prisoners when needed. Many have been aided in this way to obtain situations. For some days before and after New Year’s I distributed the motto calendars to every prisoner, visiting every cell and giving a word of counsel and encouragement, and a hearty shake of the hand to most of the 1,200 prisoners. It has been gratifying to notice with what pleasure these New Year’s calls have been received, as they respond, “A Happy New Year to you and many of them.”

These Christian motto calendars are hung up in their cells and are read over and over many times a day--such as these:

O! the things WE call the LITTLE sins, Are hateful in GOD’S SIGHT; HE counts NO SIN a LITTLE sin, Nor calls a WRONG DEED--Right!

And

BEGIN thou first with LITTLE THINGS, The smallest SIN AVOID and HATE; Obedience to LOVE adds wings, And LITTLE faith will grow to GREAT. The statutes of the LORD are RIGHT--! REJOICING the HEART.

(PSALM XIX: 8)

These silent messengers may be the means, under the blessing of our Heavenly Father, of reaching many souls and bringing them to Christ, their Saviour.

SOME CASES OF INTEREST WHICH HAVE COME TO OUR NOTICE.

A young man left the Eastern Penitentiary, perhaps three years ago, for one of the cities in Western Pennsylvania, determined to lead a new life. He gave assurance of having sought and found in our Lord Jesus Christ a full pardon for his old life and of his earnest purpose to walk in newness of life. He joined the Methodist Church, got good work, married, and has recently sent to his visitor, a member of our committee, a picture of their little baby. He writes a bright, happy letter.

A man who, while in the Penitentiary, seemed to feel the tremendous evil of his past life and an earnest desire for a better one, was led, as we believe, to pray and trust God’s spirit, we felt worked with him and not in vain. He went into a foreign country, and a few days ago we received a letter from him dated January 4, 1901, bright and happy, hoping soon to return.