i
HIE PAIL Y EVENING TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, TIIURSDAT , MARCH 16, 1871.
onBuwr hill.
Vontinutd from th Tint Tag.
thosegreat Interest which are dependent on public
morals and conservative principles. Intimately con
nected with such duty Is that legislation which pre
vents and punishes offenses against persons and
propertr, and gives to all the greatest security in
the possession of the rights and privileges which
mark all enlightened civilization.
It Is assumed as Impossible that there can he two
diflerent standards of Integrity one of which
governs the private citizen, but has no control over
public action. How best to secure these results Is a
study for earnest practical mind., and all aids that
may assist such, either in individual effort, or la
public council, should be welcomed as valuable
contributions.
Jn the year iSCO, there was a total of 617 convicts
In this penitentiary. 113 were illiterate; 181 could
spell and read; 401 could read and write; Jihad a
good English education.
Of these 647, 193 had parents living; 199, parents
dead; 95, father living; 155, mother living.
In the year 1870, there was a total of 953 convicts
In this Penitentiary, of whom 863 weie unable to
read.
There were 815 convicts received durlrg the year
1970. Of these 62 were Illiterate; 80 read only; 828
could read and write.
Of these sieconvicu, 109 had parents living; 94,
parents dead; 40, father living; 78, mother living.
Taking the above statement as a comparison for
a period of ten years, the following facts are also
suggestive :
or the 815 prisoners received into this Peniten
tiary during 170, 164 were born In Pennsylvania;
68 were iintlves of other States; 83 were foreigners.
It will be conceded, after an examination of the
foregoiDg statements, limited as they are to the very
small number of Individuals sent to this State Peni
tentiary, that a similar statement comprising the
population of the Htate would be of great valoe.
Reliable returns could be obtained from all
the justices of the peace in Pennsylvania,
of the whole number of arrests or persons charged
with criminal oirenses the crime charged and the
disposition hy the Justices of these cases. By the
records of the courts of each county in the State, it
will appear how many of these cases were returned
by the justices to court for trial, how many were
acquitted by the jury, how many convicted, and the
sentence of the court in each case. It would re
quire oomparatlvely tittle trouble to ascertain the
age of these persons, and whether they had gone to
school or had learned a trade. From these
returns the Legislature would be enabled to
consider the Important subject of establishing
county prisons for first offenses, and short
sentences or the yonng offenders. Also the effect
of imprisoning each at their homes, or domicll, or
where the offense was committed. Sentencing such
to a State Penitentiary, and placing on them In their
youth the character of convict, when It may be that
the Intention to commit crime and the opportunity
or committing it were not prevented from coming
in contact for want of discretion, might then be
open to grave question.
In 1S.M), the total population of Pennsylvania
was 8,811,786. of these 1865 were Insane,
aLd 1432 idiotic There were 8006 pub'le
schools, colleges, and private schools and acade
mies In the Slate, at which 440,743 pupils were In at
tendance, as reported by the census of that year.
The same census, however, elsewhere reports the
whole number attending school to have been 694,610 '
and that 76,273 adults could not then read and write.)
By the census or 1860 the total population oi
this State is given as 8,906,815. Of these
8760 were Insane, and 1848 idiotic. Unfor
tunately there Is no Information to be obtained as
to the schools and pupils In the census of I860, as
above given for I860.
The total population of Pennsylvania for 1S70 la
8,515,998.
By the State report of Pennsylvania it appears
that In 1870 the number of school districts in Penn
sylvania were 8002 ; the number of schools, 14,818;
the number of pnplls, 888,891 ; the average number
of pupils, 663,941 ; at a "total cost, Including ex-
Sendltures of all kinds," of 17,771,761-80.
In the city of Philadelphia there were 330 schools ;
whole number of pupils registered," 133,839; aver
age attendance of pupils, 71,029; "total amount ex
pended for school purposes, 11,297,744-63."
Bt the politeness of the hod. John Scott, rutted
States Senator from Pennsylvania, and Mr. James
A. Walker, the Superintendent of the Oensns, the
following information has been obtained from the
Census for 1870:
The whole number of public schools in Penn
sylvania is 13,783; the nnmberof male pupils, 855,796;
female, 350,7 76; income raised hy taxation. $5,547,004;
received from public runds, 1306,124. The
total number of private schools, 541 ; male pnplls
21,457; female, 26,669. Numoer of colleges, acade
mies, and kindred Institutions, 803; total male
pupils, 15,106; total female, 6770. Total population
of Pennsylvania by "first enumeration,'' 8,449,243;
by "second enumeration," 8,615,993.
Evidence on this branch of the subject Is very
difficult to be obtained. The most reliable at ham)
la contained In the following tables, from the ssth
and 89th Reports of the Inspectors of this Peniten
tiary to your honorable bodies :
Then follows a comparative table exhibiting some
of the characteristics of convicts, natives of Penn
sylvania, received from 1841 to 1853, In comparison
with those received from 1864 to 1866, thus:
Jr!e'd from Rtceiv&l from
1x41 la 1853. 1834 to 1 W. '.
Whole number received... 817 1314 497
CvUii- and i'ex.
White males 674 1054 486
White females 16 40 25
Colored males 207 193
Colored females 83 13
Educational.
Illiterate 16 221 67
Bead only 154 19 41
Head and write 489 93 399
Crimes.
Against property 683 1109 456
Against persons 164 205 41
Another table shows the number of 626 convicts In
confinement during 1867, who attended public and
private schools, aad likewise those who never went
to school, and from which we learn that H of the
wnole number (62) attended Mie public Institutions
of the State; 8-8 private seminaries; and that i
never went to school at all. Another statement
shows the average age of 154 unapprentlced con
victs received during 1870 to have been 28-8 years
the average age or 46 minors being 18-3 years, and
of 118 adu'ts, 88 7 years. Another statement ex
hibits that of I960 unapprentlced convicts (minors
and adults) received from I860 to 1869, 860, whose
ageB averaged 867 years, were illiterate; 853, whose
ages averaged 20 8 years, could lead only; 1331.
whose ages averaged 27 3 years, could read and
yfi r i tc
From 1950 to 1859 Inclusive, the whole number of
prisoners received Into the penlten'lary was 1605, of
whom 243, or 1614 per cent., were Illiterate; 247, or
15-f9 per tent, coula read only; 1118, or 6947 per
cent, could read and write. Of this whole number
1217, or 15-82 per cent., were unapprentlced.
During the decade from I860 to 169 Inclusive, the
whole number of prisoners received was 23S3,of whom
410, er 17-21 percent, were Illiterate; 896, or 18-44
per cent., couia reaa oniv; ioii, or iui per ceui.,
could read and write, and I960, or 81-83 per cent.,
were unapprentlced.
It Is but too apparent, from the foregoing exhi
bits of statistical information, that some state au
thority should be charged with the duty of collect
lug Bd systematically arranging, year by year, the
facts to be derived iroui autneuuo sources as i'J me
social condition of the population of Pennsylvania,
particularly as to crimes, education, pauperism, the
ages of convicts, and their labor training.
It Is most respectfully submitted that unless the
causes of the Influences which produce abnormal
aoclal conditions, as well as the actual conditions
of society itself, are Investigated, special legislation
is without auy real advantage to the Interests of
society, and will be Inadequate to correct these
evils, protect the public, prevent crime, punish
criminals, aud practically to educate those who be
come vicious first from idleness, and thus become
So short a neriod has elansed since the "Com
mutation Law,1- as it it is styled, has been In opera
tion, that as yet no opluion can be given
on its piartiuai benefits to the convicts. By
this law, the good conduct of the prisoner
is made what may best be described at a
statutable recomuieudatlou to the Governor, who
by an executive order directs the prisoner to be
d charged before the expiration oir he time for
wuicn ne wus seuieuceu uy me courts. The table
presented shows, that of tue bj prisoners dis-
unrgea uy me iw, u per teui. nave tieen recon
victed. It may be remarked that the nrohadiri nur.
posa of iuis law, where It was tlrst introduced was
to aid in the control of convicts a coa.
giegate priaona, whose good conduct earned
the pre mium realized 111 sh ir eued terms of
Imprisonment. Those on wh im the livomr
m tie Induced to bring themselves within Its provl
ilOLS by waUlifulbvt-rstulit over Mi,r felluwa. in
order emier to give notice of iiittudid violation of
prlnou mles, or to cuiupt tiiewselves fn:u auy
supposed combination nun o.hers Intending to
Vlolute lliem. Be tins a it may, it was a labor
saving lUttthine s' fur sapr.'iion aud c .utrol
are u ct-tt'arv for congregated cnnvlcr.a, ThU Itw
Waa lu force in heuiiavluai.u on tue 2ii
iu of July, is.;; urn wtiiie an
convict, fi'm that period till BWt of December
ls;o, weie dincbuiired by Its i rLl
in the kaii t time uihctarod by txpiratiuu of their
i uivn' rn.
It t Ui be observe I by the returns ma la by the
insii-et.iM iu this repurt U'a' a Urg nuiii'wr
I'neuieiB nave iwm'u ne-iem-en lor mm
suai'.j) g trim of iujr'i)iimjoiii. Tu"s were
fur ertne of the highest gra bs, and the Indi
vidual aie reported to be ineu of daug.r
Oi.siJi;i.aai UiyUcl. WUti ;t Jt kaj.vu U.t by
the Commutation law a ten year sentence can, by
the "good conduct" of the prisoner, be diminished
by at least it months, based on the ratio directed In
the law, there is no real advantage to the public
from these sentences. The words of the law are :
"One month on each of tne first two year, of two
months oa each succeeding year to the fifth year,
and of three months on each following years to the
tenth year, and of four months on each remaining
year of the term of their sentence," It baa never
been the opinion of the Inspectors of this
Penitentiary that long sentences to this
institution, or any penitentiary on the sepa
rate or Individual treatment system, are
produetlve of benefits to the State or the convict.
The certainty of punishment Is more to be regarded
than Its duration, so far as society is protected and
crime punished by the example of convrctlons of
offenders. Time is no trne element In punishment
by imprisonment. Long sentences do not reform the
Individual, nor protect the public security, nor pro
duce that fear in the crime class whlcJi prevents
their committing crime. The fact that every
offender is punished for his crime has the effect
which is sought to be produced by penal laws.
In the Massachusetts State Penitentiary, during
the year eadlng September 80, 1870, there was a
total population of 774 convicts. Of these S3 were
pardoned. The sentences of 6 of those were for
life, 6 lor 10 years, 8 for 80 years, 8 for IS years, and
the ethers for f rom 1 to 10 j ears each. The better
way to state It will be to say that of 67 prisoners, the
6 for life omitted, the average sentence was for 7
years, 8 months, and 11 days, while the time served
when they were pardoned was 4 years, 8 months,
and 8 days. It Is not, therefore, a
patent remedy for heinous offenses
that the convict is sentenced for long
terms, or even "for life" Imprisonment, in that State,
where, It Is to be presumed, the action of the publio
authorities is governed by Integrity, wisdom, and
Intelligence.
It Is stated that the Executive of the State of New
York, during the year 1870, issued 85 pardons, 84
commutations, and 1 reprieve. Of the pardons, 16
were on account of 111 health ; 5 Insane ; 10 Innocent ;
and 8 for discovering plots among prisoners. Of the
pardoned prisoners, a were sentenced for 80 years ;
6 for 15 years; 9 for 10 years; 1 for 19 years; 8 for
lire ; and 8 were sentenced to be hung. All but two
were sentenced since I860.
No reference Is here made to 'the "commutation"
for shorter ptrlods of Imprisonment than the sen
During the year 1870, of the 951 total population in
this Penitentiary, 14 were pardoned, or these., 13
were by the State of Pennsylvania, and 1 bv the
United States ; for ill health, 0 ; insane, 0 all 14 for
special reasons.
The average terra of sentences was 8 years, 9
months, and 23 days : and the average term served,
1 year, months, l day.
To a prison on the separate system, the average
sentences for the lesser degrees of crime, when
punishment promptly follows the offense, might be
fixed at two years as the maximum, while a Ave
years' sentence in most cases might be sufficient for
those offenses in the commission of which human
life was not put in peril. For young offenders, for
their first offense, it is very questionable if any ad
vantage results to society or the individual by a
longer Imprisonment than one year, unless for ex
ceptional cases.
It is to be remarked that the primary object of a
wise administration of penal laws regulating the
punishment by imprisonment of individuals should
be to prevent the creation of a crime-class toy the
association of convicts in communities, after their
imprisonment is terminated. The consequences re
sulting from such a state of thin its are to be feared,
slnee, by this association, desperate men, each
known to the other to have been a convict, conspire
to commit crimes, and by this association they more
easily escape arrest and defy conviction. The
separate system of Imprisonment, on this ground, is
a protection to the publio, while it presents the best
opportunity for introducing to the convict's atten
tion those reformatory ageneles which It Is the part
or Christian benevolence ever to hold out to the just
and the on just.
The Inspectors feel justified In calling to the atten
tion of the Legislature the most, gratifying fact that,
in other States, some of the prominent features of
the administration of the Pennsylvania system of
penitentiary discipline are receiving both recogni
tion and approval.
For many years past the Inspectors, in their an
nual reports to your honorable bodies, have given
the convictions oi tneir judgment, from practical
experience, that the government or penal Institu
tions snouia do intrusted to tnoae wnose capacity,
knowledge, experience, and Integrity alone qualify
tbem for such responsible duties. It has been
found in this Penitentiary that honesty and capa
city, with intelligent observation of the practical
working of the system of punishment on the part
of the executive officer, were essential to secure
the purposes or penitentiary discipline. Frequent
change In the executive officers, or their selection
on any other recommendation than fitness and
fidelity, has ever been condemned as moBt injurious
to tne interests entrusted to tue inspectors to guard.
Almost alone in these opinions for so long a period
of time, it Is now with great satisfaction the In
spectors learn that the Prison Discipline Association
of the State of New York, In a public meeting,
adopted a "Memorial" to the authorities of that
state, wnicn tnus gives tesavony in support oi the
Pennsylvania practice in mis respect:
"The remedy which the association proposes Is a
radical one, Involving an entire change In the or
ganization or the government or the prisons. Their
examination has extended over the whole neriod of
the existence of the present form of that govern
ment. They say:
"By the Constitution, all the State prisons are put
wholly under the government of three inspectors,
who hold office fcr three years, and are elected one
every year, and who superintend the State prisons
and appoint all the officers therein. They are
called Inspectors, but are In fact governors of the
prisons and controllers of the system, sub
ject to no supervision or Inspection, except
such as the Legislature may direct, and that of
the imperfect power given to the Prison Asso
c'atlon. livery year one of them is thrown Into the
arena or party pontics."
The "Memorial" proposes the State Constitution
to be amended so that
"There shall be a board of managers of prisons,
to be composed of five persons appointed by the
Governor, with the advice and consent of the Sen
ate, w ho shall hold office for ten years.
"That board shall have the charge and superin
tendence oi the State prisons, and have such pow
ers and perform such duties In respect to other pri
sons in the State as the Legislature may prescribe.
"They shall appoint a secretary, who shall be re
movable at their pleasure, perform such duties as
tue Legislature or the board may direct, and receive
a salary to be determined by law.
"The beard shall appoint the warden, clerk, phy
sician, and chaplain of each State prison, and shall
have power to remove taeni for cause only, after
opportunity to be heard on written charges.
"All other officers or each prison shall be appointed
by the warden thereof, and be removable at his
pleasure.
"The Governor may remove any of the managers
lor misconduct or neglect ot duty, alter opportunity
to be heard ou written charges.
"The Bve menagera first appointed shall, as the
Legislature may direct, be so classified that the
term of one shall expire at the end oi each two years
during the first ten years.
"This amendment shaU go intt effect on the
first kouduy of January next after its adoption by
tfce people.
If you, gentlemen of the Legislature, will refer to
the recent reports from the Inspectors of this state
Penitentiary, you will observe that the "contract
system" of employing convict labor has been con
demned as most Injurious to society, unjust, aud
unworthy of an enlightened civilization.
I nder this plan of working convicts, in congrega
tion, by contact with employers, every considera
tion but the bene tit of the convict was absorbed In
profit-making out or the criminals whom the State
punished for violating lis laws. This preilt was the
claimed advantage of this plan Of labor, so unwor.hy
of a people who thus justified the brutalizing or
those who were young, or convicted for a first of
fense, as well as those who had, It might be, some
redeeming haracterlsilcs. In one common mass with
the atrocious and hardened veteran In a life
of crime. The Inspectors, in these reports, were
the only protestanl against this contract system.
The experience, however, of this society alluded to
has, at last, enaoled It, in the '-Memorial'' to which
reference has been made, thus to condemn this plan
of prison laiior.
Thus the '-Memorial'1 continues:
"On the other side of the account this tendency to
augmentation does not seem to have prevailed to
the same extent. In Sing hlng, in 1847, convicts put
on contracts were let at 35 cents a day ; In 1869, they
were let at front 40. to 60 cents a day. In Auburn
they were let. In 1847, at from 3) to 60 cents a day;
ami in 1&69, at an average of 50 cents a day. Thus,
while the rnte of wages, inuring to the benefit of the
State, increased not over 60 per cent., the expendi
tures, at the cost of the State, increased during the
saae period at the rate of 300 per cent. The con
tract system seemed, even to the Inspectors, to be a
failure; they have attempted wiBhlu the last five or
tix )rs to abandon It in a measure, aHd have hd
rrcourse to labor conducted under their Immediate
tupeivision, with what success the foregoing state
ment show. Within the past live years, from lt5 to
lfi9 inclusive, the deficiency oi earnings to pay ex
penses has been 11,094.16105 an amount larger
1l.au the deCclencleii of the whole previous IS years;
and the appropriations from the State Treasury have
been 4,16J,7tK) 07, being about equal In amount to
the appropriations for all those previous years."
Apaln from this memorial :
"The effort, however, during the whole or th! last
Iwtiiiv-two year hss been a failure, aud Is, year
i fcr year, becoming more signally and disas
Iii.uh!) mi.
"iue lo.lowii, is a tabled the number of pri
soners at the bog-toning and the end of ttn present
system:
1349. 19S9.
Auburn....'. 478 50
Sing Sing 04 1279
Female 84 139
Clinton 131 60
Asy it ni (not built until 1859; 79
Total
Increase, lit per cent.
....1842
8931
BXPEK D1TCRE9 FOR THX 8A.UB PIRfOD.
1943.
U,7n-n4
97,22141
66,69'4l
41,51016
1969.
125,856-26
851,03267
171.010-91
817,809-70
13,95492
Female....
Slng-Slng .
Auburn...
Clinton ....
Asylum.. ..
1217,491 62 $379,21986
Increase, over soo rer cent.
'3 lie following shows the condition of affairs
from the beginning of the system to the present
oay :
TABLE Or PROGRESS FROM 1847 TO 1969 IMCLC81TK.
So. of
..1421
...1866
...13M)
. ..162L
...1705
...1853
,'...1967
,. ..8005
,...1957
,.. 1910
. ..18M
,. ..8126
,. ..2538
...8729
. . .2H18
. ..8697
...8181
...1915
...1886
,...2368
...2920
...2S1
...2930
t'rarf.
1S47..
184S..
1M9..
1R.M)..
1851..
1H62..
IStS..
1864..
lt-66..
1856..
lf-67..
1S58..
1869..
ISt-O..
1861..
1S68..
18C3..
1E64..
1865..
1866..
1867..
1868..
18t9..
lMrf'.
14,973-71
93, 439 36
49,49-40
60,975-49
27,09719
18,449-69
84,707-59
69.836 no
85,215-80
25,872-00
20,93064
101,192 -04
89,497 16
63,11713
83,351-93
66,20406
6,835-79
86,83663
812,80873
84,681-63
179,566 18
242.73483
825,06163
125,F33-85
204,09180
188,764.74
808,397-74
866,(11 120
811,761 "80
860,818-24
872,418 03
233,445-69
228,477-99
218,71417
250,356-68
879,838-68
891,744-09
888,90470
294,685-57
891,216-58
842.794-65
414,713 30
463,995 46
779,679-61
844,873-93
879,219 26
$10,960-03
110,659 4
U9,2H6-34
159,42225
178,91408
193,803 11
816.110-65
813,17803
197,830-29
197,10618
191,783-63
149,173-98
189,836 53
838,62769
865,56278
228,491-61
22,33074
855,957-81
202,606-57
229,413-83
600,013 -43
601,63003
654,16768
Making an aggregate In 23 years of. . .1.1,997,09445
"The foregoing statements, thourh they show a
result sufficiently disastrous to convince the asso
ciation that the present system is financially a fail
ure, do not show the full extent of the disaster."
These quotations from the "Memorial" are
made with satisfaction, beeause they are most
important testimony in themselves, and unwil
lingly sustain the Inspectors of this Penitentiary in
their expressed opinions on the subject, and show
that the time is coming when the broader and more
philosophic views of penitentiary discipline which a
scientific examination of bo increasingly important
a subject will produce, may vet become triumphant
over the Ignorance ef bigotry, or the baser, ignoble,
and narrow motives which have so long controlled
the partisan management of Institutions, too gene
rally considered only as publio receptacles
for convicted felons. It would have
been worthy of those who in this
Memorial" have so thoroughly exposed the evils
against which they invoke rebuke and remedy, if
they had, at least, given to Pennsylvania some
c eric for a consistent opposition to them. It would
have been simple justice to our State to have
pointed to her as an example for the reforms which
the Memorial now so markedly approves and advo
cates In the penitentiaries of New York.
The following extract from the "Memorial" is so
thorough a justification of the discipline, as well as
the "separate system" Itself, contrast eel with the
"congregate plan," now adopted in PTew York,
and heretofore claimed to be the best system of
prlBon government that It needs no comment:
"Moral Administration. It Is now about 85
years since a change was introduced Into the moral
government of our prisons. Prior-to that time the
prominent ldeaa had been punishments and earnings.
This change was the introduction of rewards as
well as punishments, and keeping the reformation
of the prisoners In view as the main object.
Appended Is a brief enumeration of the mea
suies em ployed, of their defective execution, and of
the b enefits thut may result from them :
"Tin Mde ef Enforcing Obedience. Formerly it
was by means of the whip, but with occasional re
sorts to other means or violence. In 1830 the use of
the whip was abolished among the females, and In
1849 among the males, except in cases of insurrec
tion, revolt, and self-conlldence. The substi
tute pravlded for It by law was solitary con
finement; and in the tatter year the law directed
solitary cells for that purpose to be built In all the
prisons. Those cells have not yet been built, and
ilurli g the succeeding twenty years other means
of force were resorted to, until, In 1869, such
means, so far as they assumed the form or the
"shower-bath, crucifix, yoke and buck," were for
bidden. This was done without providing any sub-
stltntes, and the consequences were disastrous, as
soon as the passage of the law was known, a general
uneasiness in all the priHons was shown. This was
followed by individual acts of violence. At Auburn
a keeper was assanlted hy a convict, struck down
by a hammer, and his life saved only by the inter
poult ion of another convict. At Clinton a keeper
was stabbed, and. disabled for life; and at Slog Sing
a kc eper waa struck down by a bar of Iron, aud the
officers tired upon by a convict. Then ensued more
general movements. At Auburn whole shops re
fused te work. At Sing Slog 160 convicts on one
oay, and some 600 or 6o0 the next day, refused to
work; and at Clinton there wasagenaral ojusplracy
to escape, which was fortunately discovered In time
to be prevented. At Sing Sing 20, at Auburn 19, and
at Clinton 10 of the ringleaders were kept In irons,
and chained to their cells for several months, and It
Is believed that nothing but the faction or the well
disposed among the prisoners prevented more gene
ral outbreaks, and perhaps an emptying or our
prisons or the great body or their Inmates. The use
of blows upon the prisoners is forbidden
only In onr State prisons. In all the local
penitentiaries, to which many or our State
prisoners have been removec1, It is still allowed ; aud
In the State Prisons it seems to be left to the discre
tion or the officer Immediately in charge to deter
mine what Is the condition of revolt, Insurrection or
self-defeuse which will Justify a resort to tu whip.
A general system of discipline to prevail alike in all
the prisons, and which shall prevent the officers Im
mediately affected by disorder from acting as com
plainant. Judge, and executioner, and which will
cultivate the habit of seir-goverument xow so pre
dominant among the great number of the prisoners,
Is a measure greatly to be desired.
"The ltiti mi net ion of Libia) im. This was begun
before the adoption of our present Constitution.
So thoroughly Wui this sanctioned by the Legisla
ture that, during '.he past twenty-four years, appro
priations for this purpose have been made to the
amount of about 20,ooo, and the agents were di
rected to append to their annual reports a catalogue
of the prison librailes. This duty has never been
performed.
"Teaching the Prisoner. The law has provided,
in this respect, that the chupUius, besides religious
services iu chapels, shall visit convicts Jin their cells,
and devote one hour eachwork day.and the afternoon
of each Sunday, to giving tbem reliCbus nod moral
instruction, so the law has provMed for ten teach
ers in the prison, at an annual expense of 81 loo, to
Instruct the unlearned lu the first rudiments of edu
cation. In these respects, also, there Is a great waste
of the wise benevolence or the law, owing to the
absence of a well-digested plan of Instruction; for
at preseat the system of Instruction is so conducted
as to amount to a farce.
"Overwork and A i4 to Ditchargtd Cmicts.Th
original allowance to convicts on their discharge
was 13 to each from the prison funds. It is no w In
creased to 1 10 ; anil a practice has grown up, not yet
sanctioned or organized by law, of allowing the
prisoners to earn money for themselves over
aud above their allotted stents. This
also demands an organized system to prevent
an abuse of the privilege by
prlsoneisand contractors, to gurd against unjust
partiality by the officers In charge, and to accord it
Impartially to all.
"CvmtMttuiionof Sentence There Is now prevail
ing In all our State prisons (but not In all local ones)
a measure of enabling the convicts, by their own
good conduct, to shorten their terms of imprison
ment. In 1S3, out of lUi prisoners who left during
the year, only 61 left by expiration of sentence,
while 829 went out by commutation nnder the law.
In this there Is great danger, as well as the actual
existence of partiality and Injustice, which nothing
can prevent so well as the creation ef an Intelligent
and judicious tribunal."
Notwithstanding this Is the 42d yearly report of
the inspectors to the Legislature of this State on the
practical results of the Pennsylvania sj stem of sepa
rate treatment of prisoners, yet even no w there are
many, professing to be possessed of general Informa
tion on penal science as applied to prison popula
tions snd systems of convict punishment, who eu.
tlrely mistake the piinclples, and are Ignorant of the
practical rtsults lti';h these reports exhibit of the
Pennsylvania system of penitentiary convict disci
pline. It Is not pcsMble, In this report, to condense the
Statements m mie lu the forty-one which have pre
ceded It. But Justice to this Penitentiary, at least,
requires that for the past year, 1870, a comparaion
Should be made f the results or one Penitentiary
on i ach yfcUm of couviut treatment. The (Jharlea
town Penitentiary of Massachusetts is taken as best
managed ou the congregate, and tills Penitentiary,
ou t.'ie separate system, lor this purpose.
In the Massachusetts Penitentiary the total popu
lation for ls70 is given as 774. Out of this number
there were 13 deaths, or 1-81 per cent.
In this Penitentiary the total population for 1970
was 953. Out of this number there were 12 deaths,
or 126 per cent. 1 be difference in population is as
774 Is to 95.H, or 179 excess In this Peuitentlury.
Of the 1 14 lu Massachusetts, 63 convicts were par-doLcd.
Of the 953 In Pennsylvania, U convicts were par
doned. In the Massachusetts Penitentiary 8 convicts were
sent to the Insane Asylnra.
In this penitentiary three convicts were of un
sound mind; but, by the treatment in the Peniten
tiary, are reported by the resident physician. Dr.
Klapp, to be "fully restored to reason."
As to the discipline or government of the prison
ers in the Massachusetts Penitentiary, It is stated
that "It is not to be supposed that six hundred men,
some of them unquestionably bad, but more of them
unfortunate; some of them receiving the just re
ward for crimes committed, whilst others, in their
own minds at least, are suffering unjustly, can be
manHged and controlled without occasional fric
tion." ,
In this penitentiary the discipline has been main
tained: for it appears that "we have had a prison
population of 953 convicts, many of whom are the
most desperate men who have ever been Imprisoned
within these walla Yet quiet and good order have
prevailed, and by the vigilance aud active care of
the otScers no escape, even into the yard, has been
effected, and no harsh or severe treatment has been
found needful."
The aiove extracts, at least, suggest the inquiry,
IT congregating Into one mass those convicts, the
control of wSom Is described as producing "occa
sional friction," Is the wisest plan for their proper
government, or for the best Interests of society.
In Massachusetts, rr'.th 774 convicts as the total
population for 1878, "our expenses," as given, were
122, 105-72.
In this penitentiary, with a total population for
1870 of 953 convicts, our expenses were 98,8s6-43.
In the Massacbnsetta Prison the recommitments
on 774 convicts, total population during lsio, were
lro, or equal to 13 44 per cent.
In this Penitentiary the total recommitments on
6299 convicts, the whole number liable to reconvic
tion since 1829, were 632, or, for say 40 years, 10 per
cent.
It Is shown by this comparative statement that the
"separate sjstem" has trlnmphant.v vindicated
Itself against open as well as covert assaults, which
Ignorance, prejudice, or that "little knowledge" so
dangerous in scientific studies have, from time to
time made against it
It wonld not be presnmlng too much to believe
that you, gentlemen of the Legislature, will Invoke
the experience of this State Institution before en
acting into laws measures relating to convict disci
pline, penal Jurisprudence, or crime cause eltherfor
prevention or punishment. Surely the knowledge of
facts and the practical working of principles or
theories on penal science for a period of forty years,
might be important to test either new propositions,
or determine the proposed benefits that the love of
change always promises as the undoubted results
thereby to be attained.
The necessity of legislation presupposes an under
standing of the subject matter, and no source of in
formation which is reliable, or experleace which Is
respectable, or knowledge which has been carefully
ana Intelligently acquired, should be fgnored while
such legislation Is being perfected for Its purpose.
Your own experience, gentlemen of the Legislature,
makes this self-evident.
While the primary purpose of this report to the
Legislature Is to comply with the law directing it to.
be made, yet the scope or the direction that,
besides the specific return, "such Informa
tion'' may be given as may be deemed
"expedient" for making this "Institution
effectual in the punishment and reformation of
offenders,'' implies the expression of such sugges
tions as more generally relate to the subject of peual
jurisprudence.
It is believed that the statistical Information con
tained In the tables submitted Indicates the careful
Investigation of the case of each convict, and
the confidence established between the individual
and the prison authorities. This tends to create
In the mind of the prisoners the impression that,
though convicts, human sympathy is not to
be denied them, and that (even in prison there Is an
Interest felt in the r welfare aad Improvement. To
some, this Is a first lesson In reformation ; with
others, It awakens the good impressions of child
beod. -I he Influence on all is to facilitate the accep
tance cf auy agencies that are designed for reform.
Hut, apart from these considerations, the contri
butions made in these reports to penal science, limi
ted thouglt they are to the Investigation of the popu
lation oi this Penitentiary, It is hoped will invite
the Legislature to favorably consider the great Im
portance of authorizing by law comprehensive re
ports to be obtained bv a department of the State
uovernroent on those subjects, which are Intimately
connected with unhealthful developments lh the
social conditions of certain classes lu the whole
population. Ii such information could be obtained and sys
tematically arranged, it would enable the Legisla
ture to understand what legislation was most ne
cessary for the public good.
Crime cause would be better understood, preven
tion and punishment could be so adjusted as to
separate the proper treatment of those who most
needed either, under laws adapted to each.
It might be tnen ascertained that industrial
schools and reformatory Institutions for the first
offenses of the young offenders, were more essential
than neglected or 111-reguiated prisons or more peni
tentiaries. From such Information, the conclusions might be
arrived at, that county prisons on the separate sys
tem, properly governed and administered, should be
the rule for all large counties, rather than the ex
ception In Pennsylvania.
It could hardly be doubted that with such reports
carefully made the Legislature could better deter
mine how the money of the people might be libe
rally and wisely expended for the poor, the Buffer
ing, the idle, the vicious, the criminal, the Ignorant,
and the nnfortnnate. From each section of the
State the real condition or these classes would be
presented, and then it would be better known how
to relieve, restrain, prevent, punish,
and educate. It probably would indicate
that for ail classes a general rule was Impossible.
True philosophy would teach the adaptation o: in
dividual treatment to Individual or special develop
ments of causes producing particular results.
It would mere certainly enable a judicious class! a?
tlon to be made of remedial, preventive, and punl
tlve'agenele8, and prevent the pauperization of Indi
viduals Into an Idle or Indigent class, or a more
dreaded crime elasa. If no other result was
reached, it would be possible to establish by
law some system by which edudatlon in
handicraft skilled labor, could be within the reach
of those of the young who sought it, and at the same
time be approved and applauded by an enlightened
publio opinion.
lure rer.ee has already been made to the "commu
tation law," by which sentences or the convicts are
shortened by their "good conduct" while under con
viction. This plan has been described as a statutory
recommendation to the Executive to discharge the
convict before the sentence inflicted by the judicial
power expires. While it is not a pardon nnder the
exercise of the constitutional prerogative of
the Governor, It is a device which, by legisla
tion, controls the judicial and directs Executive
action. How wise such legislation may be Is
no part of the province or the Inspectoral consi
der, much less to determine. It is now brought to
the notice of the Legislature for the purpose of in
viting attention to the precedent thus established.
If the Legislature can enact a law by which a judi
cial sentence can be terminated before it expires by
its own Umltai ion, then it becomes a most impor
tant question to consider if this principle cannot be
applied for the purpose of more effectually securing
the aim of punishment by Imprisonment, In par
ticular cases It sometimes happens that the
exercise of the pardoning power Is subject to publio
criticism. There are no doubt cases In which there
are grounds for this animadversion, but the Inspec
tors do not desire to express any opinion on
cases of which they have no direct knowledge from
their official relations with the prisoner.
The comparison hereinbefore made between
the pardons granted by Massachusetts, New
Yoik, and Pennsylvania Shows that in this
State Executive clemency lias been very sparingly
exercised on convicts In this Penitentiary.
. It is undoubtedly true that there are now in this
Institution several convicts who are fully entitled to
pardon, If the purpose of their 'punlbt nieut was to
qualify tbem for restoration to 11 x-rty, with benefit
to themselves and advantage to society.
To resch these cases Is difficult of accomplish
ment under the present system. If a par
don Is asked, then the Inspectors may be
regarded as exceeding the line of their official duty,
and tbtir action misunderstood or misconstrued; or
they might bewsubjected to applications from un
worthy persons; or the Executive might fail to ap
preciate their motives. Nevertheless these cases
exist, and continuing In prison those who
have been brought within the effects of
punlshmect, and over whom It has exer
cised all the influences designed by law and
justice, is of very doubtful propriety. It la impri
sonment for no purpose. The example, the preven
tion of crime, ss they are supposed to be reached by
a conviction or the guilty, has been effected by such
conviction and the infliction of the punishment.
The only remaining purpose of the law which tiirs
punishment proposed has been produced. Society
fiaa been protected, the example has been made,
those who are Intended to be warned have bad their
warning, and the Individual who U punished
is now alone to be considered. If his
punishment has caused hlui to repent
of his wickedness, and determine, In so far
as he can, to reform, theuhis liberty is more a right
than a favor, for longer Incarceration is useless to
him, and society gains nothing thereby. Tnat these
are the well-considered opinions ot the Inspectors
will appear from the following extracts from their
reports to the Legislature.
From the report for the year 1S5J the followlig
exuact Is taken:
The inspectors cannot close this report without
Sgaln briefly calling the attention o'he Ceneral As
sembly to tne subject of revlaing the penal code, so
as to shorten the minimum period of confinement
1 affixed to certain cruue. The daily observation.
of the effects of separate and solltirr confine
ment, with the Influences connected with It In this
penitentiary, have fully convinced them that a much
gre ater degree of good would be achieved, by short
ening most of the sentences for first offenses, and
particularly those of all young offenders. For this
latter class a few months' confinement, or a year at
most, would produce in general vastly more salu
tary effects than longer terms. The Inspectors are
gratified to know that throughont the Eastern dis
trict of the State this fact has become apparent to
most of the Judicial tribunals, and Is acted upon to
the limits of the law. Should this disposition be
come general, and a larger discretion be given by
law, It would remove In a great measure the neces
sity that Is now often believed to exist for the exer
cise of the pardonlDg power."
The Pennsylvania system Is best described as the
individual treatment of convicts, as contrasted with
that In other States, which i the congregate or clas
treatment. This distinction is Important, white
considering the views now under discussion.
Again, In the report lor 1858, it Is remarked :
"The Inspectors have again to remark on the
subject of the duration of sentences Inflicted upon
juvenile oflenders. It Is with regret the Inspectors
find that, of the prisoners admitted during the year
18.')3, there are twenty-two under twenty-one years,
and forty-eight nnder twenty-five years of age. Tne
lucpcctors are of opinion that In cases of first con
viction of minors, or tuose of Immature age, unless
for crimes of the most aggravated character, a short
terra of Imprisonment Is or far greater benefit to the
Individual than one which Is calculated to punish
beyond the period when moral Influences have
awakened in the h eart strong feelings of repent
ance a td a desire to reform. Evil associates, bad
example, - and a want of proper
parental care and watchfulness, admo
nlilon, snd control lead the young Into
crlnus. When, therefore, Iropr'soned as a punish
ment, the yonng convict Is brought to reel, probably
for the first time, the trutn of the proverb, that the
wsy or the transgressor Is bard. Then It Is that
Judicious counsel and advice Induces the most de
cided Improvement. It Is believed that If In such
Instances the prisoner was set at liberty, a revolu
tion would be effected In his morals and habits, and
a new career would be sought after for his future
lire. The Inspectors make these suggestions In the
hope that good may result from their careful con
sideration." In the report for the year 1954, the Inspectors thus
refer to this interesting subject :
"The Inspectors sgaln feel it their duty to call the
attention of the Leglnlataie to the length of sen
tences inflicted for first offenses, and also on young
oflenders. It Is no longer a question thot severity
In punishment Is no prevention f crime; neither
does severity of punishment produce the desired
effect npon the offender. The causes of crime should
be more fully Investigated alter a conviction, and
have a potent influence in determining the duration
or the punishment. There is a period in the history
of every criminal's punishment when his liberation
would most benefit him, and hence society would
gain, by the Improvement afforded In reclaiming
an offender. Those whose constant intercourse
with convicts enables them to form an opinion on
the subject will admit that such periods occurs,
when most decided advantage would result from the
prisoner's liberation. One mode, to be sure, a most
Imperfect one, to effect this object, Is to shorten the
sentence, as much as si proper regard to the Inte
rests or society would Justify, in ad cases or first
convictions and convictions or young offenders.
1 he inspectors feel the force of these views, and
they have ventuied sgaln to Invoke legislative atten
tion to the subject. This Is not the occasion to sug
gest any plan to modify and Improve the present laws
on this subject; but It Is hoped that the time will
come when the Legislature of Pennsylvania will
take the important subject of the present penal
code, bs it relates to our admirable system of peni
tentiary punishment, Into consideration. Sporadic
reforms are worse than useless. Labors of those
who are required to learn while they attempt to
teach are vain. The familiarity of long experience,
careful and earnest devotion to the subject, and an
interest in the questions Involved, above and beyond
an interest la self, are among the qualifications
which a proper reform In penal Jurisprudence will
require at the hands of those who underiako the
task.
From the report for i860:
"It will be observed that the inspectors hve here
tofore refrained from presenting reforms- In the
penai cone, in relation to yonng crimina s. it was
hoped and believed that one of i he citizens to whom
the codification of the penal luwsas referred, might
have been selected for his Interest In, and ability te
understand, this subject. If such a selection bad
been made, it would have resulted beneficially, by
the Incorporation Into the penal law of a provision
to meet the class or cases to which the attention of
the Legislature has been called.
"The inspectors do not feel themselves required,
either by law or from their official position, to do
more than make such 'observations' as they deem
of importsnce to the public or the prisoners.
"Lest, however, it might be by some attributed to
their silence that they have no practical suggestions
to offer, they roost respectfully submit, as the sub
stance for amendments to the presen. law, the fol
lowing proposition:
"That In all cases of first conviction for crime of
minors, the term of Imprisonment shall be termi
nated by the Inspectors, with the consent of the
president judge of the court In which such minor
was sentenced, when in their opinion the punish,
ment has produced Its expected results.
"That In all eases of first conviction for crime of
persons between 21 and 85 years of age. the term of
imprisonment shall In like manner be lessened, as a
reward for good conduct, by the reduction of three
days In every thirty after the first 13 mouths or im
prison men t.
"That in all cases of first sonvlctton for crime or
minors, the hiry trying the case shall find by their
verdict If the father of the minor the being alive aud
within the jurisdiction of the processor the Com
monwealth) was negligent and derelict in his paren
tal duties toward said minor, and on so findlug, the
court shall cause said father to be held to pay the
ccsts to the Commonwealth of said trial.
"The inspectors have ventured respectfully to
make these suggestions, wltn the view to remedy
the evil which has been thus authentically brought
to the attention of the General Assembly.
"it will not be denied that the necessity fordeglsla
tlon Is most serious. That It is Increasing, a super
ficial examination of the facts herein set out, cannot
fail to teach the observer. That the want of parental
control is demoralising a large and Increasing num
ber of our youths. The consequences are manifest.
The minor Is nngoverned, wayward, vagabond,
vlclocs, contaminated, contaminating, and convict.
The moral at, as well as the Christian, must deplore
such causes and consequences
"It is believed hat the most unconcerned for the
welfare of society and its constituents would hardly
agree that peoltcntlary discipline should take the
place of primary parental teachings and supervisory
restraint.
"The least benevolent will fully consent to the
principle, as one of Justice, that the child only
should not be punished for Its parent's neglect or
disregard of bis duties.
"if In rlther case society stands in the place cf the
parent, magnanimity and mercy both plead that the
most reformatory and beneficent Influences should
be extended to such unfortunates."
lu the report for 1867 the inspectors usotliefol
owing language :
"It it of vital Importance that the Individualities
land characteristics, and surroundings of the ac
cused should be ascertained on his trial, aad their
just consideration should be taken fu.ly into the ju
dicial determination of the punishment. Arbitrary
or (merely -conventional sentences, operating en
classes, not persons, are nnpbllosopblcal, and often
unjust, both to the Individual and the community.
Again, take the crime or larceny. It should be di
vided into degrees. The highest, and each in se
quence to the lowest, should be determined at the
trial, from the facts and circumstances and the
characteristics of the accused. To determine before
hand, when framing the Indictment, the degree of
criminality, before the accused can explain or defend
his acts, Is at war with the principle which seeks to
protect the accused till he Is found beyond tne
operation of the presumptions ef Innocence. This
sjstem adopted as to all crimes or offenses has the
advantage or placing the accused in the exact posi
tion in which bis acts place him, not that which the
definition or description of a class of acts would
compel him to occupy without the explanatory bene
fits he alone could produce. Again, it would not
make individuals more criminal than they really are,
and tbns often unwisely add to the crime-class those
who would else never be associated with It.
The injurious effects of any system
which augments the number of convict, placing
on them the distinguishing mark of enemies te pub
lic safety, become more and more apparent as
population increases. The true principle o f legisla
tion on this branch of the subject is to make as few
acts of individuals crimes, and as few members of
society criminals, as a due regard for the safety of
life, rights, and property will justify. The more
simple the crime code the more It is rendered iexl
bieiniLdlvMua'. application; the leas rigorous and
unbending; tne greater opportunity to take the prin
ciples of the common law as preferable to those of a
statute, and the greater the respou abilities that are
placed on the Judiciary and taken from the law-making
power In all these respects the greater aud more
substantial are the benefits which society secure.
It is thus that society speaks its voice, under the
restraints of law, lu each particular ease.
Following tills view ss to the code, we come to
consider the punishment of crimes, liy the present
practice there 1 really no standard. The offense
too often determines the seuleuce, becaae no op
portunity Is permitted to investigate all the circum
stances of each case, nor Is any authority granted
for that judicial discretion which should alys be
an element in the oillcfal action or. the ministers or
justice. The maximum and the minimum of the
term of punishment are the only judicial guides, aud
these ngulate the Judgment of judge who, from
the trial ul the Usue of fact, are informed by tne
verdict of the guilt of the accused. Kvery offender
Is actuated by different motives, Inflienced by va
rious csuscs of crime; his peculiar position as an
individual in society, his lack or advantages, his
associations, bis mental, moral, personal disabilities,
all his Individualities are hid from view, because the
present STsttm only presents one fact to be ascer
tained. The Interests of society demtnd that crime
be punished, and crime prevented ; beyond that It
has no other . Interest, so far as a particular
offense Is concerned, but growing out of the
determination of that fact are vaitly important
considerations to the very best Interests of
society. For what degree of crime, for what period
of time the guilty is to be sentenced, the motives
and causes that induced him to violate law, the
effect upon the Individual directly and on society in
directly, are consequences which muse result to so
ciety finally, to prejudice It to a greater or less degree
If the guilty has been punished without regard to
these questions. There Is no more dangerous ele
ment in social condition than the feeling which
harness and injustice produce in the administration
of justice. The first of the dangers Is the unwilling
ness to convict for crime, or the anxlbtv In the
minds cf juries to except the case from the
operations of taege Influences. Vibrating
between the extremes of unwillingness to convict,
and the prompt conviction, in the latter case to
maintain the law by sporadic firmness In the admi
nistration of justice, creates a disrespect for the law.
When ene is guilty or a less crime than that for
which be is lnalcted, but escapes because of an ar
bitrary ur fixed definition of acts, as crimes, which
the trial shows the accused has not ma le himself
technically amenable to, there Is left on the publio
tnltid a feeling of Insecurity and a distrust of public
Justice. So on either hand the present system con
victs a certain portion of offenders, snd society has
to lie satisfied that all the guilty do net escape. If,
however, the syBtein of Jurisprudence nu in har
mony wnn toe views expressed as to tue code, these
defects would probably be remedied.
"liy the Judicious sub-di vision into dcgrees.and the
consequent reduction of the higher grades of crime,
the assimilation or the offense to the acta ana
motives or the accused, the certainty of, as well as
a wise discrimination In the punishment, the dimi
nution of the number of Individuals united with the
crime class, the better would It be for all the great
Interests associated In and protected by penal legis
lation." That some system should be made lawful by which
the opinion of the inspectors, and that
of the chief officers oi the Penitentiary,
as to the propriety or discharging pilsoners deserv
ing liberation, wculd be effective in prrductng their
dischaige by competent authority, is most desirable.
The Inspectors respectfully call this subject to the
attention of the Legislature. It may not meet with
favor until a thorough Investigation of the question
1 made, free I rom those objections which a first im
pression is most likely to suggest.
The Inspectors are economically app'ylnfr the ap
propriation for repairs and alterations to the wants
of the Institution. There are from time to time new
wants, as Its population Increases, and these are
better supplied, iu time, at a less cost, than procras
tination would render necessary.
Hie Inspectors have heretofore expressed their
opinion that increased accommodation for convicts
In this Penitentiary was necessary. The increase
in crime, the increase In the population, ami the
causes which have been noticed as tending to
crime, have already added to our total population.
It Is not possible now to give each couvlct separate
rooms, and no option Is believed to exist
by the Inspectors to receive those sentenced and
delivered at the prison.
It Is esi neatly to be hoped that the Legislature
will see the importance of requiring the counties of
the State in which the population will justify It, to
erect county prisons, on the separate system, in
which those convicted for lesser degrees of crime,
or offenses lor which a short term of Imprisonment
at the place where the offense was committed is
only necessary, and all female prisoners, should be
punished.
At the same time It is of the greatest Importance
that thtse county prisons slieuld be managed by
Inspectors appointed for capacity aud ability to dis
charge their duties, without regard to any other con
sideration. Their appointment should be for good
behavior; and thus appointing the chief officers of
the prison, they should not exercise any control In
selecting the subordinate officers.
Once establish this system, induce those who
have the government of these prisons to acquaint
themselves with the principles on which
the discipline should rest, and require yearly full re
pot ts and Investigations into those subjects which
are directly connected with penal science, and then
the Pennsylvania syBtem of discipline will be placed
w here it belongs, In the advance of a progress phi
losophic and practical.
The suggestion occasionally made that the growth
of improvement will render a removal of the Peni
tentiary buildings only a question of
time, has not failed to attract the notice of
the inspectors. This will not probably
be accomplished In the lifetime of this genera
tion. The neighborhood surrounding the Peniten
tiary has been by common consent devoted to pub
lic institutions. There are now three of the largest
In the city situated within close proximity to each
other, and also a large basin for water. To remove
one would avail but little In advancing the price or
value of private property while the others remained.
To remove all will require a conjunction of those
most auspicious Influences which make publio opin
ion harmonious on the subject, bristling as it must
w ith precedent subseq uent questions.
When the people of Philadelphia are satisfied,
and the Legislature fully Informed, and the interest
of the Institutions properly considered, and the plans
for these changes proposed, even then serious ques
tions will be presented for consideration bearing
closely and directly upon the subject.
The State ought not to be required to make extra
ordinary sacrifices for tne benefit of a few, especially
when these benefits sought by them cannot be asked
on the ground of unforeseen disadvantages.
On the 29th day or Octeber, 1S70, the Supremo
Court appointed the inspectors, with the exception
of a vacancy filled by the selection of John M. Maris,
Eq., w hose personal character and experience in
public Institutions qualify him for the responsibilities
of the station.
The Inspectors respectfully invite your attention,
gentlemen of the Legislature, to the reports of
the Warden, Edward Townsend, Esq., the Itcaldent
Physician, Dr. Klapp, and the Moral Instructor,
Mr. Kutli, which accompany this report. These
officers have the entire confidence of the Inspectors,
and by their ability, long experience, devotiou to
their duties, snd the unpretending fidelity with
w hich they discharge tbem, merit the commenda
tion of the Legislature and the people of Pennsyl
vania. Mr. Townsend, the present warden, was selected
to fill the vacancy which occurred a year ago, bv the
death of the ever-to-be-lamented John S. lialloway,
Esq. Mr. Townsend was not an applicant for the
Eositlon, bnt the inspectors, with one accord, invited
lm to leave a profitable profession to accept this
responsible post, because they were satisfied he was
the proper person to discharge Its duties.
The overseers, whose positions depend on fidelity
and cheerful obedience to the regulations, perform
their respective duties to nitre satisfaction. They
merit this acknowledgment. Training and the ex
perience obtained by service are tit ally important
in the snccesslul administration of this or any penal
Institution.
It would not be in accordance with tUe feelings of
the Inspectors to omit commendatory mention of
the esrnestnf bs and integrity a hlch characterise the
labors of the Cleik of the Penitentiary, Mr.
Sheneroan.
Kcspectfnlly submitted,
lUciiARD Vacx, President.
Attest John M. Maris,
SecretMyjifjheJJoani of Inspectors.
LEOAL NOTIOE8.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLBAS FOR TUB
CITY AND COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA.
NOTICE TO CREDITOR-.
Please take notice that the undersigned has filed
a petition In the Court of Common Pleas for the City
and County of Philadelphia, for the benefit of the
Insolvent Laws of this State, aud that theiald Court
have appointed THURSDAY, the 9oth day of March,
lt71, at the County Court Bouse, as the time and
place for the hearing of the said petition, and where
the creditors of the undersigned may attend, should
they deem proper. AlATTilYS K.AAS,
8 14 tuths Ot . Insolvent.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OP-FICB,
PnlLADKLPUIA, Feb. 85, 1371.
All keepers of hotels, taverns, restaurants, and
Others selling liquor by less measure than one quart
are hereby notified that If they refuse or neglect to
make application for license, and procure the same, A
within the time prescnoea oy law, ana wuo continue
to seil, will be promptly proceeded against, as re
quired by the provisions of the act of Assembly,
FURMAN SHEPPARD,
District Attorney.
CITV COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE,!
)rricK,)
ksst, V
6, 187L)
llU.lll o. t in n BTKI
Philadelphia. Feb. 86.
The act of Assembly approved April 80, laid, re
quires that all keepers of hotels, taverns, restau
rants, and others selling liquor by less measure than
one quart, shall make application at this office for
li'-fiice In the month of March only. The law In
ibis respect Kill be strictly enforced.
ALEXANDER McCUEN.
THOMAS M. LOCliE.
JAMES BAIN.
City Commissioners.
A LIXAND1R a. OA TTILL CO.,
V fRODUCK COMMISSION M KUC'ilANTln,
Ha. 84 KORTU WRARVJU
0. it NOHTH WATTR STRUT,'
Hlf.AflSI.Ptjl A.
4U1ZAKSI1 a CAI-iaXi. SLUil OATTI LLi
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