Fry, Elizabeth Gurney, 1780-1845; Prison reformers -- Biography
Among other suggestions relative to the classification of prisoners we
find one recommending the wearing of a ticket by each woman. Every
ticket was to be inscribed with a number, which number should agree with
the corresponding number on the class list. Each class list was to be
kept by the matron or visitors, and was to include a register of the
conduct of the prisoners. In the case of convicts on board convict-ships
proceeding to the penal settlements, Mrs. Fry recommended that not only
should the women wear these tickets, but that every article of
clothing, every book, and every piece of bedding should be similarly
numbered; even the convicts' seats at table should be distinguished by
the same numbers in order to prevent disputes, and to promote order and
regularity.
She considered the most thorough, vigilant, and unremitting inspection
essential to a correct system of prison discipline; by this means she
anticipated that an effectual, if slow, change of habits might be
produced.
With regard to the instruction of prisoners, she held decided views as
to the primary importance of Scriptural knowledge. The Bible, and the
Bible alone, was to be the text-book for this purpose, while nothing
sectarian was to be admitted; but in their fullest sense, "the essential
and saving principles of our common Christianity were to be inculcated."
She recommended reading, writing, arithmetic, and needlework, the last
to carry with it a little remuneration, in order to afford the women
some encouragement. While acknowledging the wisdom of the Act of
Parliament which provided that prayers should be read daily in all
prisons, she strongly urges visitors and chaplains to teach privately
"that true religion and saving faith are in their nature practical, and
that the reality of repentance can be proved only by good works and by
an amendment in life and conversation."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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