“The destruction of the contract system would necessitate the building up of other systems for the employment of convicts. In the constructive programme which will be worked out in each of the States, road work, endorsed as it is by the national committee on prison labor and other agencies for prison reform, would play a large part. The passage of the Booher-Hughes convict labor bill is therefore of definite importance to all interested in the movement for placing convicts on the public roads.” * * * * * _Federal Prison Superintendent Appointed._--Francis H. Duehay, of Washington, has been appointed superintendent of prisons by the Attorney-General, displacing Robert V. La Dow, who has held that post through several administrations during the past eight or ten years. Mr. La Dow becomes assistant superintendent of prisons. In appointing a new man to this office and displacing Mr. La Dow, Attorney-General McReynolds gave as his reason the desire to have a man of his own selection at the head of prison affairs. He found no fault with the administration of Mr. La Dow, and indicated that his appreciation of his work was shown by the retention of Mr. La Dow’s services and experience in the subordinate position. The Attorney-General has displayed considerable anxiety to bring about better conditions in the administration of prisons. He has made it known that he is working on a plan for adequate inspection and improvement in the parole system. He considers the care of Federal prisoners as one of the important duties placed in his charge, and has expressed his desire that the best conditions possible shall prevail. The problem of what employment to provide for prisoners is one that is giving the Attorney-General deep concern. With the objection to competition between prison-made goods and the products of free labor in mind, he is weighing the possibilities of providing occupation not subject to such objection. The necessity of finding some employment to fill in the life of the man in prison he appears thoroughly to subscribe to. (Washington Star, Jan. 25.) * * * * * _The Record of “Camp Hope,” Illinois._--In September, 1913, Warden E. M. Allen established a camp at Dixon, Ill., the road workers being State prisoners. Of the sixty-five men who have been at the camp in the last four or five months, Harry West, who is now clerk of the camp and has ten months yet to serve, said: “The boys are all on the square yet and there isn’t a man who hasn’t kept his word of honor with the warden given at Joliet before we started for camp.” The men have worked eight hours every day since they started on road building, except Saturday afternoon, Sundays and holidays. The work accomplished has been highly satisfactory to the local commissioners and the people.