There is another point on which, we are aware, that many benevolent minds, who have merely viewed the “Pennsylvania System” theoretically, have felt much apprehension—which often amounts to a _conviction_—which is, that the mental condition of the prisoners, under its discipline, is liable to serious injury. This, we feel authorized to say, is a _fatal_ mistake. We use the term _fatal_, because the adoption of this view tends to prevent the general introduction of the system, which we think is greatly to be regretted. A practical acquaintance with its working, proves this apprehension to be wholly unfounded. Close observation, specially directed to this point, with carefully prepared tabular statements of the mental condition of each prisoner on entering and on leaving the Eastern Penitentiary, (as also at intermediate periods) kept for a series of years, have fully established the fact, that the prisoners, instead of being injured, have been decidedly improved in this respect. _Its Result._—From the foregoing positions the result may thus be summed up: That many of those who entered the Penitentiary without any proper sense of their responsibility to their Creator, or their duty to their fellow creatures, have, as we trust, through the Divine blessing accompanying the instrumentalities surrounding them, attained to clear views and conscientious convictions on these points, and have gone forth into the world with firm resolves that—their Maker strengthening them—they would thenceforth do nothing which would grieve His Holy Spirit or wrong their fellow men. And that most of those who entered nearly destitute of learning, even in its simplest form, and without a knowledge of any trade by the pursuit of which they might be able to secure an honest maintenance, have emerged greatly improved in both these respects, and better fitted for the duties and responsibilities of life.