In OHIO, the law of 1856 says: For the _first month, one day_ shall be deducted for good conduct; _for the second, two days_; _for the third, three days_; for the _fourth, four days_; and for the remainder of his term, _four days in each month_. After three years’ experience, viz., in 1859, the law was further modified, increasing the number to _five days in each month_. It is, however, provided, that the Directors may diminish the time gained, either in whole or in part, for willful violation of the rules. If their conduct be uniformly good, they shall be entitled, at the expiration of their time, to receive a certificate from the Warden, on presentation of which to the Governor, they shall be restored to all the rights of citizenship. The Inspectors say: “We cannot too strongly recommend that feature of the ‘new law’ which offers a premium for good behavior, by deducting a portion of their term of imprisonment.” They also say: “Banished as they are from the social enjoyments of life, without some motive, the mind naturally sinks into a stagnant indifference. The diminution of sentence, and the restoration of all rights of citizenship, are powerful incentives to good behavior.” The Warden says: “Among the reforms already introduced (in Ohio), none has evinced the power of controlling the wayward in so striking a manner as that provision of our law allowing a diminution of time for good conduct.” He says: “The former officers of this prison bear testimony in their reports to the benefits derived from this law; but I think,” he says, “they fail to express even a moiety of what is really its due.” He further adds: “If it be a fact, and I presume none will dispute it, that no person can continue to _do right_ (whether forced or otherwise), for any considerable length of time, without being to some extent permanently benefited—then whatever is the greatest incentive to good conduct, is in my opinion the best calculated to accomplish the greatest amount of good. That the diminution of time _is this incentive_, none that have watched its operations will feel disposed to dispute; and I know they will not think of denying, that, combined with our _overwork system_, it has done more to preserve order and restrain vicious passion than all other incentives together. Language fails to describe its effects. Its work must be seen to be appreciated. He further says: “As no special provision was made for United States prisoners, they received none of the benefits of this law; but on application to the Attorney-General, an opinion was obtained, by which these convicts also receive the same benefit.”