It was explained that this Act might have imperfections, but that it was really the only solution of the problem of employment for prisoners as far as conditions existed in this Commonwealth. If the products of convict labor are not allowed to be sold in the market some other way must be devised to set these idle people to work. In these times of dire stress, not an ounce of energy should be lost. Our Government needs the labor of every man, good or bad, in order to increase the production of food supplies, and for manufacturing purposes. Wherever the farming proposition for prisoners had been fairly tried there was no indication of receding. Reports from most places where prisoners were employed in agricultural pursuits were enthusiastic. In the State of Massachusetts misdemeanants are generally sent to Bridgwater Industrial Farm where, under efficient management, several hundred acres of land, thought to be almost worthless, have been reclaimed, and now are returning a large yield of fruits, vegetables and grain crops. In the State of Indiana within the last three years a farm of about 1200 acres has been purchased by the State, to which now all misdemeanants sentenced to a term of sixty days or more in the county prisons are to be sent. It is at the option of the Court whether those sentenced for shorter terms shall be sentenced to this farm prison. Eventually it is thought this farm will be entirely self-supporting. There were many escapes the first year, but since a law has been enacted making it a penal offence to escape or to endeavor to escape the number of fugitives has greatly decreased. The proposition is not new and is being tried out with greater or less success. Inspector W. B. Meetch, of Dauphin County, said that the prison at Harrisburg just now had a population of 207, of whom 53 were sentenced to a term of sixty days or more. These men might be available for farm work, but the Court is averse to the principle of parole. However, he was inclined to believe that the privileges of free men should be denied to the wrongdoer in order that there might be some contrast between the condition of the law-breaker and the man who was observant of the rules of justice. He would exercise great caution in reference to presenting them with the opportunities to escape. Men were sent to prison to be punished.