Perhaps the furlough system, as carried on by the Elmira reformatory, is the most unique that has ever been tried for the purpose of making the connection of the discharged prisoners with the industrial and social life without. Prisoners are discharged on furlough of three years, during which time they are placed under good influences and have all the opportunities for continuing the reform outside of the prison walls. These prisoners report monthly to the prison authorities and of their own accord. If, at the end of three years, they have made satisfactory progress and have occupied positions of trust without betraying confidence, they are given their final discharge on the supposition that they are, from that time on, able to care for themselves in a manly way. Of the discharged prisoners by the furlough system over 75 per cent. have completed their three years with credit to themselves, which speaks well for the permanent reforming character of the Elmira system. There is need of such a school in Kansas. When the Hutchinson reformatory was projected, commissioners were sent to study the Elmira system and other systems and it was determined to carry out or follow as nearly as possible the former, believing it would be of benefit to Kansas. Certainly a reform prison is needed at present for the younger criminals, where they can be separated from the old and hardened and be placed under the best influence possible. One chief detriment to the effective working of such a reform school in the West is that it is an expensive institution, and that the people of to-day are not willing to pay sufficient taxes for the support of an institution in which so much care is given to those who have committed crimes against the state. There is a feeling here still that it is better to give support to our educational institutions and to all efforts along the line of educating that part of society which is already good and making it better, rather than spending so much money on that which is broken down. But it must be remembered, as was stated in the foregoing principles, that the care for the broken down parts of humanity is only in the interest of general humanity and should be considered upon that basis. However, I think also that a reformatory could be carried on at Hutchinson on a less expensive basis than that one at New York, and with proper management it could be made to go a long way towards supporting itself and still give proper reformatory practice for all who should come within its scope. At least the Hutchinson institution should not be abandoned under any consideration whatever. It would relieve the present overcrowded condition of our penitentiary and provide in a large measure for a class which are not sufficiently provided for.[15] [15] The Kansas Legislature at its recent session made an appropriation to complete the Hutchinson Reformatory.