The men do not wear stripes in either prison. Consideration is combined
with firmness in all our dealings, for it is the purpose that every
requirement shall appeal to the fair-minded prisoner to be in his
interest and for his benefit.
From the experience of the Cleveland correction farm several rather
obvious deductions may be made; we are dealing with men, free moral
agents, and a good physical environment does not guarantee their reform
any more than does instruction in good rules for living.
We have learned that men are sent to the House of Correction for a
purpose. These men have faults to be corrected. These defects in the
human mind are to be corrected and no ordinary workhouse sentence will
effect a cure of such defects as are hereditary or fully acquired.
There is some concealed materialism abroad under the guise of
environment, but the rankest exponent of environment should not expect
to cure twenty years of bad surroundings accompanied by indifferent
or bad actions even by a ninety day period on a farm. And ninety days
is in excess of the average period of confinement, although Cleveland
“golden rule policies” do not burden us with five, ten or fifteen day
men.
Our first appeal is to their sense of honor. Their appreciation of the
confidence reposed in them often proves a potent influence for good.
The transfer to the farm is such an expression of confidence. But it
is given with discretion. Hardened criminals are not sent on distant
missions unattended. In fact they are rarely transferred to the farm.
As a part of their teaching the misdemeanants need discipline. It is
necessary to keep the men on the farm for some time if they are to
receive the needed development, especially the men who are sent for
intoxication. Discipline is essential to instruction whether in the
day school, the home or any other form of education. Many of these
men are committed because of their lack of self-control and time is
required for its development. We have learned that the men need to be
taught the habit of industry and how to do some particular thing well.
This is for their good while they are on the farm, and it is essential
after they return to their homes. We have learned that not all men can
be trusted, and we believe it has a bad influence on a man to attempt
to get away, so we make him feel the bad result when he is caught. And
the police are faithful to help catch deserters. Personality is a big
factor; one man will accomplish far more with and for prisoners than
another.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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