THE SCOPE OF OUR WORK.
In 1787, the labors of the Founders of our organization were confined to the prisons of Philadelphia. It was but a few years when they found it necessary, in order to accomplish certain reformatory measures, to petition the Legislature for some changes in, or additions to, the penal code. As time passed their interest extended beyond the limits of Philadelphia, but it was almost a hundred years after the founding of the Society that its name was changed from “The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons” to “The Pennsylvania Prison Society.” Our interests are State-wide, and in furtherance of this, the Membership of the Acting Committee has recently been increased by the election of other interested citizens residing in counties outside of Philadelphia, thus enlarging the sphere of our influence. For many years, the Society has had the valuable services on its Acting Committee of two members from Pittsburg and several from counties adjacent to Philadelphia, but closer relations with the prison work in all parts of the State are much to be desired.
Our Master said, “I was in prison and ye came unto me.” In the spirit of the Master, let us endeavor to impress in the name of humanity, all well-disposed people everywhere to lend a helping hand to their brothers and sisters who have been overtaken by a fault.
On behalf of the Acting Committee,
Albert H. Votaw, Secretary.