GOV. GEORGE K. NASH, ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
To me has been assigned the pleasant duty to express to you, in behalf of the people of Ohio, a hearty welcome. We appreciate the honor of having you meet with us, and also the noble work in which you are engaged.
When the Association was first organized it was presided over for a number of years by that noble man, Rutherford B. Hayes. After his death another noble man from Ohio became your presiding officer; and I am glad that General Brinkerhoff is still in our midst.
My understanding is that there are two purposes in punishing crime. The first is to protect society; the second, to bring about the reformation of the prisoners. With these ends in view the prisons should always be healthful, but the prisoners should not live in luxury. The reformation of the prisoner is most desirable, and he should be treated with that end in view. If you succeed in reforming those men and women you have accomplished a most noble work. In your efforts you need and are entitled to the sympathy of all, and I give you a most hearty welcome to the old “Buckeye State.”
The chairman introduced Corporation Counsel M. W. Beacom, who represented Mayor John H. Farley in his absence.
I wish to express the Mayor’s feeling of gratitude, that you have chosen this city for your conclave. Your purpose is not to further your own interest, but to uplift humanity. I take it that there is a tendency in the caring for criminals to run to sentimentalism. I think that all such theories should be laid aside, but the health and environment of the prisoners should be good. In behalf of the Mayor and the people of Cleveland I welcome you to this city.