[69] Prisons. ‘Edinburgh Review,’ Feb. 1822.
[70] See ante, p. 139.
[71] The greatest variety existed as to the amount of ascension. In one prison a prisoner had to ascend as much as 17,000 feet daily, in others between 6000 and 7000. Women were put on the tread-wheel in those times.
[72] Dance’s Newgate was commenced before Howard’s ‘State of Prisons’ was published, and was very properly condemned as defective by him and others. In the volume from which I am quoting its defects are fully detailed. Everything was sacrificed to the one idea of safe custody. To secure this, the “airing courts were enclosed by lofty impenetrable buildings, by which the general salubrity and ventilation of the interior became materially diminished.” By the arrangement of the courts it was impracticable to preserve a judicious system of separation. No sleeping cells were provided, and, as we know, the prisoners passed the night associated together in crowded rooms. No inspection was possible. On these accounts the Prison Discipline Society were of opinion that Newgate was “particularly objectionable as a model for imitation, ... a remark not deserving the less attention because the exterior of the prison presents a massive and imposing elevation which is calculated to excite impressions in favour of its security and seclusion.”
[73] See ante, p. 155.
[74] There were still some notorious exceptions. The most extraordinary neglect prevailed in the county prison at Exeter, which was left year after year in its old disgraceful state, overcrowded, filthy, without chaplain, hospital, dietaries, or proper clothing for prisoners.
[75] Just before sessions the total was generally much higher, and reached at times to nearly 500.
[76] See last chapter of this volume.
[77] This is the French and Belgian practice still. In both those countries a portion of the pécule, or prisoner’s earnings, can be spent in the prison canteen in various luxuries of diet.
[78] The Gaol Acts of 1823-4.