During the year, 1911, the Secretary has furnished 370 men at the time of their discharge from the Eastern Penitentiary either with entire outfits, or with sufficient attire to make them presentable.
The following list shows what garments have been given:
| Coats | 293 |
| Vests | 294 |
| Pants | 294 |
| Dress Shirts | 243 |
| Underclothing (pieces) | 474 |
| Hats | 332 |
| Suspenders, pairs | 326 |
| Neck-ties | 314 |
| Collars | 41 |
| Total number of garments | 2611 |
A few of the women on their discharge have been furnished with suitable articles of apparel.
The administration of this charity is attended with peculiar advantages. It is an important duty to visit the prisoners near the close of their time of incarceration, and to learn from them with regard to their hopes and fears. Then, if ever, they need sympathetic attention. Many of them have friends or homes ready to receive them, but there are others who need more than a suit of clothes and a parting word of good wishes. We endeavor to find employment for such as these unfortunate ones, and, while in many cases we have succeeded, there is a remnant who are not strong enough to face the temptations of the outer world. Shall we not send such as these to a farm under control of the State, where they will have opportunity to work in the open air, and be retained in some kind of semi-detention until they have made good?
WESTERN PENITENTIARY.
Two members of the Acting Committee, who reside in Pittsburg, have reported various visits and some Gospel service in the Western Penitentiary.
In response to an inquiry with regard to the provision made for the prisoners of that institution at the time of their discharge, Warden John Francies writes as follows:
A. H. Votaw, Secretary,
The Pennsylvania Prison Society,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dear Sir:—