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.
DEATH OF ROBERT B. ADAMS.
Robert B. Adams, a former member of the Acting Committee of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, who resigned in the autumn of 1911, on his removal from the city to accept the Secretaryship of the Y. M. C. A. at Rochester, N. Y., died Jan. 18, 1912, after a short illness from pneumonia. He was a genial man of broad sympathies, and his loss will be felt by a large circle of friends and by a host of unfortunates by whose ministrations they had received help and inspiration.
REPORT OF TREASURER.
John Way, Treasurer.
IN ACCOUNT WITH
The Pennsylvania Prison Society.
General Fund.
Receipts for the Year 1911.
| To | Balance on hand, January 1, 1911 | $869 40 |
| “ | Members’ Dues | 265 00 |
| “ | Contributions | 5,111 50 |
| “ | Income from Investments | 1,976 12 |
| “ | I. V. Williamson “Charities” | 630 00 |
| “ | Interest on Deposit Balances | 33 79 |
| “ | Life Memberships (2) | 100 00 |
| “ | Loan to Discharged Prisoner Repaid | 2 50 |
| “ | Legacy from Estate Anna Eliza Porter | 476 25 |
| Total | $9,464 56 |
Payments, 1911.
| For | Clothing Discharged Prisoners, Eastern Penitentiary | $2,107 12 |
| “ | Appropriation for Prisoners Discharged from Philadelphia County Prison | 990 00 |
| “ | Salaries | 2,957 05 |
| “ | Expense of “Journal,” 1911 | 461 11 |
| “ | Traveling Expenses, Secretary and Agent | 115 76 |
| “ | Sundry Printing, Stationery, Postage | 786 19 |
| “ | Office Expenses, Incidentals | 112 83 |
| “ | Rent, Janitor Service | 193 00 |
| “ | Subscription National Prisoners’ Aid Association | 25 00 |
| “ | Annual Fee American Prison Association | 5 00 |
| “ | Annual Fee Associated Committee of Women on Police Matrons | 3 00 |
| “ | Investments: Legacy, $476.25; Memberships, $100.00 | 576 25 |
| “ | Balance on Hand, December 30, 1911 | 1,132 25 |
| Total | $9,464 56 |