It is quite possible that men of just that laudable combination of talent which may fit them for both restraining and reforming the erring are rarely to be found, but surely more attention should be given to the selection of men who have adaptation for such an important work. A faculty for both ruling and governing is an important qualification, but in no field of labor is there more need of a sympathetic spirit, of power to implant new motives and to inspire with desires to lead a better life. These positions should not be regarded merely as a reward for political services. I am glad to report that some of the men in charge appear to realize their duties and responsibilities. Let me call attention to one warden, who, entirely unarmed, calls a company, largely belonging to the famous “Black Hand,” about him in the open yard and asks them to relate stories of their homes once under Italian skies. The same official spoke with feeling of the religious services on the Sabbath and of the conversions and requests for prayer. It is possible that those prison officials who report that all religious services accomplish not the slightest good are themselves not very susceptible to impressions of a religious nature. On the other hand, if these religious services are performed perfunctorily, with lack of evidence of Christian fellowship, the convicts receive little or no benefit.
In most of the counties visited the prisons are under the direct care of the sheriff, who holds his office for only one term of three years. Before he has scarcely served an apprenticeship in prison management his successor assumes the duties and begins a new apprenticeship; hence many of the county jails, from one decade to another, are under the care of apprentices. Other things being equal, I have the impression that the best results in prison administration are found in those prisons which are under the care of a warden, who may hold his office year after year so long as he gives satisfaction. This office calls for efficiency, which is obtained by training and experience, supplemented by good executive ability, and should not be granted merely as a reward for political services. Since the care of the prisoners is, in most of the counties, a minor part of the duties of the sheriff, I think it might properly be considered whether the county jails should be placed in the charge of some official appointed by the commissioners. Such a man would be chosen with direct reference to fitness for such work.
The subject of commutation of sentences has received special attention. There is much ignorance in some of the smaller counties about the application of commutation, and prisoners often serve the entire term for which they have been sentenced, although by statute they have earned by good behavior a diminution of their sentence. The statute provides that “every convict confined in any State prison, penitentiary, workhouse or county jail in this State on a conviction of felony or misdemeanor, whether male or female, where the term or terms equals or exceeds one year, exclusive of any term which may be imposed by the court or by statute as an alternative to the payment of a fine, or a term of life imprisonment, may, if the Governor shall so direct, and with the approval of the Board of Inspectors, or Managers, earn for himself or herself a diminution of his sentence or sentences.” Now while this statute explicitly mentions those sentenced to a term in county jail as coming under the provisions of this statute, yet in about one fourth of the counties visited there is little attempt to secure for the prisoners the benefit of this statute. As the sheriffs are in office only three years and have manifold duties, they do not become familiar with the provisions of all the statutes relative to prisons and prisoners. It is provided by law that all prisoners sentenced to a term of one year or more, excepting those sentenced for life, should be promptly informed of this provision by which, by good behavior, they can secure a diminution of their sentences. This is neglected in several counties. It is true that those sentenced for the longer terms are taken to the State Penitentiary, yet there are many in the county prisons serving sentences for from one to ten years. In one county the services of an attorney may be secured to aid in getting the commutation, but those who lack means to employ an attorney serve out their time. This is unjust to the prisoner who has behaved satisfactorily, and besides imposes on the county a charge from which it might readily be spared. Copies of the law have been given to the officials in charge of the prisons, the conditions have been explained and blanks indicating the information which is to be forwarded to the Governor of the State for his action in the premises have been supplied; and your Secretary has reason to believe that a large number of prisoners will in the future receive the commutation which they have earned.
As will be seen from our reports, this Society is engaged in very important service for the prisoners in the Philadelphia County Prison and in the Eastern Penitentiary, both while in prison and after they have been discharged, which work we have no intention to relinquish; but in whatever way this Society enlarges its present field of labor throughout the State, its work would in greater degree correspond to its corporate title, The Pennsylvania Prison Society. In conclusion I desire to call attention to the hope expressed by the retiring Secretary, John J. Lytle, in the report made in 1907, that the “Pennsylvania Prison Society may constantly widen its scope of operations and grow in efficiency and usefulness as it grows in years.”
Very respectfully,
Albert H. Votaw,
Secretary.
John Way, Treasurer,
IN ACCOUNT WITH
The Pennsylvania Prison Society
| Receipts. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1908. | |||
| January 21. | To | Balance on hand | $841 26 |
| ” | Members’ Dues and Contributions | 278 00 | |
| ” | Net Income from Investments | 1,748 02 | |
| ” | Income from I. V. Williamson Legacy | 645 00 | |
| ” | Interest on balances to November 30, 1908 | 58 46 | |
| $3,570 74 | |||
| Payments | |||
| By | Salaries | $2,337 48 | |
| ” | Printing and Postage | 130 85 | |
| ” | Janitor Service | 97 00 | |
| ” | Advertising in P. E. City Mission Directory | 5 00 | |
| ” | Expense, Committee on Police Matrons | 3 00 | |
| ” | Expense, Delegates to National Prison Congress | 92 83 | |
| ” | Traveling Expenses of Secretaries | 114 83 | |
| ” | Office Expenses, Incidentals | 23 10 | |
| ” | Engrossing and Framing Minute to J. J. Lytle | 8 20 | |
| ” | Amount to Cover Overdraft in Principal Account | 40 00 | |
| ” | Accrued Interest on Bonds Bought | 44 69 | |
| ” | Balance on hand December 31, 1908 | 673 76 | |
| $3,570 74 | |||
Special Fund for Relief of Discharged Prisoners
| Receipts | ||
|---|---|---|
| To | Balance on hand January 21, 1908 | $608 60 |
| ” | Contributions | 2,455 60 |
| ” | Income from Investments (net) | 135 24 |
| $3,199 44 | ||
| Payments | ||
| By | Discharged Prisoners from Eastern Penitentiary | $1,821 92 |
| ” | Philadelphia County Prison | 885 00 |
| ” | Balance on hand | 492 52 |
| $3,199 44 | ||