in the same year, removing some of the most objectionable features of the existing laws on that subject.
Instruction of Prisoners.—In the same year, the duty of instructing ignorant prisoners in useful knowledge, which previously to that time had been almost wholly neglected, both in Europe and this country, took such hold of our Society that it not only drew forth warm expressions of sympathy in such efforts, but resulted in an agreement to allow compensation for services rendered in that behalf.
Vagrants.—In 1800, the employment of Vagrants and Convicts, and the expense of their support, were made a subject of inquiry, and resulted in some interesting statistical and other facts being brought into view.
Pardons.—The subject of Pardons, also, at this early stage of reformatory movements, was discussed by the Society with much interest, and it was its settled judgment that the exercise of the prerogative at all, excepting in some rare and peculiar cases, was of very doubtful expediency; and that in the manner in which, in point of fact, it was generally exercised, it was a positive evil, both as regards the prisoner and the community. Pardons, it is believed, are nearly, if not quite, as frequently extended to undeserving, as to deserving cases; and beside this objection, the mere impression on the mind of the prisoner that, by effort and importunity, and the aid of the requisite agencies, he may succeed in obtaining a discharge before the expiration of his sentence, keeps him in a state of unsettlement, which entirely unfits him for the wholesome influence which the prison discipline is intended to exert.
Prison Library.—One of the next prominent measures was the establishment of a prison library. The Inspectors agreed to pay the cost of a book-case, and a Committee
of the Society was appointed to purchase proper books and frame rules for their circulation. In referring to the list reported, we find a large proportion of the selection was from the higher and more refined department of didactic literature, which, though intrinsically of undoubted value, we apprehend that many of the volumes were not adapted to the greater part of the class of persons for whose use they were intended. Even down to the present time, although the press is so prolific in its issues, and great judgment has been displayed in preparing books adapted to the various grades of mind, the task of making a selection is found to be very difficult. A large proportion of the prisoners, on entering, prove to be very nearly, if not quite, without literary culture; and their previous associations have been such, that the feelings and modes of expression which pervade refined society, are to them totally incomprehensible. As regards many of these, although they have in years fully attained to manhood, they are still merely children in mental capacity and training, and consequently books of the most simple and elementary character are alone suited to their condition.
Bibles for the Prisoners.—In addition to establishing the Library, it was at the same time agreed that the convicts and other prisoners should be supplied with Bibles and Testaments, and a Committee was appointed to report on their distribution and its results.
Digest of Penal Laws.—In 1810, the subject of a general improvement of prison discipline throughout the State was taken up, and a Committee was appointed to prepare a suitable memorial; but soon after, Jared Ingersoll, then Attorney General of the State, was commissioned to prepare a digest of its penal laws, and the suggestions of the Society were made to him.
Sundry Abuses Revealed.—“In January, 1814, the Grand Jury of Bucks County presented the scanty allowance to poor debtors, as a subject deserving the attention of the public authorities. Fourteen cents a day only were allowed for provision, clothing, bedding and fuel, and even this niggardly allowance was withheld from the debtor until the creditor received notice of his commitment. For some days, therefore, they might be exposed to extreme suffering, unless the jailor or some kind friend afforded them relief. The rations of convicts were one pound of bread a day, and six cents’ worth of fuel, and one extra blanket in extreme weather. The subjection of persons committed for trial to the same fare as convicts, was also presented as a reproach to the community. It was, moreover, urged, that the manner and amount of the jailor’s compensation should be such as to remove from him all temptation to benefit himself at the expense of his prisoner. This position, which the Society assumed many years before, is one which the most obvious principles of justice warrant. It extends to magistrates and arresting officers, as well as jailors. To none of them should there be offered the slightest temptation to distress or annoy those in custody, for the sake of profit to themselves.”
Measures to Obviate Them.—Resulting from the facts and suggestions thus developed, measures were soon adopted by the Society for ascertaining the condition of penal institutions in other States, and steps were taken towards memorializing our own Legislature in behalf of desired improvements; but definite action on the subject was prevented, by various circumstances, until January, 1818, at which time a memorial was adopted, setting forth “the crowded state of the Philadelphia Prison, and the impracticability of reaching the true end of all penal