Notwithstanding the increase of population in Massachusetts there were 213 fewer prisoners on Oct. 1, 1910 than on the same date in 1909.
THE MINNESOTA DIVISION OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE FRIENDLESS
The Minnesota Division of the Society for the Friendless is a division of the National Society of the same name. It has been doing active work in the state of Minnesota since January 1st, 1909, when Rev. James Parsons came to the state as superintendent, under appointment of the national society. The work was carried forward for the first fifteen months under the direction of the national society. On April 8th, 1910, the Minnesota Division was formally organized.
Its special motto is “education for the prevention of crime, and help for the prisoner.” It aims to arouse a more enlightened and humane sentiment toward the treatment of discharged prisoners, awaken a new interest in the improvement of laws, and show the forces that are at work to make criminals. Along relief lines it aims to do everything possible for the men while in prison, to find employment for them when they are discharged or paroled, and in cases where employment cannot be secured for them at once to furnish them with a temporary lodging place. It also gives such aftercare as each case seems to need.
During the year 1910 one hundred and six jail visits were made, over 600 prisoners were interviewed, 45 persons were helped to work, and 75 were assisted in other ways. The machinery of the organization has been gotten into such working order that the society is in a position to handle a larger work. During the next year the organization hopes to aid in securing the passages of a number of beneficial laws, among them being one providing for an up-to-date indeterminate sentence.
During 1910 the following work has been done, among other activities of the society: Church addresses, 106; persons reached in churches, 16,155; school addresses, 56; persons reached in school audiences, 8,780; miscellaneous addresses, 19; persons in these gatherings, 4,445; miles traveled, 22,673; calls made for various purposes, 1,491; letters written, 599: jail visits, 106; prisoners interviewed, 600; discharged prisoners helped to work, 45; assisted in other ways, 600.
NEW JERSEY STATE CHARITIES AID AND PRISON REFORM ASSOCIATION
The current number of the New Jersey Review of Charities and Correction brings interesting information regarding the re-organization of the association and the appointment of Joseph P. Byers, formerly superintendent of the House of Refuge at Randall’s Island, New York City, as general secretary. The program of the present year includes the organization of county branches in all counties of New Jersey, there being at present but seven county committees: the visitation of all the institutions of the state by the general secretary; the regular publication of the New Jersey Review; the development of the standing committees, and the extension of the membership and influence of the association. Hugh F. Fox, writing in the Review, says: “Mr. Byers has made his mark in all of his undertakings in the past, and his practical experience and wide knowledge qualify him peculiarly for the supervisory and advisory duties which he has now undertaken.”