Proceedings of the Annual Congress of Correction of the American Correctional Association (Volume 1933)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 6. The methods employed by foreign governments to aid in' the rehabilitation of criminals. 7. Voluntary and philanthropic societies abroad, looking to the same end. 8. Suggestions deduced from the above as to the most efficient methods of extending state aid to discharged prisoners. Seeking the best information on the topics named above, your committee has sent various circular letters to prison managers, and other specialists in the care of criminals. The wardens of prisons have also been appealed to, as to their methods of aiding those going forth from prison, and as to their opinion of the best methods to be employed in this direction. The responses have been numerous and valuable, and they are still coming in. Though our foreign correspondents were appealed to some months ago, their responses are by no means all in, and much information is in the course of collection. Inasmuch as the subject is a very important one, your committee asks more time in which to complete its report; and begs that the same may be referred to your committee on publication, leaving it discretionary with that committee as to the publication of the report. Your committee has assumed that the term discharged prisoner is not to be taken in its strictest sense; but that released prisoner is rather to be understood; -- so that the information sought extends to such prisoners as are released on parole, or ticket-of-leave, whether they be under police surveillance or not. Mr. Milligan opened the discussion, by saying that none who have not experienced it can know the agony of the prisoner who comes out from prison, friendless and alone, without work or means of support. No prison system is perfect. We talk about the perfection of our prison system, but it will never be perf...