"In New-Jersey, where the population has doubled in 40 years, the progress of crime has been as follows: In 1838, 163; in 1839, 160; in 1840, 152; in 1841, 151; in 1842, 137; in 1843, 155.

In Pennsylvania, (and he was able to speak of her Eastern Penitentiary only.) the average number of convicts from 1836 to 1842 was 387; for the last three years it was 345, and her population has increased one-third in ten years.

"In Maryland, the average for five years, prior to 1838, was 381; for the last four years 297, and population has increased one-eighth in ten years. A part of this diminution was doubtless owing to a recent law which allowed a certain class of convicts to be sold into slavery!

“In Virginia, the average for the last 43 years has been 55; for ten years, prior to 1823, it was 72; for the last year 52. Population increased 20 per cent. in ten years.

"And in New-York, the average for six years, prior to 1837, was only two per cent. during a period when the population increased 25 per cent.

"In England, from 1836, during seven years, there was a regular increase equal to 40 per cent., and extending to the awful degree of almost one in every 100 of the population. And of the large number that were arrested in 1842, there were convicted, exclusive of violations of the gamelaws, 87,299, or nearly one in every 160 inhabitants.

"We have no means of making this comparison complete, for we have not yet adopted in this state a perfect system of prison statistics; but we have progressed so far that we can approximate to a right conclusion; thus, in England, the convictions in 1842 for serious crimes-such, for instance, as in our state are punished by confinement in the state prisons-amounted to 31,309, or one in every 450 of her people; while in New-York the convictions

for similar offences, in 1842. were 1291,

or one in 1808 of the population. In 1830 the convictions were one in every 1811 of the population, and during the 10 years, from 1830 to 1840, our population had increased 510,313!

"And of the number thus convicted in 1842, in this state, 350, or more than onefourth, were of foreign birth.

Without yielding to the temptation to stop and congratulate ourselves and our country upon this auspicious state of things, we may be allowed to pause a moment and ask, as pertinent to the matter in hand, what has produced this extraordinary difference?

"Making all due allowance for the improved state of the English police, for the peculiarly penal character of her game, excise, and revenue laws, we shall find

that it is in a great degree to be ascribed to temperance, education, and our penitentiary systems.

"This is not the place to discuss the progress of temperance reform; but no man can deny that it has in this country been indeed efficacious in arresting the progress of crime.

"And as to education, one fact tells the whole story. Of the 139,388 arrested in Eugland in 1842, 39,566, or nearly onethird, could not read; while of all prisoners at Sing-Sing, one-eighth only cannot read, and of the whole number of convictions in this state in 1841, one-sixth could not.

"But beyond all doubt, the great agent which has been at work to produce these results has been the mild, the humane, and the just spirit which has been infused into the penitentiary systems of this country."

But notwithstanding what has been said, the progress of reform has been very slow. As might have been anticipated, the incarcerated felon has been the last to feel the beneficent influences of a higher civilization. Considered as the enemy of the laws and of the more virtuous portion of the community, it was not unnatural to have recourse to brute force as the most appropriate means of controlling and reclaiming him. It was a great step in humanity not only to deny the general truth of this proposition, but to undertake practically to disprove it. When we consider the then almost universal opinion of society upon this subject, it is difficult to imagine a more discouraging, hopeless enterprise, than that of Beccaria, Howard, Romilly, and other pioneers in the work of prison reform. It is not surprising that they should have been ridiculed by their cotemporaries as visionary enthusiasts. It is gratifying to know that our country, one of the youngest in the catalogue of nations, has been the first to realize the importance of the subject, and to endeavor practically to bring about reform. It will also be flattering to the feelings of many of our readers to reflect that this has been obviously in no small degree attributable to the development of those liberal principles which are the results of enlightened self-government. Professor Tellcampf observes

"All history proves that a cruel administration of the criminal laws has never been able to exist for a great length of time, among a people whose course was onward, and whose aim was the establish

ment of a just and reasonable government. For instance; the criminal laws in England became milder upon granting of Magna Charta, and continued so up to the time of the Tudors. From that period they increased in severity to the more equal representation in Parliament effected by the Reform Act, when their execution again assumed a milder form. Under the Plantagenets they punished with death four kinds of crime; under the Tudors, twentyseven; under the Stuarts, ninety-six; under the Guelphs, one hundred and fifty-six. "The criminal laws have been ameliorated with great rapidity in this country since the Declaration of Independence." (First Report, p. 11.)

The attempt to ameliorate the condition of prisoners, which commenced with a few philanthropic individuals, was afterwards taken up much more extensively and effectually by associations of humane and intelligent persons, who systematically exerted their individual and collective influence in bringing about a more enlightened public opinion, by collecting and publishing statistical and other facts bearing upon the subject. The Philadelphia and Boston Prison Discipline Societies were the first of these combinations in the United States, and still continue to

press on their investigations with praiseworthy zeal. The latter, during the past year, published their 19th annual report, replete with valuable information on this subject. The city of NewYork, from its great population, commercial importance, and especially, as the principal depot of emigrants from all ports of Europe, peculiarly needed a similar association. But although the labor of prison reform has been long commenced, and much practically accomplished by the state, assisted by philanthropic individuals, yet a more complete system was imperatively de

manded.

In the early part of December, 1844, a movement for this purpose was commenced by the Hon. J. W. Edmonds, Judge of the Circuit Court and President of the Board of Inspectors of the State Prison at Sing-Sing, by a notice published in the newspapers, inviting the attention of the benevolent to the destitute condition of discharged convicts ;"-to this was attached the signatures of more than 60 of our most enlightened and influential citizens, calling a public meeting for the purpose

"

of forming a "Prison Association." The First Report, &c." at the head of this article, consists chiefly of an account of that meeting, and the subsequent organization of the society; its constitution and by-laws; a clear and forcible speech by Judge Fdmonds; a well written address by Professor Tellcampf; and some striking sketches (for we can hardly call it a speech,) by Isaac T. Hopper. They all abound in humane and liberal views, and interesting statistical facts, which indicate the minds of their authors to be thoroughly imbued with at least a theoretical knowledge of the subject, and of its great importance.

the objects of the "Prison Association :” The following are briefly stated to be

1. The amelioration of the condition of

prisoners, whether detained for trial, or finally convicted, or as witnesses.

2. The improvement of Prison Discipline and the Government of Prisons, whether for Cities, Counties or States.

3. The support and encouragement of affording them the means of obtaining an reformed convicts after their discharge, by honest livelihood, and sustaining them in their efforts at reform.

The first meeting closed with two resolutions, offered by Isaac T. Hopper, in support of Article 3, in favor of reformed convicts; this also closes the First Report. This gentleman belongs to the Society of Friends. All were prepared for the expression of kind and benevolent sentiments, but scarcely for his impressive and merciful appeal in favor of this unfortunate class of persons. But though we were ignorant of it, Mr. Hopper's character seems to have been well understood by many of his audience, who greeted him with warm and repeated cheers; after apologetically stating his motives for addressing the meeting, he related the following "anecdotes," the results of his personal experience while Inspector of the Prison in Philadelphia, illustrative of the good effects of kindness to criminals. We shall make no apology for presenting our readers with several of these "anecdotes"-and expressing our admiration of the spirit which prompted them, and the naiveté and unpretending eloquence with which they are related. Such "anecdotes" cherish by example those generous impulses which lead us to put a more charitable construction on

the actions and characters even of the fallen and guilty ;-they show how much virtue may be controlled by accident;-they teach us the value of kindness, and the beneficent tendencies of these humane associations, and the power which all possess of promoting

the welfare of their fellow-men.

Mr. Hopper said:

"He trusted the apparent egotism would be excused, because his motive in speaking in his own name was merely to give authenticity to the anecdotes, and to aid a good cause by the testimony of his own experience.

Mary Norris, a middle-aged woman, who had been frequently re-committed to prison, on one occasion begged me to intercede for her, that she might go out. I am afraid thou wouldst come back again soon,' said I.

Very likely; I expect to be brought back soon,' she answered.

"Then where will be the use of letting

thee out?'

“I should like to go out,' said she. It would seem good to feel free a little while, in the open air and the sunshine.'

"But if thou enjoyest liberty so much, why dost thou allow thyself to be brought back again?'

No re

"How can I help it? When I go out of prison, nobody will employ me. spectable people will let me come into their houses. I must go to such friends as I have. If they steal, or commit other offences, I shall be taken up with them. Whether I am guilty or not, is of no consequence; nobody will believe me innocent. They will all say, she is an old convict-send her back to prison-that is the best place for her.' O yes, I expect to come back soon. There is no use in my trying to do better.'

"It touched my feelings to hear her speak thus; and I said, But if I could obtain steady employment for thee, where thou wouldst be treated kindly, and be paid for thy services, wouldst thou really try to behave well !'

"Her countenance brightened, and she eagerly replied, 'Indeed I would.'

I used my influence to procure her dismissal, and succeeded in obtaining a good place for her, as head nurse in a hospital for the poor. She remained there more than seventeen years, and discharged the duties of her situation so faithfully, that she gained the respect and confidence of all who knew her.

"James Gilman lived in the neighborhood of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was a revengeful character; and having a grudge against one of his neighbors, be induced

his two sons, one about fifteen, and the other about seventeen years of age, to accuse him of an infamous crime. The two

lads testified before the Grand Jury; but the crime alledged was of so gross a nacharacter of the individual, that the witture, and was so at variance with the fair nesses were subjected to a very shrewd and careful examination. They became embarrassed, and flaws were discovered in their evidence; in consequence of which, they were indicted for conspiracy; and being taken by suprise, were thrown into confusion, pleaded guilty, and declined the offer of a trial.

"Before the Court adjourned, they were sentenced to two years imprisonment, at hard labor in the Penitentiary of Philadel phia.-I was at that time one of the inspectors of that Institution, and happened to be there when they arrived at dusk, handcuffed and chained together, in custody

of the Sheriff.

"I gave particular directions that they should be placed in a room by themselves, apart from the contagion of those more hardened in vice; and to prevent unprofit able conversation, they were employed in the noisy business of heading nails.

"From time to time I spoke encouraging words to them, and commended their good behavior. When the Board of Inspectors met, I proposed that the lads should be recommended to the Governor for pardon. Not succeeding in my efforts, I wrote an article on the impropriety of confining juvenile offenders with old convicts, and published it in the daily papers. This had the desired effect. When the Board again met, Thomas Dobson and myself were appointed to wait on the Governor, to obtain a pardon for the lads, if possible. After considerable hesitation, the request was granted; on condition that worthy men could be found who would take them as apprentices.

I took the responsibility of providing suitable places, and succeeded in binding one to a respectable turner, and the other to a carpenter. I told them they were now going among strangers, and their happiness and success must depend mainly on their own conduct. They might perhaps, at times, be exposed to unprofitable company; but if they should at any time get into difficulty, I begged them to come to me, as they would to a considerate

father. I invited them to spend all their leisure evenings at my house; and for a long time it was their constant practice to take tea with us on First Day Evening, and join the family in reading the Scriptures, and other instructive books.

"At the end of a year they expressed a strong desire to visit their father. Some fears were entertained. lest his influence upon them should prove injurious; and that, when once freed from restraint, they would not willingly return to constant industry and regular habits. They, how ever, promised faithfully that they would; and I gave bonds for them, merely for the sake of strengthening their good resolutions. They returned punctually, at the day and the hour they had promised; and their exemplary conduct continued to give entire satisfaction to their employers.

"A short time after the oldest lad became free, the turner with whom he worked purchased a farm, and sold his stock and tools to his former apprentice. Dressed in his new suit of freedom-clothes, I took him to the Governor's house, and introduced him as one of the lads whom he had pardoned several years before; testifying that he had been a faithful apprentice, and much respected by his master. The Governor was much pleased to see him, shook him by the hand very cordially, and told him that he who was resolute to turn back from vicious ways, into the paths of virtue and usefulness, deserved even more respect than he who had never been tempted.

"He afterwards married a worthy young woman, with a small property, which enabled him to build a neat two story brick house. They lived in great comfort and respectability; he always retaining the character of a sober, industrious man.

"The other brother passed through his apprenticeship very creditably; and at twenty-one years of age, I likewise introduced him to the Governor, with testimonials of his good conduct. He was united to a very respectable young woman; but died six or seven years after his marriage. “I have aided and encouraged, I should think, as many as fifty young culprits, by means similar to those I have mentioned; and it is a great satisfaction to me to be able to state to you, that only two of these turned out badly.

"Patrick McKever was a poor Irishman, who lived in Philadelphia many years ago. He was arrested on a charge of burglary, convicted, and sentenced to be hung. I am ignorant of the details of his crime, or the causes that led to it. But there were, probably, some palliating circumstances; for when brought, seared on his coffin, in the death cart, to the foot of the gallows, in company with another

criminal, he was reprieved, and the other was hung. His sentence was changed to ten years' imprisonment; and this was eventually shortened one year.

"During the last three years of his term, I was one of the inspectors of the prison, and I frequently talked with him in a friendly, fatherly manner. He was a man of few words, and his hope seemed to have all died out; but I soon saw that his feelings were touched by kindness.

"After his release, he immediately went to work at his trade, which was that of a tanner, and conducted himself in the most sober and exemplary manner. Being remarkable for capability, and the amount of work he could perform, he soon had plenty of employment. He passed my house every day, as he went to his work, and I often spoke to him in a friendly and cheering manner.

66

Things were going on thus satisfactorily, when I heard that constables were out after Patrick, on account of a robbery committed the night before. I went straightway to the Mayor, and inquired why orders had been given to arrest Patrick McKever. 'Because there has been a robbery committed in his neighborhood,' replied the Mayor. What proof is there that he was concerned in it?' None at all; but he is an old convict; and that is enough to condemn him.' 'It is not enough, by any means,' replied I. Thou hast no right to arrest a citizen without a shadow of proof against him; and in this case I advise thee, by all means, to proceed with humane caution. This man has atoned severely for the crime he did commit; aud since he w shes to reform, the fact ought never to be mentioned against him. He has been perfectly upright, sober, and industrious, ever since he came out of prison. I think I know his state of mind; and I am willing to take the responsibility of saying that I believe him guiltless in this matter.'

"The Mayor commended my benevolence, but was by no means convinced. To all arguments, he replied, He is an old convict; and that is enough.'

"I watched for Patrick, as he passed to his daily labors, and told him that the constables were after him for the robbery that had been committed. The poor fellow hung his head, and the light vanished from his countenance. 'Well,' said he, with a deep sigh, I must make up my mind to spend the rest of my days in prison.' I looked earnestly in his face, and said, Thou wert not concerned in this robbery, wert thou?'

say, he has been in the State Prison, and that's enough.'

"I did not ask him twice; for I felt as sured that the poor man had spoken the truth. I advised him to go directly to the Mayor, deliver himself up, and declare his innocence. This advice was received with deep despondency. He had no faith in his fellow-men. I know what will come of it,' says he. They will put me into prison, whether there is any proof against me or not; they will not let me out without somebody will be security for me; and nobody will be security for an old convict.'

"Don't be discouraged,' said I.

Go to the Mavor, and speak as I have advised. If they talk of putting thee in prison, send for me. I will stand by thee.'

"Patrick did accordingly. In the absence of anything like a shadow of proof, his being an old convict' was deemed sufficient reason for sending him to jail.

"I appeared in his behalf. I am ready

to affirm,' said I, 'that I believe this man is innocent. It will be a very serious injury to him to be taken from his business, until such time as this can be proved; and moreover, the effects upon his mind may be most discouraging. I will be security for his appearance when called; and I know very well that he will not give me the slip.'

"The gratitude of the poor fellow was overwhelming. He sobbed until his strong frame shook.

"The real culprits were soon after discovered. Patrick, until the day of his

death. continued to lead a virtuous and useful life.

“A young man, whom I will call B., was coinely in his person, witty and gay, and very foud of company. His meaus were too limited to enable him to appear as well as his companions, and he had not resolution enough to deny himself the indulgences which they could command. Tempted by vanity and extravagance, and hoping to avoid discovery, he opened the desk of a person with whom he resided, and stole from it one hundred and thirty five dollars. The sum was soon missed, and though his character had stood fair for integrity, circumstances were so much against him, that he became an object of suspicion. He was closely watched, and was frequently observed to be confused and embarrassed in his appearance. At last, his employer openly charged him with the robbery. He denied it at first, but being brought before a magistrate, he confessed his guilt, and told where the money could be found. His parents were in humble life, but much esteemed by their neighbors. Some of their friends

visited the unhappy young man in prison, and found him exceedingly humble and penitent. He promised most faithfully to atone for his fault by an upright life, if he could only be forgiven for this one offence. These representations were made so earnestly to the prosecutor, that he finally united his influence with theirs to procure a discharge. The young man left the neighborhood, and ever after deported himself with the utmost correctness. I knew him in the latter part of his life. He was a truly excellent man, and taught one of the most respectable schools in Philadelphia. When the yellow fever raged in that city, he sympathized deeply with the sufferings of the poor.

He ministered to their wants, and watched with them day and night; until at last he took the malady himself, and thus ended his earthly pilgrimage.

Friend Hopper said he could not help mentioning a subject, which often gave him great pain. He often saw in the papers, accounts of young people committed to prison for small offences; in this way, their characters were blasted, and they often became reckless and desperate. If those who prosecuted on such occasions, would only make use of fatherly reproof and friendly advice, and encouragement, he was confident that a very large portion of those delinquents might become useful and honored members of society."

"In connection with these anecdotes,

The "Second Report" was published about the middle of February, 1846, and makes us acquainted with the doings of the Association during the first year. It is full in its details and satisfactory in the results.

The Executive Committee, aware of the importance of beginning rightly, commenced their labors by a sort of educational process, seeking a knowledge of details by intercourse with the kindred societies in Boston and Philadelphia, "so as to profit by their experience, and become wiser by their suggestions." For this purpose a delegation from the Association, consisting of the chairman of the executive committee, Judge Edmonds, and the corresponding secretary, R. N. Havens, Esq., were present at the anniversary of the Boston Prison Discipline Society, the executive committee resolved itself in May, 1845. To facilitate business, into the following sub-committees, viz: of finance, on detentions, prison discipline, discharged convicts, and female department, to each of which certain