PRISON LABOUR IN AMERICA VERSUS OTAGO.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 523, 21 February 1876, Page 3

PRISON LABOUR IN AMERICA VERSUS OTAGO.

The New Orleans Picayune newspaper, in its remarks relative to prison labour, most strongly recommends the New Zealand system of prison labour so efficiently carried out by Mr Caldwell, and so universally known, to be introduced into the State of Kentucky. The following are the remarks of a San Francisco paper respecting prison labour in the State gaol, and we confess that the arguments in favour of every prisoner who can work, being made to earn his daily bread are capable of general application. Punishing petty criminals by long terms of imprisonment seems to punish only the taxpayers for their support; and, as a remedy, he suggests “work in the chain-gang.” This is as true as “ proofs of Holy Writ.” Our city is infested with gangs of petty larceny loafers, young and old, to whom imprisonment is no penalty whatever. Our gaol is snug and warm, blankets are provided, and they are fed on coffee, bread, and beef ; they eat and sleep and play cards, enjoy themselves and grow fat, while the poor devils of ratepayers who, through some notions of false pride, think it not respectable to steal and go to gaol, are compelled to work and pay taxes for the support of these idlers. Once a new warden was elected to the Penitentiary of Kentucky. When he assumed the duties of his position he made a speech to the prisoners, and declared ‘ if they did not behave themselves in an orderly manner, and obey the rules, he would turn every devil of them out to earn their own living.” Now we would not propose to carry things to this extreme ; but we would be glad to see about one hundred of these fat and lazy vagabonds sent to grade the public street with pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow. Let their fare be brown bread and boiled vegetables ; let their stomachs experience the novel sensation of cold water; let their hands and muscles be strengthened by labour, which would be as good for them as the health-lift. Let them, after a good honest day’s work, enjoy the delightful experience of that grateful slumber which is the reward of honest toil.”