Prison Discipline in America

pproved from the beginning in Massachusetts; and specially guarded against by express provisions, when this system was introduced at Charlestown. But the condition of this prison is not a mere matter of speculation to the people of Massachusetts. The institution is entirely under their control. They are responsible for it, and are bound to know not only the nature of the system, but the manner in which it is administered, in order that they may correct any abuse or maladministration; and change the system itself, if they can find a better. On this subject, therefore, it may be practically useful to enter into some detail. The prison at Charlestown resembles a great manual- labor school. The prisoners are not required to keep their eyes fixed upon their work and never to look up, as at Auburn, but simply to attend to their task as in a school. As in a school also, silence is required; and if this rule be violated, it is the duty of the master of the shop to report this, like every other violation of rule, to the warden. The shops are spacious, light and airy, not surpassed and hardly equalled, excepting in such great establishments as those of the city of Lowell. The prisoners are engaged in active occupations, withthe exception of a few, who from infirmity or other special cause are employed in sedentary pursuits. These have time allowed them for exercise in the morning, and again in the afternoon, each one of course alone. Very few indeed of those sent to the ...