Test Bank for Sociology 13th Edition by Macionis

Test Bank for Sociology 13th Edition by

Macionis
Visit to download the full and correct content document:
https://testbankmall.com/download/test-bank-for-sociology-13th-edition-by-macionis/

Visit TestBankMall.com to get complete for all chapters

Description
John Macionis shares his enthusiasm, excitement and teaching experience with a
clear and engaging writing style that connects with students. Macionis', Sociology,
13th edition is designed to help students see the relevance of the sociological
theories and ideas that inform their own lives.
Four main themes are found throughout the text:
Seeing Sociology in Everyday Life
Social Diversity
Global Comparisons
Critical Thinking
The new edition has an innovate new design, contemporary and compelling
student applications, plus a wealth of author-written and author-managed
supplemental material. This revision elevates Sociology's high standard of
excellence, ensuring that it remains one of the foremost introductory sociology
resources for students and instructors alike.

About the Author

John J. Macionis was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a
bachelor’ s degree from Cornell University and a doctorate in sociology from the
University of Pennsylvania.

John Macionis' publications are wide-ranging, focusing on community life in the

United States, interpersonal intimacy in families, effective teaching, humor, new
information technology, and the importance of global education.

In addition, John Macionis and Nijole V. Benokraitis have edited the best-selling
anthology Seeing Ourselves: Classic, Contemporary, and Cross-Cultural Readings
in Sociology. Macionis and Vincent Parrillo have written the leading urban studies
text, Cities and Urban Life (Pearson). Macionis’ most recent textbook is Social
Problems (Pearson).

John Macionis is Professor and Distinguished Scholar of Sociology at Kenyon

College in Gambier, Ohio, where he has taught for almost thirty years. During that
time, he has chaired the Sociology Department, directed the college’ s
multidisciplinary program in humane studies, presided over the campus senate
and the college’ s faculty, and taught sociology to thousands of students.

In 2002, the American Sociological Association presented Macionis with the

Award for Distinguished Contributions to Teaching, citing his innovative use of
global material as well as the introduction of new teaching technology in his
textbooks.

Professor Macionis has been active in academic programs in other countries,

having traveled to some fifty nations. He writes, “I am an ambitious traveler,
eager to learn and, through the texts, to share much of what I discover with
students, many of whom know little about the rest of the world. For me, traveling
and writing are all dimensions of teaching. First, and foremost, I am a teacher–a
passion for teaching animates everything I do.”

At Kenyon, Macionis teaches a number of courses, but his favorite class is

Introduction to Sociology, which he offers every semester. He enjoys extensive
contact with students and invites everyone enrolled in each of his classes to enjoy
a home-cooked meal.

The Macionis family–John, Amy, and children McLean and Whitney–live on a farm
in rural Ohio. In his free time, Macionis enjoys tennis, swimming, hiking, and
playing oldies rock-and-roll (he recently released his first CD). Macionis is as an
environmental activist in the Lake George region of New York’ s Adirondack
Mountains, working with a number of organizations, including the Lake George
Land Conservancy, where he serves as president of the board of trustees.

Product details
 ASIN : 0205735746
 Publisher : Pearson College Div; 13th edition (September 15, 2009)
 Language : English
 Hardcover : 720 pages
 ISBN-10 : 9780205735747
 ISBN-13 : 978-0205735747
 Item Weight : 3.64 pounds
 Dimensions : 9.5 x 1.25 x 11.25 inches
 Best Sellers Rank: #1,102,129 in Books
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
 THE COUNTY PRISONS.
BY A. H. VOTAW, SECRETARY.

The Secretary during the last year has paid some visits to a few of
the county prisons. The tendency is toward improvement in the line
of furnishing employment and in sanitary accommodations.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY (CITY PRISON).

Conditions are much the same as last year. The management is very
ably conducted under Warden Lewis. The inmates are largely those
who are detained for trial. Out of 445 prisoners, 50 were convicts.
Bread is made in the prison, an economical feature whenever the
population has an average of thirty or more. Here meats are
generally served in the shape of hamburg steaks. We commend this
practice to many of our wardens. The meat is eatable, palatable and
all the coarser parts may be utilized. The cost of the food in 1916
was 8.4 cents daily for each prisoner, one cent more than the
previous year. Considering the higher cost of all provisions, the
additional cost is by no means surprising. Too many were detained
for non-payment of fines. We trust they are now availing themselves
of the law, passed by the late Assembly, allowing those held for
costs and fines to be released on condition of agreeing to pay said
charges by instalments. Most letters received for those awaiting trial
are delivered unopened. Tho it would be a task to inspect all
incoming letters, it seems to us that it would be wiser to have a
universal rule providing for inspection of all letters.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY (THE WORKHOUSE).

The apartments of the women have been greatly improved. No

women are now hired out. This may or may not be an improvement.
If they work out under proper influences and can earn some wages,
they may be improved thereby. Doubtless there are difficulties
encountered in making satisfactory arrangements for their care. As
there appears to be work for them at the institution, the necessity for
their finding work outside is not apparent. The women now eat in a
large dining-room at concrete tables with surface of rubber
composition rendering breakage unusual and affording a surface
which is readily cleansed.
The earnings last year of the farm and industries were $111,290—
the largest amount ever reported by the institution. The overhead
cost of each inmate is in gross 57 cents, but this is reduced to 14
cents in consequence of the splendid earnings. The time may come
when this institution will become self-supporting.

BERKS COUNTY.

We are delighted to report some improvements in the prison at

Reading. After strenuous effort by some members of the Board, a
few men have been allowed to work on the poor farm. In 1917 they
succeeded in raising several hundred bushels of potatoes and were
helpful in drainage projects. The experiment is considered a success
in every point of view. Next year under the law providing for the
employment of prisoners on county land, which was approved July,
1917, more land may be cultivated and more prisoners employed.
Striped suitings, which it was once thought was a custom so firmly
rooted as to be ineradicable at Reading, have been entirely
abrogated, a plain jeans suiting being substituted.
We learned that 22 men were on parole, an increase over the report
last year. These men were generally doing well. Thirty-two men and
boys had been placed on probation, serving no part of their sentence
in jail. They have a small yard in which the men parade thrice weekly
for a half hour each time. This is insufficient. Measures should be
taken at once to allow more time in the open air under the blue sky.
The women prisoners should be entirely segregated from the men’s
quarters.
We now revise our estimate and make it approximately 70 per cent.
 BLAIR COUNTY.

The Secretary was hoping to have opportunity to revise his estimate

of the efficiency of the prison at Hollidaysburg, but was informed that
the Commissioners requested that he should have an audience with
them prior to making the usual examination. The Commissioners
were not in session at the time of his visit, and so he did not insist
upon his right as an Official Visitor. His rule is to be subject to the
local regulations. Last year the Secretary was not favorably
impressed with the sanitation and some features of the
management. He trusts that some improvements have been made.
He was pleased to learn that some men were working on the county
farm and others on the roads. He did not learn whether the inmates
were allowed to use the yard for exercise or whether they had the
privilege of remaining outside of their cells longer than two hours a
day. Letters ought to be inspected when received.
The fee system is still in use, a practice generally more or less
abused. The Commissioners should very seriously consider a
proposition to appoint a warden who should purchase provisions by
contract. They buy bread. It would be more economical to bake their
own bread.
Parole has not yet been instituted in this county.
On account of the road and farm work, we increase our estimate of
the efficiency from 41 per cent. to 48 per cent.

CAMBRIA COUNTY.

Twenty-two men are reported to be working on roads. Several men

have been raising vegetables on land, part belonging to the county
and part rented for the purpose. A good beginning. We think that
next year Warden E. H. Knee will endeavor to increase the amount
of farm work.
Sixty-five prisoners are reported to be released on parole.
They ought to inspect incoming letters.
Those who enter a plea of guilty may be sentenced any month in the
year, and hence the number of those detained for trial is greatly
reduced.
They have long discontinued the fee system, the food by contract
costing the county daily for each prisoner 8.62 cents. The workers
eat at a table, and the warden wishes he had tables for the entire
population. They bake their own bread.
On account of the additional number doing good work for the county
we have raised our estimate from 59 per cent. to 65 per cent.

CHESTER COUNTY.

We are pleased to report that new and satisfactory sanitary

appliances have been installed.
A sufficient amount of provisions is supplied and care is taken in the
preparation of the food. What is surprising, when we take into
consideration the greater cost of food, is that the cost per diem for
each prisoner in 1916 was 11 cents as against 12.3 cents the year
before.
All the inmates are kept at work. The industries are carpet weaving
and chair-caning. They paid for materials $3,431 and received
$5,387.
The authorities are willing to allow some of the men to work on farms
but there is no county farm, or land belonging to the county, which is
available. Grade raised to 77 per cent.

DAUPHIN COUNTY.

Here there are about 180 prisoners, say, 150 able-bodied persons,
detained in idleness, from a few days to a year with no duties except
in the line of domestic service. The bakery, the kitchen, the serving
and the work of sweeping and scrubbing give nearly 25 per cent. of
them some employment, and the good warden by a system of
rotation endeavors to give all their turn at being useful. But what an
appalling waste of labor!
There is no available land belonging to the county on which they
might raise supplies for the institution. Dauphin County needs a
prison farm.
Formerly the warden received 25 cents per day for each prisoner
whom he maintained. Now the cost is 13.5 cents per day and the
menu is far superior to what was formerly dispensed under the fee
system. The meat ration is one-half pound daily, which is regarded
as too much for unemployed men. They bake their own bread.
Strange to state, notwithstanding the lack of employment, none are
paroled. In this respect, the county is very much in the rear of the
procession.
As a rule, letters ought to be inspected before delivery.
Of the 168 hours in the week, the men may spend four hours in the
open air. Conditions are not as they should be and cannot be
improved materially till the question of employment is solved.

DELAWARE COUNTY.

The county prison is fortunate in having a warden who does not

slumber on his job. If the laws of the State restrict employment in
some lines, this warden gets busy in some other lines. It is vexatious
to him to see able-bodied men dawdling about with nothing to do. He
gives them all the open air possible. On occasion they may play
games in their limited enclosure. Recently he has constructed a
special building in which the looms are installed. No longer do they
work in their cells, where they were obliged to live, eat and sleep in
lint-laden air. The men assist in making improvements, and
somehow there is something doing in the line of repairs or
improvements every minute.
At the personal request of the warden, the Court had liberated some
selected men to work on the poor farm, and the result had been
exceedingly satisfactory. They raised much of the vegetables for
their own use, and what they could not eat at the time they canned
for future use. They bake their own bread.
The Court here was one of the first to adopt the principle of parole,
and in no county of the Commonwealth have so many offenders
been placed on parole and probation and with such good results.
Grade increased from 67 to 75 per cent.

FAYETTE COUNTY.

Average number of prisoners every day in 1916 was 130, of whom

they manage to employ 30 per cent. and would be glad to have all at
work. Some 25 men have been at work on roads and farms at a
wage of 25 cents per day. The road-making has been very profitable
to the county. The general results have been altogether satisfactory.
They buy their bread, but we think they could employ some of their
idle men in making and baking bread and also save money by the
operation.
Cost of food 15 cents each prisoner daily, four cents more than the
year before. They now serve three meals daily instead of two.
They need sheets and pillow cases. They have abundant help for a
laundry.
Unless the men are at work, they are never in the open air, but they
have the freedom of the corridors during the daytime.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY.

No special changes since 1916 to report, except that the number of

prisoners has decreased about 50 per cent. This may indicate for
that county a higher average of morals.
Last summer they were buying a pound loaf of good bread for 5
cents, and while flour is $14.00 the barrel they were not disposed to
construct a bake shop.
While they were willing to employ convicts on land belonging to the
county, they thought it would be difficult to find among their convicts,
many of them serving quite short sentences, enough reliable men to
constitute a workable gang.
Food is purchased by contract, and the county allows the prison
authorities to expend as much as 20 cents daily for each inmate.
Whoever has power to order repairs ought to get busy. We
understand the grand jury usually calls attention to the urgent need
of improvements, but their suggestions are unheeded. It is poor
economy to allow these unwholesome conditions to continue.

LEHIGH COUNTY.

Farmers are encouraged in this county, as labor is scarce, to apply

to the parole officer for the privilege of employing some prisoners
who can be recommended. Thus, some twenty-five men have been
released to work on farms. The results appear to be satisfactory. The
men receive wages and the county is not charged with supporting
them in comparative idleness. Some of the men are employed in
carpet weaving and rug-making, the profit on which in 1916 was
$1,500.
When the law providing for the release of prisoners held for fines on
condition of paying the charges by instalments was approved, the
Court and parole officers immediately put the law to practical use.
Within eight weeks the sum of $2,600 was collected on this account
—an amount more than saved, since otherwise the men would have
been maintained at the expense of the county and not one cent
would have been received.
We trust that by this time the new entrance planned for access to the
apartments of the women prisoners has been constructed.
Heretofore the women have been obliged to file through a corridor
occupied by the men, a custom salutary for neither men nor women.
The work of probation, parole, non-support, truancy and collection of
fines under the recent law is all administered from one central office
by a general officer with assistants. On the ground of economy and
practical results, we commend this policy to other counties.
Percentage of efficiency raised from 60 per cent. to 70 per cent.

LUZERNE COUNTY.
As is frequently the custom of county prisons, this prison contains
both prisoners committed by the county court and also the city
misdemeanants. The city prisoners have been allowed to work
outside on the county farm. The authorities have not been willing to
assume the responsibility for paroling the county prisoners for
outside work. It is quite possible that in the spring of 1918 they may
take action under the special legislation of the late Assembly.
There are some acres of ground about the institution which is kept in
an admirable order by the inmates, but no space has been set aside
or adapted for an exercise ground for the prisoners. This is a matter
which should receive attention. The open air is wholesome, and men
should not be deprived of this privilege even if they are felons.
This institution was one of the last to adhere to a striped costume,
which has finally been superseded by suitings of plain colors.
They ought to add a bakery to their cooking department. We believe
this prison would profit by the employment of a professional cook.
The warden manages to find employment for nearly all of the
prisoners in some sort of domestic service, tho no special industries
are maintained.
A liberal application of the privilege of parole is noticeable in this
county. The results are very satisfactory.
General efficiency the same as the year before.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Early in the season of 1917 some men were paroled to work on the
county farm. The satisfactory results are reported in our account of
the Wardens’ Meeting. The authorities have been so well pleased
with this experiment that it is probable next season will witness some
enlargement of these activities. Some of the men have been
employed in finishing rugs, but this industry last summer was
lagging.
They bake an excellent quality of bread, and prepare a menu
somewhat above the average. Their experiment with cocoa nibs was
not satisfactory; the men greatly prefer coffee. At some institutions,
cocoa is being served occasionally as a substitute for coffee, and the
inmates appear to enjoy it. A drink made from cheap cocoa nibs may
not have much nutriment, but real cocoa possesses considerable
nutriment, while coffee has no value as food, but may act as a
stimulant.
Estimated efficiency now rated at 75 per cent.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.

Here they are considering a proposition to place a gang of laborers

on a county farm. The warden is favorable to the experiment and will
do all he can to make the effort a success.
So far as we know to date, they are not discharging prisoners,
detained on account of fines, on condition of paying costs or fines in
instalments. Next year we hope to hear they have established this
system which in some other counties has proved to be eminently
satisfactory.
The prisoners listlessly parade for an hour and a half each day either
in the corridors or in the small exercise yard. They spend the
remainder of the time in their cells excepting those who weave
carpet or engage in domestic duties.
In 1916 the average daily cost of the food per prisoner was 17.8
cents, and there was an attempt to serve some variety. They
purchase bread.
None were reported on the parole list. What is the matter with this
county? Are there no prisoners fit for parole? Or is the Court still
unconvinced? Will Northampton County be the last to adopt a
system, the principle of which is becoming universally recognized?
No change this year in Efficiency grading.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY.

The two departments of this prison, one the convict prison at

Holmesburg, the other the receiving prison at Moyamensing, pursue
the even tenor of their way. There is little change to report. The
sanitary appliances have had much attention within the last few
years, and are now in practically perfect condition. The latest cell
blocks at the Holmesburg prison represent the best thought in most
ways of prison construction. The cells seem like rooms, not cages,
the windows deserve the name, and the sanitation is correct. At this
prison the solitary system may still be studied. Those who work,
however, and there is a goodly proportion, eat at tables and
converse freely at all times while employed. There is still no special
work other than domestic service and work of repairs and
extensions.
The hospital at both departments is well equipped.
For years prisoners have not suffered much detention on account of
non-payment of fines. Fines have been imposed but within the last
five years less than 10 per cent. of the amount has been collected.
We have no report of the operation of the new law by which fines
may be paid in instalments.
Grand juries may come and grand juries may go, but the institution
pursues its unwavering course. Sometimes the jury recommends
improvements which the management desires as sincerely as the
jury. Many of these improvements have been made, and it may be
the published reports of the grand jury may have rendered the task
of securing appropriations a little more easy. But it is an impossible
task for any body of twelve or fifteen men within the time of two or
three hours to study the conditions of an institution so as to present a
well-developed scheme for its management.
We hold no brief for the Philadelphia County Prison. Doubtless some
conditions could be improved. But the jury occasionally in its zeal
magnifies a possible wrong or views some punitive feature out of its
proper prospective. The discipline for a body of untried prisoners,
some of whom may prove to be dangerous criminals, must not be
squared by the discipline meted out to convicts who remain year
after year in the same institution. You deal with one set as with
people you know, the others present unknown dangerous
proclivities. The tendency is to treat a body of transients with a
stricter set of regulations. Just how far the principles of “The New
Penology” have entered the precincts of Philadelphia County Prison,
we are not prepared to discuss. There is a medium ground in all
things and in prison management, probably the safest plan is to take
the middle course. Compared with the “Tombs,” the New York
County prison for those detained for trial, the prison at Moyamensing
compares very favorably. The advantages, the employments, the
general discipline of the New York Convict prisons at Blackwell’s and
Riker’s Islands are perhaps in the main superior to our convict
prison. The regulations for those held for trial should be as mild and
reasonable as is consistent with safety and the convenience of the
accused person. While they are not yet convicts, many of them are
well-known recidivists, more or less dangerous, some are entirely
unknown and need watchful care, so that any system founded on
uniform treatment for all is liable to criticism. A system which
combines moderate restraint with exactly the right proportion of
reasonable freedom presents a problem which a novice can no more
readily solve than an ignoramus the elements of an eclipse.
Down at Moyamensing they have the buildings and the space for the
detention of the untried prisoners, and we have little doubt but that
the manager and the court officials, if they were to meet for a
conference, could unite in the adoption of regulations which would
be satisfactory to all parties concerned. It is to the city’s direct
interest to make use of the facilities already possessed. We are
inclined to the belief that the construction of a new prison for the
untried may be an economic blunder.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.

We learn that ten men have been working on the county farm.
This county for some years has been allowing men who were fined
to be released on condition of making payments on instalments. In
1916 they collected from this source the sum of $2,081.14. If these
men and women had been maintained in prison in accordance with
the old law of 1836, their board and maintenance would have cost
the taxpayers $4,025.38. Hence by the new arrangement a snug
profit to the county of $6,106.52. They were pioneers in the rational
treatment of those who were fined.
Here they believe in the principle of parole and put it into practice.
Number on parole and probation over 16 years of age 154
Number on parole and probation under 16 years of age 124
Some failures reported, the majority being juveniles arrested for
truancy, etc.
They still continue their antiquated toilet arrangements. The closets
are flushed by dumping therein water from buckets. The water is
readily obtainable from spigots, so that the inconvenience is reduced
to some extent, yet this system is justly condemned.
Trusties keep the Court House and the grounds in good order. Some
are employed in making carpets and knitting socks.
Except murderers in the second degree, practically all county
convicts are detained in the county prison. They have room for them
in the old bastile, so why send them to the penitentiary on per diem
charges?
The prisoners are turned absolutely loose one hour each day in the
prison yard.
General Efficiency the same as the previous year, but on account of
the farm work we estimate the grade at 70 per cent.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY.

Here is a county prison reporting for the year 1916 an average daily
number of inmates of 58. And yet they could send 12 men to work at
road-making in a prison camp, and 10 men to work on the county
farm. The employment record is a vast improvement over the report
of the previous year when a few at domestic employments about the
jail were the only inmates at work. It is thought that next season the
agricultural operations will be increased.
The Directors ought to contrive at once to improve the cooking
arrangements or, better still, to construct an entirely new culinary
department.
They eat at tables in the corridors. We believe that it would be well
for wardens generally to adopt this method. The cells are more
readily kept clean, and the appearance has a civilized effect.
There are no sheets and pillows, a lack which some philanthropic
organization might supply. They have plenty of time to do laundry
work.
On account of the new opportunities for employment, we cheerfully
revise our estimate of the Efficiency from 53 to 65 per cent.

YORK COUNTY.

No official visit has been paid to the prison at York since the last
report. We have learned that conditions are generally unchanged. If
this be true, there is much ground for complaint.
There is no employment except that a few assist in domestic service
at the prison.
The food supplied is utterly inadequate. A few weeks ago the bill of
fare for one week consisted of bread and coffee served twice a day
for the seven days and a ration of soup with meat and vegetables
was served twice during the week. On one other day three potatoes
were dealt out to each prisoner. A certain amount of molasses is
given out each week. No prison in the United States or Canada has
such scanty fare. The prisoners are allowed to supplement their fare
by purchasing supplies from a dealer who calls almost every
morning, but the majority of them are penniless. Their friends, if they
have any, may bring provision.
The sheriff receives forty-five cents a day for providing this meagre
fare. Again and again we have called the attention of the good
people of York County to these disgraceful conditions. One hundred
and thirty years ago in the prisons of Philadelphia, each prisoner was
furnished with water and a half loaf of bread every day. Those who
had money could buy additional supplies; others must beg and
depend upon friends. The York Prison has maintained a similar
system to the present day. There has been no progress. The sheriff
follows in the line of his predecessors. The authorities, under whom
this iniquitous system has been allowed to continue, are the
responsible parties. If the fare at other prisons, where a sufficient
quantity is served, costs from 12 cents to 16 cents per day, the fare
at York County prison costs barely 10 cents per day. Possibly the
sheriff finds the business profitable, but that has little to do with the
matter. The system is wrong. Any plan whereby the superintendent
of any prison derives his profit from boarding the inmates is liable to
abuse. The only remedy is to change the system. Act 171, Laws of
Pennsylvania 1909, provides that all counties having a population
between 150,000 and 250,000 must have a warden who purchases
supplies by contract. Such a warden may be appointed in counties
having less than a population of 150,000. The remedy lies with the
citizens of York County. A number of prisons in counties having less
than a population of 150,000 are controlled by either a warden or
sheriff who serves for a salary and purchases food by contract. In
such prisons, the conditions are always better than under the fee
system. Grade 40 per cent.

Later. As we are going to press, we learn that proceedings are being

brought before the court in York County with a view of making some
wholesome changes. This Society endorses the efforts of the good
citizens of York to remove an evil which has too long been a
reproach to that community.
 BEQUESTS
We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following bequests
which we received in 1917:
Estate of Joshua L. Baily $5,000.00
Estate of Henry A. Rogers 952.50
 THE WARDENS’ MEETING AT GLEN
MILLS AND SLEIGHTON FARM,
OCTOBER 4-5, 1917.
Reported by Florence Bayard Kane.

In view of the fact that some important penal legislation was enacted
by the General Assembly of 1917, it seemed wise to call a
conference of wardens, inspectors and commissioners to consider
the effect of this legislation and how it might be put into practice.
Hence a call for such a conference, issued by The Pennsylvania
Prison Society and by the Prison Reform League of Pennsylvania,
was sent to county commissioners and prison officials in the eastern
and central parts of the Commonwealth. Mrs. Martha P. Falconer,
superintendent of the Girls’ School at Sleighton Farm, very kindly
offered to entertain the members of the Conference at this institution
on the afternoon and night of October 4th, and Mr. F. H. Nibecker,
superintendent of the Boys’ Department at Glen Mills, cordially
agreed to take care of the company on the 5th inst.
Responses from those invited indicated much interest, and the
attendance fully justified our expectations.
Nine wardens were present from the county prisons of Easton,
Ebensburg, Harrisburg, Hollidaysburg, Lancaster, Media, Norristown,
West Chester and Wilkes-Barre. Seventeen Inspectors were in
attendance representing the counties of Berks, Blair, Chester,
Dauphin, Delaware, Lehigh, Lancaster and Montgomery. The
counties of Bucks, Chester, Columbia and York were represented by
one or more of their Commissioners.
The State Board of Charities was represented by Mr. Louis Wolf, a
member of that body, and by Wm. McGarry, an agent of the Board.
Judge J. F. Hause, of West Chester, graced the occasion with his
presence.
Miss Florence Bayard Kane, of the Prison Reform League, and John
Way and Albert H. Votaw, of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, were
present. Robert Dunning Dripps, Esq., Secretary Public Charities
Association, was present on the evening of the 4th inst.
Most of the company arrived about noon at Sleighton Farm and were
soon doing ample justice to a bountiful lunch provided by the efficient
helpers of Mrs. Falconer. After an inspection of the buildings and
grounds and noting the excellent work of the girls on the Farm and
the fifty-acre kitchen garden the company assembled in the
commodious audience room to consider the objects of the meeting.
Secretary Votaw called the meeting to order and served thereafter
informally as Chairman. He said he was convinced that persons
engaged in the same sort of work often were the gainers by
comparing their views and experiences. As a teacher he had learned
to value the opportunities afforded by the Teachers’ Institutes. Not
that he always adopted new methods proposed, for he learned that
the personal equation must be considered and that all persons were
not adapted to use identical methods. What would succeed with one
might result in failure with another. At the same time, there was
inspiration and much profit from such conferences. He ventured to
say that the county prisons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
were all diverse in their administration. There was lack of team work.
While it was not recommended that all should follow exactly the
same form of management, there was undoubtedly much to be
gained by comparison of methods and results.
This meeting, however, was called particularly to consider recent
legislation. The following letter from Governor Brumbaugh,
addressed to E. M. Wistar, President of the Pennsylvania Prison
Society, was read:
“Mr. Edward M. Wistar,
Philadelphia, Pa.

My Dear Mr. Wistar:

 I have the letter of Mr. Votaw, calling my attention to a
meeting to be held at Darlington, Pa., October 4th and 5th.
The purpose of the meeting, as I understand it, is to
ascertain in what way recent legislation affecting prison
labor may be most practically and effectively applied to
conditions in this Commonwealth. I am heartily in favor of
the wise employment of the prisoners in our penal
institutions, and steadfastly favored and approved all
legislation having that end in view.
I consider, therefore, this conference most opportune, and
trust that its deliberations may result in practical guidance
of great moment to Pennsylvania.
It may be of interest to you to know that we are now
planning to utilize such of our prison labor as we can in
connection with the Highway Department, not only
because we believe this is right as a fundamental
principle, but because in this emergency it will release
other labor for national service without impairing the road
construction program of the Commonwealth.
I wish your convention great success, and beg to be
Very truly yours,
M. G. Brumbaugh.”
The wardens were first asked to relate their experience with regard
to the recent law allowing the wardens or superintendents of prisons
to release the inmates for work on land belonging to the county or
state.
Warden George W. Allen, of Media, being called upon, told the
Conference that he had been employing from seven to fourteen men
on the county farm since early in the spring, even before the Act had
received executive sanction. At his request Judge Isaac Johnson
had, as privileged under the law granting parole to county prisoners,
paroled certain selected inmates for this purpose. None of the
prisoners had violated their parole nor attempted to escape. They
were taken in a van every morning to their work with one guard, and
had worked faithfully and with pleasure. They had cultivated about
20 acres of land. The entire cost of the venture was about $1100.00,
a sum which the results had fully justified. The expense had been
equally shared with the Poor Directors and also the proceeds. They
had raised cabbage, soup beans, lima beans, carrots, turnips,
potatoes, beets, tomatoes and other produce. What was not used at
once by the prisoners was dried, canned or stored for winter use. No
wages was paid to the men. The result had been satisfactory to all
parties concerned.
Dr. J. K. Weaver, Prison Inspector, of Norristown, informed the
assembly that nineteen men had been sent to the Poor Farm, whose
officials had taken charge of them and had provided them with food
and lodging. There had been no difficulty whatever in maintaining
discipline. The men had worked well and with enjoyment. A few
privileges were allowed, such as swimming in the river when the
day’s work was done, and no one had attempted to escape. They
were paid 60c. a day for their work, payable at the time of their
release. One man earned $52.80.
Warden Lemuel Roberts, of the Norristown Prison, informed the
meeting that this employment of prisoners in Montgomery County
had been initiated by presenting a petition to the Court to parole a
few selected men to work on this Farm. The Court consented to
parole three men for this purpose, and the experiment was so
completely successful that the number thus paroled was gradually
increased to nineteen. He was convinced that the payment of 60c.
per day had served a double purpose in giving the men an incentive
and a reward for good conduct and also in enabling them to go forth
with a little cash to pay their expenses while searching for further
employment. Without money and without friends, very often released
convicts resort to crime for their maintenance.
Warden John F. Clower, of West Chester, stated that the County
Home had refused to employ prisoners for the reason that they had
already an abundant supply of labor from their own inmates. They
had bought from the Farm supplies of vegetables at a lower rate
than in the open market. For winter use they had canned 400 jars of
tomatoes and a large quantity of sauerkraut.
Five of the inmates had been paroled to neighboring farmers, for
whose labor the prison had received $25.00 per month, the prisoner
receiving no large share. In this prison the men are almost all
employed constantly at work in making carpets, caning chairs and
weaving cloth for their clothing. In 1917 they had sold products
amounting to $5,387. A small allowance, about 19c. weekly, is paid
to the prisoners.
Mr. Thomas J. Fretz, an Inspector of Lehigh County, stated that a
number of prisoners had been paroled directly to farmers. It was
stipulated that the men should receive the prevailing customary
wage for this work and that this sum should be paid to the families of
the paroled men, or given to them on their discharge. In some
instances wages sufficient to pay certain costs had been deducted
from the amount paid to the prisoner.
Mr. Edward Taenzer, Inspector of Berks County, informed the
meeting that this season they had employed prisoners on their
County Farm, and that the experiment had been a decided success
from every point of view. Two years ago an effort had been made to
employ the prisoners on this land, and this proposition had been
heartily approved by the Inspectors, the County Commissioners, the
Directors of the Poor and the local press. The Solicitors of the
Boards, however, held that such action was illegal, admitting that
work on roads was the only employment allowed to prisoners except
behind the bars. Since the beginning of the great war Mr. Taenzer
and others renewed their efforts to find employment for the prisoners
on farms, meeting with formidable opposition, but since the legal bar
was removed by recent legislation the prisoners have been hard at
work, giving satisfaction to all concerned. The selected men are
taken by conveyance to the Farm and work for eight hours daily.
They have produced from four to five hundred bushels of potatoes
and a like proportion of other vegetables. Just now they are working
on the drainage project. The Poor Directors provide the midday
meal, and it is expected that hereafter they may provide for the
necessary supervision. The men receive no pay for their labor, but
esteem it a great privilege thus to be employed.
Secretary Votaw stated that the consensus of opinion was evidently
favorable to the employment of county prisoners on farms as far as
possible. He invited Agent McGarry, of the State Board of Charities,
to comment on the attitude of this Board on this subject. Mr. McGarry
said that the Board had for many years advocated such employment
and that the emergency created by the war had made such
legislation possible.
The Acting Chairman then called the attention of the conference to
Act. No. 399, which received the approval of the Governor on the
20th of July, 1917. The law had practically been unheralded, but its
execution would revolutionize conditions in all the counties of the
State. The Act provides for the division of the State into nine
Districts, containing from five to ten counties, in each of which
Districts there shall be established an institution to which all convicts,
sentenced to a term of ten days or more, may be sent. It seemed to
be formulated with a view to the general betterment of the prisoners
confined in the county jails. The fact that there was no clause making
it compulsory to send prisoners to such institution was regarded as a
weak feature.
General discussion followed. There were many present who had not
seen the law, or even heard thereof. There was a general opinion
that this law should be carefully considered before the conference
should come to a settled conclusion.
Secretary Votaw hoped that at least one of the nine Districts would
give the experiment a fair trial. It was evident that existing conditions
in the county jails would have to be changed, and the officials ought
to be warned that some action must be taken. Was there any better
proposition to be considered? Since the Allegheny penal farm
already contained five or six hundred acres, and since most of the
adjoining counties were already sending many of their prisoners
there, paying at rate of 50c. daily per prisoner, he suggested that the
District in which this workhouse was situated might readily convert
this institution into one of these Industrial Farms. While at this
institution to which convicts from Pittsburgh are sent, it seems
possible to put ten-day, and even five-day, prisoners to some
profitable work, it would be poor economy to transport ten-day
prisoners from the more distant counties to said District Farm.
Mr. McGarry raised a question as to the disposal of existing jail
properties.
Secretary Votaw said that they would be still needed for short
termers and persons awaiting trial, but that portions of such jail
property might be profitably disposed of. Very often the county jail
stood on rather valuable real estate which might sometimes be sold
for sufficient to meet the county’s quota on the new District
Institution. To illustrate that existing prisons must still be used as
places of detention, it was shown during the meetings that at the
recent visits of Secretary Votaw in his capacity of Official Visitor, one
third of the inmates in thirteen of the larger counties were being
detained for trial. It is to be hoped that the problem of furnishing
employment to the untried prisoners may be found.
Mr. Louis Wolf was inclined on first reading of the bill to think that it
would prove impracticable.
It was explained that this Act might have imperfections, but that it
was really the only solution of the problem of employment for
prisoners as far as conditions existed in this Commonwealth. If the
products of convict labor are not allowed to be sold in the market
some other way must be devised to set these idle people to work. In
these times of dire stress, not an ounce of energy should be lost.
Our Government needs the labor of every man, good or bad, in order
to increase the production of food supplies, and for manufacturing
purposes. Wherever the farming proposition for prisoners had been
fairly tried there was no indication of receding. Reports from most
places where prisoners were employed in agricultural pursuits were
enthusiastic. In the State of Massachusetts misdemeanants are
generally sent to Bridgwater Industrial Farm where, under efficient
management, several hundred acres of land, thought to be almost
worthless, have been reclaimed, and now are returning a large yield
of fruits, vegetables and grain crops. In the State of Indiana within
the last three years a farm of about 1200 acres has been purchased
by the State, to which now all misdemeanants sentenced to a term of
sixty days or more in the county prisons are to be sent. It is at the
option of the Court whether those sentenced for shorter terms shall
be sentenced to this farm prison. Eventually it is thought this farm
will be entirely self-supporting. There were many escapes the first
year, but since a law has been enacted making it a penal offence to
escape or to endeavor to escape the number of fugitives has greatly
decreased. The proposition is not new and is being tried out with
greater or less success.
Inspector W. B. Meetch, of Dauphin County, said that the prison at
Harrisburg just now had a population of 207, of whom 53 were
sentenced to a term of sixty days or more. These men might be
available for farm work, but the Court is averse to the principle of
parole. However, he was inclined to believe that the privileges of free
men should be denied to the wrongdoer in order that there might be
some contrast between the condition of the law-breaker and the man
who was observant of the rules of justice. He would exercise great
caution in reference to presenting them with the opportunities to
escape. Men were sent to prison to be punished.
It was pointed out that the modern idea did not wholly discard the
element of punishment in the treatment of criminals, but, for the
benefit both of society and the individual, placed extreme emphasis
on efforts to reform the wrongdoer and furnish him with incentives to
become a useful member of the community instead of a perpetual
menace. There is the publicity of a trial, the confinement to certain
limits whether behind walls or within other definite limits, the restraint
of a discipline to which a free man is not subject. This is regarded as
sufficient punishment in these days. We have discarded the stocks,
the pillory, cropped hair and the striped suit. The disgrace is
sufficient without these barbaric accompaniments. In the effort to
treat the criminal as a human being very much like the rest of us,
since we all acknowledge that we have sinned, modern methods
have found the best remedy for the restoration of the prisoner. If we
treat him as an outcast, he will remain an outcast who will harry the
community to the end of his days. Above all, cease to detain him in
idleness, which is the worst remedy for immorality of any sort.
Warden Wm. A. McIlhenny, of Harrisburg, stated that there was no
land owned by Dauphin County which was available for the
employment of his prisoners. The county farm was limited in size
and was cared for by the regular inmates of the County Poorhouse.
He had no doubt that if the law allowed prisoners to work on other
than county land, some kindly disposed land owners would freely
grant land for such purpose.

THE WORK ON SLEIGHTON FARM.

Mrs. Falconer was called upon to explain the methods on Sleighton

Farm. She made an earnest plea that women or girls who are
prisoners be allowed to work in the open air. Although all the inmates
of the institution have a thorough course in housekeeping and
sewing, she was sure that these are not invariably the best
occupations for women. She stated that there was no room for
question that country life and sounds and smells and diverse
occupations were the most helpful for such weak sisters as fall by
the wayside. No other work is so suitable to children or adapted so
well to their powers as work out in the open. She had felt it essential
to have a woman of ability and character to have general
management of the farm work, inasmuch as many of those
committed to her care were, in a sense, oversexed and they needed
to be associated constantly with good women. This was a rule in the
selection of all her assistants. As far as possible, men are eliminated
from the activities on the farm, so that these girls come entirely
under the wholesome influence of young women specially trained for
the various kinds of employment on the farm. The enthusiasm and
enjoyment connected with the varied occupations on the farm have
strong psychological value.
As “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” so the same
method would have the same effect on “Jill.” Hence, a reasonable
amount of amusement is encouraged. Whatever gift any girl may
have, in the line of song or music or recitation, is developed. They
have various entertainments in their assembly room.
In consequence of the present stringency and high prices, she had
been obliged to change the menu, and the results have been
carefully observed. For instance, meat has been almost entirely
dropped from the bill of fare, and so far there has been no indication
that the health of her community had suffered. There is no tea or
coffee for any one on the place, nor stimulant of any sort. They have
abundance of milk, cottage-cheese, cocoa, cereals and all the dry
and green vegetables they can eat. The ration has been scientifically
studied so that the physical requirements may be satisfied. This
report was exceedingly interesting to the wardens present, all of
whom have been confronted with the serious nature of the food
problem.
This summer a few of the girls in groups of four or five have been
paroled to work on some neighboring farms. They receive twenty
cents an hour for their labor and are allowed to retain their wages. In
some instances they have gone without supervision. The results
have been very satisfactory.
Miss Farrall, Head Farmer, spoke of the pleasure of the children in
propagating the plants in the hot house, in setting out the plants, in
watching their growth and in all the varied agricultural processes.
Besides the actual work on the farm the girls had been employed in
road-building, even the concrete work being done by them. They
have installed a new drainage system. They are trained in the care
of hogs and poultry, and on the newly acquired farm adjacent to their
premises they hope soon to develop some dairy industry. The
children have done nearly all the work on a fifty-acre garden. They
have already gathered 1100 bushels of potatoes, and the harvesting
of the crop is not complete. They have planted, cultivated and
husked seventeen acres of corn. They are raising turnips, parsnips,
salsify, beets, carrots, and have succeeded, in spite of the worms, in
harvesting 1000 heads of cabbage. They had used their green
house this season in drying large quantities of vegetables for winter
use.

THE INTERMISSION.
In the intermission between the afternoon and evening sessions
there were three events of considerable interest.

1. A baseball game, in which a nine from the visitors contested

with a nine of the school. No game of the year anywhere elicited
more enthusiasm. The score was 15 to 12 in favor of the home
nine. In the last inning the visitors, who had been somewhat
ahead, went “all to pieces,” and the 500 girls retired from the
bleaching grounds to their quarters exultant over the famous
victory of the nine of Sleighton Farm.
2. A delicious supper served by the girls of the farm.
3. A charming vocal concert given by the girls in the Assembly
Room, under the direction of Mrs. Falconer.

At 8.30 in the evening the conference assembled in the reception

room of the Administration Building. Consideration of the bill
providing for the establishment of nine industrial farms was resumed.
Mr. Robert Dunning Dripps spoke of the admirable purpose of the
bill, though admitting that certain modifications were probably
needed to render it thoroughly effective. He was emphatic in
condemnation of the conditions now existent in the county jails. The
employment of all prisoners must be guaranteed. So far as possible
they should be employed in the open air, in order to build up their
physical condition. Such work, under wise handling, has solved
some of the economic problems of prison management. We have
too many jails. Fewer prisons with equal conditions of population and
opportunities could be administered more effectively and
economically. Farm penal institutions in many places have gone
beyond the experimental stage and have revealed amazing
possibilities of reformation, economy and ease of administration.
Witness our State Farm at Bellefonte, various penal farms in New
York, the misdemeanant farms in Massachusetts and Indiana, and
the large penal farm at Guelph, Ontario. Farm work could be
managed by the inmates of county jails with less risk on the whole
than by the convicts sent to the penitentiaries. If a few escape the
harm they would do to any community would be less on the average
than hardened convicts who receive the long sentences. He recalled
that all properly managed insane asylums have their inmates in the
open air as much as possible and give them every opportunity to
engage in the work of raising the supplies of food. It is all wrong to
pen up a thousand men in close confinement because some half
dozen of them may try to escape. He did not speak as a mere
theorist, because, as Director of Public Safety, he had been
responsible for the management of the House of Correction, where
he had observed the beneficial effects of working on the farm and
the ease with which this sort of work could be administered.
Mrs. Falconer emphasized the viciousness of idleness. She knew of
the wholesome results of allowing women to work in the open, and,
of course, it must readily follow that men would be equally improved.
Mr. Pascoe, Warden of the prison at Easton, stated that he had
about 100 prisoners who are only partially employed in carpet
weaving. He has a small exercise yard where his men are allowed to
parade about an hour daily. With his scant space and opportunities
he is hampered. He would be very willing to make arrangements to
have his men work on the Poor Farm about seven miles away if the
authorities would grant the privilege. He is entirely aware of the evils
of idleness, and would welcome the opportunity to employ his
inmates in farm work. Possibly a few might escape, but the harm
they might do would be entirely out of proportion to the injury done to
the men by the present system of detaining them in idleness.

THE GLEN MILLS FARM.

It was the first visit of most of the men to this highly cultivated farm of
500 or more acres, and they were both surprised and delighted to
have a visible illustration of what may be accomplished by lads and
young men in the line of husbandry. They were received very
graciously by Superintendent Nibecker, who, after some explanation
of the general system, conducted them over the plantation. There
was an exhibit of corn (many stalks being fifteen feet in height, with
two ears), pumpkins, cowbeets, turnips, etc., which would make a
creditable showing before any body of experts. The dairy of blooded
stock was inspected, and a piggery inhabited by over 200 fine
specimens of porkers was much admired for its fine sanitary
condition. The report in 1916 showed that about forty products of the
farm were valued at $23,581 and that the expenses charged to the
farm amounted to $8,033, thus showing the handsome balance of
$15,548 to the credit of the farming operations.
The Conference met for a brief session in the parlor of the institution.
On motion, Mr. Edward Taenzer, of Reading, was made Chairman of
this meeting. Mr. Votaw had already suggested that there might be a
service in forming a more permanent organization of prison officials
of this Commonwealth. There were many features of administration
to be discussed, and he thought mutual benefit would accrue from
an occasional conference, annual or semi-annual, to compare views
and methods. Especially would such conference be of value and of
great influence in being able to present to the General Assembly
their united views, based on practical experience, with regard to
proposed penal legislation, and also to suggest and promote
measures for improvement of penal conditions. This proposition
appeared to receive the unanimous endorsement of those present.
Chairman Taenzer suggested annual conferences and hoped that an
effort would be made to equalize the working of the laws in all
counties. Many of the counties operated under special legislation.
The County of Berks, working under an Act of 1848, was at a
decided disadvantage, compared with other counties. There was no
uniformity in regard to turnkey fees, and many other customs, some
of them belonging to a past age.
On motion of Mr. Votaw the following Committee was appointed to
make arrangements for another similar conference to be held
probably next autumn, and to draft regulations for the government of
the body: Edward Taenzer, Chairman; Warden Clower, of West
Chester; Warden McIlhenny, of Harrisburg; Warden Obetz, of
Lancaster, and Agent McGarry, of the State Board of Charities. On
motion, A. H. Votaw was appointed Secretary of this Committee.
A vote of thanks to Mrs. Falconer and to Mr. Nibecker was extended
for their generous hospitality and for their many courtesies to the
conference. It seemed that nothing which pertained to the comfort
and pleasure of the visitors had been left undone.
The Conference adjourned with a feeling that this meeting had been
successful and that a permanent organization would be of decided
service to the best interests of the Commonwealth.
After a bountiful lunch, served by the assistants of Superintendent
Nibecker, the members of this memorable Conference dispersed to
their several homes.

ATTENDEES AT THE CONFERENCE ON THE GLEN MILLS

FARMS OCT. 4-5.

Wardens.
Wm. A. McIlhenny Harrisburg
Rich. F. Pascoe Easton
Lemuel Roberts Norristown
John B. Riddle Hollidaysburg
Edw. H. Knee Ebensburg
J. Carson Obetz Lancaster
Michael F. Whalen Wilkes-Barre
John F. Clower West Chester
Geo. W. Allen Media
Inspectors.
Theo. J. Fretz Allentown
Edward Taenzer Reading
Dr. J. K. Weaver Norristown
Jesse L. Jones West Chester
J. Howard Lumis West Chester
Alex. C. Whitcraft West Chester
Wm. P. Sharpless West Chester
E. Marshall Hamell Media
F. G. Thomas Yeadon
M. G. Brubaker Lancaster
 Adam Sweigart Lancaster
Thomas Erb Lancaster
Eli Good Lancaster
D. G. Lindsay Lancaster
Wm. P. Schwartz Altoona
Calve Walker Altoona
W. B. Meetch Harrisburg
Commissioners.
John D. Jenkins York
D. F. Knittle Bloomsburg
D. M. Golder West Chester
Watson Davis Doylestown
Allen Zetty Doylestown
Wash. Cadwallader Doylestown
John E. Baldwin West Chester

Louis Wolf, Member State Board Charities.

Wm. McGarry, Agent State Board Charities.
Robert Dunning Dripps, formerly Director of Public Safety,
Philadelphia.
Judge, J. F. Hause, West Chester.
Miss Florence Bayard Kane, Philadelphia, Member Prison Reform
League.
John Way, Treas. The Penna. Prison Society.
A. H. Votaw, Sec. The Penna. Prison Society.
Phebe N. Votaw, Lansdowne.