TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF JOHN J. LYTLE, GENERAL SECRETARY.

In presenting this, my Twelfth Annual Report, I feel more and more solemnly impressed with the magnitude of the work in which I have been for so many years engaged, the importance of which cannot be overestimated and I have faithfully endeavored to perform my duty, seeking for Divine guidance in all of my undertakings. The Pennsylvania Prison Society has its officers and an Acting Committee of fifty other members, who, by act of the Legislature, are made official visitors to the Penitentiary and County Prisons. They are particularly interested in visiting the Eastern Penitentiary and the two County Prisons in this city, and the House of Correction—though we have members who visit the County Prisons of the State and make reports to the General Committee. The members, after a careful visitation of the convicts in their cells, endeavor to gain their confidence, and thus become friends to them, which is kept up frequently long after their discharge. We encourage a correspondence with them after they leave the prison, so that we can retain an influence over them for good and continued good.

Many interesting letters have been received, showing that what has been done was warmly appreciated, and instances are not wanting where they are leading honest lives, and are willing to admit that the lives they had been leading were dragging them down in ruin and could thankfully say that their incarceration had been a blessing to them, and they had determined with the Lord’s help, to lead better lives.

We have earnest, faithful Christian women members of the committee who visit the women prisoners of the Penitentiary, the County Prisons, and the House of Correction. In this connection I desire to call attention to the efforts which are being made to establish a temporary Home for discharged women prisoners, an institution which has been much needed, where they can remain a short time until they can obtain situations, in the meantime being under Christian influences. There is also the Howard Institution for discharged women prisoners, situated on Popular street, near Sixteenth street, where they have a comfortable home and are taught house-work and laundry, and being expected to stay at least six months, there is hope for reformation for those who desire to lead better lives.

CORRESPONDENCE.

There continues to be an increasing interest in the subject of Penology, very much attributed to the publicity given through the meetings of the National Prison Congress held in various parts of the country. I receive very many letters asking for information and especially from libraries asking for complete files of our “Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy,” speaking of it as a very valuable publication. As our back numbers are now all disposed, and as requests continue to pour in upon us, I would be pleased if any to whom this Journal is sent, have back numbers previous to 1900 which they do not wish to keep, would send to the Secretary Fifth and Chestnut Sts., Phila.; it would enable us to fill orders from libraries.

WORK OF THE SOCIETY AND ITS ACTING COMMITTEE.

The Acting Committee meets monthly when reports are received from the Visiting Committee of the Eastern State Penitentiary, the two County Prisons, House of Correction, “Associated Committee of Women on Police Matrons,” General Secretary and from many of the County Prisons of the State.

It is much to be regretted that the press of our city gives so much publicity to the time when noted criminals are discharged. The impropriety of this is especially noticeable where the separate system prevails, for it undoes the secrecy which is so essential to reform. By it old crimes are recounted, and no matter how much a man desires to reform the way is closed for his obtaining employment, and he sees nothing else than to go back to his former criminal life. Every one should have an opportunity to reform, and his former career should not be published to the world. There have been cases where the press told in advance when a certain criminal was to be released, and I have seen crowds of men and boys waiting to see such a one come out.

THE EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY.

For the benefit of those who have not seen our former Journals it may be again well to state that the institution is visited by a sub-committee of the Acting Committee set apart for this service, to each of whom is assigned a particular division, which he under the Constitution and By-Laws is expected to visit “at least once in two weeks and oftener if convenient.” (Extract from the Constitution.) Rev. Joseph Welch and his able assistant, Rev. H. Cresson McHenry devote their whole time to visiting the prisoners, and are doing a noble work for their spiritual good. Their task is a great one for with a population of over 1,200 it taxes their time to the utmost—this then is where the members of the Acting Committee perform valuable service.

From monthly reports received from those members it appears that 731 visits have been made to the Penitentiary during the past year, and 15,616 visits have been made to prisoners either inside the cells or at the cell doors. As many of the members failed to send in reports, the number visited will much exceed this.

The total amount expended for the relief of discharged prisoners from the Eastern Penitentiary and County Prison during the year was $3,364.03.

As the Legislature has for many years failed to make any appropriation for furnishing clothes or tools to those discharged, the whole burden of doing this rests upon our Society. Our income is entirely inadequate to do even a tithe of this large expense. We could only accomplish it by the liberality of our donors, for which we thank them, and desire their continued aid.

As for my own especial work at the Eastern Penitentiary, I visit there daily in addition to the many other duties I have to perform in connection with my office as General Secretary. I feel as time rolls on solemnly impressed with the magnitude and importance of the work in which I have for many years been engaged. No person leaves that prison without my visiting him several times previous to discharge, ascertaining their needs, and providing them with suitable clothes, that they may make a respectable appearance in looking for work; pleading, too, with them to give up all their sinful ways, and give their hearts to the Lord—for there are no joys comparable to the “Joys of God’s Salvation.” As I visit from cell to cell, not only at the time of discharge, but long previous to that, a feeling of awe comes over me as I realize that here is a soul to be saved or lost, one who has had no thought or concern for his soul’s salvation, and the query arises, have I, have we as visitors, done our duty, our whole duty, in telling him there is the promise that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” and that Jesus Christ our Saviour and Redeemer, came into the world to seek and to save those that were lost, and in Him there is pardon and plenteous redemption. I have during the past year made 352 visits to the Penitentiary, and have seen and conversed with the convicts, either in the cells or at the cell doors, over 4000 times. I have procured 164 railroad tickets for discharged prisoners to take them to their homes outside of the city, and have taken many to the depots, providing them with a good breakfast before starting. The cost of these tickets was $377.50.

I have assisted many after their discharge with temporary help, starting them in business in a small way that they may become wage-earners, thus preventing re-commitment. Tools are furnished to discharged prisoners when needed. Many have been aided in this way to obtain situations. For some days before and after New Year’s I distributed the motto calendars to every prisoner, visiting every cell and giving a word of counsel and encouragement, and a hearty shake of the hand to most of the 1,200 prisoners. It has been gratifying to notice with what pleasure these New Year’s calls have been received, as they respond, “A Happy New Year to you and many of them.”

These Christian motto calendars are hung up in their cells and are read over and over many times a day—such as these:

These silent messengers may be the means, under the blessing of our Heavenly Father, of reaching many souls and bringing them to Christ, their Saviour.

SOME CASES OF INTEREST WHICH HAVE COME TO OUR NOTICE.

A young man left the Eastern Penitentiary, perhaps three years ago, for one of the cities in Western Pennsylvania, determined to lead a new life. He gave assurance of having sought and found in our Lord Jesus Christ a full pardon for his old life and of his earnest purpose to walk in newness of life. He joined the Methodist Church, got good work, married, and has recently sent to his visitor, a member of our committee, a picture of their little baby. He writes a bright, happy letter.

A man who, while in the Penitentiary, seemed to feel the tremendous evil of his past life and an earnest desire for a better one, was led, as we believe, to pray and trust God’s spirit, we felt worked with him and not in vain. He went into a foreign country, and a few days ago we received a letter from him dated January 4, 1901, bright and happy, hoping soon to return.

About nine years ago a man left the Penitentiary and went to work for his brother-in-law, who was a baker, getting his board only. After some months he came to me saying he wanted to earn some money for himself, and asked me to get him work, even if it was as a laborer on the street. I dissuaded him from that, and encouraged him to remain, so that he might not only learn the business, but also to establish for himself a reputation. This advice was taken; he joined the Episcopal Church. I received a letter from his rector speaking in high terms of him. He afterwards went to another brother-in-law in one of the interior cities of our State. He remained there long enough to become thoroughly acquainted with that branch of business, saving up all his wages—to-day he has two establishments of his own, is married, and doing well.

Another is that of one who had a sentence of over twenty years for atrocious cruelty to an elderly couple in connection with a burglary—his second conviction. It seemed almost a hopeless case, but he was taken in hand by a faithful Christian member of our committee, joined the Episcopal Church, and is a sincere Christian, faithful, and trusted by his employer; has been out over ten years.

Another, to show how difficult it is for a discharged prisoner to obtain a situation. A man was discharged about whom there were strong doubts of his being guilty, not a crime against property. He was a skilled workman in an industry of which there are very few in this country, and such men are in demand. The foreman in the manufactory where he formerly worked agreed to take him the next morning. Calling the men together, he informed them that he was going to take —— back. They said if he did they would all strike—they would not work with an ex-convict. I boarded him for three weeks, getting odd jobs now and then, and finally sent him to New York, where he has employment in the same branch of business—have had a letter thanking me for what I did for him. Very many such cases could be mentioned. All these were aided on their leaving the prison.

THE OFFICERS.

The warden, D. W. Bussinger, who in the short time he has been in office has proved himself to be very efficient, and has instituted many important reforms. It is his aim to make it the model prison of the United States. He thoroughly understands what is needed, and is truly the right man in the right place.

George Dorward, called the “Principal Overseer,” is very faithful to his duties, and living in some of the apartments of the Penitentiary, is always at hand to render efficient services to the warden.

The Rev. Joseph Welch, the chaplain, officially called the “Moral Instructor,” and his able assistant, the Rev. H. Cresson McHenry, are earnestly desirous for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the prisoners, and are ever on the alert to instil into their minds the necessity for a change in their lives, to cease to do evil, and learn to do well. They devote their time to the good of the prisoner, and the result cannot fail to be beneficial. It is particularly gratifying that the Moral Instructor has such an able and valuable assistant. I have again to thank the warden and all of the overseers for the valuable assistance rendered me in the prosecution of my work, which requires much tact and judgment in determining what is best to be done in such cases.

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY PRISON AND ANNEX.

The Visiting Committee report 848 visits to the prison during the past year, and including the new convict prison at Holmesburg, 6,191 visits reported to prisoners either in the cells or at the cell doors.

The prisons are in good condition, and well kept, and are models for county prisons. It is much to be regretted that every one committed, especially those before trial, could not be kept in a separate cell. Many of those were in prison for the first time, and often associated with hardened criminals, thus rendering our county prisons the nurseries of crime.

Robert C. Motherwell makes a most valuable and faithful Superintendent.

Too much credit cannot be given to the faithful visits of the lady members of the committee, who have religious opportunities with the women, and many of whom have had situations obtained for them, and are known to be leading exemplary lives. Their mission does not cease with their release from prison, but a watchful care is extended to them after their discharge.

The Rev. Joseph J. Camp, the Prison Agent, appointed by the Inspectors, is also a member of the Acting Committee. He has seen many years of service there, and holds a position which is invaluable, and could not well be dispensed with. There are numberless cases of persons who should not be committed to the County Prison. Those cases he faithfully investigates, and secures from the magistrates their release as soon as possible. Very many boys run away from home, stealing rides on freight trains—they are arrested, and sent to prison. He looks up such cases, writes to the parents, who reply that it is their desire that they should be sent back. They are by that time very penitent, and are put on the cars for home. He acts, too, as a peacemaker between families. We honor him for the good work he is doing.

Frederick J. Pooley, the agent of the Society at the County Prison is displaying much zeal and energy in the performance of his arduous duties, and I can but repeat what I have heretofore said of him. He is in love with his work, and feels that God is blessing his services there. He says that while there are many clouds along his pathway, yet he sees more of the sunshine that leads him on to greater efforts in the work in which God has been pleased to call him. His earnest desire is that he may be a benefit both in spiritual and temporal things to those who have become inmates of a prison-cell. Services are held there every Sabbath in the morning for the men, in the afternoon for the women. Once a month he has charge of the latter, and is listened to with marked attention. The committee as well as the management of the County Prison is fortunate in securing the services of such a valuable assistant. He takes especial interest in looking after the many boys who get into trouble—often runaways from home, whom he sends back. Interesting letters have frequently been received from them.

Some of the cases are worthy of mention. One whom he sent to Atlantic City writes thus: “I take pleasure in letting you know I have got work, and to let you know what a little kindness and good advice will do for a poor fellow who is struggling to lead an honest life.” In reply, he advised him to attend some place of worship and to keep from drink. Again the boy writes: “I will try to live up to your advice; I attended church this A. M., the first time in years, and with the help of God, I cannot go wrong. I am working every day, but I am making an honest living—honest dollars are the best kind of dollars—I have fully made up my mind to that.”

A boy whom he sent home to his parents in Newark, N. J., writes: “I am going to work this P. M., and with God’s help, will try to make a man of myself.”

Another boy says, “I owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be paid;” and another writes, “I am going to night-school, to church and Sunday-school, and am trying to be a good boy.”

From a boy he sent home: “I arrived in Baltimore safe, and my mother met me at the depot. I thank you very much for your kindness to me.”

These are cases of boys who have ran away from home, steal rides on freight cars and are arrested when they are arrived and sent to the County Prison, often put in with those who are adepts in crime, their parents are written to, who request that they be sent home. If the money is not sent for the return fare, the Prison Society pays it. Much good is done in this way.

CHESTER COUNTY PRISON.

William Scattergood, President of the Board of Inspectors, and a member of the Acting Committee of our Society visits that prison weekly. He is much interested in the welfare of the prisoners. It is well managed, kept clean, and is in an admirable condition. A new wing has been erected for the women, of whom they have very few.

DELAWARE COUNTY PRISON.

This prison is faithfully visited by Deborah C. Leeds, who reports it to be in good condition and well managed. She holds services there very frequently, which are much appreciated, and her remarks are listened to with marked attention.

OTHER COUNTY PRISONS.

Deborah C. Leeds has been appointed “Visitor to the County Prisons of the State at Large.” In virtue of this appointment, she has visited many of the County Prisons, speaking to the inmates as way opens for it, encouraging them to give up their evil ways and lead new and better lives, looking unto the Lord for help in this respect, without which their efforts will be in vain.

ACTING COMMITTEE VISITS.

To Eastern Penitentiary 731 visits to 15,616 Prisoners.

To County Prison, Annex, and House of Correction 848 “ “ 6,191 “

Genl. Secretary to Eastern Penitentiary 352 “ “ 4,000 “

1,931 25,807

POLICE MATRONS.

The Associated Committee of Women on Police Matrons hold meetings monthly, at which reports are received from the different station-houses where there are matrons in number. A number of interesting cases are reported monthly, of women missing trains, and shelter given them until next morning, feeble-minded women wandering from home—children lost, etc.—These are kindly cared for by the matrons.

It is sad to find such a large number who were arrested for being intoxicated.

Thankful to my Heavenly Father that He has, as I reverently believe, called me to this work and that through all these years He has given me health and strength to perform it, and that I may be more faithful in winning souls unto Christ, and invoking the Divine blessing upon my labor, and that ability may be given me to perform the service with increased zeal and earnestness, with a single eye to the glory of God, and to the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom on the earth, this report is respectfully submitted.

John J. Lytle, General Secretary.

At a meeting of the Acting Committee, held 10th month, 18th, 1900, the Committee on Memorials for deceased members presented the following, in relation to our late fellow-member, Henry M. Laing.

In Memoriam.

Henry M. Laing, our late esteemed Treasurer, died at Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 1st, 1900, in his 80th year. Funeral ceremonies were held at Friends’ Meeting House, 15th and Race street, Monday, August 13, several members of our Acting Committee attending.

It seems fitting that there should be a minute of record of our esteemed brother, who for nearly 20 years—1873-1892—served the society so honorably and so well, as Treasurer, in the care of its funds, and who had been an active member for many years, beside also being a life member. We revere his memory, as one whom we desire to think of, whose manly disposition and straightforward conscientious dealings led us all to regard most favorably.

Full of years the Lord called him, and we hope to meet him beyond the river of death.

May this note be recorded, and a copy sent to the surviving children by our Secretary.