The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7, July 1911

In Short

The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7 is a 1911 periodical published by the National Prisoners’ Aid Association, offering a comprehensive look at early 20th-century prison reform efforts. It advocates for the farm treatment of misdemeanants as a humane alternative to traditional workhouses, emphasizing rehabilitation through labor, discipline, and moral guidance. The publication also highlights the importance of organized probation and parole systems, juvenile justice, and addressing societal issues like unemployment and inebriety. Through case studies, legislative updates, and expert opinions, it presents a vision for a justice system that balances punishment with rehabilitation and societal reintegration.

The Story

The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7 opens with a critique of traditional workhouses for misdemeanants, which are deemed ineffective and inhumane. James F. Jackson, Superintendent of Charities and Correction in Cleveland, Ohio, champions the farm treatment model, citing its success in developing industry, hygiene, and individual responsibility. The Cleveland Correction Farm is held up as an example, where inmates engage in various labor tasks, from construction to farming, aimed at instilling discipline and work ethic. The farm also addresses physical and moral well-being, providing fresh air, nutritious food, and religious instruction.

The periodical then shifts to Kansas City’s progressive approach to misdemeanants, highlighting the creation of the Board of Public Welfare and initiatives like the Helping Hand Institute. E. K. Bingham describes programs such as parole systems, employment assistance for the unemployed, and legal aid for vulnerable populations. These efforts reflect a broader movement toward addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity.

Charles A. De Courcy, a Massachusetts judge, emphasizes the need for organized probation and parole systems, advocating for judges and probation officers who are both compassionate and firm. He stresses the importance of uniform standards and centralized oversight to ensure consistency and effectiveness. The publication also touches on juvenile justice, immigration, and the economic impact of inebriety, linking these issues to broader societal challenges.

Throughout, The Review underscores the moral and economic benefits of rehabilitative approaches, urging readers to view offenders as individuals capable of reform. It concludes with updates on legislative efforts, such as New York’s campaign for a farm colony, and practical initiatives like using convict labor for public works projects. The overarching message is one of hope and responsibility, calling for a justice system that balances punishment with the potential for redemption.

How It Unfolds

Critique of Traditional Workhouses: The periodical begins by addressing the failures of traditional workhouses and introduces the farm treatment model as a more effective alternative for misdemeanants. Case Study: Cleveland Correction Farm: James F. Jackson details Cleveland’s success with its correction farm, emphasizing labor, discipline, and moral rehabilitation. Kansas City’s Innovations: E. K. Bingham highlights Kansas City’s progressive reforms, including parole systems and assistance for the unemployed, showcasing a holistic approach to crime prevention. Organizing Probation and Parole: Charles A. De Courcy advocates for structured probation and parole systems, stressing the need for competent judges and officers. Juvenile Justice and Societal Issues: The periodical discusses juvenile delinquency, immigration, and inebriety, linking these issues to broader societal challenges. Legislative and Practical Initiatives: Updates on farm colony legislation and convict labor projects illustrate ongoing efforts to implement reform. Conclusion and Call to Action: The final sections reinforce the moral and economic benefits of rehabilitation, urging continued support for progressive reforms.

The People

James F. Jackson: Superintendent of Charities and Correction in Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson is a key advocate for the farm treatment model. He believes in the transformative power of labor and discipline, aiming to rehabilitate misdemeanants through practical work and moral guidance. E. K. Bingham: Superintendent of the Helping Hand Institute in Kansas City, Bingham is a reformer focused on addressing the root causes of crime. He champions initiatives like parole systems, employment assistance, and legal aid, demonstrating a holistic approach to criminal justice. Charles A. De Courcy: A Massachusetts judge, De Courcy is a strong proponent of organized probation and parole systems. He emphasizes the need for compassionate yet firm judges and probation officers, advocating for uniform standards and centralized oversight. Warden Marquis Barr: The warden of the Iowa State Reformatory, Barr proposes using convict labor to build roads, offering inmates a chance to reduce their sentences through hard work. His idea reflects a practical approach to rehabilitation and societal contribution. Governor Dix: Mentioned in the context of New York’s farm colony legislation, Governor Dix supports progressive reforms aimed at providing humane treatment and rehabilitation for tramps and vagrants.

In Its Own Voice

The old type institution for misdemeanants failed to accomplish satisfactory results, mental, moral and physical. It seemed incapable of developing industry; it was unhygienic, without classification and with no adequate facilities for developing a man’s will or increasing his capacity to do right. — James F. Jackson on the failures of traditional workhouses.

The farm does build up the body of the anaemic; it gives a good physical development. Moreover, the habit of industry can very much better be taught where results are being achieved on the farm than where work is being done at little or no profit in a factory. — James F. Jackson on the benefits of farm treatment.

The two essentials of success in probation work are:--judges who have an intelligent and sympathetic interest in the problem, and probation officers fitted by temperament and training to secure the best possible results. — Charles A. De Courcy on the key elements of successful probation systems.

What It's Really About

At its core, The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7 is about the tension between punishment and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. It challenges the notion that prisons should merely avenge wrongs, advocating instead for a system that seeks to correct and reform offenders. The periodical explores themes of individual responsibility, societal accountability, and the moral imperative to treat all individuals with dignity. It questions the effectiveness of traditional punitive measures and proposes innovative solutions that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and addiction. Ultimately, it is a call for a more humane and effective justice system that balances the needs of society with the potential for individual redemption.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of criminal justice reform will find The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7 a fascinating window into early 20th-century thinking. Its advocacy for rehabilitation over punishment remains relevant in today’s debates about mass incarceration and recidivism. The periodical’s emphasis on practical solutions, such as farm labor and probation systems, offers insights into alternative approaches to crime prevention. While some language and attitudes reflect the era’s limitations, the core arguments for humane treatment and societal reintegration are timeless. Reading it today provides a reminder of the ongoing struggle to create a justice system that truly serves both individuals and communities.