FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 115 



and so may cheat the authorities into giving them an early release. 

 This indeed is possible; but the practical question is, which is most 

 likely to be deceived, the judge, who gives a few hours to the case, or 

 those who have a chance to observe the prisoner closely for months and 

 years? Moreover, it must be remembered that, in a real reformatory, 

 release does not depend upon mere observance of rules, but requires 

 that a man show zeal and earnestness in self-improvement. It cannot be 

 gained by merely negative qualities but demands active and persistent 

 endeavor. 



Another common objection, more or less definitely offered, is that 

 indeterminate sentence lets the prisoner off too easily. This is s^imply 

 a mistake. Under indeterminate sentence more is required of a man in 

 the prison; he is kept there longer, on the average, and is held under con- 

 trol for some months after he gets out. being liable to be brought back if 

 he does not conduct himself satisfactorily. 



I find from the last report of our institution at Ionia that the average 

 term of commitment, taking the first 158 names, is precisely two years. 

 From this we must allow a considerable deduction for good time, and 

 some perhaps, for parole. At Elmira, N. Y., where indeterminate sen- 

 tence is practised, the average length of actual confinement appears to 

 be about two and one-half years, and the men, when released, are kept 

 under surveillance for six months more, and not infrequently brought 

 back. The discipline also is regarded by the convicts themselves as 

 more severe. They are not allowed to practice mere routine work but are 

 required to exert their minds and show a real purpose to make better 

 men of themselves. This is just what the young man who is capable of 

 reform needs, and what the regular criminal hates. He does not want 

 to study. He wants to serve out a short term in peace and go back to 

 his old way of life. 



Indeterminate sentence does not make it easier for criminals. What 

 it does aim to do is to make a distinction between the young man who 

 has made a bad start, but is capable of turning over a new leaf, and the 

 hardened offender who will make no serious effort to become a good citi- 

 zen. To the former it gives opportunity and encouragement. Upon the 

 latter it may inflict the longest term of imprisonment that the law 

 allows. 



