1906] LECTURE. 61 



the shortest time — this being changed in 1903, when the inde- 

 terminate sentence law was passed. Under the new law we 

 have the 1st, 2d and 3d grade. The 2d grade takes every per- 

 son who enters the prison, where she remains until she has 

 earned a certain number of credits. If sent for misdemeanor, 

 she must remain in the first grade three months before being 

 recommended for release. If sentenced for felony, she must 

 remain in the first grade five months with perfect conduct. This 

 new law has been in operation two and one-half years, which 

 is hardly long enough to pass judgment upon its value. This 

 year, with the exception of fifteen women, all those in my first 

 grade, numbering seventy-five, wear honorable badges, simply 

 a bow of red ribbon on the left breast, and those inclined to 

 take the temperance pledge wear a silver T on the bow. Of 

 the fifteen I have been obliged to degrade eleven to the second 

 grade and one to the third grade. When a woman goes upon 

 the third grade she loses all the time she has spent with us. 



From July 1st, 1904, to August 1st, 1905, the average 

 number of prisoners was two hundred. During that time 

 twenty-four were returned to us by revocation of permit. The 

 whole number returned during the tAvelve months was forty-six, 

 thirty-one for drunkenness, nine for immorality, five for larceny, 

 one for assault. Most of the women whom we receive now 

 have very weak minds. 



Obedience is the first lesson taught and enforced Avhen a 

 woman begins her term and also faithfulness ; we realize that 

 regular work with certain relaxation is needed to strengthen 

 the mind. We have no regular recreation, but I frequently 

 read items from the paper to them, take frequent walks ; what- 

 ever comes to my mind that I think would be inspiring or ele- 

 vating to them, I give to them. I once called my women from 

 their work at an early morning hour to listen to music by some 

 passing musicians. I went out and called them into the lodge 

 and asked them to play for us, then called all the women to the 

 lawn. Sometimes in the cool of the day a few minutes of talk 

 either by myself or the officers. Our w^omen are taught how 

 to apply themselves ; they have very little idea of application 



