418 REVIEWS. 



intercourse witb our rulers, may understand many things which are mysteries to 

 those without the privileged circle. Access to the establishments obtained through 

 persons in oflBce, may reveal at a glauce to an experienced eye "what may be a 

 lasting perplexity to the less privileged. But the writer of this work has enjoyed 

 none of these advantages. Happily, howeve)', there are open to all, sources of 

 knowledge even more satisfactory, in the evidence which was laid before the 

 Royal Commission last year, and from this, and from the witnesses before various 

 Parliamentary Committees, we shall be able to obtain reliable information. 



"Of the results of the system adopted in Great Britain, we must form a judg- 

 ment from less ofHcial sources, for unhappily in our country there has never yet 

 been adopted such a system of identification and registration of criminals and 

 their acts, as would give even the possibility of an approximation to truth from 

 any criminal statistics that exist. We find even that in many cases the persons 

 who may be supposed most cognizant of actual facts, and most in a position to 

 obtain reliable statistics, arrive at conclusions most at variance with the reality 

 which is patent to the public, and that they are most vague and theoretical in 

 their statements. "We must, therefore, be satisfied with such amount of knowledge 

 of results as we can obtain from ordinary facts and general opinions founded with 

 reason upon them. 



" Having thus endeavoured, from such means of information as we possess, to 

 obtain some distinct view of the Convict system in Graat Britain, and the results 

 of it, we shall study the working of a system founded on different principles in the 

 Sister Island; and here, an accurate identification and systematic registration of 

 criminals throughout the country, will enable us to arrive at definite results, 

 which may be considered reliable, as they are thoroughly supported by the inde- 

 pendent testimony of public opinion. The writer has here had the advantage of 

 both personal and official information respecting the working and the results of 

 the Irish Convict System, which will be presented to the reader. 



" Whether removal to another country can take part in our Penal System will 

 then be considered , and the evidence on the subject will be analysed, which was 

 last year brought before the Royal Commission. Improvements in our present 

 system will also be suggested, as they have been brought forward by many expe- 

 rienced persons. 



" In conclusion, wc must remember that the Convicts are still ours, even after 

 their punishment, and must return to our midst when they have been discharged 

 from the Convict Prison. Society has a right to expect that during the period of 

 a costiy incarceration the best possible means shall be adopted by the Government 

 for the reformation of those entrusted to them, for their preparation for reabsorp- 

 tion into the community ; but, on the other hand, the Government must be sup- 

 ported in its efforts by society, and especially by that portion of it which is 

 professedly Christian. What has been done to promote this great object, and 

 •what may further be done, will be briefly shown." 



"We thus have before us the plan and object of a work which, in two 

 8vo volumes, embracing 673 pages, treats in an orderly, practical, and 

 at the same time scientific manner, one of the most important subjects 



