BLACKMAR: PENOLOGY IN KANSAS. l6l 



The only punishment is a dark cell with deprivation of work for a 

 period. 



The New York system is as has been practiced at Auburn, by which 

 the prisoners are confined in solitary cells during the night, but have 

 companionship during the day while at work, and at the dinner table. 

 Each system has warm advocates. The solitary cell system has had 

 most practice in Europe but the American plan has made up the lack 

 of proper classification by the excessive work of prisoners. 



Many persons hold that classification of prisoners in groups is a 

 failure, and that the solitary cellular system is the only commendable 

 method. Edward Livingston has thus set forth the advantages of this 

 system: 



"Every association of convicts that can be formed will, in a greater 

 or less degree, corrupt, but will never reform those of which it is com- 

 posed, and we are brought to the irresistible conclusion that classifi- 

 cation once admitted to be useful, it is so in an inverse proportion to 

 the numbers of which each class is composed. But it is not perfect 

 until we come to the plan at which it loses its name and nature in the 

 complete separation of individuals. We come then to the conclusion 

 that each convict is to be separated from his fellows."* 



The extent of isolation which each prisoner undergoes must be 

 determined somewhat by the nature of his case and somewhat by 

 the conditions and convenience of the prison. It is hardly possible 

 for many modern prisons to have complete separation on account of 

 the expense incurred, for this would mean that within the cell itself 

 the prisoner must perform all labor, and that the cell shall be com- 

 modious enough to carry on this labor by himself, or else that he be 

 given labor elsewhere alone. Such a system requires an increased 

 amount of attendance. 



At the Kansas penitentiary the system of solitary cell confinement 

 at night and when off duty, and the silent associations of prisoners in 

 groups during the day while at work and at meals, is now in vogue. 

 Without doubt this association during the day carries with it evil 

 influences which are in a measure lessened by the requirements of the 

 law for ten hours of labor for all able-bodied prisoners. 



Whatever system of classification is adopted the reform idea must 

 be faithfully considered. There should be an ample opportunity for 

 study and for work, that both physical and intellectual powers may 

 receive development. It has been proved by long continued observa- 

 tion that the typical criminal is weak in body and in mind. He may 

 have intellectual cunning developed to a considerable degree, and 



*Tallack, Penological and Px-eventive Principles, p. 118. 



