| Show LABOR LABOE IN MANY of tho the state le legislatures now in session tho the question as to which cf two evils is the least convict labor or idleness in prison is bein being discussed pro and con with much vigor it is one of the problems confronting 0 our own leisla le legislature isla and much depends upon its correct solution in most states the convict labor has been letout let out upon apon the contract system at low rates and labor unions have been unceasing anc essing in their to have the contract system abolished as it drove honest labor demanding living rates out of the market thus forcing men to star starvation vaton and crime in new york the pressure became k so strong and labor so united in ia its demand that it was and the prisoners allowed to remain in idleness supported at the expense of the taxpayers of the state the support of this great non con producing class was not the only evil it has according to high medical authority turned tamed sing sing into a manufactory of lunatics and invalids it has been demonstrated that men must have sortie some occupation or become insane arid and frequently dangerous maniacs thus adling to the cost of their custody in some come prisons they have provided work for criminals and as soon as the object upon which they had bestowed their labor was i complete destroyed it that it m might i not enter into competition with the product of honest labor in our opinion sufficient bahor should be provided to make th the convict bell belf supporting it saves him from beco becoming ming insane gives him something thing to think of besides planning escapes or attacks on the guards arid and may bo be made useful by tp aching him sortie some trade by which he be can obtain an honest livelihood when his hia term expires the advantages are sef apparent the means by which the good can iiii be attained without iaci incurring t the undesirable results is the problem confronting the legislature |
