Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - II. Chapter. The rise and development of the correction-system
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About this period (1822) Geneva commenced
a reform in its prisons in the same philanthropic
spirit, to which North America had given a
praiseworthy example. No expense was spared for the
erection of buildings necessary for the reception
of the prisoners, and in 1825 the regulations were
issued, by which the interior discipline should be
directed. The prisoners should be divided into
three different categories: according to their age,
sex and the nature of their offences; every class
worked in common workshops, ate and spent their
leisure time together. Thus we again find here
the unhappy idea of classification, and shall soon
perceive its dreadful effects. In vain did they try
to counteract these by shutting up the prisoners
at night in cells, and by the observance of silence
during the hours of work: the conversations and
communications, which were, between whiles,
unavoidable, were sufficient to render improvement
impossible. Not enough that the object aimed at
was thus missed: punishment lost even its deterring
power, and ceased to act as a warning element in
the state. This is shown clearly by the inspection,
which was undertaken in 1832, of the house of
correction at Geneva, in order to examine the state
of the prisoners. “The prisoners,” it is said, “had
cheerful countenances, and their appearance bore
the stamp of health and happiness. They had no
complaints to make, and in truth, what should they
find fault with? They are well fed, well clothed,
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