Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - III. Chapter. Comparisons between the Auburn and Philadelphian penitentiary systems
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has been proofread at least once.
(diff)
(history)
Denna sida har korrekturlästs minst en gång.
(skillnad)
(historik)
which he cannot escape; for it is the stamp of every punishment that acts upon the soul, without debasing it, that its severity is in just proportion to the really moral guilt, and to the intention itself which gave rise to it.
This view of the excruciating effects of solitude is confirmed by the prisoners themselves, and as their own expressions portray their feelings most correctly, I will cite some among those of most consequence, taken from Mess:rs Beaumont and Tocqueville’s interesting report of the complete examination made by them of the penitentiary- institution at Philadelphia, during which they visited the prisoners for a fortinght in their cells, and conversed with most of them.
“N:o 41 [1]. The prisoner was a young man who acknowledged his crime. During the. whole conversation tears stood in his eyes.
Question. Do you find it difficult to bear solitary confinement? Answer. It is the most dreadful punishment that could be invented. Ques. But your health has not suffered from it? Ans. No, my health is good but my soul is sick. Ques. What do you think of most during your long solitude? Ans. Of religion. That is my only comfort. Ques. Do you consider work a relief? Ans. Without it I could not live; Sunday is long, I assure you. Ques. What is your opinion of the punishment
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
