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Editorial
July 3, 1841
New York Tribune
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Editorial critiques the Rochester Evening Post's proposal to employ state prison convicts in building Macadamized roads, arguing it would hinder moral and religious improvement, encourage escape hopes, and undermine discipline; prefers underground mining.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The State Prison Question.—The Rochester Evening Post, in remarking on an article in our paper on this subject, suggests the employment of convicts in the construction of Macadamized State Roads. We fear this would not work well. In the first place, it cuts them off from stated opportunities for solitary meditation and for moral and religious improvement; in the next place, it would necessarily afford opportunities of escape, or at least encourage hopes of it, which would prove very pernicious. No improvement in discipline can be hoped while such hopes are cherished. Dark employment in under-ground mines would be far preferable.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Or Punishment
What keywords are associated?
State Prison
Convict Labor
Road Construction
Moral Improvement
Escape Risks
Penal Discipline
What entities or persons were involved?
Rochester Evening Post
State Prison Convicts
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Convict Employment In Road Construction
Stance / Tone
Critical Of The Proposal
Key Figures
Rochester Evening Post
State Prison Convicts
Key Arguments
Cuts Off Opportunities For Solitary Meditation And Moral/Religious Improvement
Affords Opportunities For Escape Or Encourages Hopes Of It, Which Is Pernicious
No Discipline Improvement Possible While Escape Hopes Are Cherished
Underground Mines Preferable For Employment