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Editorial
March 25, 1896
Evening Journal
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
An 1896 editorial proposes using long-term U.S. convicts to build the Nicaragua Canal, arguing it would reduce prison costs, gain labor union support, require congressional approval, and allow rewards like land grants for good behavior to redeem prisoners.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1896.
A Good Idea.
There has recently been a proposition made to utilize our convict labor by using it to build the Nicaragua Canal. There is no doubt but that this great work will be begun in the near future, and that it will be built and owned by our countrymen, and controlled by the United States Government. Then why not use the great number of convicts in our prisons and penitentiaries to perform this work? There seems no possible objection in cases where the sentences are sufficiently long, and the labor organizations in the country would look with much favor upon an arrangement of this kind.
There has always been an objection to convict labor on the part of honest and upright workmen, as it has a tendency to keep down their wages, and yet the cost of supporting idle prisoners is too great to be considered. The plan suggested is to have all able bodied convicts whose terms of sentences range from seven years to life, sent to Nicaragua to build or assist in building the canal. How to bring this about has not yet been fully considered, and it could not legally be done without an enabling act were passed by Congress.
Suppose, then, that Congress should legalize the plan and appoint a commission to carry it into effect. This would remove all difficulties that now stand in the way, and, so far as the convicts themselves are concerned, it could be made a blessing to them. Those of them who give good service could, at the expirations of their terms, be rewarded by the government with a tract of land in Nicaragua or otherwise. The scheme looks plausible. It could be made to bring about the redemption of many unfortunates who, as at present situated, are nothing but a curse to the country. It would also tend to the building of the canal at less expense that it could otherwise be accomplished.
(IN ADVANCE)
One year ................................ $3.00
Six months ................................ 1.50
Three months ................................ 0.50
One month ..................................
ADVERTISING RATES
Cards furnished on application.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1896.
A Good Idea.
There has recently been a proposition made to utilize our convict labor by using it to build the Nicaragua Canal. There is no doubt but that this great work will be begun in the near future, and that it will be built and owned by our countrymen, and controlled by the United States Government. Then why not use the great number of convicts in our prisons and penitentiaries to perform this work? There seems no possible objection in cases where the sentences are sufficiently long, and the labor organizations in the country would look with much favor upon an arrangement of this kind.
There has always been an objection to convict labor on the part of honest and upright workmen, as it has a tendency to keep down their wages, and yet the cost of supporting idle prisoners is too great to be considered. The plan suggested is to have all able bodied convicts whose terms of sentences range from seven years to life, sent to Nicaragua to build or assist in building the canal. How to bring this about has not yet been fully considered, and it could not legally be done without an enabling act were passed by Congress.
Suppose, then, that Congress should legalize the plan and appoint a commission to carry it into effect. This would remove all difficulties that now stand in the way, and, so far as the convicts themselves are concerned, it could be made a blessing to them. Those of them who give good service could, at the expirations of their terms, be rewarded by the government with a tract of land in Nicaragua or otherwise. The scheme looks plausible. It could be made to bring about the redemption of many unfortunates who, as at present situated, are nothing but a curse to the country. It would also tend to the building of the canal at less expense that it could otherwise be accomplished.
What sub-type of article is it?
Infrastructure
Crime Or Punishment
Labor
What keywords are associated?
Convict Labor
Nicaragua Canal
Prison Costs
Labor Organizations
Congressional Act
Prisoner Redemption
What entities or persons were involved?
United States Government
Congress
Labor Organizations
Convicts
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Using Convict Labor To Build The Nicaragua Canal
Stance / Tone
Supportive Proposal
Key Figures
United States Government
Congress
Labor Organizations
Convicts
Key Arguments
Utilize Convict Labor For Nicaragua Canal To Reduce Prison Support Costs
Labor Organizations Would Favor The Plan As It Avoids Competing With Free Workers Domestically
Requires Congressional Enabling Act And Commission
Reward Good Service Convicts With Land In Nicaragua Upon Term Expiration
Promotes Redemption Of Prisoners And Lowers Canal Construction Expenses