OLD SYSTEM ENTIRELY WRONG

Thomas Mott Osborne '84 told an audience of more than six hundred in Emerson D yesterday that the old system of dealing with law-breakers was entirely wrong.

"Men are not born criminals as it was formerly supposed," said Mr. Osborne. "There is no fixed line dividing the good and the inherently bad, any more than there is a line around the earth at the equator. When men go wrong it is largely the result of circumstances or environment. The old prisons based on this mistaken theory only added to the criminal capacities of those who were confined within their walls. The effect upon the inmates was both physical and moral. Owing to the unhealthy surroundings the prisoners developed what was called the 'prison pallor" and the influence on their moral nature was equally pernicious.

"Under the new regime the men are dismissed in good health. Instead of the 'prison pallor' they wear a wholesome tan, and this difference in outward complexion is indicative of an entirely changed moral attitude toward the world in general."

The methods which Mr. Osborne has used to bring this about represent a complete change in prison government. No longer are the men watched and spied upon by "stool pigeons." They are treated as men and as such are placed on their honor. The men have risen to their new opportunities. Recently a prisoner escaped and at once a crowd of volunteers offered to go in search of the fugitive. The band, 16 in number, set out in charge of one guard. They were gone all night and had plenty of opportunity to escape, yet the next day, all returned. Afterward one of the party came to Mr. Osborne and said: "Ain't it too bad more of them aren't like you and me? If they was, this world would be an ideal place."