When I recovered from my nervous breakdown1, by medical order I was given lighter2 employment, and went into the library. I was now the only prisoner in the building who had suffered under the hardships of the old system at Woking Prison, all the rest of those who came with me having in the interim3 returned to the world. In fact, I was the only one who had served over ten years.
My task in the library was to assist the schoolmistress and to change the library books twice a week. They were carried from cell to cell, and this represented the handling of over two hundred and fifty books. In addition to this, I had to be[195] “literary nurse,” whose duties were to attend to worn-out books, binding4 up their wounds and prolonging their days of usefulness; doing cataloguing and entry work; to print the name of each prisoner on a card placed over her cell door; to copy hymns5, and to make scrap-books for the illiterate6 prisoners, besides other miscellaneous duties.
The library was a very good one and contained not only the latest novels, but philosophical7 works and books for study; also a limited number in French and German. To these were added religious works, especially poetry, and sermons for Sunday reading. I found a choice collection to help me support the Sabbath day, for the suspended animation8 makes a day of misery9 of the “day of rest.” One could not read all day without tiring, and the absence of week-day work usually made it a day of heavy, creeping depression. There are two periods of exercise, and chapel10 morning and afternoon. The remainder of the time the[196] prisoners are locked in their cells. Reading was my only solace11; from first to last I read every moment that I could call my own. The best index of the quality of the books was that every volume was read or examined by the chaplain and his staff before it was admitted to the library. If it contained any articles on prison life or matters relating to prisoners, these were always carefully cut out.
From my observations I consider that prison schoolmasters and schoolmistresses are overburdened with miscellaneous and incompatible13 duties. No one needs to be told that the average prisoner is a slow learner, and that even a dull boy or girl is a better pupil than a grown man or woman plodding14 along in the first steps of knowledge, and who is taught, not in a class, but in a cell. Yet the schoolmaster or schoolmistress has to devote hours daily to teaching, to help in letter-writing, in the office work, in the distribution of library books, in the library work; and now that their[197] number is likewise reduced on the ground of expense, the pressure of their work is out of all proportion to the hours within which it can be reasonably performed.
I have always been fond of reading, and during my leisure hours I got through a large number of books. This was between noon and half-past one, and seven and eight in the evening, when my light had to be put out.
Newspapers Forbidden
The rules forbid that any public news be conveyed to the prisoners, either at visits or by letters. This seems to be a very short-sighted view to take of the matter. To allow newspapers in the prison might, of course, lead to cipher15 communications to prisoners from their friends; but no harm can possibly come of allowing information regarding public affairs of national interest to be conveyed through the legitimate16 channels of letters and visits. It would give the prisoners fresh food for[198] thought, and tend greatly to relieve that vacuity17 of mind which is the outcome of lack of knowledge of external things, and of the monotony of their lives; it would also make a pause in their broodings over their cases, which is the sole subject of their thoughts and conversations when permitted to converse18 at all.
How Prisoners Learn of Great Events
The lowering of the prison flag told us of the death of Queen Victoria, although we had heard several days before that she was sinking. When King Edward was dangerously ill it was talked of among the officers, and the prisoners, through me, asked that special prayers might be said in the chapel.
When Mafeking was relieved and when peace with the Boers was declared, flags were hoisted20. Jubilee21 and Coronation days were the only occasions I remember[199] when we had any relaxation22 of prison rules, and then there was much disappointment, since in lieu of a mitigation of our sentences, as was the case in India, they gave us extra meat and plum pudding.
Strict Discipline of Prison Officers
I have served under three governors, each of whom was an intelligent and conspicuously23 humane24 man. They knew their prisoners and tried to understand them, but there is not much a governor can do for them of his own initiative. I consider that he who holds this responsible position should have more of a free hand, and be allowed to use his discretion25 in all ordinary matters pertaining26 to the prison discipline and welfare of the prisoners.
They were all advanced disciplinarians. The routine reeled itself off with mechanical precision. The rules were enforced and carried out to the letter. The deadly monotony never varied27; all days are alike;[200] weeks, months, years slowly accumulate, and, in the mean time, the mental rust28 is eating into the weary brain, and the outspoken29 cry rises up daily—“How long, O Lord! how long?”
The officers are almost as keen as the governor in their efforts to keep things up to the mark. It is seldom they allow prisoners under their observation or supervision30 any slight relaxation which nature may demand, but the rules forbid. They dislike to punish a woman, and in their hearts make many excuses for the black sheep.
Their High Character
As a class, with few exceptions, the prison staff is worthy31 of respect and confidence, and might be trusted with any task. The patience, civility, and self-control which the officers exhibit under the most trying circumstances, as a rule, mark them as men and women possessing a high sense of duty, not only as civil servants, but as Christians33.
Nervous Strain of Their Duties
The hours of work are long, the nervous strain is incessant34. I could wish that those in high places showed a little more appreciation35 of what these faithful servants do, and were not so sparing of their praise and commendation. The small remuneration they receive can not make up for the deprivation36 of the amenities37 of life which the prison service entails39. Two writers on prison life have expressed themselves in widely different ways regarding the warders and officers. One writer compares them to slave-and cattle-drivers; another expresses surprise that they are as good as they are. As, I trust, an impartial40 observer, I agree with the latter opinion. Experience has taught me that, in most cases, if the prisoner is amiable41 and willing, the officer on her part is ready to meet the prisoner fully12 half way—at all events, as far as circumstances and duty will permit, for the continual daily changes of duty, from[202] ward19 to ward and hall to hall, make it nearly impossible for any officer to acquire a true knowledge of the character of those under her charge.
It would be interesting if a trained psychologist could watch and report upon the insidious42 effect of the repressive rules and regulations of a prison on the more impressionable officers and prisoners. When such officers first enter this service they are natural women with a natural demeanor43 and expression of countenance44. After a time, however, the molding effects of “standing45 orders” become apparent in the sternness of their expression, the harsh tones of their voices, and the abruptness46 of their manner.
Standing Orders for Warders
These “standing orders” may be paraphrased47 as follows:
“You must not do this or say that, or look sympathetic or friendly, or converse[203] with prisoners in any way. You must always suspect them of wishing to do something underhand, sly, and contrary to orders. You must never let them for a moment out of your sight, or permit them to suppose that you have either trust or confidence in them. It is your duty to see that the means of punishment devised by the Penal48 Code are faithfully carried out. You are not to trouble yourself about the result upon the prisoner—that is the affair of the Government.”
Any familiarity on the part of an officer with a prisoner is strictly49 forbidden by the rules of prison service, and the slightest manifestation50 of the sort would entail38 serious punishment on the officer. Surely this is not as it should be; on the contrary, greater discretionary power should be permitted to officers in their relations with prisoners, for the influence for good which a kind, well-disposed officer could exert upon a prisoner is incalculable. But all this possible influence for good is denied[204] expression by the spirit of mistrust and suspicion which pervades51 the entire prison administration. This is one of the most regrettable features of the system. No officer is trusted by her superior, and no prisoner, however exemplary her conduct, may be trusted by any one officially connected with the institution.
An officer who commits a breach52 of any rule laid down for her may be fined a sum varying from one to ten shillings, and if the offense53 is a grave one she may be discharged.
Crime a Mental Disease
When will those connected with prisons awake to the fact that the criminal is mentally diseased? Ninety-nine out of a hundred criminals, when not such by accident, through poverty, or environment, come to their lot through inherited, malformed brains. It ought to be the sacred duty of earnest men to deal kindly54, intelligently, [205]and patiently with them. The prison, which is now a dreadful place of punishment and humiliation55, ought to be made a home of regeneration and reformation, in which intelligent effort is made to raise the prisoner to a higher level; and this surely is not done by withdrawing all the refining influences.
I hope the time is not far off when men and women will take more of a heart interest in prisoners, and when, no matter how low they may have sunk, an opportunity to live honestly will be given them on their release; when the society against which they have sinned will treat them so kindly that for very shame they will seek to do better, and repentance56 shall enter into the most darkened soul. The “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” doctrine57 is not a part of the Christian32 dispensation. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave his last supreme58 lesson, as he turned toward the thief at his side on the cross, and there put an end to that old law forever.
Something Good in the Worst Criminal
There is some good to be found in the worst criminal, which, if nourished by patience and sympathy, will grow into more good. I speak from a large, intimate personal experience, for during my imprisonment59 it was my happy fortune to evoke60 kindly reciprocations from some of the worst and most degraded characters. I will cite an instance.
One day I was crossing the hall when a fight occurred. I can not describe it—it was too horrible. The crowd surged toward me, and I was being drawn61 in among the combatants, when one of them, catching62 sight of me, stepped out with a face streaming with blood, and pushed me into an open cell, closing the door after me. When I thanked her the next day she replied:
“Why, bless your heart, Mrs. Maybrick, did you think I would let them hurt a hair of your head?”
I believe I had the sympathy and respect of all my fellow prisoners, and when I left Aylesbury, my feelings were those of mingled63 relief and regret. I could not but feel attached to those with whom I had lived and suffered and worked for so many weary years. I knew, perhaps, more of the life history of these poor women, their inner thoughts and feelings, than any one else in the prison. In suffering, in sympathy, in pity, we were all akin64. In the association hour they would bring me their letters from home to read, and show me the photographs of their children or other dear ones, while tears would course down their cheeks at the memory of happier days.
Need of Further Prison Reform
Many opinions have been written regarding prisons, but with few exceptions they are the observations of outsiders, which means, they must of necessity be to a certain extent superficial.
I have touched only a few spots of the great diseased system of prison management, but what public opinion did to ameliorate past abuses, public opinion can still do to improve the treatment of to-day’s criminal. A little over a hundred years ago there were thirty-four offenses65 in England punishable by capital punishment. To-day there is only one. Charles Dickens did more than any agency toward doing away with imprisonment for debt, yet last year there were no less than eleven thousand prisoners in confinement66 for debt in English prisons. How many of these have since joined the ranks of the criminals through loss of self-respect? What has been the effect upon their wives and families? Why is a man imprisoned67 for debt? Certainly not to enable him to pay it. He can earn nothing while in prison, where he is supported at the expense of the state; and if he has a wife or family, they either become dependent on the rates, or incur68 debts which he will have to pay[209] on his release. Again, he may not improbably lose his employment, and have to look out for another when liberated69, and his imprisonment does not make it more easy, either to procure70 work or to perform it efficiently71. The ground of imprisonment is dishonesty. But is not actual dishonesty sufficiently72 met by the criminal law? In what sense is the debtor73 dishonest? Is it meant that he has money in his pocket and refuses to pay his debts? Is it not rather that he ought to have had money? It is proved perhaps that he is earning so much per week, possibly, but how long had he been earning and how long was he out of employment before that? Has he had sickness? There have been many instances where a man was in the hospital when the committal order was made, and was seized and carried off to prison immediately on discharge. If non-payment of a debt is not a crime, why is he in prison for it? If it is a crime, why has he not the benefit of a trial by[210] jury on the ability or inability of paying his debts? And why should not the Home Office or other appellate tribunal have the power of revising his sentence? If the debtor has goods that can be seized, let them be seized; if there is money coming to him, let the creditor74 attach it; if it comes within the scope of the bankruptcy75 law, let him be adjudicated and examined on oath to every shilling that he has received or spent. But why, in the name of justice and humanity, treat him as a criminal, prevent him from earning his bread, and make him an incumbrance on the State, exposing his wife and daughter to ruin, degrading him, lowering his self-respect, and subjecting him to the taint76 of the prison atmosphere, without satisfactory evidence of his ability to pay at the time of committal? Several prisoners that I came in contact with were made criminals because their husbands had left their families destitute77 because imprisoned for debt.
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1
breakdown
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| n.垮，衰竭；损坏，故障，倒塌 | |
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lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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interim
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| adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间 | |
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binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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incompatible
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| adj.不相容的，不协调的，不相配的 | |
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plodding
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| a.proceeding in a slow or dull way | |
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cipher
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| n.零；无影响力的人；密码 | |
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legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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vacuity
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| n.(想象力等)贫乏，无聊，空白 | |
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converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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hoisted
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| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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jubilee
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| n.周年纪念；欢乐 | |
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relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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pertaining
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| 与…有关系的，附属…的，为…固有的(to) | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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rust
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| n.锈；v.生锈；(脑子)衰退 | |
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outspoken
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| adj.直言无讳的，坦率的，坦白无隐的 | |
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supervision
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| n.监督，管理 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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deprivation
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| n.匮乏；丧失；夺去，贫困 | |
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amenities
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| n.令人愉快的事物；礼仪；礼节；便利设施；礼仪( amenity的名词复数 )；便利设施；（环境等的）舒适；（性情等的）愉快 | |
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entail
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| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
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entails
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| 使…成为必要( entail的第三人称单数 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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42
insidious
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| adj.阴险的，隐匿的，暗中为害的，（疾病）不知不觉之间加剧 | |
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43
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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45
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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46
abruptness
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| n. 突然，唐突 | |
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47
paraphrased
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| v.释义，意译( paraphrase的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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48
penal
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| adj.刑罚的；刑法上的 | |
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49
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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50
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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51
pervades
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的第三人称单数 ) | |
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52
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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53
offense
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| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
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54
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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55
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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57
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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58
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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59
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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60
evoke
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| vt.唤起，引起，使人想起 | |
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61
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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62
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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63
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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offenses
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| n.进攻( offense的名词复数 )；（球队的）前锋；进攻方法；攻势 | |
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66
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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67
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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71
efficiently
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| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
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72
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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73
debtor
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| n.借方，债务人 | |
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74
creditor
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| n.债仅人，债主，贷方 | |
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75
bankruptcy
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| n.破产；无偿付能力 | |
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76
taint
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| n.污点；感染；腐坏；v.使感染；污染 | |
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destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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