Within Prison Walls
Within Prison Walls
Being a narrative during a week of voluntary confinement in the state prison at Auburn, New York
Free DownloadMr. Osborne's book surpasses in interest the sensational novel--because it is true. His chapter "A Night in Hell," describing the horrors of solitary confinement, should rouse the conscience of every reader to protest against the perpetuation of such barbarities.
Book Excerpt
I take my seat upon the platform and, while awaiting my turn to speak, endeavor to listen to the service. Before me sit rows and rows of men in gray trousers and faded shirts, upward of 1,300--not a full house, for a considerable number are out in the road-building camps. Gray predominates--not only in the gray clothes but in the heads and faces. There are a few bright spots of youth and manly vigor, and some black negro heads, but the general impression is gray; gray, and faded, and prematurely old. It is a sad audience, to which a sinister aspect is given by the sight of the guards--silent, alert, blue-clothed figures, youthful for the most part, seated with watchful eyes and weapons handy, each in a raised chair near his own particular company.
But, although a sad audience to look upon, it is, as I have found on previous occasions, a most wonderfully sensitive and responsive audience to address. Each point of the discourse is caught with extraordinary quickness; every slight attempt at humor
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Within Prison Walls. Osborne. 1914
One of the ‘many books’ I had no idea I wanted to read. Thomas Osborne was a civic leader and pal of Roosevelt. He had an interest in prison reform and caused himself to be locked up in Auburn prison for a week to check on conditions. This is his tale of that escapade.
Clearly a kindly and well-intentioned individual, he was a massive hit with the regular inmates but was savagely mocked by the press. Some corrupt NYC officials even attempted to destroy his career but he rose above the criticism and went on to become Governor of Sing Sing. His reforms led to far reaching improvements. He tells his tale with warmth and good humour and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Simon Boyle Lowestoft UK
One of the ‘many books’ I had no idea I wanted to read. Thomas Osborne was a civic leader and pal of Roosevelt. He had an interest in prison reform and caused himself to be locked up in Auburn prison for a week to check on conditions. This is his tale of that escapade.
Clearly a kindly and well-intentioned individual, he was a massive hit with the regular inmates but was savagely mocked by the press. Some corrupt NYC officials even attempted to destroy his career but he rose above the criticism and went on to become Governor of Sing Sing. His reforms led to far reaching improvements. He tells his tale with warmth and good humour and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Simon Boyle Lowestoft UK
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