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JB/550/191/002

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2
Letter XVI. Houses of Correction.

I should think it strange, if it did not considerably exceed the one just
mentioned. What it is you will risk by such an experiment, is more
than I can see. As far as the building is concerned, it is a question
which Architects, and they alone, can answer. In the mean
time, we who know nothing of the matter, can find no reason, all
things considered, why a building upon this plan should cost more
than upon another. But setting aside the building, every other
difference is on the profitable side.

The precaution against escapes, and the restraints
destined to answer the ends of punishment, would not I suppose,
in your establishment be quite so strict, as it would be necessary they
should be in an establishment designed to answer the purpose of a
Penitentiary-house. Bars, bolts, and gratings would in this of yours, I suppose,
I suppose be rejected: and the inexorable partition-walls, might for some
purposes be thinned away to boards or canvas, and for others thrown
out altogether. With you, the gloomy paradox of crowded solitude
might be exchanged perhaps for the chearfullness of a common refectory.
The Sabbath might be a Sabbath there as else where. In the Penitentiary
Inspection-house the prisoners were to lie, as they were to eat, to work,
to pray, and to do every thing, in their cells, and no where else. In
your house of Correction where they should be, or how they should be,
I beg stay not to enquire.

It is well however for you xxxx gentlemen, that
you are so rich: for in point of frugality, I could not venture to promise




Identifier: | JB/550/191/002
"JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 550.

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550

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191

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002

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