This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 Excerpt: ...for vice, than of reform, and must not the ill-fated individual, who is once committed there, from such associates, acquire such principles and habits as will undermine every vestige of virtue? Boys who have been charged with picking pockets, stealing watches, and the like crimes, have declared before the police, when demanded how they they came to do such things, that they learned the art from the experienced offenders they met in Bridewell, by listening to their feats and adventures, and that they actually used to practice upon each other's pockets in Bridewell, to show their dexterity. And it is to be remembered that many are innocently committed to that prison, and their innocence is afterwards declared by the verdict of a jury, but they are compelled, for want of bail, to pass through the ordeal of temptation. There should be a separate building for the imprisonment of young offenders both before and after trial. If we may-so speak, we should endeavor to hide it from themselves, that they are prisoners. The consciousness of crime and punishment and consequent disgrace, at once break down the spirit of youth, and their independence of character. If it were possible, they should hear no clanking of chains; feel no restraint of bolts and bars; they should be rnade to think, rather, that they are in a place of instruction and work, preparing for their future support and usefulness, than in a prison suffering punishment as an atonement for their offenses. House or Rnruon.--Gonnected with Juvenile Delinquency there is a subject which the Board beg leave to lay before the public and our civil authorities, which, if acted upon, they are confident would greatly reform and prevent the increase of young offenders. It is the project of a House of Refuge for ...