Convict Labor On Roads

The only way prisoners can be employed without competiug directly with free labor is to put fhem to work on public improvenieuts that coiüd not be construcled for yearstocpme bnt for the ntilization upon them of labor of this sort, says the Chicago Record. In this way there may be secured improvements of inestimable valué for all time that the public might not have feit warranted in constructing under other circurustances. Tliere is no doubt that good roads would be worth almost any amount to a community, bnt it ia practically impossible to get taxing bodies to take from the people the sums necessary for their construction. Making of good roads would be in many respects ideal employment for a portion of the state's convicta, and the proposition so to einploy them has been revived in New York. The chief objection to the plan, peculiarly enough, ia a sentimental one. It is argued that the popular sense would revolt at the sight of convicts under guard at work in the j presence of the public. This objection has same weight, but it should not be I made to appear insuperable.