direct. Some months after this a system of work was
devised for the "untried side," but for various reasons, the success in
that department of Newgate was not as marked. It was found that as long
as prisoners indulged any hope of discharge, they were more careless
about learning industrious and orderly habits.

At this meeting with the civic authorities, Mrs. Fry offered several
suggestions calculated to promote the well-being of the prisoners,
sedately and gently explaining the reasons for the necessity of each.
They ran thus:--

"1. Newgate in great want of room. Women to be under the care of women,
matron, turnkeys, and inspecting committee.

"2. As little communication with their friends as possible; only at
stated times, except in very particular cases.

"3. They must depend on their friends for neither food nor clothing, but
have a sufficiency allowed them of both.

"4. That employment should be a part of their punishment, and be
provided for them by Government. The earnings of work to be partly laid
by, partly laid out in small extra indulgences, and, if enough, part to
go towards their support.

"5. To work and have their meals together, but sleep separate at night,
being classed, with monitors at the head of each class.

"Religious instruction. The kind attention we have had paid us.

"Great disadvantages arise from dependence upon the uncertainty and
fluctuations of the Sheriff's funds; neither soap nor clothing being
allowed without its aid, and the occasional help of charitable people."

Two extracts from the civic records prove how warmly the authorities
received these suggestions, and in what esteem they held Mrs. Fry and
her coadjutors.

SATURDAY, May 3, 1817.

Committee of Aldermen to consider all matters relating to the jails
of this city.

Present--The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and several
Aldermen.

The Committee met agreeably to the resolutions of the 29th ult. at
the Keeper's House, Newgate, and proceeded from thence, attended by
the Sheriffs, to take a view of the jail at Newgate.

The Committee, on viewing that part of it appropriated to the
female prisoners, were attended by Mrs. Elizabeth Fry and several
other ladies, who explained to the Committee the steps they had
adopted to induce the female prisoners to work and to behave
themselves in a becoming and or