The state has experienced a diminution of crimes to the amount of one half since the change of the penal system, and the criminals have been restored, in a great proportion, from the gaol to the community, as reformed persons.

For few have been known to stay the whole term of their confinement.

But no person could have had any of his time remitted him, except he had been considered both by the inspectors and the executive government as deserving it.

This circumstance of permission to leave the prison before the time expressed in the sentence, is of great importance to the prisoners.

For it operates as a certificate for them of their amendment to the world at large.