Page:Elizabeth Fry (Pitman 1884).djvu/65



attention was so far aroused on the subject of Prison Discipline, and the condition of criminals, that a Committee of the House of Commons was appointed to examine into evidence respecting the prisons of the metropolis. On the 27th of February, 1818, Mrs. Fry was examined by this Committee, relative to her personal experiences of this work, and her own labours in connexion with it. The clear, calm statements made by her before this Committee cast considerable light upon her doings, and the principles upon which she acted. There is no exaggeration, no braggadocio, no flourish of philanthropy,—simply a straightforward story of quiet but persistent endeavours to lessen the human misery within the walls of the prison at Newgate; for, hitherto, her efforts had been confined to that gaol.

"Query. You applied to the Committee of the Court of Aldermen?

"Ans. Not at first; I thought it better to try the experiment for a mouth, and then to ask them whether they would second us, and adopt our measures as their