and a session was held according to the usual rules. The visiting
officials were struck with surprise at the altered demeanor of the
inhabitants of this hitherto styled "hell upon earth," and were ready to
grant what Mrs. Fry chose to ask. The whole plan, both school and
manufactory, was adopted as part of the prison system; a cell was
granted to the ladies for punishment of refractory prisoners, together
with power to confine them therein for short intervals; part of the
matron's salary was promised out of the City funds, and benedictions and
praises were lavished on the ladies. This assistance in the matter of a
matron was a decided help, as, prior to her appointment, some of the
ladies spent much of each day in the wards personally superintending
operations. So determined were they to win success, that they even
remained during meal times, eating a little refreshment which they
brought with them. After this appointment, one or two ladies visited the
prison for some time, daily, spending more or less time there in order
to superintend and 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