We must, however, read these testimonies of practical men, which
could easily be multiplied, in the light of our distinction
between incorrigible criminals, who are so from their birth, and
such as are made incorrigible by the effect of their prison and
social environment. The former could scarcely be reduced in
number, whilst the latter could be considerably diminished
by the penal alternatives of which I will speak later.

The following statistics of relapse are quoted from Yvernes,
``La Recidive en Europe'' (Paris, 1874):--

FRANCE--1826-74.
ITALY--1870.
Relapses ENGLAND--1871. SWEDEN--1871. Accused Accused
Prisoners. Thieves. and brought and brought
to trial. to trial.
Once ... ... 38 per cent. 54 per cent. 45 per cent. 60 per cent.
Twice ... 18 '' 28 '' 20 '' 30 ''
Three times... 44 '' 18 '' 35 '' 10 ''



In Prussia (1878-82), 17 per cent. had relapsed once, 16 per cent.
twice, 16 per cent. three times, 13 per cent. four times, 10 per
cent five times, and 28 per cent. six times or oftener.[10]


[10] Starke, ``Verbrechen und Verbrecher,'' Berlin, 1884, p. 229.