Corrections_Today_Spring_2026_Vol.88_No.1

from the archives

dedication of the Ohio Historical Society’s plaque on the site of that 1870 Congress in Cincinnati. In the photo, Ed stands among his old friends, shoulders squared, a determined chin thrust slightly forward. His eyes are set beyond the camera. Surely Ed sees in his mind’s eye that towering image of his life’s hero and mentor, Dr. E.C. Wines, who had stood on that spot just 100 years before — to the very day. Ed Cass’ work has ended. But the faithfulness of his life to a dedicated dream will long live on. By James V. Bennett The legacy of Ed Cass can be appreciated only if one notes how far America’s correctional system has come during his long tenure as secretary of the New York and American Prison Associations. To be sure there is much yet to be done, but all America can take pride in the fact that stripes, the shaved head, the lock-step, the silent system, contract prison labor, the cage-wagon and the lash have gone. And it was Ed Cass’s ability to feel the lash on the convict’s back that spurred on his determina tion to end these infamies. He did this by encouraging concern and understand ing for men and women trapped by circumstance, and by developing practical ways to change attitudes and build self-respect and self-discipline. He was a mas ter at searching out and guiding men and women who could mold change. He did this by reason and appeal, by wit and cajolery and when necessary by “laying it on the line.” My first recollection of him was at a meeting he had called together in the dark days of the depression to de cide whether, in view of economic conditions, the annual Prison Congress should not be temporarily suspended. At the meeting were Sanford Bates, Lewis Lawes, George Erskine, Stanley Ash, Sam Lewisohn and other leaders of correctional reform. As I remember, most of the group thought he wise thing to do was to for get any meetings for the time being. But Ed pointed out the correctional system had never had a greater

challenge or a greater opportunity to change time-honored policies. Out of the ensuing annual meeting and the discussions that followed came, for one thing, the Prison Labor Compact which set up standards for the use of prison labor the marketing of its production, and the vital importance of useful, constructive employment as a rehabilitative fac tor. Had that compact remained in force after the National Recovery Program was declared uncon stitutional American prisons would not be the vast idle houses most are today. With equal vigor during another crisis, Ed Cass forwarded the effort to utilize prisoners in the pro duction of goods and services during the Second World War. He also mobilized support for the plan to parole prisoners for induction into the service during the war. Nearly 100,000 prisoners were released ac cording to the plan, and all but about 10% received honorable discharges. These two accomplishments alone should be enough to mark Ed Cass as a giant in the annals of prison reform, but there were many others my contemporaries will no doubt note. His career and his way of life was one of far reaching effect on the ideals and traditions we treasure in this Bicenten nial year. Assisting, encouraging and sustaining him through good times and bad was the love and affec tion of his wife, Anna. She was jolly and charming at gay times and always nearby at stressful hours to advise and ease the way. Our hearts and most sincere condolences go out to her. By Austin H. MacCormick In this testimonial to Edward Cass, I shall be more personal than biographical, knowing that his long career in the correctional field will be fully covered in this issue of the Journal, edited

Spring 2026 | Corrections Today

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