Sketches from Formosa.

306 SKETCHES FROM FORMOSA .
halls and kitchen ; our peregrinations coming to a close
in the commodious quarters of the prison Staff. The
whole thing was very interesting to me ;
because on every
hand one could see the operation of high intelligence,
firmness, and even of mercy, in grappling with evils which
are found amongst the people of every land. Before
coming away,
the Governor remarked to me that the
entire group of buildings, including the surrounding wall,
was the outcome of convict labour ; and it did indeed
seem to be a feature of the system followed there that
no prisoner was allowed to shirk duty who was really
able to work. Nor can any one question the soundness
of this principle, for the healthful appearance of the
large companies I saw engaged
in the manufacture of
straw-mattresses, and as brick-makers, builders, car-
penters, and coolies, was in favour of it ;
while statistics
given me regarding those who had served their terms
of confinement also showed that prison life in Taichu
was both bearable and distinctly reformatory in its
tendency. I was sorry I came away without learning
the name of the obliging Chief Officer who had thus
enabled me to see so much into the working of a Japanese
prison.
He truly seems to be the right man in the right
place ; for, besides that quick eye, restless activity,
and evident self-control, his whole manner conveys the
impression
that the more advisable course would be to
obey his orders at once, without any questioning or delay.
It is easy to see that Taichu city is sure to become an
important centre before long ; for, to mention only one
thing, that great mountain region lying eastward will
soon be pouring out its treasures into it. Indeed, a
beginning has already been made in this direction, and
I can still recall the pleasurable feelings with which
my wife and myself stood aside one day when many
tramway carriages passed us, on which were piled about