The Review, Vol. 1, No. 11, November 1911

A snapshot of early‑twentieth‑century reformist journalism, this issue of The Review offers a window into the concerns of the National Prisoners’ Aid Association. The modestly priced monthly brings together the voices of its leadership and the pressing social issues of the day, setting the stage for thoughtful debate on the criminal‑justice system.

The centerpiece is a compelling essay by Eugene Smith, president of the Prison Association of New York, who lays out a stark diagnosis of the chaotic state of crime statistics. He argues that without a uniform, state‑run bureau of criminal data, reliable analysis remains impossible, and calls for coordinated standards that could eventually be overseen by the federal census office. Listeners will hear a persuasive plea for systematic reform, reflecting the era’s blend of idealism and practical policy‑making, and gaining insight into the foundations of modern criminal‑justice data collection.