and Park rations are discontent, which is a very different matter. These would permanently affect more than half the Prisoners in Gaol. The change would naturally cause much grumbling and a spark might inflame into an act of violence and insubordination.
I do not consider I could safely introduce these changes of diet, unless I am also armed with the extra powers recommended by the Gaol Commission.
His Excellency will, I trust, understand that I do not wish to throw difficulties in the way of a reform which I have unfeignedly recommended. If ordered by Government, the change can and must be carried out, and may perhaps be carried out without disturbance, but I think it is more likely there may be disturbance; cries of tyranny may arise, followed by a few assaults and acts of violence and attempts to forcibly escape. We must remember that food to a Prisoner is like pay to a mercenary: every interference with custom or supposed rights is liable to end in mutiny.
It will therefore be necessary to take precautions to avoid serious disturbance and bloodshed, particularly considering that most of the Prisoners live in association and have every opportunity of secretly conspiring.
I have, as is my duty in my position, carefully considered what is the best course for me to adopt in every contingency that may happen in Gaol. In the case of a riot owing to the reduction of food, or any other cause of discontent, where the sympathies of all the Prisoners would be with the rioters, prompt action and the instant punishment of the ringleaders appears to me the best and most merciful course. Firing into the mob of rioters is the simplest and most efficacious of measures; an unarmed mob will not stand firearms.
But on the other hand, there are humane hearts...