We must remember that food prison is like pay to a mercenary, every interference with custom or supposed rights, is liable to end in mutiny. It will be necessary therefore to take every precaution to avoid various 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 can happen in Gaol: In case of a riot owing to 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 ringleader, appears to me the best and most merciful course. Firing into the mob of rioters is the simplest and most efficacious of these measures; no unarmed mob will stand firearms. On the other hand, more humane measures should be adopted if possible.
The manner in which I should wish to meet an outbreak of violence would be, instantly to seize the ringleaders, march them to the office, try them, and award corporal punishment, a step which in my opinion would intimidate the rest.