Under this model, crime was viewed as analogous to illness requiring administrative discretion in determining the nature and scale of incarceration or treatment, the diagnosis of problems, and the decision to release. While this new penology made its impact in the first decade of the 19th century, and achieved some legislative success, it was rapidly defeated. The crucial era of reform, in fact, came much later, in 1923, despite an earlier strong movement toward Progressivism in the State. The ease with which reforms were at first easily established and defeated suggests a relative shallowness of the reforming constituency during the Progresive Era. By contrast, the success of reformers after 1923 highlights the influence of the circle of activists gathered around Louis N. Robinson and the Penal Affairs Committee. However, reform was a lengthy, drawn-out process that was not fully accomplished until the 1950's. 42 references.