The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-02-23 00:00:00

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".In order to arrive at a conclusion on this subject, I studied
the general disposition of the buildings composiug the gaol, and
he detaiis of construction as regarded the arrangement and
of the cells, the thickeess of the partitions, the width of the
passages, B.re. to ascertain whether it was adapted fur being al-
tered, so that it might form a portion of a prison on the same
site, arranged with a view of carrying that system into effect;
and suffici.oitly commodious to receive the whole of the borimgh.
prisoners, for f, was anxious not to lose sight of the advantage
'of having all the prisoners committed within the jurisdiction of
the municipal body,- placed under the control and mauagement
of the local authorities.
" But I found, that without a great sacrifice of space, arising
from the necessity of throwing two cells into one, thus giving
the prisoners a greater extent than is required, and reducing
the accommodation nearly one-half, no real improvement could
be effected. This, coupled with the inadequacy of the present
accommodation, -for all the prisoners committed within the bo-
rough, which render it necessary to make such extensive addi-
tions to complete a prison on this plan, as that the expense
would probably be but little short of what might be required for
a new prison of an improved construction, on a different and
less valuable site; and as no possible alteration would remedy
original defects, the result of any attempt to realise a plan of
this sort would be au imperfect and inconvenient prison, ill
adapted for the purposes required; awl although unworthy of
so important a borough as Liverpool, I cannot, therefore, but
consider, that all the interests concerned would in the end be
best studied, were the local authorities to regard the occupation
of the present gaol, and the, contract with the county for the
custody of their prisoners, as temporary measures, and seriously
to entertain the questiiin of building a new prison, on an im-
proved principle, as soon as any existing difficulties may be re-
moved.
"With reference to the second question, respecting the ob-
4acles which exist to carrying the measure into effect, I atu
given to understand thet the justices do not feel themselves in
a position to recommend to the council the outlay of such a sum
as would be required for the erection of a new gaol on the sepa-
rate system, whatever benefits .they may contemplate to result
from it, until the enforcement of that system is more distinctly
permitted by some legislative enactment; tor, according to the
construction put Upon the 49th section of the 4th of George I V.,
which provides fur the classification of prisoners and not their
individual separation, they are advised that there way be some
doubt entertained as to its legality; and it would appear that
so long as any doubt existed upon a point of pecuniary import-
ance as regards the discussion of the question as that any diffi-
culti's remain which it is in the power of government to remove
that it might be premature to press the point. Another ques-
tion of minor importance as affects the question of building a
gaol, though it is of paramount importance in itself. is that re-
specting the disposal of juvenile offenders. This class of de-
linquents unhappily forms uo inconsiderable proportion of the
inmates of all gaols, and as it appears to be admitted that the
discipline of the separate system is not altogether applicable to
youth, the numbers for whom it may be necessary-to provide
accommodation, cannot be ascertained until this point is finally
determined upon: and as it is a question greatly affecting the
expense. especially where site is valuable, any curtailment of
the number of cells to be constructed would have a direct ten-
dency to ,diminish the difficulties which now impede the pro-
gressive amelioration of prison discipline, and the establish-
ment of one nuiform system.
" As far as regards the borough of Liverpool, I am impressed
with the beiief that no substantial difficulties exist which would_
not be removed by the determination of the council to build.
And v ills respect to the time within which a new prison mig,ht
be expected to be leads, for _the reception of prisoners, 1 have
little doubt within a year and a half of the resolution being,
passed to erect one, the means would be found for cona-
pletim, it.
" With reference to the third question, of the expediency of
executing the additions and alterations now proposed for the
present gaol, my observations lead me fully to concur in the
opinion expressed by Captain Williams as to its being necessary
that spine steps should immediately be takeu to supply the fol-
lowing deficiencies, viz:—a bath, a disinfecting apparatus, amid
some means of securing greater comforts for the woolen employ-
ed in washing; and also as to its being very desirable that there
should be the means of separating the sick in the event of any
infectious disorder making its appearance among the prisoners.
The alacrity, with which the justices and council appear dis-
posed to recommend and supply these deficiencies and their
obvious disregard of expense in securing them. is a gratifying
proof of the deep interest they take in the subject. The alter-
ations first proposed were at the estimated expense of £700;
but those now contemplated, and the cost or each, as set forth
in the general report of the justices assembled in quarter ses-
sions, on the 21st November, 18.37, are as follows
1. An examination and cleansing room, and a
disinfecting room, with apparatus £s6o 0 0
2. Au hospital
3.• A wash-house with lauudiy, trod suitable
conveniences
4. A houSe for the matron 4CO
5 A cooking;-house, with suitable conveniences 295 0 0
6. A watchman's cottage, outside the walls,
with an extension of the stables

Total £2455 0 • 0
ae execution of these services would doubtless add greatly to
me-comfort and convenience of all concerned; but as they are
such as would not materially influence the discipline of the
prison, and as the essentials for which they provide could most
of them be secured by restoring, when necessary, to some tem-
porary expedient, it would appear inj uoicious to expend so much
nruiey on an improvement of so permanent a c haracter, if
there exists_any probability of their being abandoned within any
limited period, as, in fact, so long as the question of a new gaol
is a matter of doubt, the liberal views entertained by the pre-
sent council might lead them to disregard the expenditure of a
few thousand pounds, when the question of building on a more
extended scale was before them, but with the annual change
which takes plae in that body, different sentiments might here-
after .prevail, and an outlay of £2,500 on improvements Origi-
nating in the recommendation of a geverument officer, and
sanctioned by the Secretary of State; whatever the present un-
derstandieg might be respecting them, might certainly affect
the question of buil .ing a new gaol, and tend to prejudice and
delay a measure which us of s.ast importance to the borough of
Liverpool.
" Under all the circumstances stated, and the iii pressions
which I cote, tahl oo the suhject generally, I would, iu condo-
sion, most respectfully submit for his lordship's consideration—
Ist. That all the legal difficulties arising out of the differeut
constructions which may be put upon the 49th section of the
4th of George IV., which provides for the classication, and not.
the individual separation of prisoners, should be taken into con-
sideration with a view to their removal.
"2d. That the question of the final disposal of juvenile offend-
ers, and the system of discipline to which they should be sub-
ject, should be determined upon, so that hereafter there should
be no difficulty in ascertaining the number of cells to he con-
structed in any new prison.
be‘a'3pdp.ri'siel:;,lttlal'aitthiet n‘areoauilidtiibnee tehxetareuitil,i,ol;itideessilfaLbilveertrooroll.isi.ehionu.tiod
enter upon the discussion of pr„ii riy;otivi ejnqiill,eatidn
thed i° r
an amelioration of the system of discipline at
Borough Gaol, and to act upon it
gaol, as soon as
theit in the construction of 'a new
as an extensive alteration of the present
gaol,
any existing difficulties were removed.
4th. That in the meantime the council should also be re-
quested to reconsider the proposed alterations, keeping in naind
the expediency of building a new gaol, and the definite period
within which it might be possible to complete it, with a view to
the adoption of some nirree econotnical arrangement, in seeking
to gain the conveniences they contemplate by those temporary
measures, and at the smallest possible Outlay,"
The TOWN-CLERK next read the opinion of the law officers of
the crown, above referred to, on separate confinement. The •
case submitted to the attorney and sotteitor-i.Teuerai was whe-
ther by the 2d section of the sth and 601 William IV. c. 3.3,
(notwithstanding anything contained iu the 4th Geo. IV. c. 64,)
the secretary of state is empowered to make regulations for the
if submi
individutted tal sepo himarationfor of
ap prpisonrovaersl?,
"or to sauetiou such regulations
To which they replied as follows We are or opinion. that
under the 2,1 section of the sth and 6th William IV. c. 38, the
state has the power of sanctioning regulations sub-
mitted secretary
approval, Aida provide for the individual
spa
to
n n
him
iora pi r
i tstritted n r
andhi mhe may lawfully alter or add to any
regulations' subm te by directing such separatiou.
Th is nothing in the 4th Geo. IV. c. 64, which prevents the
execse or such a power by the secretary of state."
The ToWN-CLERK expressed' his dissatisfaction with the opi-
nion of the I:ivy-officers of the crown, which be thought would
have been different if a mature minute caseload been laid before
them. But they were merely asked, whether the secretary of
state might not adopt regulations for the separate confiuement
of prisoners, of which there could be no doubt, and Out whether
they could confine prisoners in cells by themselves' •there to be
by them.elves, and there to work, and thereto take exercise,
unless their health should make it abso:utely necessary to relax
their solitary confinement. if that had been submitted, he
thought they would have come to a different opinion. The true
question was, wnether, under the act of parliament for the classi-
fication of prisoners, and which provides solitary confinement as
a punishment iu particular cases, the secretary of slate can•go
so far,. notwithstanding those enactments, to alter altogether
the prison discipline, and enforce solitary confinement in gaols,
although the acts of last session fin the anieudine.ut of the crim-
inal law, had gone to limit the duration of solitary confineineut?
Ilad a statement of that kiwi been contained in the case, the
opinion would have been more satisfactory. But even suppos-,
ing that statement had been contained in the case, and the law
officers of the crown had been of the opinion' now expressed,
which only amounted to this, that the secretary of state might
approve of regulations for the individual separation of prisoners,
it guve no security that any future secretary of state would pur-
sue the same course, and this was too slittht an assurance for the
council to expend from 1:150,000 to £2;t0,000 iu altering the
gaol, or erecting a !WIN' one.
The Al A You also said, that it had been urged upon Captain
Jebb, that no call could be wade upon this bortnezb until some-
thing tome satisfactory was known tit the course of prison dis-
cipline to be pursued, and whether the imprisonment for debt
bill would be passed, and till an assurance was given by govern-
ment, that if the corporation went to considerable expense in
building a prison, that expense would be available. Likewise,
what arrangement would be made for the discipline of juvenile
delinquents. An' that if a new s‘stern of prison discipline were
to be adopted for the benefit of the country at alarge, it was but.
fair that the country at large should bear u portion or the ex-
pense, iu consequence of the alteration of the law. Capt. Jebb
met fairly the objections of the GafliContmlitre, but theie again
Lord John Russell had skimmed them over.
Mr. Councillor WA LAISLEY said it might be well to induce
Lord Juhn Russell to send down large bulks for the separate
confinement of juvenile effenders, as was the case in the Thames,
and save the outlay of £150.000 or 1:200,000.
The M A vim said, that subject was urged upon the attention
main Jebb.
Counciller Cuunim said, it was hardly fair to say that
some act for the regulation of prison discipline was indefinite,
though it was, perhaps, as well to wait till it should be passed,
"foie the corporation, on the faith of it, incurred expenie.
But it was keown, that theme was a determination in the govern-
ment to introduce some general astern of prison discipline.
Captain Jebb hail stated, That. he thought 30 or 40,0001. auuld
be sufficient for the gaol. instead of 150 to 200,0001•
o,

I Ile rowN-cr.Eklisaid, he had heard the expense estinfhted
at. KUM. When they came to exfenses of that kind, It Was
frequently' seveial ihousauds more.
The subject was then referred back generally to the gaol coin-
tnittee and justices to report to the next council.

st.AuGwrior HOUSES.
A report from the Finance Committee was-brought up and
confirmed in sumo particulaiS, but ou others referred back to
the committee. It reiated to confirming to Mr. Etches a perma-
nent annual pa‘iment of £240, by bond t n the confirmation, for
75, years; Mr. Etches being bound to keep the slaughter-huuses
ill.proper repair.