Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-02-06

| ScPeioic VI tuiS Bcutit, OUT etuCfent CO' cCuSt
under such circumstances. The absolute in
terdiction Of all bodily exertion, must, in the
course of years, ifyears be requisite for refor-
nation upon this plan, at last inevitably pro-
duce decline of all physical powers, which
would restore the penitent to the world only
to be received int a hospital. Is it above the
reach OF art to construct small, dry and whole
some cells, which may be ventilated, and tenn
pered at the will Of the prisoner, by common
arr taken from steeple's height, by warm
air heated at the great culinary fre- place, con
yeyed TO the different cells, the former by
flexible tubes, the latter by pipes Of metal, or
OF earthen ware, imbedded in the walls p
Ian We pronounce it too great a stretch of
humane feelings, to place within the reach of
the prisoner, the tools, the implements and
the materials of some valuable art, with
printed description of all its processes, its
principles, and its results? Can we suspend
our endeavOrs to obtain an end so desirable as
reform with the consciousness upon our minds,
mat our ignorance, our want of vigilance, and
our plumbers, must ultimately be expiated by
Inc blood ofwretches, whose worst crime has
been some mad depreciation ? But the great
est possible perfection of architecture, of or
sanlzation, and of rules for discipline, If the
person selected as Superintendent does not
possess all the qualifications requisite, must
prove as unavalling, as ship, however well
built, manned, and equipt, will be sure to prove
unsafe, without a commander of known skill,
science, vigilance, and resolution, to direct ali
manGurres, and control all the details of sci
ence. To ensure success in this important
point, ample emoluments of Office, wide
range oil choice, unbiased motives of selectiA.
and Just confidence, supported by frequent
scrupulous examination, and un,ainied by I'LL
mot ind r. : r
dislike, must always be indispensable Res
possibility for whatever may affect the grand
design Of the Legislature, cannot he too rigid
but accountability, which can he unjust
ly exact, ought To be looked for from a dis
tinct Officer.
Under the influence of these views, and OF
all existing circumstances, particularly those
appertainlng TO the finances of the Common
wealth, the Committee have come 10 the fol-
lowing resolutions
1. That the damaged buildings of the Pc
nltentary should be restored To the condition
IN which they were, before the late fire Uf
August last.
2. That such alterations, without enlarge
ment, should be made in the interior of the
SAID buildings. as are necessary to provide a
separate sleeping place, with thick walls OF
brick, and a thick door, for every male con-
ent g .dtional number Of such sleeping places
as it is reasonably supposed may be probably
wanted, for the same purpose of seclusion at
night and on Sundays, Of such other conyicts
as may be brought.
8. That proper apartment for hospital
should he prepared, with good care that il be
dry and easily kept warm; of high pitch,
not less than II feet. well ventilated, in every
way commodous, aad sufficiently spacious
for that purpose.
a. That the central building, stretching a.
cross the area, should be removed, if it is
found practicable without it, 10 have the
aforesaid sleeping places and hospital, and at
the same nme to have sufficient number of
cells for solitary confinement, with two work
shops, and all the other accommodations now
existing, and deemed indispensable.
5. That all tie cells for solitary confine-
ment should he on the upper floor, and stuff
GENTLY well lighted TO admit of reading, and
doing nice work therein.
6. That a brick wall should be built. level
onthe top, IL feet higher than the general le-
vel OF the present area, upon wide and deep
Stone ioundation above ground as well as I'M
der, where the difference Of the leve; NAV re-
qnlre 1t running out GO feet eacI, way, from
each outer angle of the front of the building,
continuing the main line of the front 80 feet
farther each way, and extending in two paral-
lei lines at right angles, to the said main front
line towards the rear ofthe great sem-circular
binding, SIT feet in length, along each side OF
the present structure.
z. That new building, containing two
commodious workshops under the same roof.
divided by thick partition wall, without any
opening in it, should be erected in the middle
of the new yard, rquidistant from the side
walls thereof. and also from the end wall, and
the main building that there should be no
entrance into the said yard, other than one on
each side, between aud equidistant from the
two square buildings, which occupy the an
giles of the front area, on both sides, and that
no shed, or other STRUCTURE, should be placed
near, or in contact with any part of the walls
of the said yard.
Q. That sentry-box should be placed at
one front angle ofthe square, and another al
the dagonally opposite rear angle; the for
mer to command the front and one flank,
and the latter the and the other flank
9. That the front, tanks and rear of the
square should be lighted up no the outside, by
lamps sufficiently near. and fixed upon posts
out every night of the year, with oil.
10. That slate should bs used for the CO.
yering of all the roof of every part of the
building.
H. That all plank floors should be under
laid with sheet iron, upon the joists or sleep
ess, to stop the communication of fire.
IS. That fire engine Of great power should
be procured and kept always in good order,
in convenient place between the outer and
inner gate.
IA. That several tanks or cisterns, capa-
cious enough TO contain water for working the
engine, for so long time as may be probably
requisite, should be constructed; and all the
water furnished by the roof collected and led