Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-06-09

reHectlon, cannot persuade myself that the
incarceration of the body of a debtor, willing
to surrender in good faith the whole of his
property, can be necessary to the purpose of
justice, or is consistent with the principles of
humanity or. good policy.
The state ofthe Treasury will be laid be-
fore you, from which it will appear, that all
the money which was authorized 10 be bor-
rowed to pay the State of Maine, has been
repaid that the only debt against the Com
monwealth amounts to $39, 500, bearing. an
interest of l-2 per cent, and that on the oath
OF May, the cash on hand in the treasury. a.
mounted TO go, 746.
With respect TO the claim of this Common
wealth on the Government of the United
States for services rendered by the militia, as
soon as 1T was asceFtained, that it was intend
ed by the Executive Department of that Gov
eminent, to postpone the payment of any part
thereof, until all the accounts should have
been examined and presented for allowan ce.
the agents were instructed TO use their best
endeavOurs to obtain a reversal of this deter
mination, and TO urge the payment of such
parts of the claim as had been examined by
the proper accounting officers and had been
considered admissible, without waiting for
the other parts which might be deemed objec-
tlonable. On this representation being made
by the agents, the whole claim was, by the
President, referred to Congress, whose decis-
| ion would, under any circumstances. have
been necessary 10 its final adjustment. Cop
les of these instructions and of other papers
relative to the progress subsequently made,
will form the subject of a separate communi-
cation.
From an examination of the affairs of the
state Prison 1t appears that, in March last, a
daring conspiracy and instruction took place
In which great part of the convicts were
engaged, which was however happily suppress
sed without bloodshed, by the frmness and
courage oft officers and guards of the pris-
on, aided by the citizens of Charlestown, and
by the marine corps from the navy yard
Ihisincident strengthens suggestion former
| iy made by the directors, that il would be
proper to make deposit of firearms for the
use OF the guards, to be rescrted on emer-
gcncies, by the citizens of Charestown, re-
siding in the immediate vicinity OF the prison
This supply may be furnished, without incon-
yenience, from the State Arsenal, if the Lesis-
lature shall be pleased to authorize their de.
livery.
The vacancy occasioned by the death Of
the Warden has not been filled in conse-
quence oil disposition manifested by one
pranch OF the Government of the last year, to
abolish that office. In governing establish
ments oil this Kind, unity in command and
singleness responsibility should DC leading
principles. And it would appear, that one
competent and suitable person, to be denom-
mated Keeper or warden, to reside constantly
at the prison, and subject to the order of the
directors, whose duty it should be to receive,
safely keep, and discharge the co1victs, and
be solely responsible for their government, la
Dor and conduct in every respect, might be
sufficient, with the necessary subordinate off.
GERS, for these purposes; and that another Of
hcer, to be denominated clerk or ccmmissarv.
would he sufficient, under like orders of the
directors, to make all the necessary contracts
purchases, sales and disbursements, and to
| keep the acCoutsn.
At the last session of the Legislature the
Governor was authorized to draw warrant
in favor of the warden, for eighteen hundred
dolltrs, for the use of the prison; il the office
OF warden shall be discontinued, an authority
from the legislature to draw the warrant in
favor OF the directors or of the clerk, will be
necessary. With this sum the directors re-
spond TO meet all demands on the prison dur
60 N-Ao BA~S~Hh So'f "hAlC Inc ulSlnOu, good
order and good management which prevail in
the several departments, afford reason to be-
lieve, that in the year 1925, the income de-
rived from the labor of the convicts, will be
sufficient to cover the expenses of the institu-
ton without further drafts on the treasury.
In all measures calculated to promote the
interest and happiness of our constituents. YOU
may rest assured of a ready cooperation on nv
part.
WILLIAM EUsTIs.
Council Chamber, May 81, 1924.
TUESDAY, JUNE 1.-On motion of Mr..
Adams, committee was appointed to
report on the expediency of propos-
ing an amendment TO the Sd Article of
the Amendments TO the Constitution,
relating to the qualification of voters.
A petition for Bank in Belchertown,
with capital of SlO0,OoO-reierred to
the committee on Banks.
A memorial from the town of New
Salem; of Asa Powers and others and
memorial of the Trustees of the
New Salem Academy, against the same,
were committed,
A petition of David Wilkinson and
others, for authority to make Turn
pike road from scarborough TO Sutton,
was read and committed
The resolves reported for the choice
OF Electors, land the amendment thereto,
were taken up and discussed.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2.--Messrs. Brooks
Of Concord, Fuller of Boston, and War
rem of Townsend, were appointed to
report on the expedicncy of amending
the law rendering Stockholders in Man
ufactories liable for the debts of The
corporation, in their private capacity.
Petitions of Otis M'Lane, Worcester :;
and Cyrus Shepherd, for turnpike road
from Sterling to Berlin, were committed.
CHOICE OF ELECTORS.
Uho unueo Il So