Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-12-05

Inc Enlargement to tue feni,enliary, 10y the hid
dtion ct the workshops is completed, ard the in
terror arrangements are, for the greater part al
ready made IN 4 manner that cannot fail 10 be sa-
,i'iae'ory. A discipline has been introduced un-
der the laws highly creditable to the ruperinten.
dent, and the multiplication OF the apartments by
the recent additions, has gone FAR towards provi-
dng separate cells tor the prisoners at the close OF
the DAY 5 labor; an end, the accomplishment of
which has always been esteemed great desGeratun.
lie same principle should be INTRODUCED tar az
practicable into the hospital; whittier, as at pre-
sent ordered, all invals pretended and real, and
there VIII be many OF both classes the aged and
the veteran and the youthful offender are thrown
together, whereby facilities afforded OF con
'ersation ana iDiercommuncation, which do not
exist elsewhere in the building. An important
change for the better be made in this respect
and VIII not escape your observation. So far, we
nave had no cause to regret the substitution of this
miideT punishment, for that harsh and bloody
system which existed before its adoption That
crimes punishable BY confinement in the Penten-
tiary, have not increased under the operation of this
system, may safely be asserted; and il is really
gratifying to find, that far from increasing such
criminal offences, as are punishable this way
have diminished during the last two years; and es-
pecially, convictions for second offences Whe-
ther this be owing TO the operation of the recent
laws Tor the better government of the institution
or Is tn be found in the state and condition OF So
ciety, will not undertake TO decide. In either
event. II Is cause Of general generalization. From
a population of 1905 900 free white inhabitants.
there were on the 30ih September last, but 1856
white prisoners within the walls OF the prison;
number comparatively small, considering the very
large Class OF offences liable TO this mode of nun
ishment under the existing laws. Shall we not
justly Do Permitted TO consider this fact as stron.
proof Of the existence OF high state of moral
40 a. r.
Ii becomes my duty TO announce 10 YOU the
death of George Parker, Esq late Judge of the
General Court for the district composed of the
counties of Accomack and Northampton; of judge
Brown, Chancellor OF the w ytbe and Staunton dis
trcis; and OF Brieadier General Thos Hun,on of
the 9th Brigade. The Executive filled the vacan.
cy occasioned by the death Of the frs, named gen.
ueman by the appointment of James PIeasan;s
Esq. who resigned the Office early in September
After an effort To- supply his place, rendered in
etfcc,ual By a division OF sentiment at the Coun-
Gil Board, il was deemed best TO hand over the sub
ject 10 the Legislature, for lis decision IN
trammelled by an Executive appointment. The
same destination was given to the appointment of
Chancellor in the place OF Judge Brown, because
OF the occurrence OF his death, period so very
near the time Of your assembling; and under per-
suasion, that no serious pnblic Inconvenience
could be sustained by the adoption Of that course.
while the wishes of the public were likely 10 be
more satisfactorily answered.
In relation to of those subjects which
have estseued it my duty to urge upon your no.
tice, well aware that my opinions may posi-
bly, be found 10 he in disrcTdance with the better
matured opinions of those to whom / have ad-
dressed myself. have urged them With frank
ness; and trust not with an unbecoming bold
ness. When motives are pure. differences ofppin-
ion may well be tolerated. Here, we are aciuated
by one common motive, the good OF our common
e n alya har Il
elevate her among her Sister Republics. Your ex-
erions TO effect this great object, will find nothing
| 10 weaken, but. on the contrary, much 10 stimu0
late them. in the past history of the State No
| blot rests upon her escuicheon: Nor has She any
thing with which TO censure hers.lf Her sacrifi
ces on the altar OF the public good have been
generous and d:sineIested. She has ever looked
TO the Union with an eye of devotion and an heart
throbbng with affection. She has furnished the
best evidences OF her fidelity it in peace and in
, war. While she now fluids herself maintaining
doctrines at variance with those Of some oil her
Sister States, she claims, least 10 lie consistent
with herself They the principles " h;ch her CHI
zens have always maintained. lie. drport neDt Will.
it Is erect and lofty. VIII yet be decor,us and
respectful, and resting upon The truth Of her DOC
| times, she looks 10 The employment OF no other
weapons than those OF reason; Joublng not that .
In the end, they will, they have heretofore
done, prove triumphant. She has in view no OBJ.
lJeS' VI "'io!''oh. one couIu never have been
bilious OF any thing other than an hone-t fame:
and TO have reared, for the good of mankind,
| warrior, and statesman, whose names have filled
all space and are destined 10 be as eternal a. her
| own mountains, would seem 10 be sufficient TO
satisfy her most ardent aspirations
! 10 you, gentlemen, is committed lie delightful
task OF advancing her prosperity and happiness;
and IN ITS discharge You require to have no other
monitor than those generous feelings which have
enlisted you In her service.
JOHN TYLER
December 1th, 1896.