Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-26
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF DELEGATEs-JAN. q


On Mr.. M'Ilhany's motion, the Report OF
Falls Bridge Turnpike Company, was referred
to the Committee Of Roads and Internal Navi-
CATION.
Mr.. Bowers from the Committee on the PEN
itentiary, presented arcport, which was order
ed TO be printed. This report speaks In very
flattering terms, of the present condition and
management of this Institution, and concludes
with the following resolutions:
Resoiced, That II is expedient to provide by
law for the erection within the interior, and
partly upon the settle OF the old building, in
conformity to the plan Of the building, one
hundred and eight additional sleeping rooms
for the convicts.
Resolyed, That it is expedient to erect a
building on the foundation Of the North inner
wall of the Penitentiary, for additional work
shops, connected with the North wings Of the
existing workshops, according to the draft
submitted to the Committee by the Superinten-
dant, and accompanying this resolution.
Rssolred, That it is expedient TO provide, by
law. for the appointment Of two additional As
sis,ant Keepers-and for the purchase OF our
hundred feet of hose, for the fire engine.
Resolued, That it is inexpedient to sentence
to Penitenliary confinement, any person Tor an
offence now punishable there, tor shorter Pc
riod than two years.
Resol,ed, That is expedent so to amend the
present laws, prescribing and arranging soil
tary confinement in dark cells, as to limit that
species of punishment in all cases, to six
mop,hs-and that the first and second rules
contained in the 9th section Of the act to a
mend the several laws concerning the Peniten-
tiary Institution, passed the 9th OF March,
1924. ought hereafter to be superseded by the
following, viz:
LIST. That every male person hereafter con-
victed of any crime or offence punishable by
confinement in the Peuiteniiary, shall De con-
fined in the dark cells for six months, aud no
longer, unless for disorderly conduct there, IN
which case, whether male or female, the Su-
perin,endant al his own discrtion, shall cause
him or her to be confined in dark solitary cell
for such short term, not exceeding at any one
time, - days, as in his opinion will best
promote the reformation OF such disorderly
person.
I'd. That every male convict as soon as prac-
,icable, after his commitmt INT, shall be confined
in his solitary cell for one whole month, and the
residue Of his solitude shall be executed at the
discretion Of the Superintendent, in portions
of time equally arranged, not less than ten
DAYS each. reserving three months for the close
of his term Of confinement. Confinement IN
the cells shall be rigidly executed upon the dis
orderly and all others, according to the laws
and rules for the government OF the lnslltu-
ton, unless in the opinion OF the Superintend-
ant or Surgeon, enlargement be requisite 10
preserve the constitution and health OF the con-
yjct. in which case The Superintendent shall
cause him or her TO he removed to such other
Mace within the Institution as he shall think
proper.
RESOLVED, That it is inexpedent to invest the
Executive, by law, with the power OF RENTING
punishment to Penitenliary convicts for good
conduct there, or any other Cause occurring,
subsequent 10 conviction.
Resol,ed. That the General Agent Of the
Penitentiary and His Clerks ought to be ex-
empted from militia duty, and that the said
Agent ought to be furnished with copy OF
the revised code.
Resolved, hat il is expedient 10 allow TO the
General Agent, stated salary for the present
year.
Rssolved, That under existing circumstances,
il is inexpedent to subject female convicts to
solitary confinement in any case, except for
disorderly conduct in the Penitentiary.
The Speaker laid before the House letter
from the Auditor of Public Accounts trans
hitting a list of balances, due to and from in
dividuals on public account on the lst October
last Ordered to he printed.
On motion Of Mr. Garland, the House a.
dopted the following resolution, the same hav-
ing been amended on motions severally made
for that purpose:
Resolved, That the Board Of Public Works
(the ex-offico members excepted) Ne, and they
are hereby requested with the principal Engi-
neer and the Commissioners on the lower sec.
ton Of the James River Canal, to proceed toex.
anime the James River Canal from the city of
Richmond to the Maiden's Adventure Falls; &
that they ascertain the width and depth OF wa
Ter in the said Canal; also the state and condi'
ton Of the locks, Dams, Aqueducts and Gull
verts, and all other works on the said Canal;
and that they report to this House the state
and condition thereof, with all such matter and
things as they may deem pertinent; that they
report how the said works are capable OF &C.
commodating the trade of the said River; what
portion Of the trade " i'll be benefited thereby,
and what portion will derive no advs ntage
from the said improvement; also, the stile and
dur bility of the said works, and whether in
the location Of the said work and the execution
Thereof, due regard has been had to economy,