Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-11

but in consequence of the failure on the part OF
the last Legislature TO make the necessary ap-
preparations for the publication thereof, the
Executive felt itself restricted to the adoption
of such measures only as were calculated to at
ford security to the plates, and to render safe
the patent right. 1t, therefore, caused, under
the superintendent Of Mr.. Boye, an insurance
at moderate premium to be effected upon
them, and the plates themselves to be deposited
in situation where they, would be likely tore
main free from injury. Three copies OF the
Map were striker off-two Of which are in the
possession of the Executive; the third having
been forwarded to the Secretary Of State, with
the view OF securing the exclusive title to the
| State. 1t is desirable that appropriations OF
money for its publication should be made as
| early as possible;not only to meet the wishes OF
such Of our fellow citizens as are DESTROYS OF
procuring copies, but to place it beyond the
reach OF loss or accident.
The enlargement to the Penitentiary, by the
addition Of the workshops is completed, and
the interior arrangements are, for the greater
part, already made in manner that cannot fail
TO be satisfactory. A discipline has been in
troduced under the laws highly creditable to
the superintendent, and the multiplication Of
the apartments by the recent additions, has
gone far towards providing separate cells for
the prisoners at the close Of the days labor; an
end, the accomplishment of which has always
been esteemed great desideratum. The same
principle should be introduced as far as practi-
cable into the hospital; whittier, as at present
ordered, all invalids, pretended and real, (and
there will be many of both classes,) the aged
and the veteran and the youthful offender are
thrown together, whereby facilities are afford
ed of conversation and INSTRUMENTATION,
which do not exist elsewhere in the building.
An important change for the better might be
made in this respect, and will not escape your
observation. So far, we have had no cause to
regret the substitution OF this milder punish
ment, for that more harsh and bloody system
which existed before its adoption That crimes
punishable by confinement in the Penitentiary,
have not increased under the operation Of this
system, may safely be asserted and it is really
gratifying to find, that SO far from increasing,
such criminal offences, as are punishable in this
way, have diminished during the last two years;
and especially, convictions for second offences
| Whether this be owing to the operation OF the
recent laws Tor the better government OF the IN
stitution, or is be found in the state and con-
dition Of society, will not undertake to decide.
In either event, it is cause of general congra-
tuation. From population Of 100000 free
4
TENDER last, but SO white prisoners within the
walls of the prison; number comparatively
small, considering the very large class of often
ces liable TO this mode Of punishment under
the existing laws Shall we not Justly be per-
| mtted to consider this fact as strong proof OF
the existence Of high state of moral princi-
pie, among the great mass Of the community!
| 1t becomes my duty to announce to 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 Wythe and
Stanton districts; and Of Brigadier General
Thos Hunton Of the 5th Brigade. The Exc
cutve filled the vacancy occasioned by the death
of the first named gentleman by the appoint
ment of James Peasants, Esq. who resigned
the office eally in September. After an effort
10 supply his place, rendeied Intellectual by a
di, ision Of sentiment at the Council Board, it
was deemed best to hand over the subject to
the Legislature, for its decision, nntrammelled
by an Executive appointment. The same des-
tinalion was given to the appointment OF a
Chancellor in the place of Judge Brown, be.
cause of the occurrence of his death, at peri
cd so very near the time of your assembling;
and under persuasion, that no serious public
inconvenience could be sustained by the adop-
ton of that course, while the wishes of the
public were likely to be more satisfactorily an
swered.
In relation to some of those subjects which
have esteemed it my duty to urge upon your
notice, am we'll aware that my opinions may
possibly be found to be in discordance with
the better matured opinions of those toIwhom
have addressed myself l have urged them
with frankness; and ! trust not with an unbe-
coming boldness. When motives pure diff
ferences of opinion may we'll be tolerated.
Here, we are actuated by one common motive,
the good Of our common country We seek to
advance her destiny, and TO elevate her among
her Sister Republics. Your exertions to effect
this great object. will find nothing to weaken,
but, on the contrary, much TO stimulate them,
in the past history Of the State No blot rests
upon her escutcheon: Nor has she any thing
with which to censure herself Her sacrifices
on the altar Of the public good have been gene
rous and disinterested She has ever looked
to the Union with an eye of devotion and an
heart throbbing with affection. She has fur
nished the best evidences of her fidelity to it in
neace and in war; While she now finds her.
self maintaining doctrines at variance with