Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1829-12-25

itcntiary for secohh iUlao.Iv-. ,,...--- - :.
last six years, than there were for the six
years preceding that time; there have been
an average of only two convicts returned
for second offences for six years from 1921
to 1929 inclusive; whereas for the six pre-
ceding years, from 1913, to 1923 nclu-
siTe, there were an average of ) 2-5 and
chat since the Introduction of the reguia-
ton for solitary confinement for three
months Immediately preceding discharge
not single convict, who has undergone
such conviction has been returned TO the
Penitentiary for second offence.
1t IS with emotions both of pride and
pleasure as VIrginian that have TO an
nounce to the General Assembly that an
other year has passed by, without sin.
gle conviction OF white female for Pc
nctentiary offence; making the whole
time above five years since any such con-
viction has taken place in Virginia -
And there is now but one solitary case of
the confinement OF white female in the
Penitentlary. most respectfully sub
nit it to the General Assembly whe,he,
His not due to The uneXampied morals
virtues and good conduct OF the females
OF Virginia, as demonstrated by this view
oil the condition vi the Peniteut;arv. tina,
that unfortunate, solitary convict should
&c pardoued OF her Offences aud setat H.
perty. The Improvements made in the
solitary cells, since tho. session of the las,
Generai'Assemby in 80 increasing the
number, TO afford one cell for the SC
parate conhnementot each separate convict
have been attended .Yith the most beneli.
cial effects. Indeed from my experience
and reflection upon Che subject, am de
cidediy OF the opinion, that Justice to the
principle of the Penltertary system c,u.
not be done, without d sufficient number
ofccils to afford, at least during the night
an entne separation OF the convicts., The
report oithe superintendent OF the POM.
tertiary, containing these and other i'm.
portant facts, respecting the presen, con
dition of our Penitentlary establishment
IS herewith communicated.
lt>is in obedience to constellation.
sc1se Of duty, that call the attention 81
the General Assembly TO revision OF So
much OF an actof March 9th, 1919, re
speeding the Penitentialy establishment
as prescrIbes the punishment of stripes
for petit larceny offences. The punish
Inent seems to mo TO be generally dispro-
7ortioned to the offence, and the frequent
urgent petitions 10 the Executive, for dis.
pens;nG with that portion OF the punish
ment Inflicted Tor such offences, prove tina
1t is repugnant to the moral sense of tn
country. 1t is so Isnominons in its char.
scter, as to deprive the sufferer of ever,
vsstige OF hope OF beng again res tored t,
society after having once undergone tina,
punlShment--aud the consequence Is,
that he becomes yagrant for the rest o
his life. This remark will apply partcu-
iarly to young Offenders, who IN the first
instance, may be heedlessly led into tho
com mission OF crime without duly think.
ing ot lis consequences, and after being
made sensible thereof, by.a less Ignomini
Gus punishment, may repent and become
reformed, III the hope of being again re-
stored to society. 1t is the certaintyx and
not the severity punishment, which de
tiers evil disposed persons f,osa the cor,
mission OF crimes and nothing tend
more 10 the uncertainty of pupishmen
as severity revolving to The moral sense o
iac country.
1t is with the most lively scns;blities o
Ny heart, that / now DO myself the homo
Of laying before the General Assembly
TIE copy Of letter from the apostle o
acknowledgement the world, and the lrienc
snd Lcncfac.or Of Virginia, General La
f..uyettc, acknowledging the receipt of tw,
newmaps OF Virginia, which | had cans
ed to he forwarded to hin, in virtue of I
resolution Of the General Assembly O
Virginia OF the 26,b OF February, ls25
This wiil-timed act Of afTectonate respec
Oh Tic pari OF the General Assembly, al
fording new testimonial Of the unceasin;
gratitude and affection Of the people o
Virginia, towards their disiniefested am
heroic defender, nearly half century a
go, has called forth from him a reciprocal
tlo1 sensibilitics. Amidst the yario,I
manifestations, Of La-Fayette's gratitud,
and affection, displayed through bis.whol,
lctt'y ,the4oIlowing expression must cal
into action the best feelings Of every indc
hearted Virginlan, and inspire sense o
rhaDkFulness towards the General Assem-
by, for .affnrdinS 10 ;Eeir friend and bene
actor this new demonstration Of Virginia
unvaried, ard grateful Affection -
- Bound as nave beeD during half :
ccnrTy, to generous anj pa,riotio Viz
g:7ia, no, onlyby TIC generous devotion