The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-01-13

T1Qe, 1nSteaQ Ol htuCuulIlR nO0i0
utterly destroy the institution. Organization
could no longer be maintained. No one would
be found to accept an office Of merely nominal
command, a mockery of title in a parchment
authority over a muster roll of names only.
Besides, the paramount laws of the United
States, on this subject, would be violated, or
evaded in all their provisions, by the effects OF
such State Legislation. The arrangements of
the militia, required by these statutes, into d.
visions, and distinctions of minor corps, would
soon be destroyed, and the obligations of enroll
ment and equipment, instruction in tactics, in
spections, and returns, cease to be performed
Without officers commissioned to every grade
Of command, military order can never be pre-
served, nor involuntary service compelled.
The essential alterations, in accordance with
the laws of the United States, which have &C.
Cured to me, as promising TO equaze, in the
most satisfactory manner, the still necessary
burthens of militia service, and remove the
strongest objections TO the present system, are,
to increase the penalties for neglect of duty, to
such an extent, as better to enforce the obliga-
tions to its personal performance in the train
bands, by those of whom it is required; to ex-
tend conditional exemption to miners and en-
rolled persons above the age of thirty and to
repeal, altogether, the provision for the pay
ment Of money as part Of the condition of ex-
emption. The exaction operates with great
injustice, and has been fruitful source of dis
affection. While the sum required, is, in itself,
no equivalent to the time and expense of mill.
itary duty and to the man of wealth is of little
consideration, to the poor man it often happens
that the want of money, at The prescribed period
for its payment, leaves no alternative to the
obligation of personal services.
The principles of these amendments, simple
in their expla nation, but of important conse
quences, in the details of their application to
( the existing system, would render necessary a
reorganization of the corps of the militia, by
consolidating It's present subdivisions, and en-
largng their territorial limits. In this manner,
companies might be increased to efficient num-
bers, and many supernumery and unnecessary
officers discharged. There would then be great
| er distinction given to command, higher respon-
siblties would be felt in its discharge and spirit
and new energy, infused into the whole mill
tary body
! One provision more, above all others, is de-.
handed "a prohibition, under severe penalties,
to officers to treat with ardent spirits, on days
of military duty, and to candidates for office, to
do this, either pending or after an election.
The latter practice is, indeed species of br-
/ berry, and is attended with the most pernicious
/ influences, it occasions heavy and wasteful ex-
pense, and has deferred many excellent men
and well qualified soldiers from accepting COM
missions, while, in some instances, it has in
duced to unworthy preferments to office. Most
of the complaints against the institution, from
its tendency to lead the young to indulgence,
and produce habits of dissipation, have their
origin in the custom of furnishing unnecessary
and exciting refreshments on public occasions J;
"a custom, which is no less subVersve OF mil
tary Subordination, than prejudicial to the NOR
ais OF the community, and which a true regard
for the welfare of the militia, equally with
respect for the peace, good order, and happi-
ness of society, requires should be effectually
repressed.
The reports made to the Executive by the
officers of the State Prison, show, that the in
stitution is, at length, brought into that condi-
ton of improvement and capacity for future
management, which have been anticipated with
deep interest and solcitude by the government
and people of the Commonwealth The new pris
on building was completed in October last, and
the convicts were Immediately removed to the
occupation OF il. more STEADY aud strict dis
cipline was introduced, and the experiment has
commenced of the effect of entire solitude in
confinement, by night and silence and constant
inspection at labor, by day. All communica-
ton by the convicts with each other, and by
the officers with them, except for purposes of
authority or instruction, is now prohibited. In
tercourse by conversation or correspondence
with friends, or other persons, from without, is
not permitted. They are no longer INDUCED
in idleness or relaxation in the yard Both
stint and overstint are abolished, and incessant
labor in the hours for employment is required.
By the erection and arrangement of a new
cookery, connected with the prison buildings,
the food of each individual Is furnished to him,
separately, and he is required TO eat it in the
stiffness and solitude of his cell. No moment
of opportunity is afforded for acquaintance or
association. Thus :he conviets are constantly
kept either in entire seclusion from each other
or under the viglant watch of their officers
Their only alienation is from their prison house
of cells to the workshops, for labor, and from
the workshops, for refreshment by food or
sleep, back to their cells again. Here no voice,
save that of pious exhortation, reaches them
Each man is in silence and by himself The
mind finds subjects for occupation Blu. in its
own communings and in bitter regrets; and
from the poignancy of these, religious books,
and the chaplain's office of devotion are the
! only sources of relief
! The change cannot but be most striking and
! influential Heretofore, the convicts were in
association in labor, without discrimination of
character or classes, and were alured to oSedi-
ence and industry, by excessive allowances for
work of overstnt. They were in companies
by night, left to idle and vicious intercourse. TO
contrlvances OF mischief, and the ingenious de.
vice and practice of games and tricks for amuse-
ment. They partook of their food together.
and in the society Of a common hall, found the
sympathy of fellowship and the feelings of
kindred nature. The old and the young, the
hardened veteran and the novice in crime, uro-
miscuously mingled together, and acaualnt
ance, contamination, and familiarity, with
schemes and tales OF vIllany, sunk all to the
same depth in depravity and corruption of heart.
The reverse OF ali this is now their condition,
and the good effects of the new Police are al,
ready sensibly experienced. The fierce temner
has been subdued The spirit of obduracy and
unyielding defiance to authority has been soft
ened, and mildness, submission, patient endur.
ance of increased restraint, and willing ner.
formance Of required service, arc manifested
If separation from bad associates, the strictest
sobriety of department, regular and industrious
occupation, with the advantages of impressive
moral and religious instruction, can produce
reformation in offenders, it may now be hoped
/ for, under the excellent arrangements, and with
the faithful officers of this improved Peni.entia.
ry.
II ,r.s ret - b.r,o hnan Il.