Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1837-11-25
THE PENITENTIARY SYSTEM.

We give in ano,her column that part Of the mes
sage Of the acting Governor of Alabama, the Hon.
Hugh McVay, relative to the Penitentiary System
and the penal code of the State. The subject An
oil important onc-is discussed by the Governor in
an able and lucid manner No two States in the
union more interested IN dis matter, for no two
States have worse penal code, or more lax exc
cuon oitlle criminal law than Alabama and Missis-
slppi Here, il is proclaimed abroad--and sorry are
we to say IT, it is in par, true, what is called the
Lynch AVA custom which would have dsgraced
the darkest ages ofanhquity reigns triumphant
In some parts Of the State no man is safe, however
pure and upright may be his character II suspi-
cion once attaches to hm---irthe foul fenG of ca
lumnv and detracGon once fixes bis talons upon
him, he may in vain appeal to the majesty OF the
laws or the Justice ofhis country. The momenta-
ry cxctements Of passion and prejudice overeap all
barriers; and he is Instantly and ANONYMOUSLY pun
sled 1t is time that all such diSgraceul proceed
ngs were done away with. The character of our
State demands it-Justce and the law require it,
How is it TO be done' BY reforming our penal code
by graduating and apportioning the punishment
to the crime and making it in all cases certain
This can only be effected in our opinion by adopt
ing the Penentlary System, as recommended by
Governor McVay. 1t has been found to work adj
mirahy well in all the States where it has had a
fair trial. We hope that the subject will occupy
the early and serious attention of our next Legisla-
ture 1t cannot effect better or more important
work than the reforming of our penal code, and hav-
ing the law which has been passed to establish a
, Penltentiary carried into immediate effect
We commend the views Of Governor McVay OF
this subject 10 the especial attention Of our members
: PoRg.-A large drove Of hogs has arrived il
1 town. We have not learned the price asked, bu
understand that il is as high as last season, o
+, higher. We have been shown letter from
gentleman in Tennessee, who states that III
q price will certainly decline, and cautions h
y friends here not TO be in a hurry to buy.
= II The Federasts succeeded in the late cleo
ton in carrying their ticket in the city Of Ne,
!, , York. This result was anticipated. We hav
] not head from any Of the interior counties, bt
i the state is no doubt safe enough. Next ma
II will bring US important returns, and We hopet
be ale 10 inform our readers in our next, OF III
! accustomed triumph the democracy in the en-
d pre- state.
III f-r Tie Yellow fever has entirely abuted |
= New Orleans and Mobile. Trade is beginnn
= to be brisk in both those cities Cotton still con
!, nands fair price, though shade lower than
:, our last quotations. The medium price is abo
ID 10 cents.
FoR THE DEMocRAr.l
j GENSLEMEN;-In the last number Of your pape
E observed over the signature Of Putnam, Ct
e. Tor my consent 70 be placed in nomination as ca
m didate for the Office Of Major General of the 4
I'd Division. Being fully aware that there are MAJ
n in the community decidedly better qualified to
that station, and unambidous Of promotion in pu
lie life in any capacity, together with my connex,
es with The Volunteer company which at prese
g have the honor 70 command. induces me, rcspeC
y. fully, to Withhold my consent.