The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-01-18

speedy completion ofihe State Prison. ih-
quirrd what progress had been made, = c.
Mr.. Potter, Chrmnn of the State Prison
Committee, said the committee would re-
port Tomorrow.
Voted to remove the females ns proposes
Mr. Dcrr said he would inquire of Mr.,
Clark. who was on the Committee TO visit
the Jail, what was the appearance of the
persons confined there for debt and this
inquiry he made, that the house might have
information from others than himself, on
the appearance of thugs in reference to
this subject
Mr.. Clark replied ila, the debtors he saw
confined there, presented the appearance Of
extreme proveriy, and squallid misery.
They did not look as f,hc were able to pay
single cent To any body; and i, was his
conclusion that there was great inhumnniiy
either in the law, or the persons who put
them there, il not in both.
The Sheriff said that some ofthe misera-
bic creatures Mr.. Clark saw, were persons
confined for petty offences, who were plac-
ed with the debtors for want of room in the
criminal department.
MIR. Dorr said, however that might be, II
did not, change the aspect of affairs for,
taking them all together, there was little or
no difference in their appearance, and to
hich Mr.. Clark assen,ed.
Some further remarks were Offered on The
snbiect, by several gentlemen, all of whom
agreed that some reform should be effected,
and t. determine what, the report of the
committee was submitted TO Messrs Sim
mons, Clark, Titus, Randolph mad Spencer
to report as soon rs possible.
Mr.. Dorr submitted resolution, which
nj his request, was laid on the table, to ex-
pedi,e the erection Of the state Prison.
A bill TO prohibi, persons from filing out
lands in tide waters of Providence hnrbor
cp,undcr certain restrictions, was passed
Al net asked for by the City Council OF
Providence providing for the election oi
School committee for the city of Providence
by the people in their Ward meetings in
in April, was read.
On the supposition that the bill Original
ted in II spiri, adverse to the establishment
of n High school, and to the cause of popu-
lar education, and that is was in fact, an
amendment of tho city charter, which thu
people had not called for, Mr.. Dorr moved
that the subject be indefinitely postponed
Mr. Randolph, thought he professcd 4
know nothing ofthc renl merits Of the ques
ton, in consideration of the respectable
source from which the proposition emnnn-
ted. was opposed to an indefinite postpoh-
ment, and moved to lay the net on the ta-
bic, until the frecmen of Providence had
had nn opportunity to express their views
on the subject.
Mr.. Curtis also though, this the better
! course.
The motion prevailed, and the bill was
| laid on the table.
The petition of Anthony Steerc nnd
others. for an act of incorporation for Che
pachet Bank referred.
! The communication from the Secretary
of the Treasury Of the u. $. to the Govern
or, relative to the States proportion Of the
surplus revenue, was ordered TO be placed
on file in the Office of the Secretary of
State.
Mr.. Dorr submitted resolution to en-
larpe the State House in Providence and
| Ncwport-refrrred to Mcssrs. Dorr, Clark,
Randolph, Luther and James.
At quarter before 5, adjourned to ~
O'Clock Tuesday morning.
7ucsddv jan. 10.
The only business done in the morning
session wa. the discussion and passnge of
the act submitted by Mr.. Curtis Mt the Oc-
,obcr session nuiborising Limited Partner
ships. The act is similar to those III force
in Massachusetts and New York, and pass.
ed the House by yeas and Nays-yeas AZ
Mays ID.