Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-07-25
State Prison.

The press of other matter has compelled
us to deter notice of the Report of the Off
GERS of the State Prison. We avail our
selves Of the following synopsis of the Re-
port Of the Warden Of the State Prison:
The new Warden, William Bennett, Esq,
received his appointment last January, but
did not enter uron his Official duty until April,
having devoted the intervening time to visit
ing the state prisons in New Hampshire, Yer
mont, Connecticu, and Massachusetts for the
purpose of acquiring information in regard
to government, discipline, and The best sys~
tenn OF convict labor. Consequently, he for
bears making any full explanations of his
views connected with the subject OF the man.
agement and discipline of the prison, pre-
ferrins 10 test their correctness by expert
ment, but suggests that his short experience
has produced strong conviction that hu-
name and Just policy requires that the state,
by means of one or more reform schools,
should remove the young convicts from the
pernicious influence of the thoroughly de-
PRAYED and hardened criminal and thus pro-
vide Tor the reformation and restoration TO
society of those whose moral principles are
not so utterly destroyed rs 10 render all ut
tempt at reform useless, and relieving them
from the stigma that attaches to the name OF
any person who has been confined in the state
prison.
The following statistics we gather from
this report
Number of convicrs April Both, 1910, 67
received since 3l-Total 9S.
Discharged on expiration of sentence, II
Pardoned,
Died, l
Remaining April 3Oh. 1850, rs
Whole number received since July 2,
1924, 9SI.
Discharged OH expiration of sentence, 100
Pardoned, I49
Died, %
Escaped and not retakcn, 7
Removed to Insane Hospital, =
Present number April Both, 1850. rs
There are fOrty-nIne now in prison for
larceny. being about TWO thirds Of the whole
number.
There are eigh, in prison for life, and two
under sentence of death.
The Inspectors recommend an appropria-
ton by the legislature OF $4,000 for the pur-
pose of building permanent wall enclosing
the prison a portion of this sum is needed
for necessary repurs on the prison buildings
With this amount, they believe the prison
will he able 10 pay its expenses for The cur
rent year, exclusive of officers salaries
They have made careful examination of
the debts due the prison, and find one half, at
least are almost, if not altogether worthless
Consequently, they have urged upon the new
warden the necessity of giving short credits,
and enforcing prompt payments in all future
operations
The Inspectors attach no blame to previous
wardens, for, doubtless, the debtors to the
prison, were at the time considered respon-
sible. Some have died insolvent, others have
since become bankrupt.
The Chaplain reports that religious exer-
cises on Sabbath morning and afternoon
have been regularly sustained in the chapel,
and most of the convicts have been visited
weekly al their cells such other dnties have
been performed during The week as seemed
consistent with the daily engagements OF
the convicts.
Bible classes for the summer season are
Just being formed. a good degree of taste
for reading prevails among the cow lets in
general. A large portion of them, evident.
ly SO far appreciate the Bible as to give il
Il constant reading; some among them have
a scientific knowledge Of music, and are ca :
pablo oil Imparting instruction in that branch
while there are those who, with an indefinite
amount of stated instruction aud practice
may soon be qualified to form good choil
for the chapel services. Several are DESTROYS
of receiving instruction in reading and Other
rudiments OF learning encouraging them to
give all possible attention to those exercises
seems adapted 10 promote good order among
them, their mental and moral improvement
and their present and future happiness. The
chaplain with the warden and other officers
Of the prison are disposed 10 faithfully employ
those very natural facilities for promoting
ends so desirable for the prisoner, and so iui
OF favorable promise for the public good.
The Chaplain recommends an addition tc
the library.