The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-21
Local Matters.

Local Matters.
TIARY.--On Wednesday we stated that the Grand
Jury Of the county of Washington, by invitation of
the inspectors, visited the pentcntary for the pur
pose of making observations as to its general con-
diion. In the subjoined report to the criminal
court, they give the result of their examination,
which cannot prove otherwise than interesting and
gratifying:
GRAND jury Room, March 10, 1851.
The Grand Jury, yesterday, in pursuance of a
resolution adopted the previous day, visited, in
body, the penentiary, and submit this brief report
Of their observations there.
They were very cordially welcomed by Mr..
Jonas Is. Ellis, the warden, who in person accom-
panied them to every part ofthe institution and very
freely answered all inquiries in relation to the
treatment, discipline, &C., of the convicts.
The Grand Jury were highly gratifed to see the
cleanliness and ncatncss OF the prison in every
part-thc cells, including the bedding, being in
perfect ORDER the convicts clean, industriousy en-
ployed; the men in making shoes, joiners' work,
brooms, &C.; and the women in sewing, by whom
we are informed all the sewing for the penitentiary
is performed. The food was examined, and found
to be wholesome and abundant. Each prisoners
cell is furnished with bible, testament, and hymn
book, while they have also the privilege of using
other good books, Of which there is small library
belonging to the penitcntiary. On Sabbath the
prisoners have religious worship in their chapel,
conducted by the chaplain, in which is also held a
SaDDath school Tor their instruction.. Inc hospital
at present is vacant, and the Jury were informed
that it has not contained single patient for fifteen
months past. This may, in great measure, be
attributed to the good discipline, wholesome fare,
and exercise afforded the prisoners, we'll MS to the
moral and religious instruction enjoyed by them.
There is at present but one sick person in the
penitentary, colorcd female, who was brought
there sick, and Is fast declining, being cOnBump-
tive. She is in the female department, and COM
Portable she possibly could be in her circum-
stances, wanting for no attention that her case
needs.
The Grand Jury unanimously agree that the in
stituton could not be better administered than it
ia by the inspectors, and the very efficient and
worthy warden and other officers. And no better
compliment be paid to its physician, DIR.
Young, than the fact of there not having been
patient in the hospital for the last fifteen months.
Under the superintendent and management OF
such officers, the Grand Jury have guarantee
that the pententinry will effect all that it was de-
signed to do.
- J. GIDEON, Foreman.
IRREGULARITIES WITH MAoIsrRArEs.-The fol-
lowing report ia not complimentary to the magis-
trntcs referred to, and will readily suggest that the
irregularities which are represented need prompt
corrections:
GRAND JURy Room, March 10, 1851.
The Grand Jury Of the county of Washington,
at the March term, 1851 would respectfully repre-
sent to the honorable Judge of the criminal court
that system of irrcgularity with some Of the ma
gistratcs of the county of Washington, in taking
rccognizanccs for offences committed by iDdivi-
duals, and returnable TO courtin this particular,
that in many very trivial cases -four, sir and, in
come instances, as high as eight witnesses are en-
tered upon recognizance bonds, many OF whom
know but little or nothing Of the matters In which
they are returned as witnesses, and all OF whom
are summoned by the officers of the court, and
thereby increasing the expenses in petty cases TO
an alarming extent. Many Of the cases here re-
ferred to have under the notice Of the present
I,,rx opI hov kao, IF triH N
ter that they have been Immediately dismissed In
four cases before the present Grand Jury, arising
from one transaction, no less than -four recogni-
zance bonds and ftccnfy witnesses have been re-
turned to be summoned, and have been examined,
and Of course paid for. The Grand Jury would
respectfully ask Of your honor if there is rernc-
dy for this great evil The United States pay
these expenses, and the Grand Jury feel it 10 be
their duty to endeavor to arrest this unnecessary
waste of the public money.
We do not know that your honor or the honora.
bic judges Of the circuit court have any power oil
remedy; but We beg TO call your attention TO the
facts here stated.
We refrain for the present mentioning the names
Of the magistrates whose acts have come imme.
diately under our notice at the present term; but
examination Of the recognizanccs will readily
show who We mean. The Grand Jury take plea
sure in saying that the foregoing remarks do not
apply TO the magistrates now members Of this body,
and also that there are other honorable exceptions
- 49, = 80 J. GIDEON, Foreman.
The PARopI CoNcERr.-A large and brilliant
audience were in attendance at the National Hail.
last night, on the occasion of the second and last
grand concert Of Mad'ilc Teresa Parodi. The
| applause with which she received was an evil
dence of tho delight Of those who were charmed
by her melody. The celebrated scena and duetta
from Rossini's opera of " Semirams concluded
the entertainment. Parodi appeared, richly dress-
cd, the Syrian Queen; and Mad'llc Patti, as the
leader of the army, shared largely the appreciation
manifested.
| The Germania band performed some OF their
choice pieces, which, together with the singing Of
Avignonc, and tho airs on the pianofortc by Stra-
soech, and tho music of Hausers violin, (partcu-
larly tina "Bird Of the Trcc,') rendered the con-
cert one of the most entertaining which we have
ever had the pleasure TO enjoy.
PATENT OFFICE BvILpING.-Wc have continued
to regard the progress of the erection OF tho east
wing Of this cdiice with much interest. The style
of architecture, and the beautiful material en-
ployed, elicit general admiration. largo part Of
the outside architrave ia set, and tho workmen
are now engaged in the upper hall, (Which is two
hundred and seventy feet in length and seventy in
brcadth,) arranging the columns, with entaba-
ture from which the groin arches arc 10 spring.
Large of prepared marble are ON the
ground, ready for setting. The frat piece was
laid on the 18th OF August, 1919, and the last may,
perhaps, be depositcdby the let of September next.
Seven ycnrr, il we remember correctly, were con-