The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-16

sure new and better life. We have sometimes
known men Of strong and elevated character to re-
turn to the community in which they were known
and to win fortunes and the respect Of their fellow
men But there are not many such men, and those
OF weaker yet not less pure resolutions almost
forced into the way of life they struggle to avoid.
The chapel of the penitentiary ia large, we'll fur
nished room, and is used both as church and Sab
bath school. In it the and women do not see
each other, although both in view of the chap
lain from his DESK nor indeed, do they see each
other during the whole period of their imprison-
ment 1t ia to this chapel the officers attribute the
essential elements of the reform they often witness.
The prisoners have relish for the exercises con-
Quoted by the chaplain, to whom they always lis
ten with respectful attention.
The product of the labor Of the prison may be
seen in large store room. There Is little at pres
emit, except joiners' work and boots and shoes OF
the latter, the stock on hand is probably worth
$4,000; and in unskied judgment, is of supe-
rior quality.
The expenses of the establishment form subject
of interes to many. 1t will be perceived that aside
from the interest the cost of the building, and
the expense of keeping it in repair 1850 paid
out over and above the product of the labor per-
formed. This sum divided by fifty seven, the mum
Der of prisoners, shows the cost the Government
for each to be 1882 SO per year But il may be re-
marked here that, while there but hfty-seven
prisoners, the establishment could we'll accommodate
three hundred, without materially increasing the
expenses named, and that this would reduce the
rate of expense of each prisoner to S25 H.
We by no means propose to accommodate econ
omists by straning the point to condemn great
or number OF men 10 prison for, indeed, we
would rejoice to see the whole sum of 81 $50 ex-
IaJ Nth
any over which to keep guardianship; but it
might prove economical to bring hither the United
States convicts from several of the States instead
of placing them in the State prisons. This, how
ever, is not important view of the subject. We
would wish TO the labor of the convicts delray
ing all their expenses provided it could be done in
full accordance with their weliare but their re-
form and the security of fociety at large the
main objects 10 be attained, and possible ex
pense should be for moment considered in com
parison with them.
The punishment for disobedience and other Of
fences is almost entirely by imprisonment in a
dark cell and reduced diet, and is seldom inefi-
cient
We have at no time visited a public institution
that appeared, in every detail of its arrangement
and administration, so excellently governed. Mr..
ELLIS, in his decided, yet quiet and kind manner,
appears to have entire control every prisoner
within the establishment; and the government of
every department appears to be administered in
this spirit.
Pubic, ScHooLs.-A meeting of the Trustees Of
Schools was held at the City Hall yesterday after
noon, Walter Lenox, Mayor of the city, presiding
Miss Alice b. English was at her own request
transferred from the I'd primary school of the 4th
To tbp at off Lett
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of
Mr.. Lindsey to the lst male primary school Of the
lst district The place heretofore occupied by Miss
English filled by the selection of Miss Middleton
teacher of the private school in the basement of the
Lutheran church. We understand thatit is the prac-
tcc of the Trustees in the selection of teachers to
choose such teachers OF private schools in
Washington, in preference to other applicants, all
other recommendations being equal. We regard
this JUST firstly because the interests of the pr
vate impaired by the public schools; and, sec
ondly because by this means the pupils of the pub
lie schools often increased,
CRImiSAL CoUar.-Mary Lawson's trial for per-
jury not concluded yesterday. The case of
Camper charged with the killing Of Raglan, is set
for to-day
VISITING FIREMES-- The Weccacoe Engine
Company, of Philadelphia, informed, will
arrive in Washington this morning by the cars
that leave Baltimore at 9 O'Clock. They will be
received at the depot by Populations from several
of our companies, by whom they will hc escorted
to the Perseverance engine house, where they will
deposit their apparatus, and thence TO Dorsey's
Hotel, where collation. will lie in readiness for
them The Mayor of the city will here welcome
them They will pass the day in visiting the places
Of interest throughout the city, and O'Clock in
the evening will partake of rcpast at Wizards
Hotel, to which they invited by the Anacostia
Union, Perseverance. and Northern Liberties com
panies. They will depart for their home to- NOR
row morning, at o'clock.
WHlppLE's DlssoLvINe vIrws.-This unrivalled
exhibition continues to draw multitudcs at Odd
Fellows Hall. No should fail to see ii soon, as
understand that next week is positively the last
in this city. At the conclusion Of each exhibition
Mr.. Whipple will introduce and explain the prin-
ciples of the Drummond or Calcium light with
which his Views are illuminated.
MARRIED,
On the 18th instant, by the Rev. Mr. GILLIss,
Capt. WIN. II. HALL to Miss MAMIE j daugh-
ter OF Col. JAS. J. RANDOLPH, all of this city.
Baltimore and New York papers please copy.1
In Norfolk, in st. Pauls church, by the Rev.
Mr.. Jackson, Lieut.. Col. r. + DE RUSSEY, U.
s. Army, 10 Miss HELEN A. MAXWELL, of that
city.
BY the Rev. Mr. MOORE, on the 18th instant, Mr.
GEORGE II. KENDRICK, of Washing ton, to Miss
VIRGINIA BRID ELL, of Virginia, daughter of
Timothy BRIDwELL, esq
DIED,
In this city, yesterday evening, at O'clock Miss
ELLEN ADAMS, late OF Enmttsburg, Maryland
of typhoid fever, in the 22d year of her age. She
was of an amiable disposition; none knew her but
to love her for her fine qualities as lady. Her
sickness brief, and she died fully esgned to the
will of her Saviour.
Her funeral will take place to- morrow, from the
residence of Mr. Gustavus A. Clarke, at g. O'clock
from the City Hall The friends and acquaint-
ances of the family are respectfully invited to at
tend.