New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-01-30
The New Order of Things ut the Sing-Sing
state Prison.
Correspondence Of The Tribune.



SrNG.SING, Wednesday, Jan. 49, 1851.
The Board of Prison Inspectors, who have been
in session for the last four five days, adjourned
this afternoon. By the election of Mr. Angel, last
fall, the political power of the Board was re-
versed, and general expectation Of change in
the subordinate officers of the Prison seemed to
prevail among the members Of the Democratic
party On the arrival of the Inspectors, therefore,
they found large number Of applicants on the
ground for all the Offices under their control, most
of whom were earnest and energetic In pressing
their claims. A very delicate and responsible
duty devolved upon the Inspectors in regard to this
matter, and one that for some time assumed many
embarrassing aspects In the first place, it seemed
to be settled thing with the applicants, that the
incumbents of the offices were TO be changed, and
the majority Of the Board had duty to perform
to their political friends, which they could not en-
tirey overlook, even had they been disposed 20 do
so. As check upon this demand for places, the
Inspectors felt bound to protect the interests OF
the State, and of the Contractors, and to pursue
such course as should not impair the discipline,
or effect the income and resources OF the lnsttu-
ton. An indiscriminate and entire removal and
change of officers would most certainly have
proved disastrous to all the interests connected
with the Prison, and would greatly have endan.
gered the safe keeping Of the cOnvlcts Many OF
the incumbents also are men, having families,
whose circumstances are not OF the most pros
porous character, and who could not be deprived
of employment and turned out in mid winter,
without distressing their families and in some in
stances inhictiDg upon them great and irreparable
injury.
Under these circumstances, the Inspectors
deemed it advisable to change only portion Of
the officers at the present time, leaving the dispo
sition OF the balance to be determined by circum-
stances in the future.
IL may not be generally Known, that for the va
rous offices connected with the Prisons, it requires
peculiar and in some instances extraordinary
qualifications. The Agent has the entire charge
of the business and fiscal affairs OF the Prison,
and during the year about Sl00 600 passes through
his hands, which he is required to collect disburse
and account for. This requires business talents
of high order and many men who are capable OF
managing successfully limited business would
fail in the management of a matter so difficult,
complicated and important as the Agency OF one
of our Prisons.
Upon the Warden devolves the discipline of the
convicts and he has the entire charge and control
of the Police of the Prisons All Of the Keepers
and Guards are under his direction, and it lie his
duty TO see that the convicts are constantly en-
ployed, that the rules of discipline are enforced,
and the men are safely secured and properly fed
and cared for. man VINO is deficient in know
ledge Of human nature, or faculty OF governing
and controlling others and enforcing obedience TO
laws and regulations, is united for this place. He
may be well qualified to discharge the duties Of
the Office of Governor OF the State, and still be
wanting in all the qualifications which are abso-
lutely essential in Warden to the Prison. 1t
can readily be conceived, that something beside
mere political considerations should influence the
choice OF an Incumbent for this Office.
IL is not every man who can drive team, or
ply q mechanical trade, that would make good
Had 70 Innrl
their duty, and il requires experience to qualify
them for a successful performance oil what is de-
manded Of them.
Under these circumstances, and in connection
with the fact that most OF the applicants were en-
tire strangers 10 Messrs. Clarke and Angel the
selection OF proper men has been extremely dihi.
cult, and the inspectors have certainly exhibited
a very commendable degree Of care and caution.
For reasons which have not transpired, they nave
yet made no change in the Offices Of Agent,
Clerk and Physician, and portion Of the Guards
and Keepers.
The following appointments have been an
Rounced, to take effect atvsrious periods between
ths and the LIST Of April next:
Itarccn-R r. A. ROBINSON OF Sing Sing.
Chopiain.-Rev Minor n. WELLS. Of Canton. -
Absnv; John r. Dobbin Of Washington Co; John yande
and Michael D Com Of NewYOrk City, aud ernum
nah Worries Lew l. Peck, William an Wsrt and Amos
s. Norihrup Of WesichesteT County. ,,,,,,.
GuIFds-Sicpnen Acbetn lsdcc H|
Will Danel MontrOss Harrison Hilker James Ncnaeis,
seph Flanagan Frederick Cannf, Elias Odel, William
A. Weeks Robert Heuick, laaah Coufant
Upon examining the affairs OF the Femae m
son. the inspectors found il in an admirable con
ditioD, and the Lady Matron and her assistants
performing their duty with much prudence
and evident capacity, that they Immediately de-
cided not TO disturb them, but, on the contrary
placed upon the records Of the Prison resolution
commencing them for their faithful discharge oil
duty and inviting them to remain in their present
positions. C.