The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-21
WOODSFIELD, OHIO, WEDNESDAY. JANUARY g1, 1852

| tuuOn, ilS cHpeHSeS anu ltS TocelPs. lHo
opinion is entertained that more OF it's in
mates can be proftably employed on the
State Capitol another year. 1t will, proba.
bly,, be found, by far. the most beneficial
investment of Prenitentiary labor.
| Before closing this subject, permit me to
call your particular attention to the juvi-
nile offenders confined in this institution
is repugnant to every feeling Of human
ity, that youth Of tender years, not always
prsdisposed to crime, but almost forced by
the heartless neglect Of those who have
them in charge, or seduced by others. to
commit it, should be confined in the Pen
itentary for any purpose of reform, with
old and hardened offenders Such sys-
TEN requires only to be mentioned 10 be
condemned by all who have the interest
and welfare Of tho rising generation at
heart.
Houses Of Correction, and houses Of In
dustry, under the control of firm but mild
and humane officers. are believed 10 be
infinitely better calculated to carry out any
object the laws of civilized communities
can have in view-the reformation Of juve-
nile delinquents. Such institutions have
been tried in Massachusetts, Now York,
Pennsylvania and other places with the
best results. There is ono in the city Of
Cincinnati, under city authority. which is
spoken Of in terms ol the highest commsn-
dation. By an economical employment
Of those confined in such institutions, and
with no unreasonable application, they
cannot be expensive to the State tis re-
spsctfully submitted, whether measures
should not be taken for the erection Of one
or more institutions of this character, for
this unfortunate class of our youth, Of Ell
ther one or the other sexes.
AT tho last session, the General Assem-
bly, passed a resolution instruc,ing the
Executive to inquire into the circumstances
o the abduction of the family of Peyton
| Polly, and, if satisfied Of their freedom, to
take such measures as he deemed expe-
dienr for their release, snd to pay the ex
penses rom his contingent fund.
This was a coiOred family. consisting Of
eight persons. On Investigation it was
satisfactorily ascertalnad that igh-hand-
ed outrage has been commitied on the soil,
and against the dignity and sovereignty
OF the State Of Ohio. on the night OF the 9th
OF June, 1850. in the county ofLnwrencs,
and that the entire family, residing remote
ly from assistance, was basel ly kidnapped,
carried into the States of Kentucky and
Virginia and sold into slavery. when they
were no, slaves but in fact free persons.
This family consisted mostly of children.
Immediately after tho passage Of the
resolution, information was received that
four OF this family were sold in the noun
tains of Virginia. in the county Of Wayne,
and that four others were on their way
down the river to the lower country, in the
| hands of purchasers. and for sale. With
out loss OF time, counsel was dispatched to
Louisville TO intercept those in that dircc-
ton, employ assistance, If necessary, am,
to institute legal proceedings to establish
their freedom aud to secure their return.
They were speedily overtaken and pla.
ced III the custody Of the law. but in differ
ont counties in Kentucky. The question
as to one. Peyton Polly, has been tried.
his freedom established, and he has been
returned.
The other cases are still pending
Though prepared, on our part, and trials
urged, at the last terms of the Kentucky
Courts, as am advised. the defence caus.
ed them to be postponed | am informed
there is no reasonable apprehension enter
ia ined of an unfavorable result.
Counsel was likewise sent TO Virginia to
secure the four there, and 10 institute the
proper proceedings for their recovery
After difficulties which proved nearly in
surnountable, they were hunted out in the
mountains Of Sandy, remote from civiza-
ton, and suits commenced, which are yet
undecided. Assurances have been given
by council, likewise of their favorable ter
minaton. Copies Of portions or Of all the
correspondence on this subject, as well as
the reports of those sent to both Virginia
and Kentucky, will be transmitted to you,
if desired.
Six individuals who were the authors Of
this outrage stand indicted for it in Law.
renee county. They were supposed to be
lurking in Kentucky, as fugitives from jus.
tice. A requisition was, therefore, made,
ON the Governor of that Commonwealth,
and an agent dispatched to procure their
arrest and return to Lawrence county for
trial.
The Governor of Kentucky promptly
| issued his warrant, but on search being
made it was ascertained the fugitves had
fed to parts unknown, but, probably, west
Of the Missouri, and beyond the reach of
process at the present time. An eye will
be kept on their apprehension, At some flu.
ture period, by the present Executive, and
he will leave it as an inheritance to his sue
cessor, if not before taken, to spare no
exertion to vindicate our sovereignty by
the punishment OF this lawless banditti Of
pirates. pt
take great pleasure in saying thatfro
tho Information received, an honorable
| A.. -. .c1 o>.l ...~r~ .c:t~.,~1 nnt