Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-11-06
Visit to the Penite utiary.


days ago, for the first time, and was kindly
shown through the work shops of the In
stitution by the accomplished and gentle
manly Superintendent, Col. Morgan. We
were much surprised to see the extensive
manufactures which give employment to
the convicts. The axe factory is on a
grand scale, and turns out a superb article.
The shoe business is also carried on large.
ly, under the immediate superip:endence
OF fred Boot Smith," convicted of se-
creting slaves with view to sending them
Oft. Weaving, wagon making, tailoring,
and various other trades serve to give en-
ployment to the inmates, and contribute 10
the support OF the establishment. The
articles manufactured and sold here nearly,
ii not quite, meet the curren, expenses
Several years ago surplus from the pro-
ducts OF labor, after meeting all expenses,
was OH hand. But since the Legislature
passed an act reducing the minimum
term Of confinement to one year, the result
has been 10 materially initiate against the
value Of labor products. In addition to
this very impolitic and unwise system,
there are now numerous lazy and worth
less inmates, from whom no profit can be
obtained, which will tend greatly to lessen
the products. Hence, it is estimated that
this year, the income Of the Institution
will fall considerably short Of the expenses.
In the Penitentiary there Is almost c,0
r. expression Of countenance, from the
most consummate rassal,ty TO the highest
degree Of intelligence. A great majority
Of the inmates, however, indicate, from
their appearance, vast deal Of ignorance,
and great want Of education. They seem
to he from the lowest walks Of hfe---many
Of them lsborers. The dress which they
wear may contribute ia great degree 10
create this impression. 1t is half black
and half white-made out Of wooden goods
manufactured 10 the Penitent,ary. They
wear caps, or bead coverings. made out Of
the same goods. They present, as they
march from the work shop to their cells, a
curious and melancholy spectacle. When
retiring from the days labor, every other
ore carries can Of water, and they march
in single file to their cells, in each Of which
are two persons, preceded BY the keepers
Of the separate departments. As the pom
derous bolt is turned upon them shudder
Involuntary steels over the spectator
We could but pity the 5isgraceful lot in
life which had befallen so many--of whom
were the young aud elastic, alike with the
gray haired and aged. The sternness Of
justice Is here fully exemplitied. Yet the
angel Of mercy is not clean gone from this
miserable abode Of vice and treachery.-
Many there are who exhibit evident signs
Of pehitence, and perform the tasks as
signed them with apparent eheerfulness
and alscrity.
Whilst in attendance there, we called
to see Wilson, sent from this county t1hder
the awful charge Of murder. He still de-
MES, apparently with all the earnestnvss
of his nature, any participation in or
knowledge Of the murder OF old man Cole.
man. His protestations Of innocence were
earnest and he said the cause Of his con-
fnement never gave him an unhsppy
thought. He looks remarkably well, and
says he is as contented as he could be in
sucl, place. The Superintendent gave
very favorable report OF him, which he
says he will endeavor always to deserve.
When we first passed him in the shop (he
is working VI wagon making he rec cccg-
uized Us with smile, and nod of the
head. After going down. we had him
sent for, and conversed for some time with
him. He seemed very glad to see US.
This Institution is conducted with great
system. The punishment is not so severe
as our youthful impressions had led US
to suppose. But il is severe enough. To
be shut out from the world, and closely
confined with men whose hearts are Of the
blacklist hue, 10 punishment, greater
than which the mind cannot well conceive.
The physical exertioM is not more than the
system can bear. Each man is placed at
that business for which he seemed best
adapted-thus it is. a great degree Of profit
is secured. We are we'll satisfied. whilst
the institution is not intended rs a source
of profit. that the minimum punishment
should be changed SO as TO subserve the pc
cuniary interests Of the State, whilst il
would act as u .alutary check upoh vice. 1t
is very evident that it the minimum punish.
ment were changed from one year, to three
gears. - formerly, the effect would be
beneficial upon the minds Of those predis-
posed to be uaruly aud to violate the law.
In fact. the experience Of the Virginia,
aud other Penitentiaries. demonstrates it.
We trust. therefore, il for no other reason,
70, the sake oi virtue aud humanity, the
legislature will iavorably consider the ques-
ton at its next session.
There are in the PepiteLtiary - fe.