The Ohio union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1849-1854, 1854-03-29
TME OHIO PENITENTIARY.

We quote below an extract from the
proceedings ofihe Legislature, which does
not astound ourself, but may others. We
give the whole proceedings on this subject
50 iha, we may not be charged with i'm
proper motives !:
"Mr. ROSS offered a'Sesolutioa for the
appointment! Of a committee 10 investigate
the Aogging and cruel treatment Of a con-
vicl in the Penilenliary. Z
"Mr. ROSS said he had this morning
been informed by an officer Of the Prison,
that a convict had been incarccrated in a
dungeon and fed upon bread and water
Tor twenty. three days-6fteen days Of The
time with The lighlOfheuveu excluded from
his cell, and during that time had received
frequent and severe floggings with a cat"
an instrument Of torture used in The prison.
The object Of this barbarous aud inhuman
conduct, was to exlorl from him a confess.
ion Of having stolen a sum Of money that
appeared 10 be missing at the prison.
This convict "a colored w%aiter,) had been
denied clothing TO lie on during the most
| Indictment weather, and his suiierings from
| Ibis cause alone had been most inlense.-
| Mr.. Dimmock, The Warden, had ordered
that clothing be supplied him, but the or
drrs had been counlermanded by Watson,
The Deputy Keeper. Mr.. r. had visited
the prison with the other gentlemen Of the
| committee under the resolution Of yesler.
day, and had there learned a tale at which
humanity would shudder. He dwell up.
on these circumstances with much warmth,
aud his statement excited manifest indig-
nation in all parts Of the Hall. He said
he would hold himself fully responsible
for the truth Of all he had uttered. The
truth had not been half told, regarding the
infamous conduct of officers Of the Prison.
During the discussion Of yesterday, it had
been stated that the officers Of the Prison
courted investigation yet a man had been
sentto his (Mr. R's) room 10 endeavor 10
dissuade him from Offering that identical
resolution. He had also been threatened
with assassination il he perscvered.-
When the committee visited the Prison TO
investigate the case Of The woman, they
learned tina, her cell had been entered be
tween six and seven o'clock in the morn
ing. when she was informed that resolu
lion would be offered that day in tht
I~luuse. No doubt she was also instructed
as 10 the story she was TO give, but hi
could moi speak positively on tina, point.
Mr.. CROSS said il such daninable thing
were taking place in the Penilentiary, |
was time investigation was had. VIVA
he bad heard was of the most astounding
character. II was for such conduct tina
men were sen, to the Prniicntiary, and i
It was true, the guilty ones ought to ex
change places with the conyicls. ThC
statement he had heard revived r%ecollec
tons of the old Spanish inquisiiion.
"Mr. DEAN said the House had listened
to a tale. which If only half substantiateC
By facts, was black enough 10 consign the
perpetrators TO infamy. Such deeds were
nottp he tolerated in a civilized communi
ly. lie hoped the affair and the Officers
Of the prison generally, would be fully
prNbed.
"Mr. ALLEN, ofPike. moved 10 amend
by authorizing The committee 10 take les
mir. FERRY or.ral an1amsndmen
providing for including investigation ii
other cases.
AIR ORCHARD said that for the pur
pose Of having the amendment prepared
properly, he would move its reference 10
select committee Of three. Agreed TO. AM
Mpssrs. Ross, Orchard and Dean APPOINT
ed"
Who will not shudjer al such lrea'men
of convic.sl Where is the Warden O
whom the Columbus papers say so much
Can it be possible that such brutal treat
menl is meied out 10 poor unfortunal
conyicls. We suppose il 10 be the polio
and intent Of our laws, 10 endeavor to col
rect, by mild and humane treatment, III
evil propensities oil convicls. But tn
hall is not yet told, we verify believe ; f.
how almost impossible must it be, for til
complaint Of a convict to be known, whe
> the channel of imparling that iniormaliO
=. must be through the parties who cO."n
Tue outrage.
e This subject is commented upon by Il
e Ohio State Democrat us follows.
"Grea, sensation was created by Il
" statements Of DR.. Ross, concerning Il
d torture ofa prnitenliary convict by Il
i Deputy Warden, The affair will, as
deserves, he amply investigated. We a
III happy in being assured-allhoueh ass
I'd rance. was hardly necessary that NJ
ID DmMuoK, the efficient but kind heart
4 Warden, is fully exoneraled. Dr.. RI
.. deserves the thanks Of every lover of h
=. mainly for dragging this dark and damni
Is transaction 10 the light of day"
is Part Of the above will do, Messrs KNA
Is e. FLOOD, considering all things, bu,
c the name Of God Of what use is a Ward
'e of the Penilenliary, il not to attend 10
IA business Of Inc Office. In this portion
IS the State we are not of those who can
made 10 believe that the Wardenship il
siuecure, and that his duties are simply
"eat, drink and be merry and permit
Ir. c%onvicts 10 be punished By brutes. |
he business is TO strictly oversee with
- - Il. A.