The Nevada Democrat., 1858-03-17
TIE state Prlson-sIessage from the Gov
STATE OF CAL, ExEcUTIvR DEPART,
Sacramento, March 10, 1858. I


Sacramento, March 10, 1858.
TO the Senate of California
Although the State Prison is only temporari-
ly under my charge, deemed it proper, on
recent visit to that institution. to make some
material changes in its government. The rules
hitherto adopted seem to have been Intended
almost exclusively for the convicts. Leaving
nearly everything to the discretion of the Off
GERS, as might be expected, they have frequent
ly abused their power and shamefully treated
the unfortunate prisoners. Instances have
been cited to me which would disgrace any civ
ilized community. In view of these facts, l
did not hesitate to prescribe such rules as
would n the future correct, at least, some of the
abuses which | doubt not have for q series of
years been practiced in that prison. Orders
were given to convert some of the cells, imme-
diately, Into dungeons, where punishment,
more in accordance with the spirit of the age,
could be inflicted upon the refractory.
There are some men in the Prison who in my
opinion, are entitled TO Executive clemeney
but, under the law as it now stands, must re-
main'there for years. l alude to that unfor.
tunate class who have neither friends or money
to give the notice which the law requires, be-
fore the Governor can consider an application
for pardon. Several cases Of this sort have
come under my observation. The law ought
to be modified so as to enable the Executive in
extraordinary cases of this character, TO sus-
pend the notice; Or if it is feared that he would
abuse the power, let him be authorized to make
the publication at the expense of the Treasury.
1t seems to me that justice and humanity de-
mand this.
The number of prisoners is increasing, and
unless the practice of sending for such long
terms is abandoned, we will have in a short
time one thousand convicts We have now up
..Ta L..- Il t.1l l..
dations cannot be provided at San Quentin for
more than three hundred, AS the location is a
bad one, a branch prison, therefore, becomes
indispensable.
In my opinion, contract can be made with
individuals who will take the labor of two hun
dred convicts at the Prison, and pay a sufficient
amount to defray more than half the expenses
of the institution. did not feel at liberty to
make any contracts in regard to this matter, as
the Legislature is about to organize the insttu-
ton on permanent basis, At present they
are employed in preparing to manufacture
brick, and in cleaning off the public grounds.
AS this subject is now before the Legislature,
| deem it proper to transmit the Rules which
have been established for the government of
the Prison.
The communication marked 3D." was read
to the convicts on yesterday, and will be re-
peated every day. for week. in order that they
may fully comprehend it.
The only change made in the officials, was
the dismissal of Capt. Connor, "builder and ar
chitect," and the appointment of Capt Ladew
who has had much experience as an officer in
prisons here aud in the Atlantic States, TO the
position Of Superintendent of Labor and Po-
lice" JoHN B. WELLER.
Appended was the following, being the ad-
dress Of the Governor, which was read to the
cOnvicts at the State Prison
The Governor of the State. who has for the
present the control Of the prison, deeply SYM
path.s:s with the unfortunate men who are now
ncarcerated in the prison, because of their vi
olation of the laws OF the land. He is disposed
TO do everything in his power consistent with
his duty as Chief Magistrate Of the State, to
ameliOrate their condition. and reclaim them,
il possible, back to the paths Of virtue. Uav-
ing understood that the most inhuman punish
meuts had been inflicted upon them previous to
his taking possession of tho prison, he has Or
dered that us soon as dungeons are provided,
corporal punishment for the present should be
abandoned, aud that no officer or employee
should he allowed to strike q convict unless in
self-delense, or to prevent an escape. He has,
also, directed that they should be treated with
all the kindness consistent with their security
and every proper effort made to induce them to
reform. He has given orders which he doubts
not will very materially mitigate their suffer
ings. He trusts these changes will have sal
utary effect upon the prisoners, and that they
will show, by prompt compliance with the
rules Of the prison. that they properly appreci-
ate his clemency. Many of them are young
men. still in the morning Of life, with brave
and generous impulses in their bosoms, and ca
pable of becoming useful and honorable men,
bers of society. A few years Of honest, upright
efoi, ah
ment has attached to their names. The world,
although not generally charitable, always res
poets honesty and integrity. Those Of the
convicts who faithfully observe the rules Of the
prison, and give satisfactory evidence Of refor-
nation by their good conduct, will at the expi-
ration of their term Of service, be restored to
that right so highly priced by all Americans
the right of citizenship. This will aid them in
getting immediate employment, and assist them
in their efforts to lead an honest life. Those
who attempt TO escape or violate the rules Of
the prison. have nothing to expect at his hands.
The record of their conduct will be carefully
examined before he restores them to any Of the
rights forfeited by conviction They must be
discouraged from making applications to the
Executive for pardOns. This power will only
he exercised in extraordinary cases, and upon
the most satisfactory proof that public justice
demands it. lie has no power, under the law,
to consider any application for a pardon until
notice has been given to the Judge before
whom the convict was tried, for thirty days,
and published in newspaper for twenty days.
This he dare not violate or waive. 1t is useless
therefore to address him on the subject
In regard to escapes, the guard has been in-
creased, and such arrangements made that it is
almost morally certain that those who would
attempt would be killed. He warns them,
therefore. as they value their lives to abandon
all hope of escaping. Let them show by their
good conduct that they are entitled to the SYM
pathy of those who have them in charge, and
he doubts not they will receive it. The officers
are not their enemies they have pnblic duty
to perform, and faithful compliance with the
rules of the prison on the part of the convict
will secure kind treatment from them.
The LATEST FAsHIoN-ScARLET PETTICoATs-
The lady promendaders OF the Avenue were
somewhat horrifed at the appearance Of dis
tinguished foreigner, who held up her dress 70
nc 10 undO al nal