Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1858-04-01

ter even IN the desert. Ike wandering
Areb cr4einlsa, what can we do with a
people who make water rise out of the
ground wherever they pleasel And they
conquered perhaps as much by the i'm
pressions made by their scientific knowl
cage, as by the force of their arms.
While there are many things to condemn
in this country, there are also many things
to admire. One thing in the management
of the State Prison in this place has struck
me with much force as worthy of imita
tor. While The happiness of society is
sought in the puaishmest of crimes, the
reformation of the criminal as member
of society shculd also be sought. This
can only be accomplished by uniting efforts
for his reformation with his punishment in
such a way as not to destroy the effect of
his sentence The punishment awarded to
crime should be certain. The sentence of
the law should be faithfully carried out.
Indeed, have many doubts whether the
pardoning power, however wisely e1ercis-
ed, is productive of more injury than BEN
eft Il is said that many years ago, in
South Carolina, the Executive, when en-
tering upon the duties Of his Office, put up
in conspicuous place, emo pardons grant
ed except on evidence discovered after SEN
tence,'' as the rule of conduct, which he
rigidly observed; and it is added that there
was less crime than usual, during his
term of Office. Pardons are seldom grant
ed here. Every convict is kept at hard Ia
Dor. A strict account is kept of the cost
and profit of his work. At the expiration
of his sentence balance is struck If he
has been diligent in his work it is almost
always in his favor. He is then required
to return to the place of his conviction and
endeavor to regain his character in the
place where 1t was lost. The balance due
him on account of his labor is accounted
for, and paid over to him upon his produ
cling certificate from the tribunal which
convicted him, that he is conducting him
self as good citizen and is attentive to the
wants and necessities of his family. Thus,
during his term of imprisonment and after
his discharge, an incentive is given him to
be "diligent in business of the best
safeguards against crime.
The government here does everything,
is everywhere. What would cur people
say if the government monopolized all the
carrying trade of all packages under cer-
tain weight? have seen passing my win
dow, post office wagons loaded with game,
fish, and other articles of food One of
the things which most astonishes an Amer
can is the number of soldiers he meets,
and especially the number of officers. A
story is told of one Of the smaller coun-
tries, which is amusing. Every king
dom, however small, has its standing ar
my. 1t is said that in that little kingdom
the number of the effective was fifty men,
After the general with his staff, the colo
nels, the captains. and other officers had
received their commissions, one solitary
soldier was left-forming the grand army
of the kingdom. s --A 80.
q My letter has become too long. But
when I am writing or speaking on sub
ject so vital to the growth, the prosperity,
and the influence of Indiana, know not
where to stop. AS our Republic grows in
and interest as a nation, stretch
ing from ocean to ocean, Individual States
must be thrown more and more upon their
own resources. The geographical position
of indiana is commanding. We cannot
change cur commercial and social position
in the Republic, as ascentral State. Com
merce between'the East and West must in
all future time pass through our borders.
The wish of my heart is that Indiana
may attain thaticommanding influence for
which nature has SO richly endowed her,
and which her position points to. That
she may set an example to her sister States
n removing whatever hides her CONNER
,ial, agriculturab and mineral resources
rom the eager eye of enterprise .baa v.'ss
Il promised to write to you andmy prom
Sc is kept. Isaid to our mutual friend,
Powell Howland, the modelfarmer of In
llama, that would write to him upon the
grlculture Of this country. hope to Be
BILE to fulfill this promise before many
lays. crTa ele gsfI .aissft e.sgAsesz
Z Accept for yourself the assurance ofmy
Ugh regard. asiis.14s < 1e'a-oaoe a--
,itsgpg @. JOSEPH A. WRIGHT. 81
Hon. JOHN LAW D ssaiei Holam00 cd