Amador weekly ledger., 1858-03-27
The State Prison.

Yesterday we called upon the Governor
who had Just returned from the State Prison,
to ascertain how matters were at that inter-
esting locality. He reports everything in
most satisfactory condition. The convicts
are all, now, in such condition of comfort
as the common dictates of humanity require
They are well fed and comfortably clothed,
and what is of equal Importance, they are all
employed During the time the Governor
was there, be attended the funeral of one of
the convicts He died of consumption The
entire gang were brought out, in their most
decent attire, to listen to the funeral service
which was read by Major Mckay. They
stood in file four deep, and paid all the re-
spect TO the ceremonies that better men would
have been expected to have DONE
Since the Governor has had possession Of
the Prison. but one escape is recorded, and
that is of man who was employed on u
ranch some twenty miles from the Prison
He with two Others thus employed, were sent
for, but anticipating the result, had made his
escape.
Within the walls, we learn that great i'm
proyements have been made. The corral has
been divided off into rooms, and the prison
crs classified, so far as it is possible with the
limited space at command. The prison yard
which was muddy and filthy, has been filed
with dirt hauled in, and turfed and beauti-
full reservoir, composed Of wood but imita-
ting marble, constructed. The prisoners are
required to battle at stated periods, and the
water is all conveyed to the new turf, so that
the grass looks fresh and vigorous. In the
interior, the tailors shoemakers, and other
mechanics are at work, providing supplies for
the prisoners, so that the rdlo material is all
the expense the State will be at for the cloth
ing of the prisoners, if the present plan is
carried out.
One convict, whose term expired while the
Governor was at the prison, took his depar-
ture. He was young man, had been q sail
or. had behaved well while in prison, and was
restored to citizenship by his Excellency,-
He was not sent off ragged aud filthy, with
the penitentiary brand upon him, SO that he
must either steal or starve, but had neat
suit of sailor toggery and five dollars in his
pocket, so that if he desired to become q good
citizen, the way was open before him.
One portion of the information received, we
regret to record During the time the Peni
tentiary has been under its present control, the
number of convcts has increased nine. This
fact should urge the Legislature to establish
a branch at Folsom, so that they may be bet
ter classified and also for the reason that their
labor may be employed to better advantage.
This Is matter deserving of serious consid-
GRAFTON, and should receive prompt action at
the hands of our law Makers State Jour
nal, March %.
That the Branch Prison should be estab-
lished at Folsom as speedily as possible and
convenient will, we think, be acknowledged
by all who will take the trouble TO inform
themselves as to facts, circumstances and ge-
ography This measure, very properly recon-
mended by our worthy and able Chief Magis-
trate, is in fact imperatvely demanded by the
best interests of the State and the people, for
various reasons. Folsom is more centrally
located than San Quinten, and the cost OF con-
veying prisoners from the counties, (paid by
the State, would be much less than at pres.