The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-12-15

The Jail has boon completed, and
informed tiat it is not only an "mposing struc-
'ture, but is, in point of comfort" second to
none in the country. In these ''barracks for the
Devils regiment Of the line" every man will
have to himself Il snug chamber, nicely ventilated
by "draft-lues' warmed by the pleasant heat of
steam, which is so much preferable to that of
stoves, and lighted by costly but cheerful gas
For liberal enjoyment of water privileges every
arrangement has been made; and in the three
hospital rooms cold, warm and shower-baths in
vite the sick thief or the indisposed murderer, to
seek renewal of health and strength. The
kitchen, told, is supplied with all the con-
"venicnces;'' and in reading of the boilers ovens,
candrons and kettles that form part of the perma-
nent culinary apparatus, we distinctly sniff the
fumes of the good cheer that will soon be
boiling, baking, roasting and frying in their capa-
cious cavities The whole management will be
under the superintendent of "gentlemanly
"Warden," and what more the rascality of Bati-
more or of any other city, could desire we are at
loss to know. Here is a positive inducement
offered to any gentleman of burglarious or ruianly
propensities, who has not yet selected his winter
quarters, to display some activity in securing his
neighbours goods, or TO exert himself more indus
triously with his slung-shot. Such bed, board
and attendance as we will guarantee him, if he
desires it, many an honest man vainly tolls for a
lifetime to procure. We would not be mere under
stood rs endorsing Mr.. CARLYLE's opinions on the
subject Of the treatment of criminals He has no
pity for this species of humanity 'The scoun-
dre," he says, 'needs no protection The
'scoundrel that aciU hasten to the gallows, why
mot rather clear the way for him? Better he
''reach his goal and outgate by the natural pro-
''clivity, than be so extensively damned up and
detained po soning las he stagnates and
''meanders along, to arrive at last hundred times
'fouler, and swollen hundred times bigger. -
His system is very simple one, for he would
summariy put out of the world one class of
villains, and chain up and whip another While
We by no means assent 10 the theories, or approve
of the plans, by which he proposes to rid the earth
Of crime, we cannot but recognize the truth of
much that he says about the practical philanthropy
of the day The vicious have received more than
fair share of its sympathy; and to be vile is to
have higher claim TO its consideration than to be
simply unfortunate. In fact, it has set itself so
sentimentaly t o work 10 trace out the causes of
mems guilt, that it has almost persuaded itself
that to err is in the majority of cases, rather a
misfortune than a fault. To reform a rufian,
rather than to punish him and protect society,
seems nowadays to be considered the prime OBJ
iect for which penalties are prescribed for offences
and therefore iniquity is soothed and comforted.
until men forget that it is loathesome. They care
for it tenderly until it has done penance and then
sedulously erase the badge of shame from its fore
head, that it may walk again unsupported in So
ciety homeless wanderer here NAV. when
driven to extremity, obtain hard lodgings in the
watch-house, flor charity has not yet thrown open
any place where he may honorably seek shelter;)
but let him steal and he will find himself within
'an imposing structure of Handsome architec-
'tural fnish, which the whole population has
contributed to erect, amid the pathetic lauda-
tions of MAYORS and Councils. We cannot there.
fore, but have some doubts about the propriety of
the "white marble trimmings on the outside,
and the exceeding "comfort' of the inside
of this abode of the refuse of our popu-
lation. We are not sure that the little
property which some humble workman has
toiled for years to accumulate, has not
been taxed too heavily for the support and keep
ing Of the wretch who was detected in the act
of setting fire to it. These are very delicate
questions, we admit, and we leave it to shrewder
casusts to determine whether the superfluous care
bestowed upon the arrangements of the Jail may
not be classed with the benefcence which pro-
vides flannel jackets for young Hottentots About
one thing, however, we are clear which is, that
in the present condition of affairs here the money
spent has been absolutely thrown away. No
man whom we need care about shutting up, can
be compelled to submit to confinement in This
imposing structure unless he pleases-for hail
is purchasetoie, and magistrates considerate. A
few women aud decrepit old people, who would
be unable to break out of a hen-coop, may be
committed-and they could have been detained in
safety anywhere; but there is little likelihood in
the future, that any one will remain in duress
who can vote twice or fire pistol on election