The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-01-27

or public utility. That the dilapidated condi-
ton ofsome ofthe buildings is public disgrace
and the restricted limits of the site render it
impractclble to enlarge the institution, and
that the cost ola new prison upon the most
approved plan would not exceed by moro than
twice the expense of such imperfect and incom-
plete alterations rs alone would be effected in
the present locality.
The prison, as at present located, can never
be made self sustaining. 1t is 40 miles from
any rail road and miles from any steamboat
wharf The mere cost of transportation
destroys large margin of profit. Thomaston
is not in the vicinity of any manufacturing
place, nor is II a place where mechanical labor
Is in demand. The consequence is that favor
able contracts and remuneratiye prices for
labor Of conyicts cannot be obtained there.
But II would take up too much of your space
to dwell longer upon this matter. Suffice 1t to
say that the majority of the commissioners in-
cline to the opinion that new prision must be
built and am of the opinion that new
State Prison will be built. Furthermore
believe that Biddeford will be a good place to
build il and that we can secure 1t If proper
efforts 10 this end are made, and made in
season. II is worth while to think of this
matter and after thinking, 1t will pay to act.
say-men of BiddefOrd, wont you prepare
yourselves to show some future commissioner
and Legislature that Biddeford is the very
best place to locate the new State Prison!
The annual report Of the Warden and Inspec-
tors of the State Prison has just been made.
The number of convicts in prison at the
commencement of the year, was lbs received
since, As; making l76. During the year ~
have been discharged on expiration OF sentence
N27 pardoned, 3 died. escaped, and one re-
moved to the Insane IIospital-in all 50 SO that
there remained in prison Nov. 30, 1859, one
hundred and twenty four. The number Of
convicts received the present year is not Sc
large by twenty one as the number received
last year.
During the last three years there has been
sentenced to the State Prison nearly two hun.
dred conyicts This shows in comparison
with former years an alarming increase in the
commission of crime. A portion of this n-
crease may as tho Warden says be owing to
the financial difficulties from which we have
suffered during the last few years, but still
larger portion is directly traceablc and attri'
tributable to the free indulgence in intoxicating
drinks. This II is which peoples our almhousc'
and prisons; Transforming into brutes pau
pers and even criminals full many man who
might have been an ornament to society and O
blessing to his friends.
Since 1885 q large portion ofthe convict:
have been very young men, and many of them
committed for the commission of minor often
ces.
The crimes for which the present inmate:
were convicted are as follows Larceny, CD
Rape, .; Arson. 70; Murder, 10; Forgery, /;
Manslaughtcr, 2; Robbing the Mail, 3; Utter
ing a Forged Order, 1; Uttering Counterfeit
Money, /; Malicious Burning, 2; Enticing to
Burn, /; Burglary, lG; Assault to Ravish, .
Assault to Kill, 4; Adultery, 2; Cheating l..
Mr.. Hamilton has presented petition from
the Mayor of Biddeford, asking for amend
ments to the City Charter. and the same has
been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Mr.. II. has also introduced an order instruct
ing the committee on Judiciary to inquire into
the expediency Of giving operatives in cotton
ond wooden manufacturing establishments q
| lien upon the materials upon which they have
worked, for their wages. hardly think this
matter will live to get through the committee.
II would be of no benefit to operatives in our
large manufacturing towns, as they would have
no need of anything of the kind. In small
country mills 1t might operate we'll as scare,
but IL would be almost impossible to enforce II.
The Judiciary committee have reported bill
exempting one or two horses of the value OF
$3.50 from attachment. AS the law now stands
only 500 worth Of horse flesh is exempt from
this process The introduction of this bill into
the House was the occasion Of highly interest
inc and animated debate, in which the chief
speakers were MCssrs. McCrills, of Bangor,
and James NJ. Stone, Est, Of Rennebunk.-
Mr.. McCrills advocates the exemption of a
pair of horses regardless of value. from Mt
tachment. while Mr.. Stone prefers that the law
should remain as it is, or If changed, he thinks
it should be changed in such manner that the
debtor will not be enabled to own and drive a
better animal than the creditor.
The debate on this question was listened to
with wrapt attention by large number OF
spectators, who seemed delighted with the in.
gcnuity displayed by both the speakers. Mr..
Stone sustained himself admirably, and retired
from the contest with new laurels. The differ
cnce between Mr.. McCrills and Mr. Stone, as
speakers, is very marked. The former is We
. hement in style and full Of action. The effect
of his remarks upon a promiscuous audience,
is almost wonderful. and suggests the idea that
he is pumping for water" Mr.. Stone is
clear. cool, logical, and always self possessed
he fails to affect the galleries, but succeeds in
convincing the House. Yours, &C.,
OBSERVER.