The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-01-11

those of one receiving many. The number
in the Asylum for Idiots would be doubled if
its capacity admitted Of it, and the outlay |
would not materially be increased. True
economy requires, in my judgment, the pur-
chase of the site and buildings now rented, and
the enlargement of the latter. %~@
The structure authorized in Hamilton coun-
ty, for the Idiotic and Insane, has been recert-
ly completed. 1t is said to be very commo
dious, and sufficiently large to accommodate
with facility Eve hundred, and upon necessity
six hundred inmates. A Board of Trustees
has been organized for its government consist
ing Of one member appointed by me. and two
appointed by the Commissioners of Hamilton
county. That county, therefore, now consti-
tutes the Southwestern Lunatic Asylum Dis
trict, and the Institution just organized is to
receive all the idiotic and insane within its
limits, to be supported by a county tax, and
appropriations from the State Treasury, equal
in amount to the taxes collected in the coun-
ty for the maintenance of State Lunatic Asy
lums. am informed that no such county
tax as is described in the act is authorized or
levied in Hamilton county. Some legislation,
therefore, will doubtless be necessary to pro-
vide for its support.
Thus four Lunatic Asylums are now open In
the State, capable of receiving few more than
twelve hundred inmates. Large as this pro-
vision is, it is yet sadly certain that it is not
large enough. Not less than thousand in
sane, needing the benefits of such institutions,
must still remain either wholly neglected or
inadequately provided fo-.
l cannot recommend, however, additional
public provision. Judicious legislation regu-
lating County Infrmaries. and authorizing
private asylums, would, in my judgment, af
ford all needed relief, and perhaps diminish
the large expenditures now borne by the
State,
The number of inmates in each Of the three
Lunatic Asylums heretofore organized, was
less at the close of the last than at the close
of the preceding year. Sufficient reasons for
the diminution are assigned in the several re-
ports. The fact, however, is much to be re-
gretted, though compensated in part by in
creased success in treatment. 1t may be safe
ly said. 1 think, that these Asylums were new
er in better condition than now.
| The total expenses of the three Asylums,
during the past year, were So, ,4G7, and the ap-
propriations asked for 1860 are $1l $50. The
general aggregate of disbursements must be
increased during the present year, by the ne
cessary provision for the South Western Asy-
lum. The strictest economy will be necessary
to bring the annual cost of the four Asylums
within limits satisfactory to the people.
The number of boys remaining on the State
Reform Farm, at the close of 1859, was 102.
At the close of 1858. it was 33. The expendi-
lures during the last year were $21, ,517; OF
which large proportion was for buildings
and other permanent improvements which
have added largely to the value of the farm as
property. This institution has thus far full
filed the wise and humane design of the Leg
islature. Its direct agency in reformation has
been quite as efficient as was anticipated, while
it would be difficult to measure its utility in
the prevention Of crime.
| Ur,der the influence of it's example Indus
trial Schools have been organized In Cleveland
and Cincinnati for that class of vagrants and
destitute children,-social orphans,-who car
not be brought into the Common Schools. an6
from whose numbers the ranks of crime are
continually recruited. The Institution a
Cleveland Offering not only some measure o
instruction, but employment and food as in
ducements to attendance, has been, thus far
extremely useful, and gives promise of ye
greater utility. Vagrancy, pilfering, and NOR
serious crime, have sensibly diminished unde
its influence. That at Cincinnati, more re
Gently begun, is yet to make proof of its eff
cheney for good.
Z Upon examining the Reports of the variou
l Institutions you will doubtless observe con
siderable difference in amount and value G
S information, and in modes of treatment.
q have heretofore suggested, and now renew tn
: suggestion, that the several Superintendent
or Presidents of Boards of Trustees be require
to meet at least once yeai for consultatio
4 upon plans of management, and on modes
e making up Reports. do not doubt that sue
Y consultations viii promote economy in admin
e istration, and secure much clear and bett,
9 statements of it's theory, history and result
Q The administration of the Penitentiary du
IS ing the last year was eminently successful
i While the number of convicts increased fro
It 693 to $685. exceeding the number of ayailab
l. cells by 15S, and compelling the use Of til
v chapel and hospital as convict quarters, IL
s, liudicious discipline of the prison was sue
It that industry, order and health prevailed
.e unusual degrees within its walls. 1t was in
G. possible, at once, to find profitable emplo
r ment for so numerous a body of prisoners, ar
yet, though expenditures Necessarily increase
1t with numbers, they were exceeded by the ear
s. ings of the year. The two additional bull
v, ings directed by the last General Assembly a
Is nearly completed, at cost considerably r
ia duced by the employment of convict labor
<. portions of the work. When finished tn,
70 will supply seventy-fve additional cells. B
d, the number will still be far too small, al
,e if prisoners continue to multiply at the pre-
al ent rate, the disproportion, already inconv
< nient, must soon become dangerous.
n, Under Joint Resolution of your predece
it sors appointed Commission of three ci
IL zens to enquire into the expediency of furth
IN enlarging the present prison or constructing
at new one in some' other part of the Stat
III Their report, presume, will soon be subm
r ted to you and it will be for you to determi
to what action is required by the public inte
,h est.
I have thought it my duty to exercise {
e. power of pardon somewhat more sparing
10, than most of my predecessors. No light re
SON has been consciously permitted to indu
or interference with the verdicts of juries Al
st the sentences of courts. Still the number
~ cases in which have felt myself bound to
an terpose has not been very small. In son
h. the innocence of the prisoner has been ma
nd manifest; in others, mitigating circumstanc
e have come to light. which, if known, wou
of have abated the rigor of the sentence; and
he others clear evidence Of reformation and e
he em1lary condu,t in prison, with other circu
N stances, seemed to require my action.
rs port will be Immediately laid before you, ST
10, ing fully each case of pardon, with the r.
is sons which decided my judgment.
N The state of the law in respect to the @
e. lection, safe-keeping and disbursement of n