The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-02-26

Correctional Pottcs.-Messrs. Williams and
himorougb, Oyerseers of the Chain Gang,
We're summoned before the Mayor yesterday
toreceive some instructions as to the mode Of
managing that penal In titution He said that
Formerly he had nothing to do but assign suit
able parties TO positions of labor and to dis
charge them therefrom for good and sufficient
cause. 1t was incumbent on the Superinten-
dent of Streets to say where they should work
but in no case was 1t to be beyond the limits
of the corporation, and was to be ON public
dent of Streets, who was present, said that
the ordinance was silent as to who should
direct where the gang must work, but
that he had assumed occasionally to direct
in conjunction with the City Engineer.
The Mayor sid 1t was his duty to appoint
persons to take charge of the gang, and that
the duty of providing balls and chains for the
members devolyed on the Superintendent of
Streets. The latter said the articles could be
had in quantities to suit. The Mayor alluded
to the recent escape of VIM. Booth, a mem.
ber of the gang, and the circumstances con-
nected herewith as reported the accuracy of
which the overseers denied in some particu-
lars, and inquired what they must do when
parties refused to work. In reply, he said
there must be no more escapes, there need be
none, and when such an event did occur it
must be reported instantly to him or some
other magistrate. He said in reference to the
government of refractory subjects, power was
given him by a law passed March 9th, 1860, TO
order 10 lashes to be given to a free negro for
white subject to solitary confinement, with
bread and water diet, for ten days for each of
fence, with the accompaniment of balls and
chains. He had not exercised power hereto
fore not delegated to him, but having authori-
ty he could now, in cases being reported to
him, exercise the same, not only in behalf of
law and order, but to the upholding of the
authority of the overseers We would sug-
gest 20 the overseers, that in case of an at
tempted escape, personal violence is not in
compatible with their duty.
Hard Porty.-James T. Leathers, Lucy
Leathers, Sarah Mckinney and Caroline Leh-
man We're arraigned before the Mayor yester-
day, on the complaint of Peter Blackburn,
John w. Beveridge and John Clash, residents
or Brooke Avenue, who charge the parties with
using vulgar, obscene and indecent language
to the disgust of people having occasion to
pass their respective domicils. The evidence
exhlbited the party in an unamiable attitude
as good and law abiding citizens. The "muss''
that brought forth the accusation was be-
tween Sarah Mckinney (aited by old Mrs
Leathers) and Caroline. Lehman, in which
language was used not fit for ears polite. Old
Leathers-a we'll tanned specimen of the ar
ticle-was also around, while the womea folks
had rocks, sticks of wood, and vollies of stro ng
expletives to back their judgments with. He
told the Mayor he came here from Orange
county, and "came to do better The Mayor
told him it was the worst place in the world
he could pitch on forany such encouraging task
The old man replied with more truth than
poetry, II believe so myself 1t appeared
that there were several other persons, equally
| as obnoxious ia deceney, who lived with the
Leathers family. Orders were given the po-
lice to arrest them, as the house complained
of was the scene of disorders innumerable-
The Mayor said the father of the family was
too old to be put to work, but that he should
take measures to send the parties from Orange
thither again. On promise of amendment
Caroline Lehman was discharged. The fe-
males of the Leathers family Gnciuding Sa-
rah Mckinney, who had an infaEt,) were sent
| to Jail to await nrepara lions for removal.
| while old Leathers was allowed temporary
| liberty to dispose of his worldly effects and