The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1867-04-25
The Penitentiary.
Editors Intellioencer::


Your correspondent G.. p, has again
blundered in his articles upon the pen
itentiary, in regard 10 the amount OF
stone for which we have contracted,
and MS to the plan of The buildings pro-
posed to be erected. Would 1t not save
him considerable labor to have a con-
versation with one of the directors of
that institution, and inform himself as
to what really has been done, and what
they propose to do.
For the satisfaction of the public, who
may have been misled by the articles
of G. p, would state that our esti-
timate for cost of the penitentiary and
outer walls was 1850, 600, and that our
contracts for stone have so far come
within the estimate, and we are we'll
satisfied with the labor performed by
the cOnvicts.
G. P, seems to imagine our cell build
ings are vast four story structures,
while they are in reality but one story
In height, intended to enclose the cells,
which are to be four stories off foot each.
The building of the cell houses at this
time only adds the additional cost OF
one side, one end and the roof,'as they
take the place of the outer wall upon
the west side of our grounds.
Now, It seems to me that when friend
G. P. had ascertained that he was in
error IN supposing that we were about
to expend million of the peo-
pies money upon the penitentiary, and
when he had found that he had unin-
tentionally misled the public and done
injustice to the Board OF Directors, that
simple justice should have prompted
him to acknowledge that he had been
In error.
All this carping about the style of
the buildings, and the language used
by the directors in their report, Is but
an ingenious effort to cover his retreat,
and have the last word.
AS to the plan, cost and style of the
work, the Board have endeayored 10
expend the public money as thew
would have expended their own were il
a private enterprise.
His fling at our building so as to
"accord with the laudable ambition
and taste of our citizens in coming
years." does not merit II serious notice,
and all have to reply to that, is, that
our Board, are men identified with the
interest and prosperity of the State of
West Virginia, that they anticipated
such a growth for our State in popula-
tion and wealth within the next twenty
years as will surprise the Rip Van Win
kleS who now dose around our viii
lage stores and whittle away at store
boxes upon the corners, while they
grumble and sagely philosphize upon
the actions of those who have the will
aud the energy to hew out for our State
II place and a name among our neigh
bOrs; and who persist in running the
machine OF state in all its several
departments on paper, while others
ale at work to help along in every
necessary enterprise.
We hope and expect within the next
quarter ola century to see 300 miles of
additional rail- Dads in our State; to see
population trebled by enterprisiug
capitalists, hardy work men, and indus5
trious farmers, all busy in the develop
ment of The riches which a bountiful
Providence has laid in such abundance
Rt our feet
And now friend P. is it wrong or vis-
ionary to expect such future? We
think not, and we desire your hearty
cooperation in working out such Il re-
suit. Think but for one moment that
beneath your feet in the town of Wells
burg, where you have chosen Il home,
there lies buried such mineral wealth
as will, if properly improved, make
your place the Birmingham of this val
ley. We ask then instead of grumbling
at board who are honestly trying to
do their duty, you invest your money,
lay Off your coat in earnest, and bend all
your energies TO help us work out this
grand future for our State.
Yours truly,
J. II. ATKINSON, Sec'y of the Board.