The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-01-06


For the number of inmates OF the several prisons
and other details respectfully refer you 10 the re-
ports OF the Inspectors, which viii be duly presented
Our prisons have not been for many years sel-sup-
porting institutions am satisfied they can be bet
ter managed as wen in respect to finances as disci-
evils and errors. Many Of these are doubtless, due
to the fact that the persons appointed TO discharge
the duties oil agents, wardens and Keepers are too
often selected from political considerations only
without reference TO their capacity aud qualifications.
Tie present contract system for the employment OF
the labor Of = an mnwse one Angels
and does not produce satisfactory pecuniary results
Tie labor OF the convics should be directed aud EN-
poyed entirely by the Prison superintendent, aud
the products OF such labor should be sold by them
for the benefit OF the state. This system would re-
move many existing causes OF complaint Ia regard
to convict labor anu result In material advantage to
the public.
Tue law passed some years ago allowing to con-
victs for good behavior certain number OF days
deduction from their terms OF Imprisonment by
way OF Communication OF sentence, has been benen-
cial in It's operation; and NJ under system by
which the superintendent should directly employ
the labor OF the prisoners provisions should be made
that small portion Of their earnings be laid aside
~, Of their e ~ upon IL ther
conduct and future lives would, think, be useful
alike to them and to society. cannot In this mes
sage enter into detailed statements ana suggestions
OF all that rs necessary for prison reform. CON-
mend TO your consideration the report Of the Prison
Association, which, under resolution OF the last
Legislature, was directed TO investigate the financial
administration Of the state prisons and the reform
tory agencies employed In them.
IL - time that the great state OF New York,
throughout which extends such grand and liberal
system Of education and charity, should give TO this
subject Of prison management and reform the atien-
ton which its importance demands and which
hitherto II has failed to receive.
commend TO your favorable consideration the
the reformation Of juvenile delinquents il Is wise
economy TO aid them and TO provide for their IN
crease and extension.
I respectfully call your attention to the present
practice Of OBTAINING witnesses In criminal cases,
when unable TO give security for their appearance ut
the trial Of tue accused 1hey are generally poor,
and made the victims OF crime, often have families
dependent upon them, and are Kept In prison upon
the claim that public necessity requires their actual
presence at the trial. IL frequently happens that,
while the unfortunate witness Is In prison. the
alleged criminal is az large on ball. The rnneces-
sary detention OF the innocent TO convict the guilty
II cruel wrong. | submit whether II cannot be
remedied by proper legislation,
Inasmuch rs the report OF the Insurance Depart
mcnt Is not due until after the assembling OF the
Legislature am unable TO communicate any inior-
nation In regard TO it, workings during the past
year. ! nc fer you to the report when presented.
BANKA
The number OF financial institutions having rela-
tons. more or less Intimate, with the Banking De-
partment on september 80, 1855. was four hundred
or these two hundred and forty.eight were banks
that had voluntarily taken the fnal steps TO close
their banking business under the laws OF this State,
by providing for the redemption Of their circulation
Three others are insovent, hut their circulating
notes are amply secured. Forty-eignt banking In
sttutions, not above. enumerated, have been con-
verted into national banks or are otherwise chang
ing their condition. but have not avaed themselves
OF the provisions Of the law for finally closing their
circulation account
One trust company and one savings bank are vol
unfairly winding up their affairs, ana one savings
bank-ths Niagara Cou1ty-ls closing It's business In
consequence OF insolvency with liabilities, however
supposed 70 be less than four thousand dollars.
Forty-scven Incorporated banks whose charters
have expired, still have notes outstanding, for the
redemption OF which they have not male any final
deposit
One hundred and one savings banks with on ar
rrcgate OF deposits exceeding one hundred and fty
millions Of dollars; forty five banks OF discount and
deposit including some OF the oldest and most sub
stantal and popular Institutions In our state and
four trust companies with large capital and extern.
sive business stil retain relations with this depart
ment unaffected by tbs SHANGHAI changes Of the last