New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-22
ALB1NY

MODEL PENITENTIARY-STATE PRISONS, ETC.
ALBANY, Jan. 21.-The Albany Penltenten-
ary" institution OF broader character than that
local indicates 1t measurably used for national
purposes receiving eonycts from T. S. courts in several
states and being officially at Washington as" The
United States Penitenary for tho District Of Columbia"
These widespread official recognitons OF the institution
indicate the possession Of characteristics rendering 1t
worthy OF more than ordinary consideration
Concerning the veteran ofiiceholder, Gen. Amos. Pills
bury who has controlled this pententiary since It's com
menccment quarter Of century ago. excepting only
brief period when he complied with the request Of the
Commissioners of Enumeration, by managing their Re
treat and Hospital Wards lsand it is pleasant to
be 10 say that the longer he continues in Office the
better his services appreciated indicated by the
fact that he has just been reappoined Unanimously
usualJlfor another three-year term.
The troubles OF last 'year at other prisons,
pecay at Sing Sing present contrasts that render the
example Of the Albany Penentiary particularly yalu
able The Legislature last May authorized transfer Of
about $50 prisoners from Sing sing TO tins Pe1tentary
aud why that transfer was not made is worthy OF IN
qniry. Humanity and eeonomy.the reformation OF
prisoners and the welfare of the statewould be pro-
commits consisting OF such Elk Minister John
Bgeow Judge EdmOnds. and DR.. Grisc0m with Gen.
The Whole number OF prisoners in tho lPenentlary In
1869 was35j, Of whom 900 were discharged by expira
dent and Gy the Governor; Is were discharged by
courts and magistrates u by eertiorari and habeas
charged by the Secretary Of War aud one sent to luna
tic asyumleaying average OF 400 through the year
But person escaped and he was employed In building
fires which gave him osme liberty.
one remarkable fact, Indicative Of the heathness Of
the location and the careful treatment or the prisoners
that only four persons died among this total OF nearly
fourteen hundred prisoners during the year One OF the
murder and sent here for revenue frauds He like the
reaeS h pon Cam STATISTICS nnS
region and among the best classes of society show
cleaner heabi or fewer deaths in proportion TO num-
submit readily to the rues-so much 3d. that has
occurred among the fourteen hundred prisoners during
the year. requiring what might be called punish
ment or abont four hundred IN prison at the close of the
year three hundred males The female prisoners
range generally from co TO 100 More than fouTfths OF
the prisoners confessed themselves Incorporate. The
punishment in at OF the State Prisons which
have occasionally Mortified the public, find counten
an this Institution. library Of about volumes
books Of Standard character furnish Advantage which
are appreciated by large, portion Of the prisoners
bic degree. One Of the puuishments is deprivation Of
the Of the library for awbileand 1t Is punishment
which most OF the prisoners seek 10 avoid
For perfect cleanliness and ventilation the institution
exemplary IN every part The chapel well arranged
ments IN the several workshops that the visitor can
hardly recognize any difference from outside establish
meDtsexccpt that there is degree Of order and neat
ness rarely seen elsewhere.
Psbury feels lust pride in the almost uninter
rptcd success Of his management and instead VI being
burden upon the county or the state, u has been made
Of profit that In n years II has safely kept
1896 prisoners and although than three fourths
OF these were Of TINT Improbable class who COM
mlttCd very snort terms OF IMAM
gross earnings have amounted TO s62T0OO; while the
ordinary expenditures have been bntS7 OOOthus show
ing gain or profit OF about $4,000.
one VI tho saddest OF the cad sights connected with
this Penitentlafy Is that OF man among the conyicts
whose qualities not long rendered him prominent In
great party and In the Legislature OF the Stae-once
the Speaker Of the Assembly-undergOn punishment
now for frauds on the Government.
The Ref0rmatory State Prison Is TO he located at
Enira the Commissioners having just decided the ques
ton after hearing the claims Of sudTy other towns The
special object OF this Institution will cause It's progress 10
DO watched earnestly by prison roormers mall countries
Along the Champain Canal along the Erie the pe0-
pie nre holding meetings IN favor Of Canal Reform.
general meeting VI all parties called at Fort Edward
ON the 18th ns ~ advocate repeal Of the Contract law
for keeping the canals IN repair 10 lnsuTe greater
efficiency aud economy In managing tho canals, and 70
secure tho appointment Of honest and competent
for all canal Oces IL snlsO proposed 70 send dele
10 the Canal Sto Convention at Rochester the 10Th
inst.
The legislative movements on the Lquor question give
special Interest 10 the temperance movements ut this
lime. The annual meeting OF the. stale Temperance
Society az Amsterdam Montgomery County, the 18th
and 3th instant, will possess unusual attractions for It's
members and friends, for this The most prOmi.
pent veteran champion OF the In this city, Ed ward
c. Deayap, being yet Jealous as over. IS expected TO
submit plans efficient operations In cause IT,
which 80 much Of his benevolent life has been DEVOTED.