The New York herald., 1870-05-31
NEW JERSEY STATE PRISON.

The New Workshop Complcted-Description
of the Building-Thc Advantages to the
Statc-A New Wing To BE Added to the
Prison.
The objections raised from time TO time against
the practice of throwing into the markets the pro-
ducts of convict labor do not seem to have much
weight far, at least, the New Jersey State
Prison is concerned In this institution 400 men
are daily employed by the contractors, and the
amount OF work done must be very large. This
number will soon be increased to 600, a new and
magnificent shop has lately been erected, and is TO
be IN full operation In q few days.
THE NEW SHOP
has been erected at an expense to the state of
$4,000, the work having been performed by con-
tract under the direction OF the Board OF super
vsors and under the immediate supervision OF
Colonel w. r. Murphy, the acting supervisor, and Of
David ID. Hennion, the Keeper OF the prison. TO
any one who goes through the building aud exam
ines the quality and quantity OF the work the
terms OF the contract must appear very reasonable.
The building is solid brick structure 2i0 feet by
3d. and consisting OF three floors the lower one being
a nalf basement, but suinccntly lighted and venti-
lated oE the purpose for which it Is intended. Each
floor Is divided into four compartments, ma king
twelve In all, and each measuring fftyeight feet by
forty. corridor or passageway ten feet IN width
extends the entire length along one side OF the build.
Ing of which corrOdOr two doors lead into each Of
the shops. The workshops are neatly fitted up well
lighted by double tier OF windows and furnished
IL
approved design. well has been sunk for the
special use OF The shop, and an abundant supply OF
excellent water runs through every portion Of the
building. Closets are also provided in convenient
corner Uf each apartment and the sewerage Is excel
lent.
THE HEATING APPARATUS
extends along the walls on both sdes and the entire
building Is TO comfortably heated by steam during
the winter season. For tue sake OF convenience In
slant communication can be held with the central
office within by means Of speaking trumpets which
enter every workshop. Although the new shop Is
located outside the prison walls, and unprotected
present by any other barrcades than the strong iron
bars which the windows yet the entire con-
Germ Is so well arranged that an escape on the
part OF any convict is rendered almost impossible
There are only two entrances, adjoining
the prison proper, through which alone the convics
pass and repass, and the other on the outside end
for the special accommodation or the contractors.
The two doors are firmly secured and continually
guarded by watchmen, and nothing but the magic
skill and science Of veritaDle scoundel OF the
Jack sheppard type enable any convc: TO effect
| an exit from the place.
THE MACHINERY
| now In the old shops Will be removed into the new
| building next week. Both the contractors aud the
convics well the deputy Keepers and instruct
| ors, are all glad OF the proposed change or
| quarters, as the old concern became long
| ago TOO narrow and incommodious for
as the machinery Is properly adjusted work will be
commenced. The state, as well as the contractors
Will be benefited rs the increased shop room will
| serve to make the institution
SELF-SUPPORTING.
As soon as the fixtures and stock In the old
| shop are removed the concern IL TO be torn down
| aud the work Of building the new wing OF the
prison Will be ut once commenced The necessity OF
| further cell room Is becoming every day more and
more apparent, as the prison Is now crowded to It's
utmost capacity II Is to be hoped, therefore, tha
| the new wing will be pushed ON a. vigorously as tht
L eXlgepS1es Of the case require