The Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1870-1871, 1871-04-27

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reference to the condition of the peni-
tertiary, its general management, and the
excellence Of the machinery for manu-
featuring thread, cloth, and other things.
So far as I was able to Judge. I am con-
WINGED that, had all the others of the con-
tractors with tie State for the last few
years been as faithful to their obligations
as the present lesses of the penitentiarya
our State finances would now be in o
much better condition.
cannot agree with the majority in the
assertion that the prisoners suffer from
the prejudice of the guards I conversed
with number of the prisoners, some of
whom I knew personally, and they all
expressed perfect satisfaction with their
treatment. Indeed, it is impossible for
me to conceive how the prejudice of the
guards (Which heard nothing of can
affect the prisoners in any way, as the
guards are not allowed to speak to the
prisoners at all, nor does it appear that
there is any opportunity for the guards
to come in contact with the prisoners,
unless it be in an attempt to escape.
Cruelty, that would prompt the lessees
or managers to select guards with
reference to their prejudice against the
prisoners, would certainly be novel in its
character
do not say that the charge of the
majority is untrue, but that 1 heard
nothing of it, either from the prisoners
or any one else. until I read it in the
majority report, and 1 regarded it as my
duty, as member of the committee, to
find out all could.
The majority condemn the practice of
whipping as punishment.
This may CT may not be the best mode
of punishment. It is due the present
lessees, however, to say that it is not
practice inaugurated by them. 1t has
always, so I am informed, been the prac-
tice in the institution. It is evident that
punishment should not only be COM
mensurate with the offense, but should
conform to the dictates of humanity. In
my humble opinion, there is no kind Of
effectual punishment so susceptible of
being properly regulated, in prudent
hands, as that of whipping. I heard no
complaint of excessive punishment.
The buildings recommended by the
majority are certainly needed to perfect
the accommodations, but considering the
embarrassed condition Of the treasury, I
cannot join in the positive recommend
alton of the majority to have such build
ings erected at the present time.
The convicts now seem to be well pro-
vided for and comfortable.
When our treasury ceases to be a mere
nominal department, we can better af-
ford to make those needed improve
ments.
r. W. FUTCH,
Member of Committee
Mr. Harris, from the Committee on
Engrossment, reported the following bills
as having been duly engrossed:
Amendments to House bill No. LAG, to
be entitled an act appropriating s250, 900
to pay the expenses of the General As
sembly.
Also,' amendments to House bill No.
2O9, known as the slaughterhouse bill.
Also, Senate bill No. GO, to provide for
the drainage Of New Orleans.
Also, Senate bill No. 123, to amend and
re-enact section eleven Of an act to incor-
porate the North Louisiana and Texas
Railroad Company, approved September
26, 1868.
Also, Senate bill No. 219. to incor-
porate the Morning Star Benevolent AS
sociation of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Also, Senate bill No. 22O, authorizing
Gran NJ. kinchen to adopt Hattie Louise
Harvey as one of his children.
Also, Senate bill No. POI, for the relief
of r. P. Bruton, State Tax Collector for
the parish Of Union.
NOTICES OF BILLS.
BY Mr.. Pinchback:
A bill to regulate the fees of the Office
Of Recorder of Mortgages, parish of
Orleans.
By Mr.. Hunsaker:
OF bill to be entitled an act to iucor-