The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-03-14
EVENING SESSION.

The Penitentiary bill was taken up.
Mr.. Lowry moved to amend the bill by
way of substitute, by striking out all after
the enacting clause, and insertiong the fol-
lowing:
The two Houses, by Joint ballot, shall
elect a Superintendent OF the Penitentiary,
who shall hold his office until the meeting
of the next Legislature, and whose salary
be $4,000 per annum.
See. 2. Be it further enacted. That said
Superintendent of the Penitentiary shall
receive the convIcts from the present les
sees, f. Richardson and w. Z. Dunavant &
Co., upon the termination of their respec-
tive lessees, and proceed to hire all those
that are able to perform manual labor, ex-
cept such as are sentenced for the crime of
murder, manslaughter, rape and arson, on
the public works, to-wit: Railroads and
levees, within the borders of this State, to
such corporations or persons controlling
said public works as shall offer the best
price under such regulations as shall be
prescribed by the Attorney General and
Governor of the State, and that such hire
shall be paid to the Treasurer of the State,
monthly; Provided, That If no satisfactory
terms can be made with those persons con-
trolling said railroads and levees in the
State, then, in that case. the Superinten-
dent shall hire to plantations on the terms
prescribed in this section.
Sec. 3. Be il further enacted. That the
Superintendent shall employ in the walls of
said Penitentiary all such convicts are
not hired out at such work and labor as in
his Judgment shall seem best calculated to
produce the best results in the State; said
Superintendent to act under the directions
of the said Attorney General and State
Treasurer.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That in case
the receipts or results of the labor of those
confined in the walls of the said Peniten-
tiary shall not be sufficient to defray the
expenses thereof. the Governor Is hereby
authorized To draw his warrant on the Trea-
surer for such deficit.
Sec. ). Be it further enacted. That the
Superintendent elected by the first section
of this act shall give bond for $4,000. to
be approved by the Governor, for the faith
full performance of his duty. and that said
Superintendent shall be required TO make
monthly reports to the Governor, and the
same, to receive one insertion in the official
organ of the State.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted. That here
after the head of no female convict shall
be shorn, and if the Superintendent shall
inf1ict cruel or unusual punishment upon
any convict of either sex. upon proof of the
same TO the Governor, he shall suspend or
reprimand said Superintendent as in his
discretion may be necessary, and for such
offense said Superintendent shall upon con-
vietion, pay a fine OF not less than one hun
bred. nor more than five hundred dollars,
and shall be imprisoned not more than six
moths, one or both, at the discretion of the
Court.
Sec. 7. Be it further enacted, That the
Governor, Attorney General and State
Treasurer shall appoint a physician and
clerk for the Penitentiary, who shall receive
for their services. respectively, one thousand
dollars per annum; and that the sum OF five
hundred dollars shall be expended annually
to different ministers of the gospel for con-
Quoting religious services inside the walls
of said Penitentiary, each minister to be
paid IN proportion 10 the services rendered,
and the said several sums herein provided
for shall be paid quarterly, and the Auditor
of Public Accounts shall, upon the approval
of the Governor, issue his warrants on the
Treasurer of the State for the several sums
herein mentioned, and in the manner herein
prescribed.
Sec g. Be it further enacted. That it shall
be the duty of the Superintendent TO enlist
all the guards. without regard TO race or
nationality, that may be necessary about
the Penirentiary. for such space of time as
he may find expedient; and said guards
shall, before entering upon their duties
take and subscribe to an oath that they will
faithfully perform the same to the best of
their ability, and the number of said guards
may be diminished or increased as circum-
stances may require, and said guards shall
be paid - collars per month, for which
the Auditor Of Public Accounts, upon the
approval Of the Superintendent and Gov
ernor, shall issue his warrants upon the
State Treasurer.
Sec. Q. Be it further enacted. That the