The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1872-01-18

than two years ego; but, as many
were employed in various ways about
the kitchen, dining hall, and other
appointments OF tho prison, there
was then little or no surplus Of un-
employed labor. The appropriation
by the last General Assembly for tho
increase of the number. of cells fur
nished employment for such rs there
was for several months. Afterward,
until February last, from fifty to
seventy-fve of the convicts were en-
tirely unemployed. At that time, T
made q contract for their labor, run.
ming to the first day of tho present
month, with Messre. Soulo, Kret.'
singer & Co., the present contractors
for prieon labor; a copy Of this con-
tract will be found in the Warden's
report. A provision for this surplus,
which is now again unemployed, will
require your earliest attention.
The success Of the humanizing and
elevating influences at the prison has
been most gratifying. The act Of
1857, providing, as . reward for
good behavior, specified diminution
Of the term Of punishment, has an
excellent effect upon the conduct of
prisoners. Every convict is Of course
anxious for Rs early . termination of
his imprisonment as possible, and
will naturally do everything, and
leave undone nothing, that will tend
to hasten his release. This natural
inclination increases to anxiety a.
the period of deliverance approaches,
lest he should lose the reward already
earned. / attribute the admirable
order which prevails at the Peniten.
tiary largely to tho beneficent work.
ings OF this statutory provision. The
revival Of the Sunday school few
years ago has been another efficient
agency for good and the library, the
deprivation Of the privileges of which
is ono of the modes OF punishment,
does its share towards the better
ment Of the prisoners. A judicious
enlargement Of such benefcent iDfiu-
ences is well worthy the considera-
ton of the enlightened legislator.
In this direction, would suggest
the establishment Of an evening
school, under the charge of q compe.
tent instructor. A reading room
might also be introduced as an addi-
tional reward for good behavior. 1t
cannot be doubted that part of the
time between work hours and bed
time might be very profitably spent
in reading and study. resulting in
great benefit, and leading in many
easss r. tkerouEh reformation. Thus
tho State, willis halding every man
TO strict account for hise crime
would yet place it in his power 10
return to society better man. The
subject OF introducing these accessor.
les, as a reward for good behavior,
heartily commend to your early and
favorable action.
The subject Of prisons and prison
discipline has attracted much atten-
lion tSn. Of sss &c %aoh 60 that il has
subject. Accordingly convention
met at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the
month of October, 1870. To this
body l deputed the Warden of the
Penitentiary to represent the State
of Iowa. The deliberations Of the
convention, which was very largely
attended, and whose sittings were
protracted through several days, were
Of the most interesting character, and
brought out much valuable infOrma-
ton upon the various subjects con-
nccted with the management OF
prisons.
On the 3lst day of December,
1874, the present contract for tho
main body of the prison-labor will
expire. Prior to that time, would
suggest that inquiries be instituted
for the purpose of ascertainiug tho
best mode of utilizing the labor OF
the convicts, with regard 10 both the
financial and reformatory aspects OF
the question ; and would recommend
that u commission be created empow.
cred TO investigate the whole subject
of prison management, discipline
aud employment, as we'll as ths
means for effecIing the largest
amount of permanent benefit to the
convicts such commission to report
to the next session of the Genera
| Assembly.
| 1t is stipulated in the contract fol
the prison-labor that the State shall
furnish the necessary shop-room.-
Some time since the contractors bull
a foundry and an additional shop
These additions to the prison conve
nienccs were needed, and consent wa
given by the State authorities TO
!, their erection, the contractors 4
await an appropriation by the Gen
eral Assembly for their reimburse
ment. / recommend that such ap
: preparation, To the extent of til
amount found due the contractors, b
made at your present session.
REFORM SCHOOL.
/, The number Of inmates of tn
a School at the close OF the term wa
\ eighty-five, an increase Of forty-fiv
). since the previous report. Th
! school is full, and At one time til
: Trustees were compelled for Will
!. to stop receiving any into the inst
1 tuition. A separate house for girls
!. imperatively needed. This state {
t affairs will remind you of tho adv
h Stability Of taking steps toward pc
!. manent location and edifice. Th
! expense of such edifice the Truste,
d place at $4,000.
n Tho expenses of the School for th
l. term, including payment of not
: with interest, given in former terri
s amounted to $28.ll220. The Sta,
r. contributed &22, 900 to the income
+ the school, to which the farm, an
e. other sources Of revenue, added 81
: 324.S2. The expenses thus excee
n the income S7S7.28, and this nc
Il witbstanding what deem the mo
% rigid economy on the part OF Il
Il Board and officials of the School.
"a am we'll satisfied that small increa
q in the appropriation would be j
" dicious expenditure.
W IMMIGRATION.
er The General Assembly, at it's la
IL session, made provision for Boa
Or OF Immigration, appropriating ther
DR. for the sum Of 5000. Immediate