The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-08-13
VIaGISIA PENITEsTIAHY.
OFFICE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
RICHMOND. Juiy H. 1874,

To His Ercel!ency G0rerno'' James L.
Eemp-r:
Sir.-It having come TO the knowledge Of
the Board Of Directors Of this Institution
that the funds of the state which should be
in the hauds Of ". NJ. w.liaferro, the gene
raj agent, are deposited in bank TO the credit
Of another person, and that the said Talla.
ferro cannot check upon the same for the
purchases of articles used at the penitent!ary
except when so allowed by the person with
whom he is associated in business, and this
arrangement bciug unusual, inconvenlcnt,
and detrimental 10 the interests Of the State.
the Board, ut meeting held on Friday. June
10, 1874, adopted Il resolution requiring the
General Agent TO furnish copy OF Il
contract SAID to exist between HIM
self and II. s. Mcnifre, i'll regard to the
management OF The office. so far as it relates
to the State business. AT this date we have
failed 10 receive any response to the resolu-
ton (a copy of which vas furnished him).
This. coupled with the very grave general
complaint against him as TO his manner OF
conducting business. his tardneSs in making
his monthly statements, as required ny law,
and The charge of intemperance which reach.
eS us from every quarter, renders it neccssa-
~ that We should apprise you Of this condi-
ton Of things in connection with the officer,
and 10 ask OF you such instructions rs the
merits Of the case demand and the law pro-
yidcs for.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE BARGAAlE,
President Board Of Directors.
To this complaint, Alr. Taliaierro. replied
to the Governor that he was prevented from
complying with the resolution Of the Board
bv sickness and absence from the city. The
contract with Mr.. Mcnifce he submitted to
the Governor, and asked that if it was at all
contrary TO law it be cancelled by the Gov
crnor, ard he stated that he WAS prevented
from promptly furnishing the monthly state
ment by reason Of sickness Of himself and
absence of his book-keeper. The complaint
as 10 intemperance he utterly denied, and
said the charge "as to general manner OF
conducting business was too indefinite 60
be answered.
On the goth Of July the Governor directed
an investigation by the Board in accordance
with section SS Of chapter 20G Of the Code
Of 1873. and ordered that the evidence be
taken down in writing and presented to him
for his action, and Mr.. TalIaferro should be
allowed 10 summon any witnesses he might
wish and be present with counsel, if he de-
sired. The Board he'd meetings on the 3Olh
of July, August l, 3, /. ), 6, and !, at which
Il large number OF witnesses were examined.
Mr. Taiiaierro was pre-cnt with Mr. George
q. Wise As counsel. The testimony taken
WAS sent to the Governor without comment
or endorsement by the Board, aud the Gov
crnor yesterday gave the following decision: {:
GOVERNOR S OFFICE, August II, 1871.
In the matter Of the charges against VIII
liam NJ. IaIiafcrro, general agent aud store
keeper Of the penitcntiary, there is no i'm
parchment Of his integrity, 30 sufficient
proof Of iucaImcty. nor does it appear that
he has unlawfully farmcd out his office or
any part Of the emolumcnts. As regards the
charges of intelEpcrancc and neglect OF duty,
tie evidence is in great part conflicting and
inconclusirc. Particular shortcomings are
shown on the part Of the accused, which
plainly call for cenSure. But something
must be conceded to the experience Of a
newly-elected officer and more to the INSULT.
cheney OF the evidence TO prove concluSiVcly
any "iI(ul and fragrant breach of official pro-
pricty and duty. The application for the re-
moya OF this officer is ovcrrulcd. but with
the warning that thorough efficiency in the
future discharge OF his Office will be required.
jkHES H. kLNpFI.