The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-12-22

Seeihs 10 pass through II quietly
without apparent hurry or hustle Thi,
ne Is enabled to do only through the
agency OF the most efficient system. Hi.
arrangements are as nearly perfect a:
could be devised, and the officers BY
which he has surrounded himself, anc
the manner in which they discharge their
manifold duties, show that he under.
stands his business well.
Everything seems to move as orderly
and regularly as clock works. By the
ringing of small bell near the centre
OF the lower hall in the Warden's room
any officer, guard or mechanic can be
summoned from any part of the building
Captain Bridges is highly appreciated
by the people of Moundsville; is well
spoken of by men of all parties, and re.
garded as straightforward, thorough.
gong man, and well suited for the posi-
tion he has so ably and satisfactorily fill
cd for nearly two years.
The other officers, within their spheres,
seem to be the men especially for such
places, and they cooperate harmonious
ly for the good of the institution.
The health of the inmates, together
with the sanitary condition of the prison.
speaks well for the physician in charge.
whom, | understand, is well skilled in the
profession and Il gentleman of high cul-
ture.
The convicts are under excellent dis
cIpllne, and obey with alacrty whatever
Is required of them. When | looked
around among the work shops and saw
how industriously the inmates were en-
gagged, l wondered how, in their confne
ment, (some of them during lifc) they
could have the heart to labor SO inceS-
sanity to add wealth and power to the
authority that was holding them as pris-
oners. But they do work, and many of
them with us much ambition as industri-
Gus men do who are working by the JOB.
The nearer the institution is approach
ing completion the more it is becoming
selt-supporting. Through the kindness
of Mr.. Brown, the industrious and ef-
cicnt Clerk, / was shown the books of
the institution, which are orderly, neatly
and scientifically kept, and from which
| ascertaned that the ordinary expenses
Of the institution for the last six months
amounted TO $l4, $50, and that the profit
on the labor Of convicts for the same
period mot including the labor on con-
structiont was $3.50, and the labor on
construction for the same period,
had it been performed by
outside mechanics at the usual
rates charged would, by the foremans
estimates, exceed 5000, thus showing
that without machinery or anything
else to economize labor, the institution
now is virtually sustaining itself, and
this too with labor which at present is
comparatively uneducated.
The men are well fed and clothed,
and yet under the economical managc-
ment of Capt. Bridges, and the watch
iulne.s and care of Mr.. Martin, the COM
lnisSary, the costs to the State for sub
sisting the convlcts, is per day only
II $40 cents per capita, which is no
doubt lower than any State in the mon
gcts it done. This item in itself shows
that the most wholesome systcn prevails
and reflects great credit upon the officers
Immediately in charge, rs well as upon
Capt. Bridges, who provides the supplies.
In passing through the workshops and
salerooms, | was surprised to find that
in style. ncatncss of finish, and substan-
tial Workmanship, the manufactured ar
ticlc!, including boots and shoes, turning,
various articles in the furniture line,
wagons. buggies, etc, would compare
favorably with the work turned out by
the best skilled mechanics.
1t is safe to conclude that under the
present management, with the introduc-
ton of machinery, the institution can be
made source Of profit to tn" State, and
will eventually reimburse the State Tor
its outlay.
The officers ofthepenitentary may feel
- inst pride in the showing they make
for the last year There is no doubt but
the State has learned to appreciate them,
and will retain them as long as they con-
tinhe to perform their services so well:
1t is bad policy to change the officer OF
An institution like this unless 1t cannot
possibly be helped 1t is the same as to
change YOUR school teacher every three
months, which is admitted on all hands
To be- the worst of bad management.
Thorc are other features connected with
the management Of the pcnltcntlary th"t
are HIGHLY creditable to its officers that
would like to mention, but space forbldS'
TRAVELLER.
D,r,,.bsT 2lst, 1874.