The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1875-03-24


MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE
PESITENTIARY.-Through the courtesy
of the energetic and efficient Superin-
tendent of the State Penitetiary, Capt.
w l.. Bridges, we are enabled to lay
before our readers the following con-
densed report of a meeting of the Board
of Directors of that institution held yes
tcrday. There were present, the Prcsl-
dent. Col. +. Watson, Col. James Smith,
Hon. II. Smith, of Parkersburg, Hon. Ed.
Schon, of Mason, and Mr.. McHerriher, OF
Marshall, and after assembling at
Moundsville and auditing the various
bills against the institution, the subject
of leasing out the convict labor was
discussed. After considering this ques-
ton in all its phases, its advantages were
SO apparent to the board. that it was
determined on Afterthis sgre cement the
board adjourned to this city to finish It's
deliberations, and last night held meet
ing at the st. James Hotel.
At this adjourned meeting,It was shown
that there are ut present on hand IN the
institution $4,000 worth of manufact-
urcd goods, and the question of appoint
ing an agent to dispcrSe the same wa,
determined on. After this, the question
of letting out contracts for stone for the
completion OF the north cell building
WAS discussed. 1t was shown that there
was great necessity for the completion OF
this building, and that it was feasible
Notwithstanding that the appropriation
allowed for it was much smaller than
that asked for The object to which it Is
to be devoted is for kitchen and dining
room,aud its advantages fer these consist IN
the fact that because of the situation of
the prison, early in the morning, dense
fogs surround , the institution, and
should prisoner attempt to escape, he
could readily disappear in the fog while
being marched to breakfast, and even
finally captured, would be SO at the cX
pensc of much time and labor. With this
cell completed, the prisoners would at all
times be within the prison walls, and such
Il contingency would be provided against.
Hence il was decided to unite the profits
of the institution with the State appro-
priation, and push it on to completion,
and provisions for letting out the con-
tracts for stone were made. Another
question which arose was the contract for
running the cabinet shop by steam, as
agreed to be done by the gentleman now
engaged there Mr.. Armstrong. This was
also acceded to.
a mandatory for stogies and tips was
started at the prison about six weeks
ago, at which were employed those
unskilled luborcrs and disabled
men who were found to be
unfit for other work. lie has met
with good success, and the question of
leasing out this labor TO similar manu-
factories in Wheeling was discussed. 1t
was shown that the cost of maintaining
the convcts, incluIing fuel, lights, cloth
ing and food, was ~ cents per diem, and
they could be leased out at 40 cents per
diem at this business, and il was therefore
determined that it should be done
1t was further determined that
the resolution of the Board ut
its last meeting, to complete
the south cell building, should be pushed
rs rapidly as possible on account of the
present low price of iron, much of which
will be needed to erect the designed steps
winding up to the platform, as well As for
castings, columns, &c. This would all
be completed byconvict labor, and would
add much to the appearance ard finish of
the establishment. In fine, it was thought
to be perfectly safe to calculate upon the
whole building being completed in July
next. After transacting the business
detailed above, the Board adjourned to
meet in Moundsville April Sth.
PERsoNAL.-Hon. &. j. Faulkner was
in the city yesterday, and registered At
the Mcclure House. Hon. A. K. Boteler,
of Jefferson county, was at the same