The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-07

nue..
In disposing Of this subject by legislation,
I submit that it will be pertinent to deter
mine these questions: Is it not IN contlct
with the design, both OF the Constitution
and the funding act, to collect any portion
OF the school fund in tax-receiYable eou-
pons Inasmuch as the coupons are
valueless when once paid into the
treasury as part. OF the revenue, and
inasmuch as they had neither actual
nor prospective existence at the date Of the
Constitution, could it have been the design
of that instrument to permit the collection
OF the school-tax in these or in any other
funds, except such as, would be. available for
the support OF the schools? In providing
for this specific purpose (" an! annual! tax
upon the property OF the State OF not less
than. one mill nor more than five mills on
the dollar" does not the Constitution IN
tend its collection in money or its available
equivalent, and are we not bound to enforce
its separate collection accordingly? ~ 9.
~sa THE pESlTESTIARY. ...+
This institution is oYercrowded with con-
yicts, and the number increases. The re-
suit is not due to an increase OF crime, put
to the fault of the law, which ranks as fel-
onies such offences az ought to be punished
summarily and inexpensively as misde-
meanors. The State is in no condition to
build new and larger penitentiary at TINS
time, and the remedy for. the existing EVIL
is revision of the law on crimes and pun
ishments. Thatsome prompt action should
arrest the continued increase In the num-
Der of prisoners is demanded by the strong
est considerations OF humanity as we'll as
economy. Medical experience teaches that
one thousand cubic feet OF breathing space,
with perfect provision for ventilation, IS as
little as can safely be allowed each prisoner
with just regard for the laws OF
health. Upon investigation and from actual
measurement have ascertalned that Inc
inmates now within the walls OF the penn
tentnry are limited to an average of about
one-seyenth of the prescribed and needfnl
breathing space. This fact is understated
in the report of the directors OF the peni-
tertiary and correctly set out in the accom-
nanyino communication from the surgeon
Of that institution. 6 SIeh is the limits CT
sanitary accommodate now when sey-
eral hundred prisoners are hired outside. IL
the absent conyicts were returned, and
added to the number now confined within
the walls, the effect would be shocking TO iiu-
manity. tits earnestly recommended. thaS
the necessities oil this institution be elect
uialiy provided fer at your present session.
THE CENTRAL LuNAT1c ASYLUM.
The time approaches when the lease OF the
properly now occupied by. this institution
will expire, 10 is absolutely necessary,t.e
decide, without further DELAY, Wiietner Ibis
nTonerty is to be purchased OF q rlsg asyy-
INN Inn erected elsewhere. Barely time enough
remains ram, for building aud s4uinp 10 q new
asy1um before the expiration OF the existing
lease. If decisive action in the premises
he he further delayed the State may be placed
ander file necessity OF purchasing the leased
property on the terms OF IT'S owners, eseis 7
an an asxorbitant price were demanded.
| rHE ToBA eco INSPECTION Law. !.
his law has been subjected to so many
changes that not d few OF its pro visions are
inconsistent and Incapable OF efficient exc