The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-12-21
LOCAL MATTERS.
The Canal and the Convicts.

A CoMIUNICATION FROM MAJOR JOHNSTON, PRE-
| siDENT OF THE CANAL COMPANY, CONCERN
ING THE TREATMENT OF THE CoNyIcTs ON
THE CANAL--PREsENT CONDITION OF THE
PRISONERS.
Major John W. Johnston, president OF the
James River and Kanawha Company, yes
terday sent to General Lee, chairman OF the
Committee on Roads, the following commu-
nication concerning the treatment Of con-
Yicts on the canal:
OFFICE OF THE JAMES RIVER AND
KANAwHA COMPANY,
RICHMOND, VA, December 20, 1878. }
TO General ". II. b. Lee, Chairman of the
Committees on Roads and Internal Maui
CATION of the Senate and House of DeIe-
gates of Virginia, sitting together:
Sir,-In view OF the important matters
concerning the James River and Kanawha
Company now being considered by the CON-
mittceS over which you preside, aud OF Ger
tain imperfect, injurious, and unjust state
ments and publications recently made and
now being circulated as to the effect OF re-
cent freshets or rises in James river, and as
to the condition of the convicts heretofore
and now employed on canal repairs, deem
il NV duty to make the following state
ments:
I The frcshet OF September II, 1878, found
the canal in narigable order from Richmond
to Lynchburg, and virtually from Lynch
burg to Lexington. The extent, effect, and
results Of this freshet are fully stated.iu the
forty-fourth annual report OF the Board OF
Directors to the stockholders OF this COM
pany.
Since September 18th there have been a
number OF minor rises or freshets in James
river, causing each more or less trouble and
delay, but ut this writing boats are running
through not only from Lynchburg to Rich
mond, but from Lynchburg to Lexington
as well. And arrangements have been about
perfected for bringing freights, by certain
transfers, from Buchanan to Balcony Falls
and Lynchburg.
/ Tt will require additional work to COM
plete and strengthen the repairs from
Lynchburg to Balcony Falls and Lexiug-
ton. Upon this character OF work the bulk
of the convict and other forces is now en-
gagged. 1t is intended at such early day as
circumstances will permit to concentrate
the forces on the Buchanan end from Bal
cony Falls up to Buchanan, with the view
of completing canal repairs throughout.
Immediately after the published reports
of the Surgeon and Board OF Directors OF
the Virginia Penitentiary as to the treat
mcnt OF convicts in the service OF this com
pany were brought to my attention, and be-
| fore any action was taken, or proposed to be
taken, thereupon in the General Assembly,
addressed q communication to the chair
men of the appropriate committees of the
Senate and House Of Delegates in the in
terests Of an investigation OF the matters in
yolved.
/ have TO regret that such imperfect, in
| furious, and unjust accounts OF what has
up to this time occurred in the progress OF
this investigation, and especially in regard
TO nv own statements before these commit
tees, have attained publicity. The pend
ing investigation relates especially to GER
ttain unfortunate and deplorable clrcum-
stances and occurrences at and near Tye
river, in Nelson county, in February and
the early days OF March, 1878. The pub
lished accounts as to these circumstances
and occurrences fairly admit, in my opn-
ion. OF explanation and qualification. At
any rate, as to these circumstances and oc-
currences and any injurious deductions
therefrom, suspension OF public judg-
ment. especialIy SO far as this company and
IFS officials are concerned, is asked for until,
in the course OF the investigation, the facts
shall be brought out and made known.
frreuuent, continued, and very recent in
uuiries made by me, and reports from canal
officials and contractors and others, satisfy
me that during the spring, summer, and fall
the convict forces have been as well fed,
clothed, guarded, and cared for as circum-
stances would permit, with the exception
OF some insufficient hospital accommoda-
tions for a small number OF sick men, which
DR.. Walker informs me he corrected during
his last visit of inspection in the month OF
August.
| If is represented to me that they are now
/ Iiar
in some cases) in good health, humanely
treated, well fed apd clothed, and as COM
fortably boused as the shifting nature OF the
work in which they are engaged will per-
NIT, and that as a general thing they are
we'll contented. All possible arrangements
are being made for their health, comfort,
and safety during the further progress OF
canal repairs. 80
4 + am Informed by DR.. Walker, Surgeon
OF the Penitentiary, that the inquiries and
reports of the penitentiary authorities con-
firm these statements as to the care and pre-
sent condition of the men; and do not un-
derstand that the published reports of the
penitentiary authorities assign any other
main reason for the considerable mortality
among the men than the unfortunate and
deploTable sickness Qrom whatever causes
proceediDg) at and near Tye river last
winter and unavoidable accidents.
I am assured that these men are as we'll
provided and cared TO" and as humanely
treated as any convict forces employed on
public works OF this nature are or can be.
The officials OF this company have been and
are soicitous as to their health, comfort, and
safety; and, as will be developed in the
course OF the pending Investigation. have
not been unlnindfu OF the unfortunate and
deplorable condition Of things at and near
I've river last winter.
This communication is not intended to
iniure. prejudice, or delay in any manner
or to any degree the measure pending be-
fore you looking to sale OF the works,
; franchises, &C., of this company to the
Richmond and Allegheny Railroad Com
pauy, but Is deemed proper in view Of that
fair aad unpreiudiced consideration OF any
and all measures pertaining to and concern
ing this company which their importance
demands, and which justice to this COM
pany and the many interests connected
with it requires.
Very respectfully,
JOHN w. JOHNSTON, President.
UNITED STATES COURTs-Judge Hughes
presidinq.-In the United States District
RI