Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-08-11
THE STATE CAPITAL.
THE CONVICT RELIEF BILL.
warm Debate on the measure-A
substitute PrOpOsed-The Macon
aud BrunswIek Purchase Money
The Railroads and the Commits
sion.

ATLANTA, GA, August 10 The House
adopted a resolution inviting Chancellor
Nell to address the General Assembly on
Tuesday morning in. regard to the State
University, in accordance with law. Also,
to concur in the amendment of the Senate
for the election of Judge and Solicitor Of
the Northeastern Circuit to morrow, instead
Of Monday.
The special order, the Rome Southern
Railroad bill, W as postponed, and the discus
sion on the convict lease bill was resumed.
Mr.. Hammond, of Thomas county, in a
fervent and forcible speech Of two hours,
argued to show that the convict law Of 1876
provided all the remedy needed for the
abuses complained of by the committee.
Hold" said he, "the Governor
and all subordinates interested in
the enforcement of this law
responsible for failure to put its wise and
humane provisions in force, but don't at.
tempt to reform reported abuses by an ex-
pertinent like the bill presented" Mr..
Hammond compared the various convict
systems of the country, and claimed that
Georgia has as good a system as any, pro-
vided the law is properly enforced. No
division of responsibility with a board OF
managers could remedy the evils complained
Of, but would entail large expense upon
the State.
Mr.. Hunt. of Spalding, replied to Mr..
Hammond, insisting that the proper remedy
for the abuses was in the bill under discus
sion. "Abuses do exist, the law fails to
correct them, and humanity calls for the
passage of this BILL"
Mr.. Reese, of Wilkes, offered substitute
providing for three managers, one to be a
physician, the present principal keeper of the
penitentiary TO be secretary during his
term of office, the managers to visit
personally inspect them, fix the
hours Of labor, the manner of punishment
of refractory convicts, and the classification
of the same. "The bill provides for war
dens or managers, thus creating confusion
and multiplying officials. One set Of man
ayers can better perform all the duties at
less expense and with better results, and
this the substitute provides"
Mr.. Barrow, OF Clarke, followed Reese
in support Of his substitute, and made the
best argument of the debate, cOnfining him
self wholly to the question. He claimed
that the wardens would prove In many in
stances unreliable, and, perhaps, corrupt,
while board of managers of high character
and unquestiOned responsibility would meet
all the demands of the case, and reform any
abuses that may exist. "The lessees are hu-
name, honorable and responsible gentlemen.
They would act in harmony with managers
of similar character to perfect the convict
system"
Mr.. Thorpe, of Bib, called the previous
question just before adjournment, but with
drew It when informed that several members
desired to speak before coming to a vote.
The discussion will probably occupy the
.ntire session tomorrow. The applause
given Mr.. Hammond indicates that the bill
will be defeated, but there is a possibility
that the substitute OF Mr. Reese, or some
similar measure, may finally be adopted.
The debate has been exciting so far, and
the galleries have been crowded.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
In the Senate numerous House bills were
reOd a first and second time.
| The report of the committee on resolu-
/ tiOn authorizing the State Treasurer to
accept United States per cent. bonds in
| payment for the Macon and Brunswick
Railroad was made the special order for to-
morrow.
Toe Senate concuTred in the House reso-
luton inviting Chancellor Nell to address
1 the General Assembly next Tuesday.
The Governor has signed the bill au-
| thOrizing the purchase of Harris Digest for
| public officers.
Judge Chisholm and Colonel HsiHes ad-
dressed the Railroad Committee for two
| hours this afternoon. Gov. Smith will reply
on Friday and be answered by Senator
| Brown.