Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-08-10
THE STATE CAPITAL.
THE CONVICT SYSTEM UNDER
FIRE.
Debate on the Relief Bill-PrObable
Defeat OF the Measure-The Macon
and Brunswiek Sale Another
Crowd for Rome.

ATLANTA, August gin the House the
special order was the bin to provide for the
better inspection, management and control
Of the convlcts Of Georgia. The bill was
reported favorably by the Penitentiary Com
mittee, and yet the House seemed disposed
to differ with the committee and disagree to
their report.
This fact brought to his feet Mr.. Milner,
of Barlow, Chairman Of the Penitentiary
Committee, who made the first speech. He
commenced by denying that the bill was
drawn and introduced for political purposes,
and declared that 1t was prepared and pre-
sented solely to reform and perfect the con-
vict system Of the State. After reviewing
the law as to the care of conYicts, Mr..
Miner affirmed that it's provisions had not
been carried out. The present system was
q disgrace to Georgia. ono matter what
may be said in favor of the lessees, It is
faulty and unequal in it's operations. The
discipline and care of the cOnvicts is based
upon no fixed rule, but differs widely in
the several camps according, to the
humane character or cruel disposition of the
bosses. There should be a system bearing
alike impartially upon the convicts OF all
the camps, and this can only be attained
through a plan such as the bill proposes,
giving the control of all convicts to officers
of the State, who shall establish, perfect
and keep up an impartial system in each
camp. 1t will be said in reply that the
next thing asked for will be a fne hotel and
the best of fare for the convicts.
Not so. The committee asks nothing
of this kind. They favor hard labor for all
and proper punishment for stubborn con-
victs. But these things should be under the
responsible control and immediate personal
supervision Of State officials. The present
system has grown out of State control.
There are now thirteen camps, and in not
single one is there State official to stand
between the convict and cruel and inhu
man boss, as provided for by the act of
1876 "
The speech occupied two hours, and was
forcibly delivered.
Mr.. Winslow, of Houston, replied. He
read from and endorsed the rejoinder pub
lished by the lessees, and claimed that 20
change was demanded in the present sYs-
TEN.
Mr.. Post, of Coweta, came TO the support
of the bill in strong and forcibly delivered
argument, which reviewed the entire sub
ject.
Mr. Loren, OF Dougherty, followed in ad-
vocscy OF the bill, as did also Mr.. Mcintosh,
OF Liberty, both colored members.
The debate was interrupted by the hour
of adjournment. do not think the bill
will pass.
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.
In the Senate, the joint resolution of the
House to investigate the sale of the Macon
and Brunswick Railroad, adopted yesterday,
was reconsidered and laid on the table.
The House bill Incorporating the Camilla
Warehouse and Banking Company was again
discussed and amended 60 as to increase
the stockholders liability, and finally pass
ed. Also, the bill to amend the
act fixing the liquor license in APP
pling, Coffee and Wayne counties,
including bitters and other liquor pre-
parations. Also, the bill to provide
for local option in Lowndes county. Also,
the bill regulating the pay OF County Court
Jurors. Also, the bill to amend section 4l09
of the Code in regard to post mortem ex
sminations.
The Senate amended the House resolution
for the election for the Northeastern circuit,
pOstponing it to Thursday.
Another big crowd went to Rome this
morning. 1t will be the largest meeting
held In long time.