Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-03-13

the demands and necessities Of our fast
growing and prosperous city, and its condi-
ton has been commented upon by numer-
Gus grand juries as q disgrace to our peo-
pie and reflection upon benevolence, which
should touch the pride and hearts OF our
community.
The jail was originally built to accommo-
date forty-eight prisoners; during past years
there has been an average Of eighty con-
fined In it. The cells are entirely too small,
necessarily damp from insufficient ventils-
ton, and have very little light. OF these
cells there are sixteen (eight below and
eight above) which are entirely destitute Of
either light or ventilation, and in these
cells l have been obliged by the law
to crowd from three to four prls-
oners at a time. The wings, which
exclude the light and ventilation from these
sixteen cells, are exceedingly insecure, and
can only be used down stairs on the one side
as a bathing room, and on the other they
have been perpetually closed up because of
their insecurity. The up stairs wing on the
east side is utilized as room for watchmen,
on the west side for sick and convalescent
prisoners. / have refrained, for obvious
reasons, from time to time, from thus pub
licIy calling attention to the condition and
the insecurity Of the jail, but now that 1t is
rapidly growing worse and worse, 1t would
be derelictiOn of duty on my part to re-
main silent any longer. The walls are in a
dilapidated condition; the lining of the jail
is rapidly rotting; the iron grating to win
dows, walls and woodwork is insecure. The
prison is cold and dingy, there are no
means of heating 1t, and, generally, in every
detail that pertains to comfort, convenience
and security, regard the jail as altogether
unfit for its use and a disgrace to civiliZa-
tion, which calls for some prompt and de-
cisive action. / hoped for some legislative
action by our immediate representatives,
but it was only hope.
In addition to the large number Of
prisoners, l have been seriously incon.
venienced by the increased number Of luna
tics which have been sent to prison. There
are no conveniences or comforts for those
unfortunate people, and the voice Of
humanity pleads for them.
DISCIPLINE, SANITARY CONDITION, ETC.
General good order and discipline have
been maintained. The rules for the govern
ment Of the jail have been enforced with
firmness, but with a consideration consistent
with law, mercy and the dictates of hu
mainly. The conduct of the inmates has
been, as usual, good.
There has also been great attention
given to the sanitary regulations. The
utmost attention is paid to cleanliness.
The prisoners are furnished with cloth
ing when needed, and required to battle
their persons and change their apparel regu-
larry. The halls and prison cells and the
Enclosure are whitewashed, disinfected and
cleaned regularly. The health of the in
mates is usually good. The jail physician,
DR.. Vim. G.. Bulloch, is very attentive to any
call by day or night. He has always re-
spOnded with pleasantness.
The amount due the city OF Savannah for
dieting prisoners at the jail is as follows;
Chatham county 1899 90
Bryan county Observation-Disclosures. 9H 90
Bulloch county. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 259 90
GlVnn county. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 17S So
Enlngham county Observation-Disclosures. 1877 30
Mcintosh county ................. 2 20
United States OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 100 40
IOtal. ....... ........................9S ,ooo ~
NUMBER OF PRISONERS DISCHARGED AND
REMAINING IN JAIL DURING THE YEAR 1881.