Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-01-04

Col. W. h. Beard, of Tallahassee, as agents Of
the State, to settle the claims with the under
standing that their fee was to be contingent
one OF Is per cent. of the amount collected
Nnen the matter was presented to the
treasury Department, the objection was made
that no State claim could be adjusted with
out the authority of Congress. A resolution
was introduced by our Senators and Repre-
sentatives TO carry out this decision and after
q considerable delay passed both houses, re-
ierrlng the matter to the Secretary of War. A
report from that official has been made allow
ing the state $225, ,64S 09. II the State is al
lowed interest, as the General Government
charges against her, she win be entitled to
considerable sum above her Indebtedness 1t
is hoped that Congress at an early day will
take action upon this long deferred, but Just
ana equitable claim.
STATE WEATHER SERVICE.
Ny attention was called as far back as June,
1881, by the Chief Signal Officer of the U. s.
army, to the Importance of each State estab-
fishing weather signal service. / am con-
Ylnced that great good will result from a
united effort on the part of the several States
TO organize such a service; and that il will
prove OF great benefit to the people interested
in various branches of industry, as well as
serve the interest of science in determining
the accurate climatic conditions of each Sec
ton. 1t VIII utilize every feature of the
weather that affects the prosperity of the in
habltants of the State as to crops, health, life,
which we will eventually be able to define
precisely the localities most favorable or un-
favorable to special crops, diseases. etc.
1t may be entirely volunteer and under the
charge of some appOintee, or it may be made n
part OF the duties of some officer, or the Presi-
dent or Professor of some of our literary insti-
Iutlons. In this manner it need not cost the
state anything, and by each county having a
voluntary observer. or making it the duty of
some county official to perform the duty the
cause OIL science will not only be advanced,
but q fund OF climatic information be secured
OF great benefit to our State. The Instruments,
which are few, need not at first cost over SIS
or $40. The Chief Signal Officer at Washing
ton VIII, am informed, cheerfully furnish all
information, and transmit through our service
any information of Importance regarding
storms, frosts, floods, etc. Many OF the States
are acting upon the suggestion, and COM
mend 1t to your favorable consideration.
INSANE ASYLUM
During the past two years this institution
has been under the immediate charge and su-
pervisiOn of DR.. James II. Randolph as su-
perintendent, assisted by Dr. W. B. Foreman,
the Commissioners of Public Institutions hav-
ing general direction, as the law REQUIRES
The management of the institution has been
excellent, and the treatment of the patients
tending to their restoration as well as their
comfort aud contentment. \ neat chapel has
been htted up and supplied with the necessary
furniture, as well as an organ. Ministers
have been engaged, who hold, at regular in
tervals, divine service. An addition that was
substantial brick building containing fourteen
rooms. Regular monthly reports and alb
stracts of all expenditures, accompanied by
proper vouchers, are made to the board. Con-
slderlng the number of patients and the cost
to the State of delivering them at the ASYLUM
the expenditures have been not only judiciOus
but economical.
On January /, 1881, there were 95 inmates in
the institution. During the last two years
there have been admitted ll2; discharged, so:
dled, 70; escaped, 3; readmitted, 5; leaving on
hand January l. 1883, l2S; OF this number
there are 36 white males, A white females 81
colored males, and 2l colored females.
STATE CONyICTs.
From being large expense TO the State un-
der the former system, the cOnvicts have be-
come source of revenue, while their i'm
proved condition shows that they have been
properly cared for. The East Florida Rail-
way Company has had them in charge for the
last two years, and take pleasure in stating
has complied with the contract in furnishing
proper food, clothing, etc. The company re-
ceived the cOnYicts at the several iails, and
paid all expenses after conviction, and in ad-
dition has paid into the State Treasury over
last two years.
As the lease expired on the aIst of December.
1882, the Adjutant General, under the direc-
ton OF the Commissioners OF the State Institu-
tlons, advertised for bids for the hire of said
conylcts for the years 1888 and 1884. Mr. H.
NJ. Wood, agent for Mr.. C.. h Dutton, Offer
ing the highest bid, it was accepted He is to
expenses afterconviction, furnish them proper
food, clothing, ETC., and pay the State $1,000
for their services for the next two years
The following tabulated statement of con-
victs for 1881 and 1882 may be of interest:
1881.
Number OF convicts on hand Decem-
ber 81, 1880, and delivered to the
East Florida Railway Company I29
Number of convicts delivered to East
Florida Railway Company during
=, 1901 ''..' .--.---. l0l
OF this number there were discharged
IN loo4 ..--.. .-..+..-.-. ....-.... 49
FafuOneu. .......-.............
ESCAPED -.--..- ........-... l3
Sentence commuted ......
Number on hand January l, 1882 I49
a5o $50
Number Of cQnViets on hand january
l, 1882 ,..-........... I49
Delivered to East Florida Rail-
way Company during the year
1882 ....................-.. GO
OF this number there We're in 1882 dis
charged .....,.... 80. So
Pardoned ............
Escaped d................
Died .... 10
Number on hand ..........I .IS5