The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-02-15

w. Houston presiding, and quorum
present.
Prayer was offered by the chaplain,
Rev. DR.. Smoot.
On motion of Mr.. Peacock, reading
the journal was dispensed with.
On motion of Mr.. Kleberg. Mr.. Pat
ton was excused indefinitely. on ae-
count of important business demand
ing his presence at home.
On motion of Mr.. Fowler, Mr.. Per-
~ was excused for the day.
On motion of Mr.. Pope, Mr.. Davis
was excused until Monday, the 18th
inst.
On motion OF Mr.. Fowler, the post
master was excused on account of
sickness.
PETITIONS.
Mr.. Kleberg, from the New York,
Texas and Mexican railway company,
asking the issuance of land certiti-
Gates for the construction OF certain
portions Of their route. Referred.
Mr.. Jones, from the citizens of
Houston, asking the passage OF a law
TO prevent railroads from obstructing
roads and streets. Referred.
Mr.. Peacock, from the citizens OF
Morris county, asking for submission
to vote of the people Of prohibition
amendment to the constitution.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES.
Military Affairs.-Mr. Fowler
chairman, reported favorably senate
bill No. 1871. amending the present
law regarding frontier protection.
Public Printing.-Mr. Evans, chair
man, reported reasons why the heads
of certain state institutions had not
sent in their annual reports.
Select Communicable. Harris,
chairman, reported reasons for delay
In receiving department reports.
Peni tentiaries.-Mr. Johnston, OF
Selby, chairman of the committee APP
pointed TO visit the state .penitentia-
ries, made the following report:
COMMITTEE Room,
AUSTIN, TEN, Feb. 10, 1883.
To the Hon. Marion Martin. President Of the
Senate:
Your Joint subcommittee, APP
pointed by the two house of the legis-
Iature OF the state of Texas, to visit
the penitentiaries of TIE state, located
at Huntsville and Rusk, and Ito ex-
anime carefully and thoroughly into
the character. condition, management
and capacity of each of said institu-
tions, and make report of their ac-
ton TO the committee ON peniten-
tiarles, and make such suggestions
and recommendations rs they may
deem lit and proper; also to inquire
into and investigate all cases OF
alleged harsh and cruel treatment OF
convicts, whether within the walls OF
said penitentiaries, or in convict
camps or elsewhere" have performed
that duty, as far us practicable, and
beg leave TO submit the following re-
port:
AZ Huntsville they found about
four hundred convicts within the
walls. who were engaged in the manu-.
facture Of wagons, furniture, boots
and shoes, and an inferior article OF
cloth. t..
The scanty and inferior machinery
renders IL impossible to carry on ex.
tensively these industries, and To keep
the men busily engaged at all times
More shop room is necessary, but
this want will soon be supplied by
changing the present cell building
into machine shops.
IL will require the expenditure of a
considerable sum Of money before the
labor within the walls can be profit
ably utilized.
The new building is capable OF
accommodating six hundred and six
teen convicts. This building is conf
modious, and seems we'll adap ted t.
the health and comfort of the prison.
ers. The cells are well ventilated, and
ut the same time very secure.
The convicts have not been placed
in this building on account of the
damp condition of the walls.
The old prison was constructed ut a
time when the future wants of the
state were not anticipated. and. in
view of modern improvements, is not
adapted to the confinement of con-
victs. The cells are small and badly
% ventilated; and the entire building
has the appearance of dilapidation,
rendered so by cracked and dingy
walls. This old building can well DE
turned into machine shops, and, in
this way. made valuable.
The yard of the prison, near the
new building, needs grading. IL is
low and III wet weather becomes
muddy.
Your committee Investigated thor
ougly the treatment of the convicts
within the walls. and are gratilled Ia
report that they are well fed and
clothed. and humanely treated
They were visited while al
work and at their meals, ~ well rs Ia
their cells. and degree of cheerful
ness was observed, which is the best
evidence of good treatment. The
food furnished them seemed abun
dant and wholesome.
At Rusk, your committee founC
about three hundred and forty con
victs within the walls. Their treat
ment WAS about the same us that oi
those NJ Huntsville, except that they
were Idle. there being no machinery
of any kind to employ them.
This penitentiary has been but re
rently organized. Messrs. Morrow
Handy 4 Co. took charge on the Is
OF January, 1883. with three hundre,
and forty convicts, without any pro
vision or preparation TO receive them
bedding, clothing and cooking uten
sis had 10 be furnished. And the,
are now maintained, in idleness, a
the cost OF the lessees. But negotia
lions nre going on for machiner,
to tit this prison for smelling
iron, and for manufactures, bu
it will require a large expendi
ture of money. and considerable tim
30 develop these industries.
This prison is n magnificent build
ing, capable of accommodating abou
one thousand convicts. The cells ar
well ventilated and securely construct
ed. It Is located near the Kansas an
Gulf Short Line railroad. This roa
seems TO discriminate against the stat
in transportation, which makes tn
charges for freight on provisions an
materials very high.
The hospital. at this prison, as we
rs ut Huntsville. appears to be we
for. Both are in need of libraries an
surgical instruments.
There are eleven hundred and twel
ty-four convicts assigned to the Rus
penitentiary, under the management
of Messrs. Morrow, Handy & Co., {
which number three hundred an
forty-four are within the walls. III
remainder are at work on farms an
railroads, except small force at woI
in the coal mines of Eastland count
Eleven hundred and twenty-fol
convicts are assigned to the Hunt
vile penitentiary, under the manag
naent of Messrs. Cunningham & Eli
of which number four hundred a
within the walls; the remainder a
at work on farms and railroads.
On account of the severity of Il
weather, your committee were pr
vented from visiting any of the CO