Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-29
The Convict Leasing system.

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The Atlanta cores pondent Of the
MORNING NBws Of sunday says that the
lessees Of the States convicts are "expe-
riencing q great deal Of trouble in secur-
ing enough work 10 keep the couYicts en-
ployed." 1t appears that under the pres
ent system OF Furnishing offenders against
the laws there is a radical defect Either
the punishment inflicted is no punish
ment at all, and the criminals prefer being
cOnvicts and, therefore, commit Grimes
in order to be imprisoned, or
rather deprived of part OF
their personal liberty, for they are not
really in prison, in order 10 secure a liv-
ing, or, on the other hand, the punish
ment is such that hardened offenders
teach those who are undergoing punish
ment for some trivial offence the higher
grades ofcrime, and thereby make greater
criminals of them. Certainly the number
Of law breakers is increasing, and the
question, what shall be done to prevent
the increase is one which is worth dis
cussing. About 80 per cent. Of the
cOnvicts is negroes, but this
is no reason why the question, what shall
be done to reduce the number should
not receive the attention of the people.
We can't afford 10 turn this large class of
our people over to chain-gangs without
danger to the welfare of the State. The
present leasing system makes criminals.
1t is well known fact that the discharge
OF prisoner from the chain-gangs is fol-
lowed in most cases by his return to
the gang in a short time for a greater
offence. In many cases rspes, robberies
and murders are committed by ex-
conYicts. The courts are trying and re-
trying the same offenders and the people
are put to a great expense in supporting
the courts. Judges and Juries have be-
come tired Of this business, as well as
the people. The criminals are apparently
indifferent with respect to their fate
unless they are in danger OF being hung.
The general impression is that owing to
the large percentage OF negro criminals it
would be almost impossible to adopt the
Penitentiary system. Under the present
state Of affairs would it not be we'll
to make the experiment. All colored
people do not belong to the same grade.
AhCAC AAC oCfCl a SlouCo VI tcSpCCLhDllAIg
among them. These grades are not
yet so strongly marked as among the
whites, but they certainly exist. A
penitentiary for cOlored cOnvicts,
properly graded with respect to
their crimes might be established. Old
offenders should be separated from those
who are confined for trifiing offences, and
an attempt made to reform the latter.
They should be taught how to make a
living. Many of the convicts are farm
hands. They might be placed on farm
close TO the prison provided for the
purpose of teaching the convicts how to
conduct farming operations. In this way
the prison itself might be made self
supporting. Many cOnvicts are rough me-
chanics. They could be trained into good
workmen. To such system, which could
be improved as experience dictated, might
be united the new mode of unlimited i'm
prisonment now adopted in some States,
by which the convict is kept in confine-
ment until it is found safe to again in
trust him with freedom. Persons under
this system, when they show signs Of real
reformation, are permitted to leave the
prisons, but are still under the surveil
lance of the prison officials, and are liable
to be returned for any lapse from good
behavior. Chain-gangs made up ofincor-
rigibles, or Of persons not suited for other
work, could be organized for work on
county improvements under proper prison
officials.
This subject is well worthy the at
tention of our legislators. The colored
people will continue for many years to
form a large part of the population of the
Southern States, and as our convicts are
largely from among them, it will be well
for the white people, who are the rulers
aud law makers, TO see that they are made
honest men. The present leasing system
is certainly increasing the number of
criminals in proportion to the population.
Under the circumstances, can the State
afford to continue it?