The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-06-08
THE PeNlTENrlARY PROBLEM,

In to-day's HERALD is published an
interview with LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
GIBBS on the question of convict labor.
While we do not endorse all of his
views, yet there is no doubt but what he
gives correct Abatement of the facts
which have led to the present compli-
cations. The HERALD believe that the
State owes it to herself not only to con-
line all convicts within the walls, but to
do so speedily; and while this should be
done as economically as possible, yet
the necessary expense, whatever it may
be, should be incurred at once. Govern
ment is organized for the protection and
preservation of the people, and they
must expect, and do expect, to contri-
butte the means necessary to this end.
There is no greater duty devolving
upon state government than
the proper punishment of its crimi.
nails, and so long as the
State allows its felons 20 be
worked here and there over the State il
is neglecting its duty, and it is no sufli
cient excuse that this duty can't be prop
erly performed except by an increase in
taxes. Texas is in as good financial
condition as any State, and in a much
better condition than a majority of them,
and is fully able to properly perform all
Of the functions OF State government.
We believe Mr.. GIBBS is correct in say
ing that the number OF penitentiary con.
Yictionr could and should be lessened
and the counties required to divide this
penal responsibility with the State, but
the question is, what shall we do with
those on hand?
We have about 5000 in custody and the
number increasing annually. Looking
to the future it may be well to reduce
the number, but those now in custody
belong within the walls, and the senti-
ment of the people is that they
should go there without delay
1t is, of course, desirable for every State
to make its convict labor selfsustain.
ing, if it can be done without mitigating
the punishment or endangering society
but this should be secondary consid.
GRAFTON and not theleading idea in form.
ulating apolicy. The Judgment of the
court should be carried out in letter and
in spirit, and it is not the case where
convicts are worked in squads over the
State,
The evils of competition with honest
labor are not so great as the moral Of
fecton the public, and the chances OF
escape afforded by working criminals on
railroads and similar work.
We believe that the development OF
the granite quarries would prove q
financial success, and would not be so
very Objectionable, rs the dressing OF
the stone and most Of the work would
be done in the walls, but the sooner we
abolish the plantation and railroad pol.
icy the bettor.
Where the HERALD differs most mate
rally with GOVERNOR GIBBS is in his
fye-year policy. The State of Texas is
not paupor, but a State rich in ra-
sources and with low taxes, and can
very well afford to make an immediate
outlay Of whatever money is necessary
to operate the government in a digni-
fed, thorough manner.
A gradual change may be necessary ii
public opinion is not ully made up on
tho question and will not justify an i'm
mediate outlay, but we are satisfied
that the people, when tho facts are fully
presented, will ratify q speedy change
in policy at any reasonable cost. What
ever is done should be done in sub.
stantial manner, with view to perma-
nency, for it is better for the state to
expend $1,000 on this basis, than to ex-
pond 500 on temporary policies.
The HERALD is not disposed to go to
tho extremes of sentimentalities or this
question, and realizes that tho convict,
whether supported in idleness or work
ed within.or ont of the walls,is either oil.
rectly or indirectly an incompetence
and expense to, or competitor with
honest labor. SENATOR RUTABAGA
JOHNSON was probably correct when he
said there was but one.remedy for this,
and tina twas the barbarous custom of
and branding for the first of
Tense and hanging for the second. As
the State can borrow money at about
one-fourth the rate individuals can, it
would be easier on the people if the
necessary bonds could be issued; but rs
this cam. be dono on account of consti-
tutional restrictiocs, the necessary
amount will have to be raised by taxa.
ton.
The next Legislature will have TO
solve this problem definitely, and there
is no no more chance forLdodging It, so
all aspirants for legislative houors had
as well provide themselves with data.