The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-06
COY. LOWRY.
Continued from second Page.

from SecOn0 Page.
encourage and conduct intelligentiy, farm
work OF every description, but to teach
and thoroughly instruct the boys in the
several industries mentioned, as well as
the use OF the steam engine, saw, etc. The
girls, in addition TO the studies prescribed,
are taught practical household duties in
all their details. During the year, the
Rev. G. 5. Pope, who has been president
OF the university for decade, and who
labors faithfully TO advance its interests,
was transferred to another field OF labor.
His place is filed by Frank G. Woodward,
who assumes the presidency OF the instltu-
ton, and who will earnestly strive to adj
vance its interest, and sustain its already
excellent reputation. This university, by
its successful management commends
itself to your favorable consideration.
In my message OF 1856 suggested the
appointment of legislative committee to
examine and report the condition OF
THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
at Holly Springs. The investigation re-
suited in radical changes. Among others,
charging the State superintendent OF edu-
cation and the superintendent OF education
OF Marshall county TO take charge and re-
organize the school, employ teachers, etc.
This service has been performed by the
superintendent, and they report that 10
students matriculated and that their de-
pertinent has been most excellent The
standard for admission depends upon the
scholarship OF the applicant being to quail
lily, by proper training, teachers for the
common schools. The professors employed
in the schools are reported as having done
excellent work and giving entire satisfac-
ton.
The expenditures Of the institution have
been reduced without injury TO its efii-
cheney.
expenditures ior lss5' IVY "
Expenditures ior leSI-o....... 2l4o w
The report OF the superintendent charged
with the management OF the institution
will be furnished you during the session,
and 1t is respectfully commended to your
favorable consideration.
The reports Of the superintendent and
board Of control OF the
PENITENTIARY
will be placed before you, containing such
information and suggestions Us are, in
their Judgment, deemed best for its future
conduct and management. There is n
great diversity Of opinion rs to the policy
labor OF the convict. This difference not
only obtains in this State, but is the sub
jcct OF controversy in many others. Six
years ago, foreshadowed in my inaugural
address, the disposition that | believed
should be made of the penitentiary con-
Wet. believed then and now that the
labor OF 200 or more conyicts, In the main
stout and able-bodied persons, should be
should be controlled and directed by the
State agents; that among this large num-
Der there were but few skilled laborcrs;
hence, TO employ them beneiicially 10 the
State, they should be worked on railroads,
levees, or other public works. While the
pcnitentiary should not, in my judgment,
be administered with the single view OF
making IL self-sustaining yet no maudlin
sentiment should be invoked 10 prevent
convicts from being treated as criminals,
who were undergoing q sentence at hard
labor; at the same time, treated kindly,
bearing in mind that they were human
beings, with bodies and souls, and that
the State has an interest in seeing them
reformed, and, II possible, restored TO re-
spectacle citizenship.
While the different policies advocated
for the management OF the prison and its
inmates demand your consideration, II will
be remembered that the State has already
entered into contract leasing the peni-
Tertiary and convicts 10 the Gulf and Ship
Island company for term OF years; this
contract, Ms understand IL, cannot be set
aside or Cancelled by the State, unless the
lessees have violated their terms and con-
ditions, and thereby forfeited their right
under the lease. II, on the other hand,
the lessecs voluntarily propose TO rcscind
the contract, l respectfully submit that
you give the proposition your best consid-
Grafton before making your decision, pro-
viding in advance for their employment,
and, II possible, without expense to
the State. am persuaded that
they are now engaged in the
character OF labor suited TO their
condition, and most beneficial TO the
State. With some objections that could
probably be cured by additional legisla.
ton, that would be alike accep,abldto all
concerned, the present contract could he
carried out, relieving the State from bur.
| den, and at the same time assuring the
completion OF railway that has been
strongly advocated by the people OF the
State for more than n third oi n century.
Let II he remembered that the State has
no machinery, even u reasonable mum.
Der OF the convicis were skilled laborcr
and therefore they cannot be worked
within the walls II follows that IL thcy
labor at all Il must be on public works OF
on farms. II has been confidently assumed
that the State, through agents and ap-
pointecs could not only make their pcni
| Tertiary self sustaining. hut sec that the
convicis were treated humanely, and 30
have believed. II this could DO nc,
complished II would seem that with some
additional legislative authority the super
intendcni aud board Of control, four IN
number, could insure humane treatment
20 the convicts. II l. less difficult 10 find
objections 10 any Experimentation adopted
/ than 10 furnish n scheme for the successful
and satisfactory management Of the pcni.
tcntiary and It's inmates. The convicts oI
the peniientiary must work; their sentence
Il at confinement nj hard labor and those
who bear the burdens OF government dc
not propose 10 support them In idlcncss
They expect, through their agents. that
discipline and orderAwil be enforced and
humane treatment Insured. Under the
law OF 1885 tie superintendent and boar
OF control were charged with the manage
ment Of the pcnitcntiary, and from high
| character, close attention and business ca
pacity OF these officials, | am confidential
they have rendered efficient and faithful
service, and their recommendations arr
worthy Of your best consideration.
In submitting the condition aud needs
.,,.,,,.r,,, ,,,s,,x,,,,,,.s