Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-11-10

Weld OF about six barrels per acre. The
tobacco crop was planted upon rented
land. The frost caught a part OF Il.
leaving us perhaps $500 pounds 10 our
share" . II am still confident that,
with better management and better sea
sons. in the future we will accomplish
all that we hoped for IN the establish
ment OF this enterprise"
Major Lynn discusses the question or
how prisoners should be employed ana
saws he regards the present system un-
der which the Virginia prison has been
brought from an annual expense or over
5000 TO producing a clear net revenue
OF $1,000 "a a good one. Tho contracts
with those having factories within the
prison-walls run for long period OF time
and. with no adverse or unwise lcglsla-
ton 10 destroy the industries, the super
intendent thinks the institution may De
considered upon n solid business-pasls'
"The wisdom" he says. "ot thus using
our prisoners Is more and more apparent
and. in connection with our farm enter
prise. which should. under favorable sea-
sons and good management, feed 10
large extent our entire prison populatloh'
this institution should return 20 the Trea-
sury Of the State q large part or the
expenses OF conyictlng and sending our
and there have been no escapes during
the year from the prison proper, though
there were some from the farm and road
forces. The real property at tho peni-
tentiary IS valued at S3i5,70o.
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED.
Continuing. Major Lynn says:
mot being Gear as to authority Of INV
I'm the matter, the Improvement suggested
a
honorable Board OF Directors was not
attempted.
with all the facts AS 10 prisons and
prisoners which experience and observa-
ton have taught, l am clearly OF the
opinion that we should take down our
ord cell building. hospital. and admins
tratlon building. and rebuild them upon
a general and modern plan that Woulu
include the Improvement suggested here
tOfore. This would be cheapest IN the
end. and could bc done with the earnings
Of the institution hy using our own
labor as far as possible
My reasons for recommending such 4
considerable Improvement arc; 1. The
old cells are upon the congregate pian'.
from three TO thirty prisoners being con-
fined I'm one room. which could have only
evil AMI pernicious results and prevent
any effort at reformation The congrega-
ton Of prisoners Ia now universally con-
demnel by prison men, and single cells,
or at most not more than two 20 4 cell
Is considered the proper thing for the
confinement Of cOnvcts. o The kitchen.
laundry. and hospital are so inadequate
and untitled for our present demands
that something must be done 10 provide
a more suitable place Tor each or these
departments. I therefore recommend tnat
We ask for authority of law 10 procure
"A modern plan and rebuild our male cells.
hospital. and administration building, eX-
tending the walls as may be necessary
VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.
Major Lynn discusses the subject or
prison reform at come length. says Nir-
ginia should keep abreast OF the times
strongly recommends the indeterminate
sentence. with parole or ticket Or leave
sentence. and suggests that the increasing
criminal expenses and the crowded peni-
tentiary give the warning that something
should be- done. Better lights are needed
in the prison. By applying economi-
cal business principles. the prisoners nave
been well fed and clothed az small cost.
4 substantial ration OF meat with va
riotv of vegetables. coffee fish. rice, and
fruits. with all the bread they wish. ia
furnished to all regularly. Major Lynn
commends the officers and guards for
faithful service. calls attention to the
regular religious services at the prison,
and concludes
Gentlemen OF the board. return
thanks for your hearty cooperation ana
valuable assistance which you have 80
freely accorded me at All times ia the
discharge Of the difficult dulles OF this
Office"