The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-10


| prisons and prisoners which experience
and observation have taught. am clear
| ly or the opinion that we should take
down our old cell building. hospital. ard
| administration building, and rebuild them
| upon a general and modern plan that
would include the Improvement suggested
heretofore. This would be cheapest in
the end. and could be done with the earn
| ings Of the institution by using our own
labor as far as possible My reasons for
| recommending such considerable i'm
| provement are:
| First. The old cells are. upon the con-
| gregate plan, from three to thirty pris-
| oners being confined In one room. which
| could have only evil and pernicious re-
| suits, and prevent any effort at reforma-
| ton. The congregation OF prisoners is
now universally condemned by prison
| men, and single cells, or. at most. not
| more than two to a cell. Is considered
| the proper thing for the confinement Of
conyicts.
Second. The kitchen. laundry, and hos
pital, Are so inadequate and untitled for
our present demands. something must
be done to provide more suitable place
for each of these departments. /, there
fore. recommend that we ask for authority
OF law 10 procure a modern plan, and re-
build our male cells. hospital. and admin
istration buildings, extending the walls
as may be necessary.
PRISON sIFoRM.
The prison question and the reform
necessary is of such magnitude that IL
might well engage the attention of the
best men OF our State. 1t would not
be possible TO properly discuss it in
paper like this, but let IL suffice II to
say, II ic now generally agreed that all
action in regard TO the criminal should
be not the old lex talionis requirement or
an ego for an eye and tooth for a
tooth. but for the protection OF society.
The question is not limited to the con-
sideration merely of prisons and prison.
ers, but Teaches out into the larger
field OF preye ntion-measures which in
clude Jurisprudence, education, religion,
psychology, physiology and everything
else, that has an influence over the con-
duct Of men. Whatever there Is OF
good I'm a prisoner ought to be developed
and encouraged.
That Virginia should keep abreast with
the most advanced in the treatment OF
this subject Is due to her past. Our
criminal laws should be so amended that
all which Is good and practicable I'm the
laws Of the States in this line should be
adopted by this State with such i'm.
provements as would suggest themselves
to our lawmakers.
The indetermiLate sentence with a
parole or ticket OF leave system should
be put in operation, which would give
hope to the prisoner and encouragement
10 commence a new life that he might
earn a right TO go out again into the
world. II offers to such as are not COM
pletey hardened the very strongest rea-
sons possible-the reward they most prize,
restoration TO liberty.
Should n few only be saved I'm this way
II would be worth all 1t would cost view
ed not from a moral standpoint alone
The increasing criminal expense account
and our crowded penitentiary warns us
that something must be done.
LIGHT.
beg TO renew my recommendation for
additional and better lights for the
building. Electric lights would be de-
srable, but the small number needed
here would not justify, in my opinion,
the establishment of a plant have
reason 10 believe that | can arrange with
the shoe company to furnish us. from the
plant they have lately put in. all we need
In that line.
ECONOMICAL MANAGEMENT.
BY applying the strictest business prin-
ciples to every department, | have been
enabled to feed and clothe the prisoners
well at the small cost shown in the
table.
\ substantial ration of meat, with
variety of vegetables. coffee. fish, rice,
and fruits. with all the bread they wish,
is furnished to all regularly.
OPENING OF SPRING STREET.
In accordance with an act OF Assem-
bly, approved FEBRUARY /, 1894, which au-
thorized the Superintendent of the pen
Tertiary to contract with thei city of
Richmond for the opening of Spring
street through the grounds or this
institution, | have formally entered into
contract for the work. on which con-
siderable progress has been made. lt
is still. however, in an unfinished state,
which prevented the Improvement of our
front which we have in contemplation.
The same bill authorized the superin-
tendent to sell all the land of the inst-
tuition south or the new street this has
not been done. owing TO conditions ex-
listing.
OFFICERS AND GUARDS.
The officers and guards have been ac-
tive and efficient in aiding me I'm the
management Of the prison. and / take
pleasure in commenting them for faith
fulness and loyalty.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.
Regular religious exercises have been
held In both male and female depart
ments on each Sunday morning and ar
ternoon. Among the volunteers who
do this work are some OF the nOblest
Christian men and women OF the state.
All honor TO them for such a labor of
love, | hereby extend 10 each and
every one OF them my sincere thanks.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, gentlemen OF the Board,
| return thanks for your hearty CO.
operation and valuable assistance, which
you have so freely accorded me at all
times in the discharge Of the difficult
duties OF this office.
With the highest respect for each of
you, / have the honor to be
Faithfully yours
b. W. LYNN, superintendent.