Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-07
THE RICHMOND Observation-Disclosures. DECEMBER q 1882

decency. Not only are these cells tw
few In number but they are wfthou
sewer connections. What Is more. the ne
cessity OF discipline requires that wheI
a cell door is closed at night, II Is no
usually opened again till morning.
The crowded condition OF the peniten
tiary has been the subject OF numerou
| reports and inquiries, and there neve
| has been any question at all as to tn
| reasonableness OF the demand for NOR
cell-room. The moral and physical health
| or the prisoDers-our duty 10 thes
wretched men and our duty to ourselves
| alike urge that early steps be taken
| looking to the enlargement OF the cell
house. The appeal In this behalf is made
by the officers of the penitentiary to yot
and me with all the more confidence be-
cause the institution for many years past
has been paying a large net cash profit
into the public treasury.
CONDITIONAL PARDONS.
The conditional-pardon act. passed at
the last session OF the Legislature, has
been hailed as blessing by the prisoners;
has been beneficial to the discipline o the
prison. and is. believe. approved by the
public. So far n total Of 102 conditional
pardons have been granted, and we are
fciaries OF the act violating the condi-
lions imposed upon him when executive
clemency was exercised. / ask your at
tention to what the Board Of Directors
has to say about amending the act so as
to bring within the operations Of the law
many prisoners who are now excluded
from its benefits.
The prevalence of smallpox in certain
cities and counties Of Virginia during the
past year made II necessary that unusual
precautions should be exercised.
| concur with the board and Superin-
tendent, and emphasize their suggestion
as to the desirablity Of appointing a
chaplain for the penitentiary. The minis
ters of the Gospel in this city have done
a great and good work in visiting the pri-
sonors. and hope they will continue their
visits; but there should be one in daily
attendance upon the prison. and for such
services the State should be willing TO
pay a reasonable salary.
The health maintained in the peniten-
tiary and al the farm Is highly credita-
Die TO the surgeons and other officers II
Is also a cause for congratulation that
he institution is now provided with the
lmplest and best hospital facilities it has
iver had Yet the necessity remains 10
afeguard tho penitentiary and farm !
Igainst epidemic diseases, and for some |
months during the past year they were |
'quarantined" against the smallpox a |
lifficult and responsible work, which was |
done.
COLORED REFORMATORY
Our colored citizens, through the zeal
nd intelligent effort of one of their num-
er, Professor John II. Smith, late Minis
er resident and Consul General to Libe-
ia, through a chartered association.
nown as THE Negro Reformatory As
ociation of Virginia" are attempting a
york similar to that Of the Reform
chool of the Prison Association of Vir-
inia, for white boys. They have sue
eeded in establishing the Virginia Man
al School, at Hanover, Va. A plantation
{ 1.So6 acres Of land has been purchased
t a cost Of 1892, by contributions of
ur own citizens and philanthropic per-
)ns from outside of the State, and this
md has been supplemented by a gener-
US gift from Mr.. Coils L. Huntington,
New York, Of over 81 900. Some need
! repairs have been made to the build
lgs, and the school has been put in
Deration. / granted conditional pardon
, seven boys under Is years of age and
mt them TO the school, and / am glad
report that on a visit OF inspection to
le farm by the Board of Managers of
ie penitentiary and myself. We found
lem making most satisfactory progress.
hese boys have so far been clothed and
d by the institution.
Virginia has given large opportunities
n Common school and higher education
n colored children and youths, and yet
lere is a distressing lack of moral adj
incement among some Of them. as witt
sssed by the crowded condition Of our
and jails, and the State
lould. for its own good and the welfare
this class, devise some plan for saving
lie large number of negro children and
)uths who are beyond the influence of
lie public schools or intelligent home re-
RANTS. 1t is TO the interest Of the State
I'd Of society that every effort
made for the moral, religious.
id educational advancement of all {
asses OF citizens. This work, of {
urse, is in a large measure ex-
rimental, but, in efficient hands
Id with proper and sufficient encourage {
ent. it is well worthy of experiment, {
I'd it would be well for the Legislature q
make some arrangement with the in J
tuition to take incorrigble or criminal }
ys or girls on something like similar !
rms as those under which they are |
ken at the Laurel Reformatory. c
II may be that the Legislature will see b
way clear to make reasonable ap- y
opriation for necessary buildings. .