The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-10

for the care, comfort and education OF
the unfortunate more than BY anything
| else: n this Is as II should be- No
| people can be justly entitled TO the
name of Christian. thafkdoes not look
after the unfortunate azd protect the
| weak.
Special attention is invited to the
report of the North Carolina institu-
ton for the education OF the deaf and
dumb and the blind. wherein the spa-
cial needs Of that institution are spe~
cially set forth.
y OXFORD ORPHAN ASYLUM.
NThe work at the Oxford orphan asy-
luna has been carried on very success
fully during the past two years. Large
additions nave been made ID the build
ings OF the asylum. There have also
been large benefa1 lions bestowed upon
the Institution by the Masonic frater-
nifty of the state, and BY Mr.. B. ~.
Duke. OF Durham, n. G.
1t is recommended that this general
assembly a such appropriations ID
Its work as Il may deem To be de-
n by the condition and opportu-
mites of the institution.
THE STATE PENITENTIARY.
The operations of this institution for
the past two years have consisted
mainly in farming. The management,
as l am informed, has not been able
TO secure b contracts for the COM
v1ctS except IN a very limited extent.
n the institution has been compelled
TO rely mainly uron the production of
cotton as the money crop with which
10 realize for the payment of its ey-
penses. The crops have been large in
amount. but sadly deficient in pecuni-
ary value The low price of cotton has
seriously reduced the earnings of the
institution. 1t was contended by the
management during the year 1896, that
the institution was self-supporting
IN that year. This was denied by the
succeeding management. who contend
ed that IL was not self-sustaining in
that year, and never had been. An
experienced was EMPLOYED
oy the prison board, who reported that
the institution for the years 1898. 1894.
1895 and 1896 ran behind more than
800, 900.
Seeing the difficulties of maintain
ing this institution without lagisla-
tive appropriations, considering the
low price of agricultural products, and
believing that it's expenses could be
reduced by entering into a contract in
the nature of a lease with private par
ties, they taking all the incomes and
paying all the expenses, and having
good reason to believe that a r~esponsi-
bic party, willing to do this, had been
found, l addressed to the board of d.
rectors on the DIST OF September. 1887.
a letter strongly urging that such a
contract be made, and the state there
by relieved Of further expense or risk.
The following is a copy of so much of
the letter as relates to this particu-
lar subject:
State of North Carolina,
Executive Department..
Raleigh, N. c., September q. 1897.
Gentlemen: The proposal of Mr..
John Winder to take the convict labor
OF the states prison and pay all ex-
penses, in consideration of receiving
all the products of the convict labor,
seems to be bona fide, and with prop
er amendments, so as to bring it
strictly within the constitution and
the statutes and to coutorm to what
ought to be indispensable require
ments, should be accepted unless a bet |
ter offer is made after due publication.
1t is submitted to you that these in
d~1spensable requirements, or some of
them are as follows:
1st. That the control and custody of
all the convicts must remain with the
agents of the state.
3nd. That all rules and regulations
concerning the management and inter- |
nal police Of the institution must re-
main with The superintendent and
board Of directors.
3rd. That the convicrs shall be at
all times under the supervision and
control, as to their government and
discipline, of the ~penitentiary- board !
and Of the superintendent and of
agents or officers as may be named by
the board, to whom such officers and |
agents shall be r~esponsi5lc; and that |
no punishment shall be inflicted upon |
convicts except by such responsible of |
ncers. This, of course, would include |
the appointment or employment by the
a or superintendent of all guards.
4th. h salary of the superintendent
and the clerk of the states prison
should be paid by the contractor.
9TH. The powers of the governor and
the board of directors to make investi-
cations as to any matter concerning
the institution or the conduct Of per-
sons connected with it's management
n h powers Of inspection by the
board and by tho joint committee of
the general assembly, must remain as
they are by existing law.
9Th. The contractor should be re-
CURED to keep in good repair all the
buildings and structures and fixtures
at h central prison at Raleigh.
7h. A bond with unQuestionable Sc
curity in = sum not less than $50, 900, |
for the faithful perform
NhSS W SAS oAA - SAIou1O NC ISQulI /
ed Of the contracting party.
Sth. Proposals, hereafter made upon
due publication, either by Mr.. Winder
or by any other person, should be ac-
by a deposit Of So, 1000 in the
way of earnest money, to be forfeited
upon the failure of the party to COM
ply with his proposal, if accepted.
9Th fhe feeding. clothing and hous-
of the convicts should be controll-
ed, regulated n prescribed by the SUI
subject to the direction
of your board.
Upon the conditions above indicated
and perhaps such others as your board
in its wisdom may require, 1 respect
fully urge that you give out he con-
tract for the purpose Of saving the
further expense in maintaining
this institution. This, Mr.. Winder is
understood to propose to do, and it is
to you that upon his COM
pliance with the proper requirements
should have the contract unless /