The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-23
HORRIBLE CONDITIONS.
Report OF DIR. Cooper on the Peniten-
tinry-ReliGIouS Items.


That the conditions existing at the State
penitentiary, resulting from the scarcity
of ceIl-room, are something awful, may
be gathered from the report of a commit
tee some time ago appointed by the Bap-
fist Ministers Conference, of this city, to
present a paper on the subject The re-
port of this committee was read TO the
conference at its last meeting, ana IS IN
part as follows:
When we consider the condition eX-
But when we consider the conditions eX-
listing in the prison, it is a wonder pes
thence has not broken out in it ind stalk
ed through the city at MONDAY.
There are now January u. t9SD, lii
male couvicts in the prison. For these
1872 cells are available. giving mn average
unequal size Some have more occu-
pants than others. In one cell there are
thirty-one prisoners. the dimension be-
ing such as to allow T5S cubic feet to each
occupant In us cells are 6i2 prisoners
with lS9 cubic feet to each occupant. From
80 TO Geo subic feet, is the recognized
estimate OF medical science for the re-
uuirements OF 4 healthy man Ihus no
man can have one-fourth of what is rea-
sonably required.
All of the cells are poorly ventilnted,
and none OF them are furnished with
closets. 4 few have open CRATES The
most OF them are filed with vermin.
Bucket sewerage is the only system pos
sibIe.
The prisoners are locked in from sun
set to sun rise. every Sunday and every
holiday Thus the condition OF the little
Dir the prisoners have during the night
is impossible to imagine Inc horrors
of the place are beyond description; de-
,l,,, &c F,IIr IT
ton. Nameless crimes are fostered OF
which the prison authorities cannot know.
II is hard to conceive that such place
has existed for years under our daily
vision.
the excellent character of the hospital
the fair quality OF the food. the efficiency
of officers and guards cannot onset the
horrible conditions
Were nor the prison a State institu-
rion under the protection OF the Site
returning TO the State an annLai revenue
from, So o., TO s500GH there is little doubt
that the criminal courts would have been
asked nv public sentiment TO indict IL as
menace to health. a disgrace 10 cur
citv and a. reproacsl 10 The name Oh the
State
.dortcd th,, report. and acting upon re-
nuest of the committee. appointed Revs
n, & Dunaway D. D.. J. B. Hudson, d
n / Nj. Mercer, D. D., and c. P Stealey
a committee to bring this matter to the
attention OF the Legislature.
It was reported on the streets Monday
that Rev DR.. II j. Quar.es. formerly
nastor of Broaddus Memorial Baptist
Church. of this city, is to be called to
the pastorate OF the church at Bowling
Green. Va Mr.. Quarles is ar present
preaching at Gwathney.
Rev. c. II. Crawford, superintendent OF
the Virginia Department OF the Anti
Saloon League of America, has not yet
located himself IN an office mere Ills
work. however. is progressing nicely.
Mr.. Crawford has made arrangements
to speak next Sunday-in the morning at
Union-StatIon Methodist Church and at
nistt at Marshall-Street Christian
Church.
Dr. c. P. Williamson. OF Atlanta. Ca.
has officially notified the Marshall-Street
Christian Church that he will take up his
work as temporary pastor OF the church
on March Isl.
DR.. William L. Hatcher, having been
forced TO decline the invitation of the
Baptist Social Union, of Indianapolis,
Ind, to deliver there an address on Feb
ruary 9Th, has received another invitation,
asking that he will allow himself to be
booked for their annual celebration, on
December I'd. DR.. Hatcher has decided
to accept this Invitation.
The revival service at Grace-Street Bap-
fist Church is being continued through
the present week with great success. Rev.
w w. Hamilton. of Louisville. Ky, IS
assisting the pastor In the meetings. and
has greatly pleased the people with hts
sermons.
DR.. J. B. Hawthorne. pastor OF Grove
Avenue Baptist Church. is somewhat In
disposed.
Rev. Elias Phillips was reelected rabbi