The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-03-04

These facts We're fully set forth in re-
ports Of the commission. the committees,
the surgeon, the Board OF Directors with
out number. OF them there could be no
discussion or question. The matter for
the consideration of the Legislature was
the remedy for the conditions existing.
The remedy suggested by the commission
was outlined in the report of the COM
mission
urged upon the Legislature the consid-
GRAFTON of the subject. The commission
turned the whole subject over to that
body.
Rev. George Cooper. D. D., told OF his
visits to the prison and his thorough ac-
quajntance with the whole subject The
report of the commission underestimated
the inhunanc features of the pcntentia-
rvs condition. He earnestly hoped that the
Legislature would take some steps to re-
move this blot from the fair name of the
State.
MR. CLAyTOR's RESOLUTION.
Mr.. Claytor offered a, resolution that a
subcommittee of the two committees be
appointed to frame a bill providing for
ar appropriation to relieve the conditions
cf the penitentiary.
Mr.. keezell opposed the issuing of bonds
ard was in favor Of instructing the sub
committee to bring in a. bill providing
fc1 an appropriation from the revenues
OF the State. The net excess of the
States revenues over expenditures for
tie past three years had been sf63.0OO,
ss03,000 and 1000. respectively. OF this
surplus 5000 had been used to purchase
bonds of the STATE. There was s1,115,000
II: the sinking fund, and the State was
under no obligation to the bondholders
in connection with the sinking fund until
1910. Last September there was over
SS26.900 in the treasury. making, with the
sinking fund. available assets of about
s+.o00, 900. From this financial showing
Mr. Keezel1 argued that the State could
we'll afford to make the appropriation
without issuing bonds.
DIR. CARRINGTON'S STATEMENT.
DR.. Charles Y. Carrinyton, the sCr-
eeon of the penitentiarv. was the next
SPEAKER. AS he wss entering upon dis
cussion of the subject he was inter-
1upted hy Mr.. Lvle, who was of The opli-
ion That members could see for them
selves. IT took only a half hour to go
md see and besides Mr.. Lyle was not
favorahly impressed With the present
contract arrangefnent and the building
CT a. prison. His remarks were the only
expressions of this chara cter heard at the
meeting. Mr. I.assi:er. Mr.. Bland and
rineton in full, in spite OF DR.. Lyle's OBJ
lection and he nadc a full statement OF
the unsani+arv and immoral conditions
which surround tire life cf the prisoners
during portion of which the ladies re-
tired.
why don't YOU ,hl!ld 4 building at
the farm? Why don't YOU do something
Ike tl,at?" as!>ed Mr.. Lyle.
IF ] was a member of the Legislature
I would have done something long ago"
replied DR.. Carrir gton.
Mr. Lyle then retired frcm the meet
ir-.
The Rev. L r. Mason and Rev. r. A.
Goodwin made earnest statements OF what
thev had seen and knew of their own
knowledge. In the name of humanity and
the good name Of the State they pleaded
for action at this time. Mr.. Mason
brought out we'll the point that the bet
,erment of the conditions at the Prison
would greatly increase the efficiency and
carving cauacity of the men, and thus the
appropriation. from simple business
pfint OF viHv-. was to be commended.
The committees went into executive st..-
sicn, and il was dcc'@ed to appoint a joint
of ten to frame bill, carry
ing an APPROPRIATION. to be introduced 81
multaneously i'll the two branches of the
Legislature.