The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-10-29

example Of the advantages Of over.
time, We feel that we must record tho
cees OF one worthy convict. No. -.
THIS man. working assidHously. earned
pnwilling to trust himself with this
sum. the ex-prisoner lest 500 in the
hands Of Superintendent Wood. He
went to his Dad home. began work. ana
u due season sent for his capital
With this sum he made payment on
. farm. and II now doing well Tho
man, be II remembered, was not only
restored to life Of respectabiity
and usefulness. but he was placed
where he would neither become q
his neighb0rS.
Needs Of the IDstltutl01.
The excellent results achieved BY
the reforms Just named should not DO
construed 10 mean that the Virginia
Penitentiary 10 all that IT might be.
Several things are needed to give to
the prisonerg that comfort to which
they are entitled.
"a Ventilation and Sanitation OF
Shops.-These buildings. II will be re.
while the prison population was much
smaller than 1t II At present. the
result Is that accommodations which
once gave ample air space are now
congested. ana sanitary arrangements
which once were good are now worn
and unsatisfactory. We believe THAT
these conditions are pre1udicial alike
TO good work and 70 good health. and
have probably played considerable
part in the spread Of tuberculosis.
Fortunately. Ge reduction in the num-
Der Of men who are hereafter to work
on the contract VIII make possible the
needed improvements.
CD Improvement OF the Old Cells
A second neeo Is that OF improving
those Old cells located along the south
.lr ~ An he n
building. These cells have been Al
lowed TO fail into d!srepair. And now
are most unsatisfac, rry. We trust that
the board will carry out Its Improve
ments as rapidly az possible. and, II
1t continues TO use these cells VIII see
paired. as have been those above.
go Dining Room and kitchen.-The
third need OF the prison Is one 10 which
every report Of tine psnltentiary board
in recent years has referred. namely,
the absolute necessity OF installing o
meas hall and modern kitchen ~ the
prison. The present arrangement OF
cooking In the old dungeon ana feed
ing the men from line formed IN the
court yard 10 about ~ bad ~ II can be-
food in the open air. regardless OF the
weather. and then march to their cells
and eat there. 1t gives the men their food
cold. where It might be hot: IT involves
q very considerable loss OF time. ana
IL tresnendously Increases the dangers
OF . .'break'' should the prisoners ever
feel 50 disposed A modern mess hall
would be o great advantage. and would
afford quarters for large meetings and
religious exercises which are now I'M
possible.
VIII Relieve Congestion.
These three needs, we trust can bc
met when the law becomes effective
recurring that only 500 men be put
on the contract. while the others are EN-.
mean that the prison population will
be reduced by more than 50 per cent
and that buildings now crowded viii
be empty. One Of the shop buildings
might be converted into mess hall.
though this would be hardy as suit
able a location as one nearer the new
While the improvements mentioned
a hove and the needs Just listed are
both important. the really great prison
problem before the State to-day 10 the