Newspaper Page Text
Vol VI.
Darien
m;DITED JM'D PUBLISHED
BY
;jB ? S. F. GRAXDISON.
(on the bay)
,B per annum, payable in advance.
Sort of the keeper of
TrHE PENITENTIARY.
S’enitentiary, 27th Oct, 1824.
Hs Excellency Governor Troup ,
wfa— I have received your letter of
instant, and I shall reply ta it
Si best mannei I can. When the
Sexistence of an important institu-
I annually assailed by the strong-
Bejudh.es, and its utility, denied,
Sapptehensive that it will require
Br abilities, and more experience
gS possess, to devise any plan for
Svernment and improvement, that
Sriake it a favorite with the com-
Sty; or even establish the convic-
Shat it is consonant to the feelings
Sionional justice. Your request,
Sver added to the obligation my
ilion imposes, prompt me to ofler,
§1 remarks in furtherance of a sys-
Mounded in humanity and justice,
jSsmandcd by the intelligence of
iHncs and thelmprovements of the
Igl The increasing attention of le
jHive bodies to tide amendment of
■ena! laws, and the liberal and en
jXned notions upon the subject in
Xus parts of the union ought to he
Bl with the highest satiafaction.—
[Xgeneral discussion of ail subjects
Xblic interest, leads ultimately to
B and salutary views of them; and
Xceive that a manifestation of a
Kng disposition to remedy the de
■of existing institutions in a prom
fl characteristic of the American
Be. The variety of opinions that
■ not only in Europe, but in differ-
Brts of the United States, respec-
Xie efficacy of Penitentiary pun-
Xn/r and tlie best mode of infiic-
Xt, for the reformation of culprits
Ihe prevention of crimes, is an evi-
X that the public mind in both
Xri'es, is deeply engaged upon this
Bating subject. Beccai ia was the
■writer whose efforts produced a
■important change in the public
■ment respecting the amelioration
B penal laws, by demonstrating,
Barbarous and sanguinary punish-
I, lor slight and ordinary offences,
lot only a gi’eat evil in themselves
■hat they dona good; and have a
Bncy rather to increase than dimin-
Brimes. This Philanthropist, by
Bromulgation of his principles, has
led general attention and convic-
Blong with him; and has establish-
Xeirsoundness by erecting the foun-
In for every thing that has been
■and done in their favor. If the
Bd has not yet arrived in this state
■ general acquiescence in their
Bnd policy, it is because public im-
Incc interrupts the efforts which
Iriends of a lenient administration
■iminal jurisprudence are disposed
lake for amending our penal laws
■roving tiie code of the Penitentiary
■advancing the discipline within its
ls;objects the benificial accomplish-
It of which, require time, obsei va-
I and experience. The-New-Yofk
Ic prision lias been established near
ly years, and is underthe superin
lenceand direction of some of tiie
It important public functionaries in ‘
■state, ahd is now ir. full and sue-
Iful operation; and is claimed a. an
■or to the state, and an evidence of
■wisdom, justice, and humanity of 1
■legislators. Virginia some time
Be had her penitentiary destroyed by
I; hut she is so much in love with
■ mild mode of punishment, thyt she
■ undertaken to build another edifice
Bn a more extensive and improved
■n. Similar prisons have been con-
Beted in all the New-England States
■New-Jersey, Pennsylvania,, Mary-
Id, Ohio and Kentucky, and though
petal ly burdensome to these states,
I notwithstanding cherished with
‘nestness and liberality, and >are
proving yearly in their regulations,
fhese circumstances alone, if others
re wanting, ought to prompt us at
Ce to place our Penitentiary upon a
ire respectable and permanent basis.
•t> a misfortune, that ,the important
which oiigin illy led to
’ establishment of these institutions,
tyld be in this state in a great meas-
B kept out of view by the great soli
ttdc that is constantly felt find cx-
DARIEN ’SSI* GAZETTE.
pressed, that the financial operations
of pur Slate Prison should be more suc
cessfully conducted. The prevalence
of this disposition has a tendancy to
retard, and perhaps defeat, every at
tempt toestablish in the Penitentiary,
the rigid rules and severe discipline
which our northern'brethren, and most
writers upon the subject, think are in
dispensable for tiie purpose of reforma
tion, and preventing crimes. Besides
the weakness and injudicious construc
tion of our whole Penitentiary edifice,
the ruined and decayed situation of its
badly arranged cells, the intermixture
and intercourse our citizens, to
which the employment and occupation
of the convicts necessarily lead; and
the incomplete oiganization of the of
ficers of the institution, are a|l addi
tional obstacles to ibe ‘adoption of the
northern ‘systems. In ihe Auburn
Slates prison (which is said to be
better conducted than any other in the
United States) the convicts are not al
lowed to laugh, dance, sing, ryn, jump,
use tobaco,or totakeany kind of a. nil se
ment. They are not suffered to look
off their work, to gaze at spectators, to
have any intercourse with strangers,
and are subjected occasionally to soli
tary confinement for a length of time,
in dark cells, upon spare diet. What
effect this system has, in accomplish
ing the views of its institution, I am un
able to say, from an ignorance of the
annals of the prison. But this much
I can say; if the Auburn system in all
its rigor, is introduced and carried into
effect here, (for the reasons I have al
ready mentioned,) public opinions
must be subdued, the Pynal and Pen
itentiary codes revised and amended,
and the'building, and its appurtenan
ances re-modelled and greatly strength
ened. That solitary confinement in
dark cells, with spare diet, will reform
a culprit (if any thing can) is unques
tionable, from the almost universal tes
timony of those who have borne, and
those who have inflicted this punish
ment. The most-v+*lei'al>le part of a’
rogue is his belly, and he does qpt rob
to lead a life of mortification. He is
fond of dainties, and the indulgence of
his appetites and propensities, in all
probability, first led him to the cora
misssion of crime to support them; and
there is nothing he feels more bitterly
in confinement, than along course of
abstemious living. Idleness, the pur
suit of pleasure, and unlimited liberty
of action, are likewise characteristic of
a thief; hard labor, restraints and de
corum, are their opposites; they ought
to be applied. The unequal appor
tionment of nunisbmnt to offences,
under the old barbarous system of
criminal law, prevails almost in the
same disproportion in the administra
tion pf our present humane code.—
Here the forger, the horse thief, the
perjurer, the man who is guilty of man
slaughter, burglary, or cattle stealing;
the young trembling thief for his first
and the old, hold, violent robber, for
second offence, all meet with the'same
punishment, of four or five years im
prisonment, at hard labor, with the
same -diet, and similar restrictions. I
am of the opinion that the sentence of
the Judge (by legal enactment) in ad
dition to the time and labor should be
made, to state, diet, as well as light, or
darkness, solitude,or society, according
so the heinousness of the crime and the
character o( the offender. A return
to Penitentiary should bd contempla
ted with horror, fxcitedby calm, well
regulated, well watched austerity; by
the gloom and sadness, wisely and inten
tionally thrown over such an abode. The
! infliction of corporal punishment under
different regulations from tliose at pre
sent established, would on many occa
’ sion(\vhere the character and disposition
i of convicts are so various) be attended
with good effects. Itsexercise in the
irttnds of the keepers could be restrain
! ed from abuse, by the regulation of the
in spectors.
If too mild a system of prison disci
pline from any causes whatever, should
ibe suffered to prevail,-the time may
{■arrive, when men may 7 break in, in
stead of braking out of the Penitentia
ry, and through felony and iarcency, to
better accomm dations than they Can
I procure at home. Where the above
suggestions put into -piactice, we
1 should soon find a considerable reduc
j lion iri-the number of offenders, but it i
I Would likewise lead from the abridge
! pent of labor and diminution of mim
|,bej's, to a reduction of the profits of the
! institution. What then is to be done?
1 Shall we adopt the Auburn system in
DARIEN, (GEORGIA,) <£qiiaianfc. €jcact Sjugtice. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1824.
txtenso , by the necessary revision of
our penal code, and other legislative
enactments, finish the Penitentiary
building upon a stronger and better
model, and loook altogether to the re
formation of offenders and the preven
tion of crimes, as the main objects of
all regulation upon the subject; under
a hope in time of carrying the public
sentiment along with us? Or shall we
by introducing retrenchments into tlje
administration of the affairs of the in
stitution; adopting regulations suitable
to existing circumstances, endeavor to
carr/the objects of reformation and
profit both into effect, and thereby dis
pose the community hereafter, to ac
quiesce in the establishment of those
principles (under the views which ac
company them?) that I have been advo
cating.
I incline to the latter opinion, under
a full persuation that the adoption of
the first plan, (however judicious, when
viewed upon a bread scale,) would car
ry with it an expense, which the public
funclionariesunder present impressions
are unwilling te encounter; and that the
latter plan by increased rigor and econ
omy, may accomplish the views both
of the friends and opponents of this in
stitution. With these remarks upon
the disciplinary part of this subject, I
shall proceed to make a few observa
tions upon the pecuniary affairs and re
trenchments of the establishment. At
pi esent there are 71 convicts in the
Penitentiary employed as follows: —
8 Waggon and Cart makers.
This branch of business may be con
sidered a good one, and hereafter be
much move profitable than heretofore,
inconsequence of the large quanty of
the best timber,with which the institu
tion has lately been supplied at a very
cheap rale.
3 Carriage makers and trimmers.
This is perhaps the most profitable
occupation in tne Penitentiary, and will
continue'to be so.
5 Windsor'chair makers and trimmers.
Neither of these employments can
be considered very profitable, except
the turning that is done for gins.
3 Shop Joiners,
Tradesmen of this description are in
dispensable in the institution, and are in.
general employed to advantage.
I Cooper, and 1 spinning wheel Us reel
maker.
These trades may be both consider
ed lucratsve.
S Shoe and boot makers.
This business has languished and
been unprofitable for some lime past.
It has lately however, acquired more
reputation, and as good work is now
done here, as in any part of the state;
and if certain contemplated improve
ments, connected with this branch of
business are carried into effect, it will
become a very important and lucrative
employment.
2 Sadldrs and harness makers.
There is an increasing demand for
the manufactures of this trade, and the
profits are considerable, when thtre is
constant employment.
6 Taylors.
All the clothes of the inhibitants of
the Penitentiary, are made in the tay
lor’s shop, and a good‘deal of work is
done for other persons, at fair prices.
6 Gin makers.
This business has lately been intro
duced, and so far lias done exceeding
well. If the demand continue unaba
ted, 20 hands at this employment would
earn sufficient to pay nearly one half of
the expenses of the institution.
1 4 Blacksmiths and strikers.
The employment of these tradesman
heretofore, eannot be said to have been
very advantageous; blit shdold the de
mand for waggons, carts, and gins, (as
is expected,) continue, the blacksmith
will always be profitably employed.
3 Painters. ■
The men at this occupation are em
ployed to considerable advantage.
1 Se'gar ancl snuff maker.
With good Spanish tobacco —from
the trial that has already been made,
one man at this business can'clear 500
dollars annually, and more hands will
be employed at it, as soon as the de
mand for these manufactures shall war
rant it.
4 Rough hewers.
These men are employed in prepa
ring limber for superior workmen; and
the • remaining 7 convicts are enga
ged in necessary menial services about
and within the building.
DIVINE SERVICE.
Is performed in the Chapel on Sun
day mornings by Mr. Capers, and with
.some visible effect.
SCHOOLS.
The establishment of schools on Sun
days in the Penitentiary, in addition to
the employment and improvement of
tbe minds of the convicts, might like
wise have a tendency to better their
dispositions, and assist in the work of
reformation.
EXPENDITURES,
The expenses of the institution fov
the yeaa past amounted to about 14,000
dollars and the profits are very little, if
any, short of this sum, as will more ful
ly appear in the usual annual detail,
which will be made out in due time.—
The disadvantages under which this
establishment labors in a pecuniary
point of view, arises from the small
number of convicts, and the weakness
insecurity and want of compactness of
every part of the building. These cir
cumstances have rendered- necessary
the expenditure of 14,000’ dollars for
the security and management of 71 j
convicts who earn 13,500 dollars annu- i
ally, when for the government and safe
keeping of double that number, (142) ;
who could earn 27,000 dollars per an- j
num, aw expenditme ol §20,000 a year
only would be required,which would be \
ananuual profit of 7,000 dollars. This is
evident because an increase of the num- j
her of convicts, would not render ne-j
cessary any increase of the guard, and’
the only additional expenses for keep
ing 71 additional convicts, would apse
from the disbursements of their rations
and ciothing, and the employment of
three more deputy keepers. Besides,
from the nsiral period, (4 years,) for
which sentences are inflicted, it is to be
expected that the servitude of one
fourth of the convicts, (after becoming
good workmen, and capable of earning
• 200 dollars annually,) will expire eve
ry year, and that their places will be
suplied by an equal number, of raw,
inexperienced hands, who for a consi
derable time cannot earn more than
gloo per annum.
All these facts are susceptible of the
clearest demonstration, and are eviden
ces, that heretofore, too mych has been
expected from this institution as to pe
cuniary emoluments- The building at
present,is not calculated to contain with
convenience, .more than 90 convicts,
and should there be an increase much
beyound this number, (as in time may
be expected from an increase of popu
lation,) it will be necessary to erect the
additional wing which is wanting to
complete the edifice. Upon the score
of cheapness, there could be no period
more propitious, for this undertaking
than the present; and though the exte
rior of the additional structure, in its
style of architecture should resemble
its corresponding wing, experience has
furnished the strongest proof that mas
sive strength, without the least decora
tion, should alone be consulted in the in
terior.
RETRENCHMENTS.
The enromous expenses for bringing
convicts to the Penitentiary have ceas
ed, by the operation of the resolution
of the last legislature. Seventeen con
victs have been delivered this year at
the expense of §364,87 who would
have cost under the‘old law §1362
Ten of these convicts were brought by
the Penitentiary guard, at an expense
of g 74 87, and seven ol them-at the ex
pense of 290 dollars were brought by
sheriffs, for the want of jails in the
counties from, which they were sent.—
Whether the expences of guarding and
securing the convicts in those counties
where there are no jails, (until the ar
rival of the guard,) should fall upon
this institution or not, will depend upon
the views that may be eiitertainud upon
the subject by the legislature. In some
of tbe circuits no jail fees have been
demanded, while in others the fees have
been demanded and paid, from the
date of the sentence of ihe convicts;
until the arrival of the guard. If there
was a jail in every county* and taking
the state at large,the expense of bring
ing each convict here, (from the trials
already made,) would not exceed ten
dollars. Avery considerable addition
al retrenchment could be made, by
strengthening the prison room, and ma
king a different arrangement at the
small gate of the wall. After this work is
complete, it would lead to an annual
saving of 1650 dollars, as it would ena
ble the institution to dispense with the
service pf seven of the goa”d, whose
pay, rations, and cjothing, annually a
mount to that, sum.
, Another very important curtailment
of the disbursements of the Penitentiary
could be accomplished by the legisla
ture authorising the establishment of a
commissaiiat, for supplying the guard
and convicts with rations; and sanction
ing I he erection of a tan yard, on one side
of the wall, to be enclosed by high and
strong palisado’s.
The leather used in the Penitentia
ry fpr the last twelve months,cost 82300-
and the cost of rations for the guards
and convicts for the same period, a
mounts to 83200. making together
85500. This sum at ten dollars each,,
would purchase 550 head aof cattle*
which would furnish the beef lationa
to the present number of guard and
convicts for upwards ol five years, and
the hides when tanned would be worth
mo"e than 84000. By this arangement
in a year or two, all the leaibei that
could be manufactured in the institu
tion would be furnished at the cheapest
rate and the expenses for subsistence
be considerably reduced. The banks
ol the Oconee, within ten or twelve
miles of Millcdgeville, afford an almost
inexhaustible supply for the best* kind
of limber for every variety of work,
and our pine barren forests will always
supply cs at a cheap rate with an abun
dance ofbeeves and raw hides. Fronv
all these circumstances, after a good
deal of reflection, I am decidedly of
the. opinion that there is no state in the
union in whose Penitentiary certain ’
| manufactures suitable to the wants of
its citizens, could be carried on to a
greater advantage,than in one establish-*
od at this place.
It these views therefore are correct,
(and I can perceive no fallacy in them)
the conclusion is irresistable, that our
Penitentiary hereafter will be profitable
to the long as the number of
convicts shall exceed seventy-five; and
its affairs are administered with due rig
or and economy.
For the further illustration of any of
the statements contained in this address
or for advancing any legislative mea
sures, of which it may become tb ba
sis, I will afford at any time the ne
cessary details. lam yours respect
ful! v.
DANIEL NEWNAN, P. K. P.
STATEMENT.
Os ihe receipts and payments at the Treasury
of the state of Georgia, during ihe political
yeur, 1824. Dl\
For amounts received between the Ist of
November, 1823, and theSlsv of October,
1724, inclusive and placed to the Credit of
the State stock, 215 024
General tax 1810 483 00
do 1816 23 12
do 1820 4,122 91
do . 1821 6,274 40
do 1822 81,896 10£
do 1823 16,819 79
Direct tax, 1813 257 32
do , 1814 674 57
Vendue tax, 1,899 16-)
Dividends on Augusta Bank
Stock, w 12,000 00
do • Darien do 26,000 OO
do Steam-Boat Stock, 8,000 00
Bednev Franklin, solicitor ge
neral, , 2,057 56
Bonds for fractions in Baldwin
and Wilkinson, L: C. 2,244 7S
do do and square *
lots, sold, in 1811, 1,300 14
do do sold under
. act of 1820, 13,580 10)
do forfeited lands, 849 49
do rent of fractions, 5,221 67^
do do property at
Fort Hawkins, 116 74
do lots in Macon, 2,976 18
Notes for rent of reserved lots 244 78
Lands reserved at Macon, 2,264 25
Lots do by land act of ISIS 3,452 73
Fractions 1818 12,845 49)
do 1821 60,400 93$
Tax on Bank Stock, • 5,771 89
Trustees of the University, \)84.6 16)
Lots fraudulently drawn in
the lottery of 1820, * 254 25
Land drawn for in the lottery
of 1820, 15,054 00
do 1821, 28,961 00
Fund raised by tax on pecilers , loQ 00
do fees on grants for land
in Baldwin and Wilkin
son L- C. 36 45
do on grants . for reverted
lots in do. 100 00
do do do Wilkin
son, Baldwin and Wayne 30 00
do do do on grants
for fractions sold under
act 0f‘1822, 26 00
do do do on grants
for land sold under of
1823, .20 00
do do lots in Jlaccn 1 00
do do on grants and
testimonials, in paper me
dium-§lls, and in cash, 289 / 00
§330,754 99$
For balance in the Treasury
on tbe Slst Cct. 1823,. 425,775 60)
. §756,530 tO J
For balance, 31st Cct. 1Z74, 593,003 65),
No. 46.