Page:Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Georgia 1849.djvu/26

Rh proceeds of the convict labor exhibit, it is believed, a greater profit for the same time than at any former period. No appropriation was made by the last Legislature for the support of the Penitentiary. This is the first instance, for many years, when aid from the Treasury has not been asked for; and granted; nor will any appropriation be required for the next two years, it is believed a sufficient sum can be realized from the assets to meet all exigencies that may arise. In contrasting the indebtedness contracted since January, 1848, with that for the like period of former years, the same favorable result is observed. Several suggestions are made by the Principal Keeper, deserving of yoUr consideration. The mode prescribed by law for keeping the books was considered so objectionable by the Financial Committee appointed at the close of last year, that they recommended a change, which was adopted, with the hope of presenting the affairs of the Institution in a less complicated form, than could be done under the mode heretofore used. In adopting the suggestion of the Committee, the mode required by law was not abandoned; and the Legislature will by comparison be enabled to adopt the one or the other as they may deem most advisable. The duties imposed upon the Book Keepers are onerous, and experience has shown the necessity for a salesmen, Whose duty should be confined to the selling of the manufactured articles, and the collecting of the debts.

The Penitentiary has, doubtless, sustained heavy losses from the system of credit heretofore established; it would not be advisable, perhaps, suddenly to change it; but a period should be fixed by law, when the discretion, in this respect should cease, and it be made the duty of the Book-keeper to put all outstanding debts in a train for collection. It is believed the office of Inspector may be abolished, and its duties performed by the Salesmany upon requisition made of him by the Principal Keeper. Much diversity of opinion exists, and will continue, doubtless, in reference to the treatment best calculated to produce reformation with the inmates of the Penitentiary. It must be admitted that there is a great diversity of character among convicts. With hardened offenders but little, in the way of reformation, can be anticipated from imprisonment; thejr go out, in most instances, as they come in—abandoned in feeling, and bankrupt in moral principle, at enmity with society, and ever ready to commit lawless outrages upon it, under the slightest provocation, or when encouraged with the least hope, however delusive, of escaping detection; but there is another class, differently constituted, possessing keen sensibility, and a quick sense of honor, who, impelled by strong