Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/663

 the working of convicts away from the prison grounds should be prohibited, and a system of manufactures introduced, beginning with the making of brick for the public buildings; and advised the selection of several acres of ground at the capital, and the erection of temporary buildings for the accommodation of the convicts. The legislature passed an act making the governor superintendent of the penitentiary, with authority to manage the institution according to his best judgment. Under the new system the expenses of the state prison for two years, from November 1, 1862, to September 1, 1864, amounted to $25,000, about $16,000 of which was earned by the convicts. As soon as the seat of government was fixed, the legislature created a board of commissioners for the location of lands for the penitentiary and insane asylum, of which board the governor was chairman; and who proceeded to select 147 acres near the eastern limits of the town, having a good water-power, and being in all respects highly eligible. At this place were constructed temporary buildings, as suggested by Governor Gibbs, and during his administration the prisoners were removed from Portland to Salem. Under his successor still further improvements were made in the condition and for the security of the prisoners, but it was not until 1871 that the erection of the present fine structure was begun. It was finished in 1872, at a cost of $160,000.