Winchester Gazette

VIRGINIA PENITENTIARY

We learn with great regret of the increase of the number of convicts. They are more numerous than they have ever been. There are about 140 of them. During this year, the contribution has been unusually large: for the spring term of the courts, but during this fall, 46, exclusive of two or three criminals, whose cases have been hung up by a reference to the late General Court, and their exceptions, having been quashed by its decisions, they will erelong be conducted to the cells of the Penitentiary.

The number of 100 for one year is frightful.—During the largest year, it was not more than 92 or 93. The augmentation is calculated to call our thoughts seriously to the subject. Perhaps the name of a Penitentiary is not sufficiently formidable. Perhaps the prisoners are not treated with sufficient severity. True or not, such an idea has its effects. It is an idea fatal to good morals. These miserable men should not be treated with barbarity; but with an unyielding regard to the objects of punishment. There is a happy union between these extremes. We have heard much, of late days, of the Tread Mill which has been introduced into England, and is about to be copied into some of the American institutions. Is it not worthy of our own consideration? The convicts are forced to work, when applied to this machine—and a labour which leaves no room for ease or indulgence, would ultimately contribute to intimidate others from the commission of crimes.

Compiler.