The Greenville Times

Another Penitentiary Investigation.

The committee appointed to investigate the present management of the penitentiary have prepared a voluminous report, of which the following is a synopsis:

1. The leasing system under any form is wrong in principle. Where the power of the employer is absolute it is most certain to be abused. The system of leasing convicts restores a system of servitude worse than slavery. Subleasing is doubly objectionable. Treatment under that method is generally harsh, as shown by the fearful mortality under the system. Numerous cases of frostbites are reported, which could hardly occur in the climate without undue exposure. The treatment of convicts in the camp of J. H. McDonald, on the Kansas City & Birmingham railroad, was simply murderous. Brutal and often fatal injuries were inflicted on the convicts. His lease was annulled in June, 1887. The high death rate in this camp is attributed to cruelty, 9.05 per cent representing the death rate of convicts in his camp. The lessees are entirely responsible for this abnormal death rate. The health of convicts in camps for the past few months is comparatively good.

2. The condition of the convicts has been improved since they were remanded to the immediate control of the railroad company and placed under the supervision of the board of control. In the walls we find no cause of complaint. The death rate is very low. In camp the convicts are well fed and fairly clothed, but their quarters are of the rudest character, and but little attention is paid to the cleanliness of the convicts or camps. Instances of cruelty are not uncommon. Some do not come to light, on account of a system of intimidation. One instance mentioned by Dr. Horry is positively shocking. There is no evidence that the lessees are aware of these things. They forbid all cruelty and unusual punishment, but they cannot and should not be held blameless. They could have informed themselves of the abuses existing by taking ordinary diligence, and are clearly responsible for keeping brutal men in their employ. Abuses are sometimes exaggerated. Punishment must be inflicted to maintain discipline, and is occasionally necessarily severe, and there are many vicious persons among the convicts who require the sternest repression.

3. The committee recommend the abandonment of the leasing system as soon as practicable, but it cannot be done at present. Great improvement in the treatment of convicts has been made in the last few months, owing to the supervision exercised by the board of control, and the appointment of officials charged with the personal management of the convicts is recommended.

4. The committee recommends when the leasing system is abandoned that sufficient land be set apart and convicts not able to do hard work should be set to work cultivating the soil.

5. The report recommends the establishment, in the walls, of factories for cabinet making, smelting, wagons, etc.

6. It recommends certain repairs on penitentiary building.

7. It advises a change of the law as to what constitutes grand larceny, and recommends the pardon of those now serving out terms for violation of the pig law.

8. It recommends the lessening of time for good conduct.

9. It advocates lighter sentences for young violators of the law.

There is nothing in this report that is not trite: except the candid avowal that the leasing system is the only one compatible with the State's revenues and condition.

This is exactly the outcome which we predicted months since.