1874.] OF THE SENATE. 275

spective tasks ; those not engaged on contract work, are
laboring in the various departments of the Institution, some
at making shoes, some at tailoring., some at baking and
others at washing, cooking, &c., all being put at some trade
or occupation, which will learn them habits of industry, and
fit them for future usefulness. They ar e required devote six
hours to mechanical labor and five hours to schooling each day
—they are instructed by competent teachers, in, all the
branches necessary to give them a good common school edu-
cation—nor are their spiritual training neglected, appropri-
ate exercises being had every day.

At the date of our visit—the inmates numbered 298, and
of this number there was but a single case in the Hospital.
The commodious accomodations—the well lighted and venti-
lated apartments—the systematic matter of living and the
exceedingly clean condition of the whole institution, will ac-
count in a great degree for this ramarkable state of health.

The receipts from the labor of the inmates, are used, and
go far towards defraying expenses for repairs and other inci-
dental expenses.

The Institution is now entirely free from debt—yet the
managers have not been able for want of means to grade and
beautify the grounds about the buildings which would add
much to their appearance—and doubtless would be inspiring
to the inmates. Your Committee threfore in recommending
the usual annual appropriation of $15,000, would further re-
commend that it be appropriated in such a manner as to give
the managers of the Institution power to use a portion of
this amount in beautifying the grounds aforesaid.

THE MARYLAND PENITENTIARY.

In the further performances of the duty assigned them your
Committee visited the Maryland Penitentiary, where they
were cordially received by the Warden, Mr. Thomas S. Wil-
kinson, and conducted through the departments of the prison.

The apparent healthful condition of the convicts and their
cleanly appearance, indicated that everything consistent with
the necessary restriction of prison discipline, had been done
for them, which experience and human foresight could sug-
gest, to maintain a desirable sanitary condition.

The prisoners seemed to apply themselves to their tasks
with great energy which gave the place more the appearance
of a thriving manufactory, than that of a prison where labor
is inflicted as part of the penalty for the violation of law.

Those engaged in labor, work with a vim, and exhibit
cheerfulness in their countenances, while those unemployed