276 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Feb. 13,

look sorrowful and dejected. It is gratifying to state that
the affairs of the prison have been well conducted. Every-
thing evinces the most faithful and effective management on
the part of those entrusted with the charge of the Institution.

At the date of the Committee's visit, there were 623 con-
victs in the prison, viz : 217 white males, 5 white females,
363 black males and 38 black females—variously employed
as set forth in the annual report.

After having visited the several departments, your Com-
mittee returned to the office, where they examined the books
and accounts of the Clerk, and found them correct, and kept
in a most satisfactory manner. Your Committee would make
special mention of Mr. R. V. Page, as worthy of our commenda-
tion, not only for the clerkly condition in which he has kept
the account books, but also the record books of admission, &c.,
nor can we pass unnoticed the kind hospitality of Mr. Wil-
kinson, the Warden, manifested to your Committee at the
close of their examination.

Your Committee recommend a continuance of the usual
annual appropriation, and also that the appropriation asked
for by the Directors and Warden in their annual report for
making a much needed improvement; that of erecting a
house for bathing, washing and drying purposes be granted.

$20,000 of the appropriation of last year has not been
drawn from the Treasurer of the State, besides between five
and six thousand dollars has been returned to the State
Treasurer from the earnings of the Institution, the Directors
did not feel authorized to use the money appropriated last
year, or the receipts from labor, in making the above men-
tioned improvement.

MARYLAND INSTITUTION FOB THE INSTRUCTION OF THE BLIND.

Your Committee by special invitation, visited the Maryland
Institution for the Instruction of the Blind, and found it in
a very prosperous condition—everything being conducted in
a very commendable manner. We therefore recommend that
a liberal appropriation be made for its relief.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOHN R. BLAKE,
WM. J. AYDELOTT,

On part of Senate.
JOHN H. COOPER,

JOHN J. McWILLIAMS,

On part of House.
Which was read and ordered to be entered on the Journal.