2

sums of money to a considerable amount, from
the Treasury for its support. The Legislature of
1824, impressed with the necessity of regenerating the
Institution, so far at least, as to make it support
itself, passed a law, by which, it was committed
to the care and keeping of an individual (Mr Scott.)
It was leased to him for a term of years, on cer:
tain conditions, which may be found, by referring
to the law on the subject, in the session acts of
1824. These acts have been heretofore forwarded
to the Governor of Tenessee.

The other query not answered by Mr Scott
"is as follows - "is it the general opinion
"of the most experienced and thinking part of your
"state, that Penitentiaries afford the best means
"of attaining the great ends of justice? to wit,
"the prevention of crimes and the reformation of criminals"?

In relation to this branch of the
subject, I am directed by the Governor to inform
you, that much diversity of opinion prevails
among the people of this state. It is thought
to be extremely doubtful, whether or not, "refor
mation", the principal end and aim of all pun:
ishment, is in any degree, attained by the adoption
of the Penitentiary System. It may be assumed
as a fact, that a great part of the convicts,
who are discharged from confinement, by persist: