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favorable one with all the motives I could urge.
One replied, his son was with the Christians, and
that was enough. The other said, his son also
was with us. As for themselves, they would
stand aloof, and abide by their former principles.
I begged them, if they maintained their old prin- ||
ciples, to live in peace with those who differed
from them, and who embraced the gospel. I
had, during the discussion, frequently urged them
to hear and learn the new religion. One of the
heathen chiefs said, it was quite agreeable to
them, (that is the chiefs) the two kings were the
only obstacles; if they would go over to it, all
would soon follow; but they could not think of
leaving them or going before them. The assem-
bly broke up, and I returned to the teacher's
house to take a little refreshment, and prepared
to return on board. One of the old heathen kings
came to shake hands with me; a cheerful, lively
old man: they are both old men. The people
who had embraced Christianity came in proces-
sion to salute us, each bringing a small piece of
cloth in his hand. I took my leave of them with
some emotion, feeling very much interested in
their welfare.

Atiu.

Jan. 18. This morning, at day-break, the new place of worship on Atiu was full in view, as it stands on the highest part, about the centre of the island, where is also the settlement. After breakfast went ashore; was put through the surf as usual, and very nearly upset into it; but a man, just as the canoe was going over, jumped into the sea, and put his shoulder under the outtrigger, and so prevented a most unpleasant bath. We were so loaded, that a part only could land during the recession of the wave; on the approach of the next wave, we were pushed out to sea again. Thus I was twice pushed out to sea before I could get a footing on the reef. The island is surrounded by a natural barrier, higher than the low land, apparently the work of the sea, like Mauti, only much higher. Travelling through it was not so difficult as at Mauti, because is the general road. The bad places have been filled up, and the sharp points broken off. After passing this outwork, we descended into the rich delightful valleys before we ascended the hills in the centre, where the settlement stands. We found the teachers well, as were their families, and all apparently steadfast, pursuing their work with alacrity. Things wear a pleasing aspect. As we arrived at the top of the hill, the people who had not been at the beach came out in companies to meet and salute us. each giving us a shake of the hand, with their taorana, which detained us no little time. Spent the remainder of the day in getting the books and little stores on shore, distributing them to the teachers, and encouraging the people to prepare their new place of worship to open it on Wednesday or Thursday. In the evening attended their meeting for conversation on what they have heard on the Sabbath. The house was full of inquirers.

19. Till a late hour last evening we were kept awake by carnest inquiries concerning the sense of scripture, and of words the meaning of which they did not know. This morning attended school, for both children and adults; a great many present. About twenty men read to me in the Acts of the Apostles, Tahitian version, which appears quite intelligible to them, and about twelve children out of the same book. I

was much gratified to notice the apparent cordiality of the teachers. I pressed them also very particularly, if there was any little animosities or bickerings among them, not to hide them, but show me all, that we might attempt to remove every evil. They all declared there was nothing of the sort, they were comfortable together! Prepared the cast-away gods for a sea voyage, and strange objects indeed they were, having nothing to recommend them except their antiquity. In the evening met the people to hear what they understood of Christianity, in order to their baptism a goodly number present. Some of them were ignorant, others had a pretty good knowledge of the leading doctrines of the gospel, considering the time they have been under instruction. Spent part of the day in visiting the people at work finishing their large Are Bure Raa. It is about eighteen fathoms by eight wide. The people appear numerous, and so far as I can see, pretty tractable.

20. This morning preached from Acts xviii, 8. The place was crowded with attentive hearers. If I walk out, wherever I go, or if I sit down, a number collect round me, making their inquiries concerning what they have heard, or what they find in their books. They appear highly delighted when they get to understand any thing which before was difficult to them. The surf was so great to-day that we could have no communication with the vessel. Made a square and rule for the teachers; and went through a part of the settlement to view its exterior. They are building good substantial houses, apparently for another generation, as they build them very strong, in comparison with what the Society islanders do. The principal chief has a neat house not quite finished.

21. The people have been busy these last two days, in putting their fine new place of worship in order, intending to open it for divine service. It is a substantial native building, wattled and plastered, with floors raised at each end, forming two inclined planes towards the centre and also in a part of the front; which give the benches a gradual rise, one above another, and which, when the building is completely filled, making the hearing more easy, and the appearance better: it is after the model of our old place at Borabora. To-day opened it for divine worship. I spoke from Haggai ii. 8, and attempted to show them that the true glory of their house would be in God's being spiritually worshipped there; in many souls being there born again, and in many departing thence to glory. After sermon. baptised a number of adults, with their children, and concluded the services with the administration of the Lord's supper to the teachers and such members of churches as present. We also admitted four, three of them teachers' wives. It was a most interesting occasion. We were indeed a little band (about twenty) celebrating, for the first time, in this heathen land, the mysteries of redeeming grace and dying love-proclaiming the efficacy of a Savior's blood in this formerly cruel land, so foully stained with human blood. We were surrounded by at least a thousand spectators. What effect the witnessing of the holy solemnities of our religion may have upon them time must develop. May God incline their hearts to aspire more after his holy ordinances and union with himself. The teachers consider one or two as fit persons to be admitted to the church; but as the brethren are about to visit them again on their voyage, I recommended the teachers to form

were

them, with any others they might think fit, into a separate class, and instruct them with a special view to the ordinance of the Lord's supper, that when the brethren arrive, they may admit such as shall be approved to communion. At the opening of the chapel there were seated inside the building 1,500 persons. They were decently attired; the women with white cloth and bonnets, of their own manufacture; the former very neat, the latter tolerable: the men had principally fine mats round their loins, and white tibutas, having their borders and corners printed black, which gave them an appearance exceedingly imposing. In the evening, a great concourse collected (as indeed they have done every evening since we arrived) in the yard in front of the teacher's house; I should think not less than 300 or 400, to converse on the discourse I had delivered: every five or six of them had a string of candle-nuts lighted, which, though the smell was offensive, exhibited a sight, as connected with the occasion, very gratifying. A number of very interesting questions were asked, which I endeavored to answer as well as our medium of communication would admit. Afterwards several of them addressed us, taking leave of us, and in conclusion exhorted each other to steadfastness and perseverance. When they broke up, as we intended to leave next morning, they all pressed forwards to shake hands with me. This mark of respect made my arm ache; it is not their own, but an introduced form of salutation, and therefore not one would pass without a shake of the hand.

The thirst for the knowledge of salvation manifested by the negroes in the West Indies-the appeal for missionaries from the barbarous tribes of the interior of Africa-the welcome given to the heralds of the cross in the isles of the Southern Pacific-the new avenues opened for access to the remoter regions of the east-the desire so generally manifested, both at home and abroad, in favor of mental improvement and general edu cation-all combine in urging to renewed exertion. The facilities which the highest authorities in India and other parts afford for the unrestrict ed proclamation of the word of life, and the measure of success with which He to whom all success must ever be ascribed has condescended to crown the labors of his servants, appear to require of the duly-qualified disciples of Jesus Christ personal consecration to this important cause. From the desire to engage in the work already manifested, the directors feel assured that this obligation is neither unfelt nor disregarded.

Encouragements, strong and distinct, multiply with the augmented efforts which are now required. The steadfastness of many of the Christian natives in the South-Sea islands; and the ardor of missionary zeal, which numbers have shewn, to follow the call of divine Providence, inviting them to voyages of Christian enterprise, and directing them to large and important islands inhabited by multitudes of yet idolatrous tribes, who hail their arrival with gladness-are facts which encourage the greatest exertions that the friends of the Redeemer can put forth. In the east, we behold the inhabitants of a heathen v llage inviting the visits of the missionary, receive ing his message with attention, and aiding in the erection of a building in which the word of God is regularly dispensed-we hear of brahmins shrinking from argument, and ceasing to defend their system-in one place, the pupils of a Hindoo college encouraging the missionary, whom their tutor had opposed; in another place, twelve, chiefly young brahmins, weekly attending the missionary, to be instructed in the Christian revelation; and, in a third, we hear of a heathen teacher, with four of his pupils, travelling 200 miles to a missionary station, in search of Chris tian instruction. When, further, we find a school supported by a native member of one of the churches, and find another church of converted heathen described as a church of missionaries→→→ one object filling every mind, one theme employing every tongue, and that theme the gospel of Jesus Christ-we feel that negligence on our parts would be criminal, and apathy would

22. Took our leave of this interesting people loaded with their kindness. The teachers were much affected at parting with us. We were once more pushed through the surf, which was running rather high. They put Mai and myself in a canoe on the beach, and carried us to the edge of the breakers, till they were up to the middle; and it required all their strength and exertion to stand against the dashing waves, while they remained a considerable time with us, with the canoe on their shoulders, waiting for a proper wave, the waves coming in quick succession, roaring, and hissing, and foaming. An opportunity at length offering, after a large wave had expended itself, they launched us through with all their might, when a number of them sprang into the canoe, and pulled away on the next roller before it broke: danger was then over. Our boat was outside, waiting, into which we got, and pulled to the vessel. Wind a-head of us. Set sail, not without emotion in comparing what I have seen here with what had been formerly. Not many years have rolled away since the oven was heated to bake these very teachers who are now so highly prized. Surely this is the Increasing Interest in the Society awakened at Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

be monstr us.

Home.

Increasing Encouragements in the Society's home, the directors desire to express their thankIn the retrospect of the year, with regard to

Labors.

The general remarks, which are subjoined, are taken from the Society's Report.

Abroad, all things combine to excite our sympathy and arouse our energies. Whether we contemplate the continent of Europe, or the most remote regions of the earth, we behold, in motion, a resistless current of public sentiment, which appears destined to change the moral and social aspect of the world.

VOL. XXVIII.

fulness to God, for the increasing interest manifested in the operations of the society. Thus encouraged, they will pursue their labors with additional cheerfulness; and, they hope, with more efficiency. Deeply convinced that the influences of the Holy Spirit are essential to all success whether at home or abroad, and im pressed with a sense of the intimate relation which subsists between the enjoyment of such influence and the exercise of prayer, the direc tors regard with unfeigned thankfulness the improvement happily observable in the missionary prayer-meetings as one of the most importans

8

and encouraging manifestations of the divine

favor.

The following most exemplary instance of public spirit is recorded in the Report.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith embarked [for the South Seas] in the Tuscan, belonging to Messrs. Alexander Burnie and Son; whose desire to aid in communicating the blessings of Christianity to the distant tribes visited by their vessels, has long induced them gratuitously to provide the society with the means of conveyance, for its missionaries and supplies, to the South-Sea islands. On the present occasion, these gentlemen not only furnished freights for numerous articles needed by the missionaries and a free passage to Mr. and Mrs. Sinith, but made very generous provision for the comfort of the passengers during the voyage.

SCOTTISH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Report of this society concludes with a forcible appeal on the

prayer, becomes in proportion just so much the more urgent. If we think to see our hopes realised or our fears disappointed, we must look, not to man-except as an instrument-but to God. We are too apt, indeed, to prescribe even to God. When things happen not according to our mind, we are full of regrets and despondency. We forget how little capable we are of governing the world, or even of judging of the measures which God adopts in the government of it. We cannot comprehend the complicated machinery which He employs--the wheels within wheelsthe relations of events as causes and effects; some of them promoting, others counteracting a particular design, yet all of them combining to accomplish one grand end-the establishment of Christ's kingdom in the world. In a large proportion of cases, indeed, the plans which God diametrically opposed to, those which man pursues are not only different from, but are would have formed: in nothing does He more stain the pride of human wisdom, than in the means which He employs to accomplish His own purposes. He often acts, as it were, by contrarieties; bringing light out of darkness, order out of confusion, and good out of evil. Yet an angel never sees any thing to regret in the government of God: it is only man-ignorant, foolish, feeble man-who views the divine procedure with sorrow and despondency. Even an inhabitant of

Duty and Privilege of Prayer in the present earth, when translated to a place in heaven, feels

shaking of the nations.

We live in extraordinary times. If, as we firmly believe, the gospel is destined to be universal in the earth, it is obvious that great changes must take place in the world, before this can be accomplished. There are many countries Popish, Mohammedan, and heathen-in which the existing state of things presents to the eye of man insuperable barriers to the propagation of Christianity in its native purity. Now, these barriers, of whatever nature they are, must be removed, that "the way of the Lord may be prepared. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.

In the close of the last Report, it was remarked, "that, in the government of God, a variety of causes are ordinarily in slow and silent operation, previous to the accomplishment of any great event-that these causes, multiplying and combining together, often at length acquire an overwhelming energy; and, within a short period, produce changes in the whole frame of society, which, in the ordinary course of events, it would have required ages to accomplish."

Of the truth of this remark, we have had some striking illustrations since our last annual meeting. The changes which we have witnessed. there can be little question, have an important bearing either for good or for evil on the interests of the Church of Christ. Of these events, men form different views-some hailing them as the harbinger of better days to the great family of man; while the hearts of others "fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." But, whatever be the light in which we view them, there is a duty resulting from them, which we apprehend is but little felt, even by the professed disciples of Christ-the duty of prayer. Yet the higher the hopes which some, on the one hand, form, and the greater the fears which others entertain, the obligation of both to "give themselves unto

no longer as he used to feel: he sees there can be nothing wrong in the government of God: he reposes with implicit confidence in the wisdom and the power which direct and control the affairs of the universe. We may not be capable, from the weakness of our nature and the relations in which we stand, of rising to a state of such high and holy feeling: we may often have cause-nay, it may even be our duty to regret and to condemn the conduct of men: yet, when we consider that all the actions of creatures, in fact the whole affairs of the universe, are under the government of a Being of incomprehensible wisdom, of irresistible power, and of unfathomable goodness-and when he has commanded us to commit them into His hands in prayer, as a means, not only of relieving ourselves of a burden which we are totally unfit to bear, but of bringing into operation His own gracious purposes in directing, controlling, and overruling all things for His own glory and for the good of the human race-it might be hoped that Christians would unite with one heart and one soul in prayer, especially at such an important crisisthat the shaking, which is at present taking place among the nations, may usher in the coming of Him who is emphatically styled, the desire of all nations. Let the chains of popish superstition, by which so many countries have been for ages bound, be only burst asunder-let the impediments be removed out of the way which at present check or prevent the preaching of the uncorrupted gospel of Christ-let there arise a race of able, faithful, evangelical, useful ministers of the New Testament-and we shall behold the beneficial result, not in Christendom only, but, at no distant period, in every quarter of the habitable globe. "Awake! awake! put on thy strength, O Zion: put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city. I have set watchmen on thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night. Ye, that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence; and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

DOMESTIC.

ABSTRACT OF THE SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE PRISON DISCIPLINE SOCIETY.

THE statements composing this report are ar-
ranged principally under the following heads:-
Imprisonment for debt, State Prisons, Houses of
Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents, and Asylums
for poor Lunatics.

In Maryland a law was passed, at the last session of the legislature, exempting all persons, who have resided in the state four months, from imprisonment, when the debt shall not exceed $30. There were imprisoned in the city of Baltimore, alone, for less than $20 each, during the year 1829, seven hundred and twelve persons. The law of the last session will probably save from imprisonment, in a single year, not less than twelve hundred persons, in the state of Mary

land.

only paid the debt, and that was a debt of 25 cents. It was ascertained that six could not pay; and of these, five lay in jail at least thirty days each.

To show the injustice and bad economy of the common system of imprisonment for debt, it is stated that seven persons lay in jail one hundred and seventy-two days in the city of Philadelphia, Imprisonment for Debt.-This subject has in the summer of 1830, for seven debts, amountrecently attracted special attention. The gov-ing together to $2,84. Of the whole seven, one ernors of several of the states have introduced it into their messages, and pressed it upon the attention of the legislatures. In seven states the laws respecting the imprisonment of poor debtors have received important modifications. In Kentucky there has been no imprisonment for debt during the last nine years; and for a number of years there has been none in New Hampshire for a sum less than $13,33.

Penitentiaries.-The state prison at Thomaston contains about as many cells as convicts, so constructed as nearly, if not entirely to prevent evil communications. Each cell has a Bible. A large part of the time, therefore is spent by the convicts in solitude and silence, with the word of God in their hands; and with none to take away the good seed sown in their hearts the moment it is planted. A Sabbath school has been instituted for those who cannot read, which is superintend ed by a chaplain, who also preaches the gospel. Joint labor is performed, under close inspection, when the convicts are neither in solitary confinoment, nor under instruction; so that the whole time, except that allotted to sleep and food, is designed to be filled up with reading and reflection, instruction, supervision, and labor. With

In Maine a law was passed in March last, to abolish imprisonment for debt, and to punish fraudulent debtors. The ostensible object in passing this law was, to exempt the honest debtor from arrest and imprisonment, except in cases where fraud is alleged and proved, by competent witnesses, before an impartial tribunal. The provisions of this law apply to all debts exceeding five dollars. This law, if properly administered, may probably save from imprison-this system, we believe the instances are not soliment in Maine about one thousand persons annually.

In Vermont the subject was introduced by the governor in his last message, and a law was passed during the session of the legislature, giving the poor debtor power to take the oath, if he is judged a fit subject to take it, within two hours after judgment is rendered. This provision of the new law will probably remove about one third or one fourth part of the evil of imprisonment for debt in Vermont.

In Massachusetts the governor introduced the subject in his message at the last session of the legislature; and a law was passed exempting females for all sums, and others for sums less than ten dollars, on contracts made subsequent to July 1, 1831. Though this may appear to many a small law, it will save from incarceration, if it is obeyed, about five hundred persons annually.

tary, in which the grace of God has proved sufficient to turn the heart from sin to holiness.

In New Hampshire it is not more apparent in the county prisons, by the small number of debtors that are confined in them, than by the state prison at Concord, by the small number of convicts, that this is a favored state, in regard to its prisons. Two of the principal causes of the small number of convicts are its debtor laws and pauper laws. The county prisons have few debtors in training for villany and state prison punishment, and the poor houses are not sustained by a heavy state tax, for the support of foreign paupers.

The new prison in Vermont, containing 136 cells for solitary confinement at night, is nearly finished, and will be soon occupied. When the convicts in an old prison are removed from an old building, where they have been associated, without restraint, in large night rooms, to a new

In the legislature of New York a bill was brought in, adopting the principle of no imprison-building, like that here spoken of, separated from ment for debt except in cases of fraud; this fraud to be alleged and proved before an impartial tribunal by competent witnesses, and, when thus proved, to be punished as a misdemeanor. The faw passed both branches of the legislature by a large majority; but does not go into operation till March 1, 1832.

cach other, and placed under constant inspection and restraint, an amount of profaneness and blasphemy, lasciviousness and mischief, is prevented, far beyond the conception of those who have not been familiar with the dreadful corruption of old state prisons.

The discipline of the Massachusetts state The great evil which this law is intended to prison continues as described last year. Separemedy, whether it shall prove effectual or not, is ration at night, silence, order, industry, respectful the incarceration, according to the best estimates and cheerful obedience among the convicts, harwe are able to make, of 10,000 persons annually; mony, mildness, and authority among the officers, -incarceration, too, not according to the com- are its leading features. The moral and religious mon form; but with no provision by law of bed-instruction, by the chaplain, on the Sabbath, in ding, fuel, or food to protect the subjects of it from cold and hunger and this, in a multitude of cases, for very small sums.

the chapel, by public worship, by the Sabbath school, and, during the week, by morning and evening prayers, and reading of the scriptures,

and by private admonition, sympathy, and counsel in the afternoon of each day, is sustained with punctuality and encouragement. And in the Sabbath school, which was instructed last year, under the superintendence of the chaplain, by convicts, there are now found willing one hundred and thirty or forty persons, from twelve or fifteen churches, of different denominations, in Charlestown and Boston, to engage, alternately, by tens and twenties, as teachers in the Sabbath school, in the state prison.

The state prison in Connecticut is still in a state of progressive improvement. Nothing can show this more clearly, than a comparison of the earnings and expenditures, during the whole period. The earnings of the convicts exceeded the whole expense of the establishment, for the six months ending March 31, 1828, $1,017 16; year ending March 31, 1829, $3,229 41; year ending March 31, 1830, $5,068 94; year ending March 31, 1831, $7,824 02; making a total gain to the state, in 3 1-2 years, of $17,139 53. This is after deducting the expenses, not only of food, clothing, fuel, medical attendance, and incidental expenses of the prison, but the pay of officers. The expense of the old prison, during the same period of 31-2 years, exceeded the income, $24,338 78; making a difference to the state, between the old and the new prison, in 31-2 years, of $41,478 31, in the keeping of an average of about 150 convicts.-The women, who before were crowded together in one appartment, and left to themselves, are now separated at night, and employed by day under the constant care and supervision of a matron. The chaplain says, in a letter dated May 7, 1831, "I suppose the female department here is the best arranged of any in the world. Formerly, when they were all in one room, the noise which they made might be heard at a distance; and hair, torn from each other's heads, might be seen strewed about the floor. Now, they are lodged in separate cells, more than support themselves by their labor, and are much changed for the better as to their outward appearance."

The prison at Sing Sing in the state of New York is highly commended by the inspectors hoth as to discipline and health; and the duties of the chaplain have been performed in a satisfac

tory manner.

The course of discipline adopted in the new penitentiary in Philadelphia, embracing both solitary confinement and solitary labor, is thought by the inspectors to have thus far succeeded well. No prisoner is seen by another after he enters the walls. Great terror is known to have been impressed on the minds of the convict community by this institution. The expenses of the prison are more than balanced by the receipts. Four hundred additional cells are to be built immediately. A new county prison is to be erected in Philadelphia.

The new building in Baltimore for the accommodation of nearly 400 convicts in separate cells is occupied, the discipline improved, and the earnings of the convicts exceed all expenses of their support.

A new penitentiary at Nashville, Tennessee, has been erected on the plan of that at Auburn. In Illinois a small penitentiary is erecting on the same plan.

In Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, the penitentiaries remain much the same as heretofore. Houses of Refuge for Juvenile DelinquentsThat in Boston continues to sustain its former good character. That in the city of New York

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is a most noble and extensive institution. During the year 114 inmates have been received; and since the opening of it, six years ago, it has received 800, of whom 650 have been disposed of in different ways. The managers add, "that they can already point to hundreds of cases in which idle and dissolute, and even criminal children of both sexes have been reclaimed, snatched as it were from the steep leading to inevitable destruction, and moulded into wellbehaved, sober, moral, industrious, and modest young artisans, farmers, seamen, seamstresses, &c.

An act of incorporation has been obtained for a house of refuge in Baltimore, and expectations are cherished that it will be speedily established. Similar institutions are much needed in all the states, and especially in connection with the large cities.

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Asylums for Lunatics. In the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont there no asylums for this unhappy class of persons, though the number in each state who are poor and friendless, probably exceeds 200. A building for this purpose has been commenced and will soon be completed at Worcester, Massachusetts, by the authority and at the expense of the state. In the state of New York, where are 500 or 600 poor lunatics, a committee of the legislature have reported in favor of an asylum, which it is expected the public spirit and humanity of the state will soon carry into effect.

A General View.-In regard to imprisonment for debt, by the laws which have been passed in a single year, in all probability, from twelve to fifteen thousand persons will be saved from imprisonment for small debts. By these laws, personal liberty, public morals, and common humanity, are in some measure relieved; but while so many are saved from imprisonment, let us not forget the far greater number who will be incarcerated in those states where no such laws have been passed, and where the remedy is applied only in a small degree.

In regard to our state prisons, we can now begin to look upon many of them with compla cency, as places of separation at night, supervision, silence, order, neatness, hard labor, economy, and good government; and, connected with all these improvements, we see, in each of the reformed prisons, the Bible, the resident chaplain, the chapel, the Sabbath school, the private admonition, counsel, and instruction; in one word, in some good degree, what we may suppose the Lord Jesus Christ would require a community, calling itself Christian, to make its prisons.

In regard to Houses of Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents, our country has given a noble example to other nations. The houses of refuge in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia have constantly under their paternal roofs almost five hundred youth and children. How incalculable must be the good, in a course of years, resulting from this most noble charity! We would deem it an object worthy of a life, to add another to the number of these institutions. That in Baltimore we hope soon to see in operation.

Ia regard to our County Prisons, little or nothing has been done in the way of reform; and we freely acknowledge, that we have no heart to pull down the old county prisons and build greater, while the principal cause of any such necessity arises from the fact, that about three to one of all the persons committed in them are for debt, and about two thirds of these are for debts

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