THE DIRECTORS OF THE STATE PRISON NORTH
report more fully for the month of October, 1879, and renw recommendations in their former report. There 542 convicts at the beginning of the year and 577 at the close, 301 having been received and three returned, and 269 having been released by pardon, expiration of sentence and otherwise. All are contracted for terms of from once to five years at remunerative prices, and 508 have been employed, 50 being in service of the State and nineteen excused and off duty. During the year forty-five received medical treatment, three died and one committed suicide. The sanitary conditions was good, and is shown in the smaller percentage of deaths, and in excused list, which is lighter than in former year. The receipts and earnings were $74,877.90, and the disbursements $73,943.15, leaving $934.75 remaining. Of the appropriation of $75,000 $1,120.21 remained October 31, 1880. The cost of each convict was $2.54 1/2 per week, or 36 1/2 cents per day. The fact that the terms of the Directors are all for two years, and all begin and expire at once, leaves the Prison without managers familiar, from experience, with its business until all have learned; and their experience goes with them when they retire. To make the term three years and provide for the retirement of one each year, would obviate the difficulty and secure at all times two members of experience.
