The amount of fines and costs received is $477.05, which has been paid to the City Treasurer. Whole number committed during the year: Males Females Adults Minors Whites Colored MISCELLANEOUS. Cannot read or write. Can read, but not write Persons born in Massachusetts, who cannot read or write Married Intemperate Discharged on expiration of sentence. Discharged as poor convicts, unable to pay fine Discharged by order of Municipal Court, for nonpayment of fine and costs, after serving three months. Pardoned by Governor Died Since making my last report there has been no change in the discipline or food of the prison. Punishment has been as sparingly inflicted as was consistent with a thorough enforcement of the rules of the institution; and the provisions of the law in relation to prisoners confined in the "cells" have been complied with. WORK. About 40 prisoners are employed on the slipper contract. From 225 to 250 are occupied in making clothing for outside parties. Owing to depression and stagnation in business, many of the sewing-machines have been for a part of the time inactive. If abundance of work could be procured, the institution would undoubtedly be self-supporting. The balance of the male prisoners are kept employed, as far as possible, as gardeners, sweeps, door-tenders, gas-makers, etc., and in school. The female prisoners are employed in the house and laundry, and in the making up of prison clothing, etc. SCHOOL. The school resumed its sessions on the 9th of November, and is still in successful operation. The room at the lower end of the block shop, which had previously been unoccupied, was fitted up for the purpose, being more convenient and retired than that part of the shop which was used as a school-room last year. The progress made by most of the scholars, especially in reading and writing, has been highly satisfactory. GAS WORKS. Nothing new has to be reported on this subject. The works are abundantly capable of manufacturing a supply of good gas for the use of this Institution and of the Lunatic Hospital, except during the shortest days of winter. During the long nights, the supply for both Institutions makes a severe tax upon the capacity of the works. PIGGERY. Enough pork has been raised during the past year to supply all the wants of the prison, and even to allow a small surplus to be disposed of. GARDENS. The same remarks as above will apply to the raising of vegetables. Potatoes have to be purchased, our grounds not being sufficiently extensive to raise a full supply, in addition to the crop of other vegetables. HEALTH. The health of the prison has been about up to the general average. The number of deaths reported below is greater than that of last year, though it will be seen that more than one-half have been caused by consumption and other diseases of the lungs. No epidemic sickness has prevailed. The following is the list of prisoners deceased: — Michael Breen, died May 7, 1875, of consumption. Nellie May, died May 12, 1875, of consumption. William Cusick, died May 15, 1875, of pneumonia. John Horrigan, died May 21, 1875, of consumption. William Walker, died May 25, 1875, of pneumonia. William Thornton, died June 17, 1875, of necrosis from exhaustion. Frank Monahan, died June 24, 1875, of consumption. Festus Feeney, died July 30, 1875, of consumption. Dominick O'Connor, died August 3, 1875, of consump tion. Caroline Brown, died August 24, 1875, of apoplexy. Ann Murphy, died November 25, 1875, of syphilis. James Delaney, died April 4, 1875, of consumption. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. Immediately following the date of my last report, a change in our chapel worship was introduced, by the regular celebration of the Roman Catholic worship on the forenoon of every Sunday. This change has had no injurious effect upon the discipline of the prison, and is, of course, very acceptable to that portion of the prisoners who belong to the Romish Church. The afternoon service is conducted by the Chaplain of the Institution, who now gives the whole of the forenoon to the Lunatic Hospital. LIBRARY. The Library has been largely replenished, and continues to be a source of instruction and pleasure to the prisoners, affording solace to many of the weary hours spent in their cells. DEPUTY. Since the 12th of May Mr. L. W. Blake has been employed as Acting Deputy. On the 24th of March he was appointed Deputy Master of the Institution, and has performed the duties of that office to my entire satisfaction. I might also add that all the other officers of the prison have performed their duties faithfully and cheerfully, and, consequently, everything has worked regularly and pleasantly. CONCLUSION. While I feel that all the members of the Board have been uuiform in their kindness and courtesy, and thoughtful care for the institution under my charge, I cannot refrain from expressing my warmest thanks to the President, and my sincere regret that his official connection with the Board ceases from this date. Very respectfully, M. V. B. BERRY, Master. |