the maintenance of each prisoner. This small sum,
in the State of South Carolina, where provision is extremely high, may
be considered as a paltry pittance; but more especially so when the
magnificent pretensions of South Carolina are taken into consideration,
and a comparison is made between this meagre allowance and that of other
States. Even Georgia, her sister State, and one whose plain modesty is
really worthy of her enterprising citizens, takes a more enlightened
view of a criminal's circumstances-allows forty-four cents a day for his
maintenance, and treats him as if he was really a human being. But
for this disparity and the wanton neglect of humane feelings South
Carolinians excuse themselves upon the ground that they have no
penitentiary; nor do they believe in that system of punishment,
contending that it creates an improper competition with the honest
mechanic, and gives countenance to crime, because it attempts to improve
criminals. The common jail is made the place of confinement, while the
whipping-post and starvation supply the correctives.

The sheriff being created an absolute functionary, with unlimited
powers to control the jail in all its varied functions, without either
commissioners or jail-committee, what state of management may be
expected? The court gives no specific direction as to the apartment or
mode of confinement when sentencing a criminal; consequently, it becomes
an established fact that the legislative confidence deposed in the
sheriff is used as a medium of favors, to be dispensed as best suits the
feelings or interests of the incumbent. Such power in the hands of an
arbitrary, vindictive, or avaricious man, affords unlimited means of
abuse, and without fear of exposure.

It may be inferred from what we have said that the jailer was relax in
his duty. This is not the case, for we have good authority that a more
kind-hearted and benevolent man never filled the office. But his power
was so restricted by those in absolute control, that his office became a
mere turnkey's duty, for which he was paid the pittance of five hundred
dollars a year or thereabouts. Thus he discharged his duty according to
the instructions of the sheriff, who, it was well known, looked upon
the jail as a means of speculation; and in carrying out his purposes, he
would give very benevolent instructions in words, and at the same time
withhold the means of carrying them out, like the very good man who
always preach