Chap. 431.—An ACT to authorize the governor to furnish convict
labor for the construction of the Richmond and Tide-water railroad.

Approved May 24, 1887,

1. Beit enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
the governor be and he is hereby authorized and requested
to furnish and hire to the Richmond and Tide-water railroad
company to be used in the construction of their line of rail-
road within the State of Virginia, not less than one hundred
nor more than two hundred and fifty convicts, at the discre-
tion of the governor, for a term not less than one year.

2. The said company shall pay for the said convicts, count-
ing the days they are actually employed, forty cents per day
for each convict, in instalments of three months each, from
the day such convicts begin work, which shall be paid in law-
ful currency of the United States and not in coupons, and
shall furnish them comfortable quarters and pay the costs of
transportation. The State shall pay the cost of feeding,
clothing, guarding, and medical attention for such convicts
while in the charge of this company. .

3. But nothing herein contained shall have the effect of
impairing any existing contracts in relation to convicts, or
in any way to interfere with the provisions of the act ap-
proved March sixth, eighteen hundred and eighty-six, en-
titled an act to employ convict labor on county roads and
other works of internal improvement.

4, This act shall be in force from its passage.