Chap. 66.—An ACT to Authorize the Governor to Hire out the Convicts
in the Penitentiary for Work in Stone Quarries, or for other suitable.
labor.

Approved April 23, 1870.

. 1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That it shall be
lawful for the governor of the commonwealth to hire out, as.
in his judgment may be proper,such able-bodied convicts in
the penitentiary whose terms of service at the time of hiring
do not exceed ten years, as can be spared from the workshops
therein, to responsible persons to work in stone quarries, or
upon any railroad or canal in this state, or for any other suita-
ble labor: provided, however, that such convicts shall not be
hired out for any purpose within the limits of the city of
Richmond or any other city or town in the commonwealth:
provided further, that in the hiring of said convicts no
unjust discrimination shall be made with regard to race or
color.

2. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the
governor, in executing this act, to provide for the safe Keeping
and return to the penitentiary of convicts hired or employe
under the provisions of this act, and to use such measures as
he may deem necessary to secure to convicts while so hired or
employed, proper clothing, food, and treatment.

3. This act shall be in force from its passage.