CHAP. 48.—An ACT to provide convict labor for the Virginia and
Statesville Air-Line Narrow-Gauge Railroad.

Approved March 31, 1879.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
the governor is authorized to furnish to the Virginia and States-
ville air-line narrow-gauge railroad company, so soon as it
organizes under its charter and makes application for them, not
less than fifty nor more than one hundred able-bodied peniten-
tiary convicts, if when the application is made, or at any time
thereafter when wanted by said company, there be so many who
are not actually engaged in the workshops of the penitentiary
for manufacturing purposes, or employed elsewhere under con-
tracts actually made previous to the application of said com-
pany. Such convicts, so furnished, shall be used free of hire
in constructing said road for such length of time, and under
such conditions for safe-keeping and return to the penitentiary,
as the governor and said company may agree upon. ‘The con-
victs shall be transported, fed, clothed, guarded and furnished
with medical attendance by the said company. If at any time,
in his opinion, the public interests require it, the governor may
recall such convicts, or any portion of them to the penitentiary.

2. Before furnishing any convicts to said company, the gov-
ernor shall require from said company bond with good and suf-
ficient, security, in such penalty as he may deem proper, condl-
tioned for the proper care, maintenance, guarding and return
of such convicts. ‘The governor shall also, in the contract with
said company, provide for a return of such convicts in the event
of a lease of the penitentiary.

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