Yours of the 27th stating that the directors of the R. C. & S. Ry. Co. wish to make arrangements for about forty convicts received. In reply I have to say that the recent legislature passed law prohibiting the further use of the convicts of the state on railroad work other than those who are engaged on contracts already made. The legislature declared it to be the policy of the state to work all convicts hereafter on the public roads.