These changes in the government did not effect, in any degree, the _spirit_ by which the prison was governed; and while each form had its peculiarities and excellencies, they all had their defects. The principal defects were the investing of the Visiters and Wardens, and Superintendents with the power to appoint _physicians_ and _chaplains_. These are high and important offices, and ought not to be answerable to any power but supreme. The physician, depending on the pleasure of a petty officer for his appointment, is too often the mere _tool_ of that officer, to the injury of his moral principles, and at the expense of the health and life of too many of the prisoners. Whereas if the physician held his office from the Legislature, he would have power to _open_ and _shut_, which he has not now; and both health and life, which are now lost, might be preserved. The _Chaplain_, also, should hold his office from the highest source in the state. In such a place, his is the most important office, and he ought to have authority to do all things pertaining to it, without any reference to the pleasure of a man who, perhaps, despises both him and his office, and believes in no God higher than himself. The gospel ought to be fully taught and explained, and exemplified by the Chaplain; and he ought to be elevated, in his authority, above the control of those who can now say to him--"Come at such a moment, or not at all." Another reason why the Legislature ought to appoint the Chaplain is, that then, _sectarian policy_ would not have so much influence. The Legislature is composed of members of all churches, and they would, as they do their own chaplain, appoint without any reference to _sect_; and then one man living in Windsor, could not consult the finances of his own _party_, in appointing a clergyman for the prison.