Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-09-25

overlooked by our laws, (among whom
we would place first and foremost COM
mon drunkards,) and while il would place
all such under wholesome restraint, al
fording an opportunity to reclaim them
from vice and correct their evil habits,
thus contributing to good order in society
and to the prevention ofcrime and pau
pc rism, would at the same tine relieve So
ciety from the chief, if not the entire, ex-
pense Of their punishment and relorma-
ton.
1t is true, that our Poor Houses, as at
present regulated, are intended to be
Houses of Correction. 1t is furthermore
true, that any number oftowns may unite
for the support of Poor House 1t is
believed however, that our Poor Houses
are wholly inadequate to meet the wants
of community. 1t is sufficient to notice,
that no power is any where lodged to sen
tence to confinement in our Poor Houses
The overseer of the Poor has a general
underlined power in some cases to confne
TO labor therein, but such power Is so
general and underlined as to render its en-
erclse of doubtful expedlency, and in
some cases wholly inadmissoble.
again. Poor Houses erected by more
towns than one, united, being chiefly for
the support of such as are, in the stric,
sense ofthe word, paupos, the proper ad,
Justment of the expenses among the towns,
parties TO such union, is matter of so
difficult attainment that towns can not be
procured voluntarily to associate, or
when associated, to continue so, for the
support ola Poor House.
1t is confidently believed for the fore
going reasons, that the wants of com.
munity, as regards the support of the
poor and the punishment of petty offend
ers, demand new legislation"
Fora general outline of the plan of the
institution, as proposed by those who
have made the movement, we refer our
readers to the subjoned communication
Mr. EDIToR: the subject of a
House Of Correction or Work House, for
the county, is exciting some attention, it
may be satisfactory to many to learn
what kind Of an establishment is proposed
1t is not for me to say what it wiN be, nor
even what it ShOuld be. The legislature
will in its wisdom, should It be deemed
advisable to provide for House of Cor,
rec,ion, determine its character.
But, it is proper that should give a
general outline Of the kind Of institution
which it is understood those who are mos,
active in efforts to procure its establish
ment, propose.
|. 1t is proposed to ask Of the leg>la-
ture the enactment ola law enabling any
county IN the state, IN its discretion, to
purchase a suitable farm with such man
ufacturing or other privileges as TO enable
those having charge Of the institution TO
keep at constant and profitable employ.
| mr. do INlo
Iigious influences all those who may be
made its inmates. 1t is MT proposed 10
surround the institution with strong walls,
nor place in attendance numerous guard,
but to impose such penalties for escape as
to render it undesirable.
But it will probably be necessary to
provide such cells, and other means OF
punishment rs may be necessary to keep
under proper restraint all who may willul.
ly and perseveringly violate the rules and
regulations of the institution.
@ 1t is proposed to place it under the
general superintendent Of board OF
commissioners (say, consisting of two or
three ITO be appointed either by the people
OF the county, or by the Iegslature-such
board to have power to appoint a keeper.
3. 1t is proposed TO ask Of the esisla-
ture such alterations Of and additions to,
our criminal laws as to empower Justices
(say, Justices not ofsame town olofiender)
or the higher courts, as The case may be,
to sentence to confinement, therein, for
certain fixed period, Of time,
All petty offenders now punishable By
imprisonment in the common jail
All SUCH as, being able, neglect and
refuse to provide for the support of their
families.
All such as, being paupers, are so
vicious as to be producliove Of confusion
and disorder at our Poor Houses.
All Migrants. ...r..
All such abandoned drunkards as make
themselves nuisances in community and