New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-10-28

To 9e Editor Of the Crescent:
SR-Whenever read all anonymous communication
is with this the authors motives arise
from Of these that he is either making
statements that cannot be supported by acs or ne mas
private interest to subserye in connection with the
subject treats Of therefore does not wish to have his
name before the public.
To prevent such impression being pfoduceo IN TINS
instance before entering upon the subject OF this comu
nication, well to give you and your readers the
foundation which my remarks are based, beg to say
that spent about thirteen months in the House of
Refuge in this city First Assistant afterwards Acting
Superintendent aving resigned in june last therefore,
presume ought know something Of its management,
its wants and necessities well its prospects, if con-
Quoted as 1t is at present
In your editorial Of yesterday you referred to the ord
recently introduced the Committee Of the House
of Refuge in the Board of Assistant Aldermen. and
pressed hope it would not be allowed to pass and be-
law, it would tend to retard the efficient man
agement of the institution Allow me to say, entirely
differ with you that question.
It matters whether the institution be managed by
committee of the Council composed of private cit
provided they be equal in intelligence and business
capacities ought to be on either unless pos
sessed Of such qualities. conceive the only legitimate
business Of such committees, to organize the institution
adopt rules regulations for its management and take
supervision of its general operations leaving the carrying
the proper persons to do it. Who ask, is the most
suitable person carry out the object and intentions of
the founders of such institution, intelligent and
iudcous superintendent Who knows its condition and
better than him better qualified to recommend
alterations improvements and competent to suggest and
carry out the wishes Of the city authorities than such
person Were it State institution under the authority
direction Of the Legislature but
year. for few weeks having but little opportunity to
then scattered the State scarcely hearing of it
again until the following year under the circu-
stances when might indispensable to appoint special
board of managers conduct and report them but
in its present limited condition. such board altogether
unnecessary It is institution belonging to the City Of
NewOreans its expenses paid out Of the City Treasury
and altogether under the control Of the city authorities
it can be managed equally well by committee Of their
body, Jails and Worl-houses ask, in the name
of sense where the necessity of such
brous board of thirteen members to manage house Of
thirty to forty boys the number for the five years
it has been in existence previous to the present Recorder
taking Office, (since which time the number has considera
bly, increased with superintendent aud two assistants
and housekeeper and this board having to report to
committee Of the Council Who after ALL the responsible
power.
the Honorable Council intend TO continue the House
trust for the benefit of the community, the ordinance
laid before them by the committee, one based on it
principles will be adopted fully convinced from
experience to continueit at present managed vast
of money and effort very little good has BEEN
be- accomplished Let the Council pass such ordinance
get suitable location appoint ucious and compe
tent superntendens to be under the direction Of thei
own committee, and; responsible to them. allow him
nominate his assistants and direct and control the etab
hment then the public may expect good to resul
from House of Refuge
1t matter Of great Importance to have such inst
tuition in midst where juvenile delinquencies
numerous and yearly increasing upon but the presen
annual expenditure of from four to six thousand dollar
upon such have is that amount squar
. dered away, as little good result from it.
may, perhaps, ut future time, cali your and h
pablics attention to few reasons founded fact
why such alteration should be made in its menag
ment
\ | Yours, very respectfully, THos. CLARKE,
) Late of the House of Refuge.