Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-12

+ board OF common council, that the committee Of
police, Of that body, is entrusted with the con
alteration Of the communicalion'of Robert Mills
respecting the establishment Of q house Of in
dustry.
Heretofore, the city councils have deliberated
on the subject Of house Of refuge, or correction
for juvenile offenders, but never came TO any de-
finite conclusion with regard TO H. although several
OF our wealthy and philanthropic citizens promised
10 aid the enterprise by the subscription Of large
sums Of money
Daily experience shows the necessity Of some
place other than the penitentiary jail, or work
house for youthful violators of the law. The
confinement CT children with hardened, adult
persons, serves but to render their morals still
worse, and familiarize them with the associations
of crime. Hence the Importance Of refuge
where virtuous lessons shall be inculealed, and
The erring minor inspired with proper selfrespect
+ in order TO become good citizen, and to act well
his part on the stage OF life.
There is law which requires magistrates
10 "bind out" children who are neglected by their
parents and suffered to roam the city without re-
sranf; but, owing the indisposition OF citizens
10 admit such minors 10 their places of business,
or dwelling houses, the statute remains dead
letter. We do not know of single case in which
il has been enforced.
All right-thinking persons agree that the morals
OF youth are not sufficiently guarded. To parental
indulgence, as well as to parental Indifference,
may be attributed much of the wrong-doing of the
youth of our community. But as all crime, OF
whatever grade, must be punished, regard should
be had TO the age and circumstances of the Of
fender in afixing the penalty; and, if possible, a
means should be devised by which the culprit can
can be reformed. The preventive of crime is as
much the duty of the State, corporation, as the
Y punishment for its commission and hence we
should be pleased to see established an institution
which win contribute to this desirable end.
A house Of correction may be regarded a
halfway stopping place between the Jail and the
peniteniiary, but its humane character and chart
table police could moi fail to exert a beneficial in
nuence, and, in many cases, restrain youths, yet
susceptible OF good impressions, from the enormity
of crime. M g t8p AZ
The subject, at all events, should be maturely
considered by the city councils, and statistics in
relation 10 houses of correction and industry in
other cities presented 10 the public, in order that
correct judgment may be formed with regard TO
the general workings of The system. No report,
giving the data, has ever been made, and there
fore /, would be the more acceptable at this time,
when the scheme has again been asitaied.
Healths--Sudden Deaths.--We stated, sew
eral days ago, that there were many cases Of
cholera orbus and dysentery in this District,
some Of them proving suddenly fatal and we now
reiterate the remark as applicable TO The present
time, with a..view Of impressing on the minds Of
our citizens the importance of paying strict atten-
ton to their food by rejecting such articles OF con-
sumption as are likely TO cause arrangement in
The animal system. The clothing, too, should be
adapted to the changes of The weather, and unne-
cessary exposure TO the heavy night dews avoided.
The remark of sensible physician was, @Eai
whatever best agrees with you, be calm, and cul
tivste an honest conscience" He was liberal
enough not TO charge fee for the good advice.
During the present week we have heard OF al
least ak sudden deaths. The deceased, in two
instances, iii is said on the authority of phys
cian9 partook heartily Of oysters, which were
partially decsyed. A few hours suffering with
cramps, burned them from existence, as in the
case OF black man, a week ago, who made
dinner on unsound fish. The others, as we be-
lieve, likewise died in consequence Of impru-
dence in the use ofimproper food.
In one of the churches of this city, on Tuesday
night, the minister informed the congregation that
on Monday, he attended the funeral of an old cit-
zen. The son-in-law oflhe deceased was present
at the obsequies but was taken sick in the grave
yard and died al his home on Tuesday morning,
at two o'clock.
We would by no means contribute, even in the
least degree, 10 cause unnecessary alarm in the
public mind but when various sudden deaths in
quick SUGGESTIONS occur in the community, from
ascertsined causes, il is but right that the fact
should be made known for the benefit ofthe resi-
dents at large, in order that they may, as far as
possible, guard against the approach of disease,
by proper attention both to their food and per-
sonal habits
y. 3. Orr, or "the Angel Gabriel" was yester-
day released from jail, after two weeks con6ne-
ment II win be recollecied that he was impri-
soned as a disturber Of the peace. Some kind
friend became his bail. Mr.. Daniel Smith, the
jailor, restored 10 him his bugle and ensign. Be-
fore leaving the premises, Orr asked, asa favor