Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-01-14

Of the laws in this particular. 50 Ms TO author.
ize the judges to sentence for shorter peri
~.
Permit me in connection with this subject
TO call your attention TO the very large mum
her ofjuveniles now con6ned d in this institu |
tion. Considerations OF sound policy, as well
asof humanity, create strong doubts in my
mind ~ 10 the propriety of the present sys-
TEN ofpunishing this class Of delinquents. !
Offenses committed by boys are usually the
result ofidlenss, improper associations, and
the absence Of proper parental care.
II They are very different in degree and
moral turptude, from those Of the deliberate
and confirmed criminal,
Punishment, besides securing the peace
and safety Of society. is designed to rspress
crime aud reform the offender. The last of
these subjects is particularly applicable to the
inexperienced and unfortunate youth; while
many Of the old are entirely beyond the reach
Of hope, there s scarcely youth that may
not be reclaimed.
To bring about tins result, however, clas-
si6catiou Of offenses founded upon the age OF
those by whom they are committed, should
be recognized BY Law; and an institution or
ganized with facilities for teaching the juve-
nile offender the various pursuits and duties
of life, together with the elementary branches
Of a common education. Institutions Of this
character have been established in several Of
our sister States. and in every instance have
produced the most saiuisry results.
The reports Of the trustees and OF the sew
eral superintendents, furnish full Information
of the condition and wants Of the benevolent
Institutions.
The repairs and improvements at the Lu-
natic Asylum which were authorized by ap-
preparations at the last session Of the General
Assembly are nearly completed and promise
TO add greatly to the comfort of the patients,
and in the end, diminish the expenses Of the
Institution.
The great increase Of pupils in the nstt u
ton for the deaf and dumb, requires that ad-
ditional room should be provided for them.
A personal examination of that institution
has satisfied me, that the time has arrived for
the erection of new building with adequate
room and suitable accommodations.
The site Of new edi6ce has been a sub
ject of frequent discussions. 1t has been sug-
gested by many that the institution should be
removed into the country. and the present
buildings and grounds, which are now almost
In the heart Of the city, eventually sold.
To this proposition, the present and late su-
perintendents have been strongly opposed
Their experience in the education ofdeaf and
dumb, gives great weight to their opinions
especially as some of them rest on education
al grounds
would submit TO your consideration the
propriety and justice Of giving to the board ol
trustees a suitable compensation for their ser
vices. The labor which they are required tt
perform, and the responsibility imposed upor
them, are too great to be performed gratuis
ously.
There is class of persons. with equally
strong claims upon our sympathies, who dc
not seem 10 be embraced within the range OF
beuefsial operations Of these institutions.
slude 10 the imtecile and idiotic. of whom
ihere is said to be large number in the
State.
Idiocy and insanity, until lately, were con
founded; so far, at least, as any efforts were
made for their amelioration and relief The
proper distinctions are new observed, and each
class is found amenable to different modes o.
treatment
Idiocy is understood to consist in an impair
ed condition Of the powers Of the mind, and ar
entire want Of the reasoning faculties Per
sons afflicted are not responsible for their acts
and must necessarily, therefore, become 1
public or private charge
Possessing muscular force, some traces o
memory, and the powers of imitation, They
are capable of being trained to perform ma
ny of the necessary duties of life.
Our Common Schools. from their universa
diffusion. located as they are in every neigh
borhood, and distributing their heathful influ
sncs 10 every family. should always be regard
ed ~ the very 6rst objects Of legislative care
They have not inaptly, at times been stylet
'the peoples colleges" and are certainly tn
palladium and most sffectual defense of ou
free institutions.
The new constitution makes it imperativ
on the General Assembly. "to make such pro
visions by taxation. or otherwise. az with tn
income arising from the School Trust Fund
Common Schools throughout the State"
In accordance with this requirement Of tn
constitution, the last General Assembly. wit
almost entire unnanimity. passed law recon
structipg our educational system, elevatin
its standard. extending its usefulness. and i'm
parting to il a greater degree of efficiency.
1t is claimed by the friends Of the syster
thus created. that the new features engrafte
upon it, are decided improvements. 10 perfec
accordance with the educational progress {
tbs age, and the educational demands of on
rapidly increasing population.
In Republic like ours, founded as il 10 o
the virtue and intelligence Of The people 9
large. the thorough and efficient education {
those who are soon to assume the duties an
responsibilities of government ITSELF and car
. not be neglected without danger TO the Wit
interests Of our free institutions
Tbs new provisions OF the present Scho
Law. involving changes radical ia their cha
aeter. must n cessarily produce, for tim
much embarrassment and Inconvenience, an
IN some instances il may be. actual oppressio
But most ofthese being Of a temporary natul
and incident to almost every innovation upc