The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-22
Reform School.


Mr.. EDITOR: To err, we are told is hu
man. Then to reclaim the erring and way
ward il humane. In this all benevolent
minds agree. Then that there might be q
refuge, for Juvenile offenders, removed from
cmptation, where wholesome restraints, and
judicious diciplinc might DO brought to
bear upon them, the State has seen fit to ap'
propriate its patrimony, and in accordance
with wise counsels, following somewhat the
examples of other States, has established
this institution. Strong opposition was
manifested towards the enterprise in the
outset, which has not yet quite cvaporated.
So it becomes now, after few years Of trial,
a proper, legitimate inquiry did the State
act wisely" Arc we realizing in its opera
ton what might Justly be expected. To
gain true and definite idea Of the Institu-
ton so rs to answer the above proposition
intelligcntly it becomes necessary to visit 1t.
Observe its capacities, convenience and ia
cilitics, the rules and regulations adopted
for its dicipline, and their influence on its
inmates. Hence the Legislature during its
session visits it by q Com. This was made
in connection with the Trustees Of the school
on Tuesday of last week.
The boys numbering two hundred and
thirty five, were first seen in their schoo
rooms, being divided into four schools ac-
cording to their grade. Their appearance
here was as orderly and as indicative of pro-
gress as in our schools generally. The Com.
passed. next into the dining hall where a
wholesome dinner served up in good order
was in readiness. Soon the boys entered,
each one taking his appropriate place at the
table, and when all were present, grace was
audibly said by them, and the discussion
commenced evidently with good relish. yet
with becoming moderation.
After this the buildings We're examined
and they were found to be kept in good or
der, and worthy OF the handy carc of the
excellent superintendent. The new barn
built the past year especially deserves a
passing notice. Its architecture in. good
proportions, and its arrangement convenient
ly adapted to the purposes for which it was
constructed, spoke volumes Recommendation
for him who planned it and under whose
supervision, with the aid of the boys it was
erected. Next the boys were examined in
their work shops. Here they manifested n
tactand application alike crcditablc to them
selves and those having the oversight of
them. After this the boys We're all assem-
bled in the Chapel and examined in the va
rious branches taught in their schools, cx-
crtiscd tl.si. vocal power- several times in
song and sentiment, when after commcnda-
tory remarks by several Of the Com. and
the boys were reminded of their obligations
to make the most Of their privileges, the
wants Of our nature were abundan.ly and
very asrocably satisfied at the festive board
Of the Superintendent.
The Impression made on the committee,
by this visit, and the examination that fol-
lowed, was most salutary. Several Of them
went there with strong prejudiccs against
the Institution, they went away favorably
impressed. The good order that pervades
the whole establishment, the adaptation, of
every thing to the circumstances, the inau-
enccs brought to bear upon those juvenile
offenders, the facility with which they form
habits of industry and salfapplication, their
quiet obedience to wholesome dicipline, and
their cheerful happy demcanor carries con-
viction to every discerning mind. And
then the prospect that these boys otherwise
lost to society, yea more pest to society,
will become, many Of them at least, men of
worth, and moral influence in community
all other considerations, and we
are forced 10 the conclusion that money spent
in this direction, is money well invested, and
ere long will pay dividend ten fold.
OyE or THE Con-.
Auorsr,, Feb. 10, 1856.