Litchfield enquirer., 1856-07-24
New York Correspondence.
NEW YORK. Jul,


 Last week promised to say some thing further of the New York House of Refuge. The idea of this Institution grew out of the enlightened be- neyo!encc of modern times which recognizes the reform of an offender as the main end of punish rscnt. All juvenile offenders under fl years of age convicted of any crime less than capital are sent to the refuge. The crimes for which they are sent up' are disordcrly conduct in the streets and vagabon,lage, (which the law makes crime) assaults, and most frequently of all thieving. Once sent to the Refuge thcre is no release until the inmates attain tEeir majority, they being under the guardianship of the Board of Directors during their minority The pre- sent number is 800 of both sexes.
 The accommodations in 23d street having been found insufficient, new and commodous buildings have been erected oh Wards Is!and.- build with respect to the health and comfort of the inmates, and admirably adopted to the purposes designed. Within the walls of the extensive grounds, which are closely guarded to prevent escapes, as many of the little williams are old men in point of cunning, are to be found all tue means to a reform of the habits, man. ners, aud mode of thought of the out-cast world, which society has banislled, in order the better to care for it. X new comer, say a boy of ten years, sent up for petit larceny, is placed in charge of the superintendent He relates what of his history he knows, a,d all possible plrticu. lars are gathered and entered in book kept for the purpose. He is shown comfortable cell like dorntory, which he is to occupy alone and is thus cut off from the chance of bccom- ing moro dcbased by evil associates He is called from his bed to the workshop, where some of the lighter branches of manufacture are carried on, and instructed in the use of tools for an hour, when all go in to breakfast, which consists of plain wholesome food
 Two hours are passed in recreation on the play ground, under the eye of monitor, and then all go to the schoolroom q fine hall which to shame. Competent teachers instruct them in English studies, their intention being to lay the foundation for sound practical education dinner follows--then play-then study--and after supper more exercise in the workships. and then to bed. Such is the daily routine to which in separate departments, under the watchful eye of strict disciplinarians, these un. couth specimens are subjected until they show tokens of reform, and have learned enough to be safely trusted out Then they are bound out to proper persons during the rest of their minority, the directors taking care to see that they go into humane and kind hands. Many of them become honest useful men aud women, and in some instances boys picked up from the vilest haunts of crime and poverty, have be. come eminent. There are always enough ready to be sent out to give persons in the country. who wish boy or girl, a chance to select likely one, and it is one of the best places in the country to obtain one.
 The fearful rail road accident at Philadelphia yesterday, by which so many children were killed, spreads gloom which even ensl,adows our city, busy as it is with its own many crimes and casualties. How long is it before some action will be taken to make travelling by rail safe9 Every line of road is stained with the blood of victims, and the press is full of acc- dents and of censures, but in less theA " nine days" it is no more wonder, and the old sys- tenn goes on.
 The weather is getting pest endurance.-- The mercury yesterday showed 99 deg. in the shade and to-day will be better. "To be or not to Dc" thIt is the question