The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-11


nances of the State. I have had no oppor-
tunity to examine either that or the report
of the Land Agent. Il may b. necessary
for the legislature to make further provis-
ions for the keeping of the money of the
State, when there shall DO large accum-
ulation, not needcc for immediate disbursc-
ment. If deposits are made in banks, the
amount in any one should depend upon its
capital, and when they pay interest on them
it should be received by the State.
II is gratifying to learn that the Reform
School is in fiourishing condition, and that
il meets the Just expectation Of the public.
The old system and mode Of treatment Of
boys of tender age, who had violated the
laws, when their minds were immature, and
Judgments uniformed, by combining them in
jails and prisons, at time when they most
needed kindness and the peculiar care incl
dent to children, has at length yielded to q
more enlightened and rational treatment.
In this school, the boys are instructed in
the usual branches of knowledge commonly
taught in other schools they learn some use
full trade and work upon the farm, while
their religious and moral culture is not neg
lected. They also acquire habits ofindustry,
no necessary to be possessed by every person
who desires to obtain the means Of subsis-
lance and to live happily. a love Of labor,
without which no one can accomplish much,
must be implanted in in early life by diligent
trimming. The object of this school is to re-
form those who are inclined to go astrny, and
prepare them for the active duties of society.
II Is much less expensive to teach the young
and errlng to walk in the paths Of virtue and
fit them for usefulness, then to allow them
to grow up in vice and crime, and then pun
ish them for their misconduct. The differ
cnce in value to the State between good
and bad citizen, cannot be estimated by
money.
This institution is really deserving the
care of the Legislature, and there can be no
doubt will receive it. Ii is now nearly full,
and some measures must be taken to furnish
accommodations, unless part of the least
vicious are allowed to be returned to their
parents before the expiration Of their senten-
ces.
The Trustees should be permitted to cxcr-
else their discretion as to the time when those
sent to the school should remain. IL some
such reduction does not take place, 1t will
become necessary to enlarge the accOmoda-
tions ut the present location, or establish
another school in some other part of the
State. The present number, which is about
two hundred in the school, may seem large,
but when we estimate the whole number of
male minors in the State that are old enough
to commit ofenses, the per cent will be found
very small. Tho care, protection and in
struction Of the young and inexperienced, is
not only duty dictated by the highest be-
nevolcncc, but the security and safety of the
community demand its exercise OH the part
Of government.
While our republic, from the nature Of its
organization, is untitled to be a military
one, nor is such the purpose or desire of our
people, yet we should ut all times bcprepar-
ed to defend ourselves against internal COM
motions and foreign aggrcssions. 1t is our
true policy to cultivate peace with all ma
tions. But We have no reason to expect that
wars will cease, while tho disposition Of men
remains as it is, and we should he wanting
in proper care of ourselves, five should
neglect the ordinary precautions of protcc-
ton. 1t may be sufficient if n knowledge Of
military tactics is possessed by u portion Of
tho community who would be able in short
time, to communicate the necessary informa-
ton to those, who might DO needed to act in
defence of their country. This object may
he accomplished by extending the favor Of
the State, more fully than tho laws have
done, to volunteer companies, and encourag.
ing the formation Of n greater number of
them, and higher proficiency in military
discipline. Such men will form body Of
soldiery possessing practically, the art Of
war, and from them Others unskilcd can re-
ceivc instructions, when called into the pub
lie service.
As we arc the agents of the people, who
have confded to us important trusts, 1t will
doubtless be gratifying to every membcr Of
the government to discharge them in such
manner as to meet the appreciation of those
from whom he has derived his authority.
1t will afford me the highest satisfaction
to cooperate with you in making such laws
as will most effectually promote the true in
terests Of the state.
SAMUEL WELLS.