The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-01-12

was opened and commenced its legitimate
and appropriate business. The number
received into the Institution since that
period is rs; End the number remaining
there at the date of the Report, on the
18th Of November last, was SO.
invite you to visit this Institution,
with a confident belief that any preiudi-
ces you may have imbibed against il will
disappear as you become familiar with
its workings.
Under its present management, il can
not fail TO exert bene6cent influence rs
a school of reform. In addition to its
educational training, the boys are now
acquiring habits of industry, and becom-
ing fitted for usefulness in the world, by
learning good trade. The reclamation
of the unfortunate juveniles of our State,
who are thrown upon the world with no
restraint TO prevent their acquiring habits
of vice and crime, is an indication of the
christian spirit of the age, and is worthy
of our continued and jealous Efforts
Seyenty-six boys is the extent of the pre-
sent capacity of the building--it will
therefore hold but eighteen more. can
not doubt that You will make provisions
for an additional wing.
/ am confident you will not fail to take
deep interest in the Reports of the off
GERS and trustees of the Assylums. That
at Flint, for the deaf and dumb and blind
although the bIildings arc incomplete,
has been in successful operation since,
1854, and the whole number Of pupils
connected with il since its organization, is
l2S-of whom 81 were deaf and dumb,
and Al blind.
The whole number in attendance the
last year is III; and under the superin-
tendence Of the able, enthusiastic and de-
voted Mr.. Fay and his assistants, they
have made creditable progress in the at
tainment Of that knowledge which is re-
ceived under such peculiar disadvantages,
and which in its teachings, requires the
exercise Of great patience and skill
Good progress has been made in the
completion of the uildings, and tho ap-
preparations have been judiciously and
properly expended.
The State has suffered severe loss in
tho destruction, by fire, of the main bui-
ding of the Asylum for the Insane at
Kalamazoo, particular account of which
will be found in the Report. The pecu-
mary loss, which is estimated at about
$4,000, is considerable, but the delay
and embarrassment in providing for that
unfortunate class, whose appeals are adj
dressed to the better feelings of humanity,
are far more to be regretted. Under the
circumstances, the Roard of Trustees
have acted wisely in completing the wing;
and as soon as appropriations are made
to furnish the building, it will be ready
for the reception Of ninety patients.
The Trustees and Building Commits
sioners of both of these Institutions, arc
deserving favorable mention for the strict
economy they have practiced in the ex-
penditure Of the public interests. My
opinion of the urgent necessity of the
completion Of these buildings, has been
freely expressed heretofore. The people
of Michigan are not unmindful Of their
duty to these suffering and unfortunate
classes, and will freely submit TO addition
al taxation, if necessary, TO make proper
provision for their improvement and re-
storation TO usefulness.
The military spirit, which has been on
the decline for several years, seems to
have revived lately; and from the report
of the Adjutant General, it will be seen
that there are thirty-three well organized
Independent compaies of "well uniform
ed, well disciplined, well drilled, citizen
soldiers" and that they ask slight ap-
preparation at your hands to defray Incl
dental expenses. Standing armies in
time of peace are not in consonance with
republican institutions; but for their pro
lection, safety and permanence, reliance
must always be placed upon the gaIlan-
try and patriotism of the militia. i re-
card their ambition to excel, therefore, as
commendable, and their appeal TO You TO
sustain and sanction their efforts as just
and reasonable.
By the terms Of the Act Of the 14th
Of February, 1857, disposing Of the
grants of land made to the State Of Mich
igan for railroad purposes, the several
companies TO whom the lands were grant
ed were required TO pay specific tax of
one per cent. upon the cost Of their roads,
equipments and appurtenances; and the
Legislature, after ten years, were author
lied to levy an additional tax Of two per
cent. upon their earnings. This, by
several of the companies, was deemed to