Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-10-03
The stats Rerarm sehoo,

The recent partial destruction of this insti-
tuition by fire has naturally awakened desire
in the public mind to know its history and
practical results. That there is a widely
spread impression that it has failed of its legit.
innate purposes, to greater or less extent, is
most evident. But while parties, hostile to
the school, are loud in denouncing it, the dis
corning and the philanthropic demand facts
and statistics, and reserve their Judgment till
these are furnished from reliable sources.
One inquiry of importance, in deciding the
general question, is, the cost of supporting this
institution, compared with other institutions of
similar character. Another is, what proper
ton OF the boys committed to the school are
thoroughly reformed, and go out into society
to become useful and honorable citizens? At
ter long and careful investigation, aided by the
present and past officers of the school. the
writer is able TO furnish the following answer
to these questions.
The number OF boys committed to the Re-
form School since its opening in 1913 is
2537 the number of inmates at the present
time 5O7 the number known to have deceased
is AZ; this leaves total of 1888, whose history
is the subject Of our inquiry. Of this numbes,
the career of about 800 cannot be traced with
Certainty. This comprises the boys who were
committed ON short sentences those who were
in feeble health; those who have left the
State ; those who were committed under as
sumed names, etc.
The history and character of 1863 boys who
have been inmates of the school have been as
certalned 2ol OF these have turned out badly.
inns is fourteen and one-seventh per cent, OF
all who have gone forth from tho Institution.
In this calculation, in all cases of doubt the
doubt is reckonpd against tha insfifution oil
though III large number of instances, the
pFO6dOtdttes were in favor of thorough refor-
nation.
This is better record than has ever been
claimed by the Trustees and, considering
the disadvantages under which the institution
has labored, rom want of the means of
proper classification; the advanced age of the
majority OF boys when committed and the
great number OF short sentences, it is better
result, the writer confidently believes than the
truest friends of the school have ever yentured
to hope for.
But, as will be evident to any one familiar
with the school, this does not exhibit the actu-
al results Of the training and discipline of the
institution. 1t is well known that provision is
made IN the statute for the remanding of such
boys committed to the school as the trustees
find on brief probation to be confirmed and
hopeless criminals Such are sent to their al.
Tentative sentence in the House of Correction,
and are not therefore the subjects of the Re-
form School discipline. Deducting the num-
Der thus renanded, l26, We have left, as the
true result 1872 reformed boys in a total of
1862 graduates, which is 73s per cent.
In regard TO the expense of the school at
Westbcro', compared with other kindred in.
situations, the following table, compiled from
pubnshed reports for 1858, will show the cost
per capita IN the institutions named -