Daily national Democrat., 1860-12-22
state Reform School.

The structure for this institution is now
going up, according to contract. The con-
tyaet is, first, for the front, 2ls by 81 feet
and the south wing, y 10y 30 feet Itis al
three stories high and a part of 1t four. Thu
means the brick work, the window and dooi
frames, the joists and studding, the stone
work, the cornices and roofing, water
troLghs, down pipes and so forth. The part
known as "the front" is to be done by the
lst Of February, and the wing by the lst Of
July. The part left to be contracted for will
then be the North Wing only. The thor
ough finishing Of the inside Of the portions
alluded to-the front and south wing-will
call for another contract.
For this job, the contractor Mr.. Steele will
receive S2l,oo0,-a very moderate sum in
dcel--a low bid. but that is bis look out and
no onas else. lie has given good bonds, and
that is all that the Trustees can ask.
Mr.. Steele has now on the ground million
of good bricks, all the joists for his contract,
and most of the lime and sand and the
frames for the entire job for the front are
done or nearly so. lie will commence lay,
ing brick on Monday next, with hands enough
TO lay about 100000 in week
With reference to the site of the building
We have heretofore expressed our opinion
that there IS no necessity for removing it far
ther back from the river as contended for 10y
certain parties. We hold to the same opinion
still. According to all reasonable calcula-
tion, the present spot is as healthy as any
that could possibly be selected on the river.
Persons living along the river have been sick
with fever and ague, but it was because they
lived where miasmatic influences peculiar to
the locality in which they were situated, af-
fected them They lived near low grounds
or sloughs or the like. Besides, they slept
near the ground, instead Of having upper
rooms in which to lodge at night. Occupants
Of the State Reform School will sleep in the
upper story, above the reach Of the river
fogs for they never reach over fifteen feet in
height.
As the land lies, the School building could
not be removed more than 500 feet back O
the present site, and nave any margin Of lane
around, and that distance could make ne
great difference. The location is now G0C
feet from the river bank The South wind
would carry the river vapors altogether be-
yond its windows, and the North wind would
do the same. The West wind would be the
only wind to fear, sweeping down the river,
and that would affect the entire extent of the
land as well as the immediate site Of the
School. Besides, this west wind seldom
blows The cost of removing the present To-
cation would be at least g, 800; would delay
the progress of the work, and there is ne
necessity for it.
The Trustees are anxious to get the Reform
School into operation as soon as possible, and
if they can have an appropriation of $4,000
from the incoming Legislature, they will be
enabled 10 finish, with that sum, enough d
tie building 10 start a school in operation, b,
September nert, and to carry IL on tor fom
months, or until another session Of the Legis
lature.
1t is to be hoped that the Legislature will
make this appropriation, as it is important
that the institution should be at work as
soon as possible