Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-04-08
RensrOlsnt Institutions Of the State.

table and Benevolent Institutions, which
show the different institutions of the State tC
be in flourishing condition aud well man
aged: a
TIE INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.
The committee found this institution in g
| fiourishing condition. There are, at this
time, fifty-nine pupils, all of whom seem to
] he making rand Advancement in their studies
and the committee was much gratihed TO dis
cover. during the exercises, how much they
have been able to acquire under the manage
ment of this institution. The committee were
Obliged to make some allowances on account
of the death of Mr.. Officer, the late Superin-
tendent of this institution frsasfssf.
The building is heated by stoves, to the
great danger from fire, and Inconvenience OF
| its inmates, as well as the enormous expense
of fuel. The committee are of the opinion
that both economy and comfort require that
all our charitable institutions should be heat
ed by steam.
THE INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND
The committee report that they visited the
Institute for the Blind, at GAINESVILLE, and
spent some time in the examination OF Its al
fairs and the condition of the buildings, ana
in witnessing the usual exercises of the pupils,
edge of ARITHMETIC, geography, history and
philosophy.
The more advanced of the males, spend a
certain time each day in making broOms, this
being a part of their education; this will en-
able them, when they leave the Institution,
~ 80. si.e ii.siii.V0d "tei.V-s ''-~ Iii -
charity.
The committee also visited the sewing
rooms, where the females, many OF them were
sewing and found much plain work quite as
well done as if they had their sight. Some
of the more juvenile Of the pupils, were found
engaged under the direction of very COM
petent young lady doing braid work.
Music is very properly one of the chief
branches of education in this Institute. Near
Iy all the pupils are to a greater or less ex-
tent musicians; many excellent performers
upon the piano and violin, nearly all sing re-
markably well, and they have brass band
of pupils that would be creditable to any in
stitution.
The committee were especially pleased with
the order of exercises adopted in this Insti
tute, the kind and affectiOnate solicitude
eyinced towards the pupils by those having
having them in charge; the cheerful and pa
tient manner the pupils applied themselves
to their studies and the laudable ambition of
each To excel. 1t is also gratifying to report
the air of comfort and happiness that peryades
every department of this institution.
The committee particularly commend this
Institute to the people of the state, and as
sure them, when they are called upon to pay
taxes which shall seem to them Onerous and
burdensome, thai only by visit to this In
stitute, can they properly appreciate the ex-
tent of good they accomplish and the amonnt
of suffering they relieve.
The financial affairs of this institution have
been conducted with economy and with a
proper regard to the interests of the state,-
for which much credit is due to the officers
and the board.
The committee found the new work shop
in an unfinished state, and feeling the neces
sity for its immediate completion, ask the
legislature for an appropriation Of six thous-
and five hundred dollars fer that purpose.
The cd wing of this institution is in very
dilapidated condition. The walls are badly
broken, the wing is constantly settling and
the committee fear that unless this wing is
taken down soon aud rebuilt, il will some day
fall, and frightful tragedy will be the result.
At present this wing is indispensable to the
institution, but upon the completion of the
new work shop, so much of it may be used
for bed rooms and other purposes, that the
use of this wing may be dispensed with for
sufficient length of time to take it down and
rebuild, which the committee earnestly insist
should be done
Great credit is to be awarded to the efici-
ent superintendent, Thos. ii. Little, and the
admirable corps of assistants in and about
this institution, for the very praisewOrtay
manner they each, in his or her capacity,
perform the duties assigned to them, and for
their affectionate regard for the unfortunate
pupils under their charge.
THE REFORM SCHOOL.
The committee report that they visited the
Reform School at Waukesha, and were much
gratifed at the good order that there pre-
vailed
During the past year building has been
erected for the accommodation of the. more
juvenile portion of the scholars, and the first
duty of the committee was to visit that build
ing, which they found to be well constructed
and designed for the purposes for which it
was intended. This building was erected at
a cost comparatively much less than any
other building erected at the expense of the
State, and this was Notwithstanding the pres
ent high prices of labor and material.
In this department were scholars between
the ages of seven and eleven years, whose
exercises in writing, photography and arith-
methetic would have done credit to any
school anywhere, and the exhibition was
highly creditable not only to the natural in
telligence and application of the scholars, but
to the teachers having them in charge. This
will also apply as well to that department in
the main building, the visit to which afforded
much satisfaction to the committee.
A proper regard is paid in this institution
to the physical as well as mental develop
ment of the pupils.
The committee have no hesitation in say
ing that the Reform School is conducted un-
der a system of the most rigid economy, and
with careful regard to the interests of the
State.
The superintendent, DR.. Barrett, is zeal
Gus worker in the cause of reform, keeping
constantly in his mind the interests of the
state, and managing this ins' tuition as he
would his own household affairs, on the score
of economy, in which, in addition to his own
efforts, he has the efficient aid of the other
members of his family.
Too much credit cannot be awarded to the
board of managers of this institution, for the
creditable manner it is conducted; but the
committee feel that special commentator is
due to Mr.. Elmore, who has been one of the
managers since its organization, and has per-
formed from the commencement to this time,
the duties of Secretary. Mr.. Elmore having
removed to Green Bay, and his term expiring
this spring, he minated his purpose to re-
tire from the board, but upon the unanimous
request of the committee, has consented
again to accept the position.
The committee are of opinion, that this in
stitution has not received from the Legislature
in times mast that consideration that IL mer-