Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-11-27
LrGIsLATURE OF VERMONT.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO VISIT
THE VT. REFORM SCHOOL.

THE VI. REFORM SOhOOb.
To ne House of RepreseHfatirss nor N session
The Joint committee TO visit the Reform school AZ
Waterbury respectfuy report, that they made their
antoipated visit on Wednesday. the 23d day Of Ooo-
Der last Our visit WAS dcsignedly unanticipsted by
theufcers Of the institutions we desired TO look IN
upon things, if possible, az they were progressing in
our observations were first directed to the buildings
The new building Ehch has been erected during the
past year, addition TO the house,
fully exsmined by 10 this the dining room,
kitchen. wash and bathing room, and the spa
cious and well appointed and suitably ventilated
dormitory, were regarded A. very indispensable i'm
provments. The out-buildnEs have also been much
improved. A large workshop has already become
necessity the present one being too sm' for rs oecu-
pants the number Of which will in ell probability be
much increased during the coming year In relation
10 this matter, commend to the favorable consider
alton Of the legislature, the suggestions Of the board Of
trustees in their last annual report
The farm sppesrd in good condition, well cared for
and improving.
We found the boys, thirty-sevcn in number except
some Of the larger ones who were aiding upon the
farm and few who appeared to be usefully engaged
in the kitchen and sewing room ia the shop, under the
direction Of the Assistant Supcrntendent, actively
gagged in seating with different varieties Of chsres
The boys seemed happy at their labor, and under
good discipline
Wenext saw them in the school room. Here we
listened to their reading spelling, Rotations in geog
rsphy and arithmetic and TO their exercises in vocal
music. which occasionally interpreted between
the Rotations. and examined specimens Of their pen.
mhushlp. we were particularly grained with the
very neat appearance Of the text books ond desks,
which were entirely free from cuts, marks and ink
stains The very excellent discipline Of the school,
Notwithstanding their frequent changes by the dismiss
o. Of those whose term has expired and the introduce
ton OF others fresh from the atmosphere Of yagrancy
and crime, speaks highly in favor Of its management
A small miscellaneous library, the gif OF different
benevolent individuals, has doubtless been Of much
benefit, and should, we think, by reasonable sppro-
pristions, from year to year be constantly enlarged
II was stated that many Of the boys had read every
book, sEd were asking for Certainly this want
should not be overlooked.
Our inquiries we've thoroughly prosecuted in regard
TO the administration Of the Superintendent Upon
seperate and strict inquiry, il appeared that his in
huence over the boys that OF father beloved in
his family tina his efforts for their reformation we're
unwesred. his counsel timely and we'll sdaI ted, his
temporary absence deplored, aud HE return hailed
with JOY. Your committee fully satisfied that the
success OF the institution thus far and it's excellent
discipline are due in great TO the unweared
and well directed labor Of the Superintendent.
On the whole We were highly gratifed TO witness
60 much Advancement within so brief pcIioi and
are clearly Of the opinion that the fostering care OF
the Legislature and Of the people Of the State. should
be thrown around this infsnt institution destined as
We hope and trust, to eiiectthe reformation Of many
OF our wsywsrd and errng youth.
All Of which is respectfully submitted.
ID. MARVIN,
l. NJ. VAN SIcKLEN, Committee
L TEssY, on the part of
L. f. PEsKKs, the House
l.. II. KELLOGG,
Nov. 90, 1867.