Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-12-26
New Jersey REFORM F,r,n s,noo,.

few weeks ago we were Of a party Of
citizens who by invitation attended the for
NAL opening ofthe New Jersey State Reform
School near Jamesburg. The school had
been for short time in successful opera
ton, only small number Of boys having.
from prudential motives, been admitted at
Arst, The present number is ~. This is
meant to be an Improvement upon the
House of Refuge system, and certainly APP
pears to be remarkable success. To guard
against improper admissions, no commit
ments are allowed, except through the Su-
preme Court of the State. But once CON
signed to the Institution, these delinquents
Ne treated, not as criminals to be punished
but as children to be trained 20 industry and
virtue; as members OF the human family, to
be fitted to take their place as citizens. In
several instances, boys who were committed
by the Judges were brought thither hand
cuifed; and when the Superintendent order
ed the removal Of the shackes, and permit
TED the new corners to join the other BOYS
ut work or play, the officers in whose Gus.
tody they came were amazed, predicting
their immediate escape. But the convicts
are happier than when at large, and with nc
fence or other barrier to imprison them, they
are bound in the Institution and its officers
by gratitude and love, and evince hearty
enjoyment of their privileges. One little
fellow told the Matron. '.If you'll cnly
give me enough TO eat, Ill oe the best little
poy you ever saw, and he is en,leayor
ing to redeem his promise There has h. er
no act OF INSTRUMENTATION, and bnt one at
tempt to escape. This was the case of ,
boy beyond the age contemplated by law
Qn learning that there was to be visit Il
The school, he was ashamed to be seen ant
recognized. He was brought back mex
morning, very penitent, and lie is believed
to be now perfectly loyal. He was confined
Tor short time, and then, the boys bein.
all assembled, the Superintendent addressed
them, showing the greatness of the offence
and the injustice done to his comrades. M
impairing the confidence which had beer
reposed to them. He then left it to the pu
pills to decide what punishment should b,
inflicted. There was a silent pause, which
was at last broken by colored boy, VIII,
said; Forgive him this time, and if he doe
It again give him good whipping Tn,
rest ciapped their hands in applause AL
the pupils agreed that the forgiveness o.
TINS hrst offence should be no precedent fol
lenity If either of them should SO offend.
1t is not our aim 10 describe the system III
employment and of teaching, and The iudi.
cious management of The establishment nm
der the care OF wise and Christian Super.
intsndent, who habitually considers wha,
would be his wish and his course were iii,
children his own. Being convinced thai
reform is never hopeless in the case of ,
'ruthiui child, much thought is bestowed
ana the greatest care steadily exerted to ex
alt the standard oftruthfulness, and 10 throw
around the boys influences favorable in IN,
cultivation of veracity. The intellieence nj
shrewd New Highlander, being turned
constantly to this point, is rarely foiled I,
the detection of falsehood; and tho cbil.
dren learn that it is not merely mean and
wicked, but very impolitic to lie.
The farm consists of 400 acres--tbe Ia u
elevated. Near the centre is the buildinn
neat, plain, commodious- three stories viii
basement. -FFiends Repiew. w.