Daily Kennebec journal., 1874-02-11

read from reports and statistics, to show that
schools similar to the one proposed by the
bill had been successful in tfiitr reformatcry
measures.
Mr.. SwAsEy opposed the bill. He knew
that the proposition came with strong ap-
peal He felt that those liberal minded per-
sons who propose to donate SIP 500 toward
the establishment of the proposed school,
were entitled to grateful consideration. And
he only regretted, if the matter was of such
importance as its friends would have under
stood, that there were not more generous and
wealthy patrons who would make up the sum
required. lie would be the last man to throw
q single obstacle in the way of bringing back
to virtue single soul, that might have de-
parted from the path of rectitude, but he had
serious doubts that the proposition here would
be so successful as its friends would have it
understood. We have tried the experiment
on boys, and after an expenditure OF some
100000, are obliged to acknowledge that it
has been failure. There is not an institu-
ton in this State to day under State patron
age, but that is in lGnguishing condition,
and in need of help from the State. In car
rying forward such an institution as is con-
tempated by the bill, we should be in fnan-
cial condition as to be able to vote our money
without stint, or our success will be nothing.
Let us increase our revenues and not LET hun.
go untaxed, and our treasury depleted. Then
l am with you in the establishment Of any in
stitution of this kind, when we shall be able
to carry it on with that success which il really
merits.
Mr.. WILDER was surprised that it should
be asserted that we have not one public insti-
tuition in the State that is successful. II this
was a fact, it was time they were looked into.
He had always regarded the Reform School
as a COED institution. He regarded the ques-
ton before the House of great Importance and
was heartily in favor Of the bill He believed
school was needed for girls, as much as for
boys. He rejoiced that we have noble-heart-
ed women in our State who are willing to
launch out their dollars in order to establish
an institution like this, and he hoped the bill
would pass.
Mr.. Snow wished the indulgence of the
House for few moments while he replied to
soMe of the objections urged against the pas
sage Of the bill. One question asked and to
be answered, was "is such an institution
needed in the State?' He did not know that
there was any gentleman upon the floor OF the
House but what admits that such an institu-
ton is needed, for the cities and large towns.
but deHy that they are needed by the agricul-
tural towns and districts. The next question
to be asked and answered, is this, sis the re-
suits to be obtained, commensurate with the
expenditure asked for?' The gentleman from
Canton (Swasey) admits that his heart is with
us, but thinks from the financial condition OF
the State, that it will not be in the interest OF
economy to pass this appropriation at the
present time. He frankly admits that he Is
at loss to measure the value OF human
soul. He (Mr. Snow was in the same con-
dition, and did MT know how to measure the
value of a human SOUL He thought it fair to
e. oil
that large per centage ofthe girls committed
to such an institution, will be redeemed. In re-
gard TO the impression that some had, that the
school was intended for abandoned women,
he said that such thing was not contemrla-
ted. AS he understood it, girls from seven
10 fifteen years of age who are without homes,
vagrants upon the streets, are the only ones
to be admitted. These it is proposed, to
bring into this institution, put them under
womanly influences, educate them to enable
them to take their position among women as
an ornament to society.
Now, what are the objections to it: One
was, as he had already stated, that this insti-
tuition is for the cities, and not the agrlcultu-
raj districts; that if the cities want an
institution OF this kind, let them maintain it.
That was the argument introduced by the
Senator from Oxford, in the Senate. That
might have an influence upon the minds OF
some gentlemen; but when they come to in
vesti0ate, they would find it unworthy of any
consideration. If country towns are able to
take care of their vagrant children, why are
they not equally as well obliged to take care
oftheir own convicts which we support in the
State prison; their insane in the hospital, and
boys in the reform school? Why not oblige
them to educate their own children? In look
ing at the Treasurer's report, he found that
the county Of Oxford which the distinguished
Senator represents, receives from the State,
on account of the school mill tax, Sll ,9l6.1G,
and that she pays into the Treasury of the
State, on account of the mill tax, S9,S74.lG;
gaining little over $4,000 from that one tax.
He found from the tax on savings banks, that
Oxford county receives S7,999 "A; il pays in
to the State Treasury, 81, l,459.34, making the
whole amount received from the county of
Oxford for the support Of common schools,
Sl9,9lS.5l; amount paid into the State, Sll,-
333. so, making a balance against the county
of Oxford of ss,5s5.S1. He did not know
but what all the children in Oxford county
were upright and moral; he did not doubt but
that they were. But he thought it fair to
presume that the larger towns and cities which
had he lped to educate the children of Oxford
in the paths of virtue, should have this pitt
tance asked for to help rescue those waits
who are going astray in their midst.
1t had been asserted, as an argument
against this school, that corruption had crept
into our institutions; and it was argued from
that, that corruption will creep into this.
That argument had no weight with him. He
was as much in favor of economy in the ad-
ministraton of our State institutions, as any
other gentleman. If Ifcorruption and misman.
agement has crept into our institutions, weed
it out, and re e-organize.
1t had been insinuated that this was a Hal
lowell institution, and for this reason, he Mr..
Snow would go for it. He wished to DIS
abuse members minds of any such idea as
that. He failed 10 see that the institution was
to be of any direct benef to the city Of Hal
lowell, and he did not wish members to think
he was actuated by any such selfish motive
as that. But he was proud of the ladies of
his city, who in the kindness and liberality Of
their hearts, had been led to make this gen.
Gus offer to the State.
Mr.. SwAsEY again spoke in opposition to
the bill. Remarks in full, hereafter.
Mr.. WILSON spoke in favor of the bill.
Not only his impulses and sympathy, but his
better judgment, committed him to support
the measure. He had not given so much
time to the investigation of questions Of re-
form as some others, but he had been brought
into sunh positou hy 10 praaticn of hia