Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-08-08

wise and large hearted men will de-
wise and put into execution liberal
plans, as we'll for the benefit of the
Prison as for other State Institutions.
THE cHAPLArN's REPORT.
The biennial Report Of the Chap
lain Of the Vermont State Prison for
the fiscal year closing August 1, 1874,
which has just been made to the
Board of Directors, says, in sub
stance, that a preaching service for
the men on the, Sabbath with the
usual forms of public worship, and
Biblical exercise for the women has
been regularly maintained. He has
visited the inmates at their cells and
10 their shops, and privately convers-
ed with each individual, encouraging
them to good endeavors and instilling
right views and principles and melting
good resolutions. In this work, he
has been cheered by the universally
respectful if not interested attentive
ness to religious services aud ny
their generally good behavior. In
some instances, also, there has been a
reform so genuine that it has taken
root in the heart and borne fruit in
the conduct. The neat and conven-
lent Chapel prepared by the Directors
and Superintendent, in which worship
may be attended without the sight of
narrow cells and other distracting
associations, is proving a great bene-
fit. Small hymn and tune books
have been provided for all attendants
and large number Of the men now
sing very acceptably in the religious
services. The maintenance, also,
of Sabbath school, by the supertn-
tendent and keeper with other officers
and teachers, help on Sabbath morn
ings, for the study of International
lessons has had an excellent effect.
Almost one hundred volumes of inter-
esting and useful books have been
added to the library. A novelty for
Independence day was introduced Oh
the 4th of July, 1873, and repeated
this year, which thus far has proved
highly beneficial. 1t was no less than
that of celebration of the day, with
the freedom of the yard for intercourse
and every kind of amusement which
they chose, along with speeches,
toasts, songs and Instrumental music
for about one hour.
In conclusion he presents the fol-
lowing impression:
/. The importance of right home
influences and the early training of
the young cannot be over-estimated.
Not individuals alone, but the whole
State has an interest in this matter
The idle, uncontrolled child becomes
the INDECENT, vicious man. The jal
and the prison are the Legitimate re-
ceptacles of the victims Of bad homes
and street vagrancy. From sucl
uual tiers come most of the inmates Of
this institution.
2. The repression of dram-drink
ing, and the unlawful sale of intox-
icating liquors, is of the highest i'm
portance to the moral and material
well-being Of the State. More than
three-fifths of the inmates Aere are
confessedly addicted to strong drink
and a large majority of them attribute
their crime and imprisonment directly
to the baneful influence of liquor.
3. Humane encouragement to iGl
prisoned and discharged convicts, il
their endeavors to reform, is an I'M
perative duty, as well of the State a:
individuals. TO treat men as brutes
or worthless outcasts, because thu
iron door has once closed upon them
is alike poor philanthropy and BAG
policy.