Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-10-13


which we give to the public schools, that
s all.important. Almost any expendi-
ture of money, whether for the better
of the public schools,
or for securing the hearty cooperation
and interest Of the parents and guar
dians, or for training aud bringing into
the service more experienced and bet
ter qualified teachers, if it only serves
to elevate the character of the pubiic
schools aud give to the state more intel
ligent, virtuous and persevering citizens,
is economical and judicious. If 1T fail
to secure these results the expenditure
is wasteful.
| trust that this interest, whether 1t
relates to the public schools, or the high
err institutions of learning, will receive
your careful consideration.
The report of the state superintendent
will inform you of the work done our
ing the past two years. l commend MS
recommendation for legislation to your
consideration.
IL seems to me that an economical
and efficient management OF this great
interest requires uniformity OF text
hooks throughout the state, and that
there should be secured decrease and
consolidation of the number OF small
schools, which are usually intrusted to
Young and inexperienced, not to say
unqualified, teachers.
NV predecessor recommendation OF
the establishment of town Libraries l
most heartily endorse, not alone as
means of education for the young, but
also as means of continuing the work
of education and culture amcng those
who are engaged in the active pursuits
of life, and as a source of solace to de-
clining years.
STATE LIBRARY.
This library, which is very complete
in the department of American law, be-
sides being well furnished with miscei-
laneous works, has entirely outgrown
the room set apart for it in the state
house.
1t is evident that some further provl-
sion for its accommodation must soon be
! made. II seems to me that an enlarge
ment of the present room is almost lm-
g practicable, and that sooner or later
' there must be erected for its accommo-
e dation a separate fire-proof building,
= which should be kept open throughout
e the year. The library is now OF such
:. dimensions and Importance that 1t should
q be readily accessible for research and
. investigation at all times.
! BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, MANuFAc'
TUREs AND MINING.
e. The secretary's report, with the &C
e companying papers, will inform you O
ts the work accomplished during the past
ar two wears. Its work has thus far beer
,e confined to fostering the interests OF ag
st riculture. This doubtless has resulted
10 from the fact that agriculture is the more
n prominent and general interest. In
of board is concerned with the three grea
industrial pursuits of the state. Eacl
n of these industries is essential to, ant
he more or less dependent upon the other
It. for its best development, and should b
ly iudiciously encouraged and fostered b.
~. the state. / think that these interest
are sufficiently important to warrant tn
rd continued employment OF a Judiclou
ise and properly qualified secretary; ths
DIS in collecting and arranging facts an
ith statistics, making experiments, holdIn
er. public meetings, suggesting the be'
ne. methods and bringing them to the
led tention of the people, he can lind an
to pie work which can be done profitabl
q a in the interests of the state.
Div would recommend a larger appr
priation than is asked for by the boar'
eti- whose expenditure should be guarded /
ess. suitable legislation and also that Il
lst. state geologist, whose official duties lea
or. him to consideration of the mines al
nu- minerals in the state. be made an exc
ger ficio member of the board.
md THE INSANE.
en- This unfortunate class are peculiar
70 the wards of the state. Bereft of re
y son, and frequently of friends, the sta
Is will be derelict in duty if its guardia
~ - ship be not generous, active and vigllaI
'ol I have read the report of the comm
~ sioner with interest. 1t is apparently
ous 'I thoughtful and carefully prepared dt
~. an' ument. / commend it to your caref
is. rs. perusal and study. The facts and c
'l., ho ductions therein stated are startling.
am III have not sufficiently examined and q
/. o. ~ not sufficiently familiar with the tat
: W and circumstances either to adopt
IL deny the conclusions OF the commisslt
ne. J. er. If his conclusions are well found'
w. there is imperative need of immedls
80. ~ legislative action.
Pc Thatthe number of insane under ire
'He ment and needing relief should ha
l0'' steadily, year by year, increased tr'
- the foundation of the asylum, while
a.u population of the state has remain
= 20 comparatively stationary, is mat
80 80 that challenges attention and inquiry
IL IL, to the causes of the increase. May J
as,aa carefully consider this important 81
az ~ iect, ascertaining as nearly as posi-
the exact facts as to the relative incre
or decrease of insanity in our own st'
go and other parts of the country, and n
your action in the premises be wise 9
Just to the asylum, to the state, 6
mot above all to these unfortunate wards
1ety the state. | commend to your coDsid
ain alton the suggestions of the commissi
er with reference to the enactment
eter- safeguards against improper conn
ools ments, both to the asylum and to
county jails.
har-