Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-06-23
The Industrial school.

The Managers Of the Industrial School for Girls
at their meeting June 18th, gratifed to learn
from the reports of the Superintendent and Mat
ron, and from personal examination that the az
fairs of the school have been faithfully admins
tered, and that it has succeeded IN its benefcent
work beyond the most sanguine expectations OF
its friends.
During the present quarter, seven girls have
been committed to the school and two returned
from homes. or hose committed this quarter,
i. from West Wstervlle; from Dresden; from
Rock land; from Saco. and from Bucksport
The present number is 81, and there are eleven
applications for admission. For more than year
past there have been applications constantly op
record beyond the accommodations ofthe school.
Another building, il provided, would probably be
very soon filed, and the usefulness of the institu
ton would thereby be greatly increased, as an
additional building would afford much better ia
clities for classification and discipline.
The whole number committed to the school
from the beginning is Go
The number placed in homes, 20
returned to there friends, 3
run away,
died,
The number now in homes. is "a. These with
a few exceptions, are reported as doing well. Some
are received into families where they live and are
treated daughters.
The improvement in work, school duties and
department, is on the Whole satisfactory. IN some
cases very marked improvement Is observed,
amounting almost to a transformation OF chalac.
ter. stubborn and ill-bred children have be-
cone well behaved and comely in person and
department. According to all the indications,
which may be taken AS a basis of judgment, it is
the opinion ofthc Superintendent that from
enty to eighty per ceat. OF the girls committed to
the sch col will be saved and fitted for respectful
and useful positions in society. Three only of
the sixty-six thus far received, have been dis
missed incorrigible.
During the past year there has been a decided
improvement in the department Of the children.
Trey arc allowed ample opportunity for recrea
ton, but are strictly confined to the limits of the
school grounds. They seldom pass the limits ex-
cept by special permission, though the boundary
line, in some parts, is only mag mary, and around
the whole there is only avery imperfect enclosure.
There abundant opportunities to escape in
spite of the utmost vigilance. The children are
prevented from such adventures, only by the
moral force of the school discipline. They have
come to regard running away and other msde
mesnors dlsreputable. They are jealous of
the reputation OF the school, aod quick to resent
any unfavorabe criticisms from outside. These
elements of self respect are carefully encouraged
by those in charge of the school. The health Of
the children has been remarkable good, as m ght
be expected from the airy and. pleasant location
of the buildings
The institution has passed the stage of expert
ment. Its importance and its benefcent results
in the judgment of the Managers, are fully dem
onstrsted. No charitab,e institutions has strong
er claim upon the generous considerations Of the
public.