Daily Kennebec journal., 1878-02-04
Treatment of Pauperism, Vice and
Crime.

The annual report of the Board of State
Charities of Massachusetts, takes up and
discusses in an interesting manner the
best means of teaching pa1perism, vice
and crime. in connection with other
public institutions. Under the head OF
Sanitary Agencies. including food arr
water, drainage and sewerage. the report
places cork as an agency OF vast lmpor-
tance in such Institutions. Exercise, IN
dustry. occupation of body and MINT are
regarded as powerful antdotes to pau
nurism. crime. disease aud insanity. A.
the subject of work in connection with
the tails in this State is one of public IN
terest at this time, the opinion of The
Massachusetts Board bearing upon the
question is of special importance to our
people at this time:
There are special reasons" they say,
"why work should be eXacled OF the in
mates of public institutions.
First When an individual is supported al
the public expense. justice demands that
he shall render an equivalent in work, AS
far rs possible.
Second. The principle Of economy on
the part of the State requires that it
should command the services of its wards
as far as they can possibly render any 1t
should be the duty OF the State. in estab-
fishing public Institutions, to make suita-
BILE provision, in the purchase OF land and
erection of buildings, whereby all per-
sons confined in them, aud supported by
the State, shall work, thus contributing
something towards their sui port. Bat
the pecuniary gain comprises only small
part of the consideration.
Third. Such are the laws of the human
system. that health, and the highest inter
ests of both the body and the mind,
require exercise. The sick and the aged,
who are too feeble or too infirm. are OF
course, exempted. The kind Of exercise
may be varied it may be walking or rid
ing; in ptacticing gymnastics or some
hiUu Ol SppltS VI IL iAitsf " ishh III sDhiN
kind of useful employment. Not only the
highest degree OF health is thus secured,
but the comfort and happiness of the
individual The appetite and digestion
are improved, sleep and rest made more
refreshing. and every faculty of the mind
more composed and eontented.
This law OF exercise is particularly ap
plicable TO the inmates of an institution.
Not only their habits and character are
improved. but the order and discipline OF
the institution are by this means promot-
ed. The contrast between two institu-
tions, one where the inmates q nerally
are put to work. and another where
only small portion find employment
is most striking in the quiet
ness. the good order and healthy express
sion This law of work or employment
should be faithfully applied in all our pub
lie institutions; the more systematically
and thoroughly it is done, not only the
more will it diminish pauperism. crime
and insanity, but improve the condition.
habits and character of their inmate
The conclusions arrived at above agree
with the opinions of those in this State
who have had the best opportunity to in
vestigate this subject, and have given it
the most intelligent consideration. Just
as soon and as far as work can be applied
to our jails. with due regard to economy.
the better it will be for the inmates and
the public also.