Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-10-11

We have also general laws for the orpaniza-
ton Of corporations, changing names, and the
like, to which those asking private acts for
these purposes can be referred, and il the
general law is inadequate, its provisions can
be extended We have already made prog
ress in this matter Compare the Session
Laws Of 1872, 1874, and 1876 The latter year
book has only POI pages of private acts against
4Sl in the former, or less than one half At
the Session Of 1874 over fifty bills Of this
character were rejected, which if passed, as
had been the previous custom, would have
made the volume as large as that of 1872
The mere cost to the State of printing this pri-
waite matter is no uncomfortable item.
As an example of how readily improper
provisions in special acts escape notice in
their passage through the Legislature I will
cite one act passed at the last session. Three
savings banks were incorporated, and all Of
the charters contained the same restrictions
as to the investment of their funds, substan-
TALLY as follows IAN deposits shall be man
aged and improved by loaning on mortgages
of real estate, except to an amount not exceed
ing one half the amount on deposit, which
said sum may be invested in the purchase of
stocks of the United States, or any of them,
in bank stock of any bank in this State, or in
States, or in undoubted personal security"
But in one of these acts the words 'Or other
rise as the trustees shall direct" are added.
thus destroying entirely the force of the linn
itation
Governor Peck, whose judicial training en-
abled him to detect, at a glance, au improper
provision, sent to the House during the one
session of his administration four veto mes
sages-all upon acts of incorporation. The
people of Illinois found it necessary in 1870
to forbid, by constitutional provision, all or
binary classes of special legislation and to de-
clare that ''where general law can be made
applicable, no special law shall be enacted"
New York and Pennsylvania have since fol-
lowed this example.
Every man who has a conscientious regard
for pure and safe legislation would regret to
see us take any step backward in this matter,
and there is still room for progress in the right
direction.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
The good management and general success
of this institution are SO well known to the
people of the State, that no special mention
is needed. The land (about 1870 acres) is of
excellent quality, but was not in good condi-
ton when purchased. Much has been DONE
and is being done, to improve it, the boys do
ing all the labor under the direction of the
farmer. | think, however, still more of the
boys labor might be employed in improving
and bringing it to a high state of cultivation.
The labor yields but little (about fifteen cents
per day on the work of seating chairs and
it would be economy for the State to make
the farm model of cultivation and produc-
ton. No industry will exert so good an in
fuence upon the wards of the State morally,
mentally and physically, as farm labor. None
will stand them in so good stead in after life
The Superintendent has frequently asked
that machinery be introduced to carry on
some complete manufacture. This would be
much better for the boys as it would teach
them some trade, and ought to prove more
profitable for the State. But mistake in
this direction would prove expensive, and be-
fore any action is taken the matter should be
thoroughly investigated by sagacious business
men, acquainted with various industries, who
will gather the experience of similar institu-
lions in other States, and present facts and
figures, on which the State can act under
standingly. More room for the boys depart
ment is asked for. An appropriation was
made two years ago for a new barn, and also
to afford the additional room for the boys by
raising the roof of the old gun-house. But,
understand, that after building the barn, the
amount remaining was not sufficient for the
contemplated changes, and was used for en-
larging the house occupied by the girls.
Additional room for the boys would certain
ly be desirable if the number is to continue as
large as at present. Whenever made, it would
be true economy to do the work in a substan-
tial manner, with due reference to safety from
fire, and have plans submitted, with bids for
the material and construction complete, be-
fore making the appropriation.
The Superintendent reports the cost for
the past year at S117.20 per capita, which
figures compare favorably with those of SINH
lar institutions in other States
STATE PRISON.
The reports of the Directors and other Of
ficers will show you in detail the affairs of this
institution.
The officers seem to have discharged their
duties faithfully. The Directors ask for an
addition to the main building and it is true
there is not sufficient cell room for the prison.
ers now there Anew wingwa built three years
since, which was designed to be large enough
to give all the room that would be required for
many years to come.
The number of prisoners has increased rap
idly in the last four years, in 1874 it was 50
i'll 1876, III, and in 1878, 17G We are no
worse off than other States in this respect as
the prison statistics of the country show that
the number of convicts in the higher prisons
has nearly doubled in the last six years We
may, then, with some reason hope that the
time is an exceptional one and look with n re-
vival of business for decrease of crime. The
Directors in 1872 and 1874, in their reports,
oppose the policy of sentencing convicts for
minor offences and short terms to the Prison,
and their view is obviously correct
The Work House has seventy eight cells for
males, and might keep some more in less Sc
cure quarters-about one hundred in all
there is no increase in crime perhaps suffi-
Gently.
The prison grounds embrace about three
acres Of land, and large part of this is COW
cred by the buildings. From their location
and arrangement with reference to each other
any plan for an addition needs to be very care
fully matured, and with the greatest possible
foresight as to the probable future policy and
requirements of the State, with reference to
the Prison.
In this connection, and at the risk of being
charged with trenching upon ground outside
my proper limits, I must refer to the PERM
cious and growing custom of filing many
State Offices and especially those having
charge Of these State institutions from among
the members of the General Assembly. Such
choice is wisely forbidden by the constitutions
of some States. The evils which result from
this course here during the session can be
readily understood and appreciated without
mention, and viii refer only to those lesser
ones affecting the institutions themselves and
the expense of supporting them. They are
great business enterprises, costing the State n
large sum yearly, and should be conducted in
a business way. We need in their manage
ment the best Judgment, technical knowledge
and experience that the whole State affords,
and to fill these offices in any other way is an
expensive mistake. They are, however, too
often distributed as personal or political re-
wards. We sometimes change all the officers
at the same time. Every new set of officers
wish to mark their term of Office by some de-
parture from the course of their predeces-
sOrs
wiser system would secure greater econ
omy, better discipline, and a more permanent
and continuing policy in our administration
of these institutions
| WORKHOUsE.