The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-06-27
THE REFORM SCHOOL FOR GIRLS


From the Lansing Republican.
Michigan is state distinguished for her
public institutions. Not TO enumerate them
spec ficaly it will be sufficiently introductory
to say that two new institutions were provided
for at the late legislative session. separate
school for the blind to take the place OF the
blind department OF the Flint asylum, and o
reform school for girls. This lastis
AN EXPERIMENT
in which the public have felt much interest,
and regarding the practicablity of which prob
ably there will be differing opinions. The sum
Of $4,000 was appropriated for purchasing
grounds, erecting buildings, and to pay current
expenses, though OF the latter there probably
will not be much before the next meeting OF
the legislature. The bill also looks to possible
donations OF land, money, or material as an
inducsment for location. II is to be distnc-
tlvely
woMEN's INSTITUTION,
the board OF control to consist OF four women
and two men, and all the employees and gov
erning force 80 far ss practicable are to be
women. The board having established a site
of not less than 25 acres, are to prepare and
adopt plan for the grounds, buildings, etc.,
which when completed shall come within the
cost and limit OF the sum appropriated. Con-
tracts are 10 be let to the lowest respo nsible
bidders. Deede, bonds, and vouchers are to be
deposited with the auditor general. The board
are required to make out and deliver TO the
secretary Of state, on or before the first day Of
January in each year, detailed statement OF
their operations and of all expenditures made
by them. The travelling and other expenses
necessarily incurred by members Of the board
are to be audited and allowed by the board OF
state auditors and paid out Of appropriations
for the institution.
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
OF the institution are to be a chairman and
treasurer, and clerk who may or may not be
chosen from the board OF control, TO be elected
at the annual meeting of the board. The
board is to meet once every three months, and
oftener if deemed advisable, and annually on
the first Wednesday OF May. They are to
prepare, systematize, and adopt o system Of
government, having reference to discipline,
instruction, and health, aud for the proper
physical, intellectual. and moral training OF
the inmates, and for this purpose one member
OF the board is authorized to visit similar in
stitutions. The school is to be conducted on
the family or cottage plan for
GIRLS FROM TO 20 YEARS OF AGE,
in which there must be thorough, systematic
teaching OF all domestic industries, which IN
du ustries shall take precede nee of trades and be
thorough education in every branch OF house :,
hold work.
When prepared for the reception or inmates
every girl between the ages OF and 40 years,
who shall be convicted before any court or
magistrate of being disorderly person, or OF
any offense not punishable by Imprisonment
for lite, shall, except in cases deemed incor-
rigible, be sentenced to such school until the
age OF q years, If the court or magistrate deem
the person fit subj ect to be committed to the
school, The board OF control may, as
REWARD OF GOOD CONDUCT,
reduce the time OF sentence. All courts and
magistrates are required to certify to the keep
or of the school the age OF every person COM
mitted by them, as nearly as can be ascer-
tanned. Sentences by police courts or justices
OF the peace are subject to review by the cir
cult or probate judge OF the county. The
board OF control may discharge or indenture,
or return to their friends, girls who are SO far
reformed as to justify it, under certain pre-
scribed conditions. Any girl who may be
found incorrigbe may be returned to the
court or mas sistrate by whom she was COM
mitted, who may pass such sentence as would
have been legal III the first instance. record
is required to be kept of the names, ages, and
religious profession, date OF reception and
leaving, and names and residence OF parents Of
all girls, with facts Of their discharge. and
destination. The board Is required to report
blennially to the legislature.