The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-01-15
l,5c2,4O9 81

cation by giving such shape to his last report as
makes it substantially educational history of the
State. 1t is resume i'll which will be found So
statements of the Congressional land grants the va
rinus formative and aIendatOry acts OF State legis-
ation and the practical trials and triumphs out o.
which has been evolved present educational sys-
tenn. Intermngled with the recital of facts are per-
lnent observations touching the and effects
once of present needs and of the scope and necessi
ties of the widening future. 1t is with the remem-
brance of the early difficulties and dangers with
which our educational interests repeatedly be-
set that their present firm footing aud assured future
are cause of special qualification The good effects
OF thel law apportioning current funds upon enroll
ment rather than upon numerical basis, continues
to be shown in various ways.
Teachers institutes amounting t. thirty-one weeks
have been held in eighteen different counties, with
al aggregate attendance of 1868 teachers of our
public schools. 1t is noticeable that twenty
county superintendent spoke in their reports of the
beneficial results of these institutes and commend the
plan of employing the principals and instructors of the
normal schools to teach in them in connection with
other experienced institute instructors. The super
intendents report contains full account of this inn
porant work, which will be read with interest by the
friends of progress in public school teaching.
Under the so-called Merrill text book law as
amended last winter, about onethrd of the districts
had ordered books of the contractor to the 18th Of
November last. The demand for them increases as
districts replace WORKOUT books in prior use
The introduction of the books is thus gradual,
and is estimated that in about forty districts
in one hundred they have been more or less intro
duced. They give general satisfaction and there is
re -, to believe they will come into general use
wit,4.n the time prescribed by law. Their average
cost per district has thus far been $27.6l.
The act for the encouragement Of higher educa-
ton enacted by the last legislature, is favorab]y
hced by the superintendent who gives cogent rea-
sons for lis SUPPORT well orneeded amendments
which are commended to your attention. Charles S.
Bryant, ESQ.,, appointed to complete the ''high
school board and also selected its secretary
He entered zealousy upon his duties for the faithf
performance of which he is fitted by long experience
tn a6n jntor Ty& Tho
superintendents report tables given showing that
pupils have undergone examination in sixteen
schools applying for the benefits of the act and that
applications from twenty additional schools await ex-
animation. The operation of the law bids fair to
justify the most sanguine hopes of its friends, in
filling the gap which has prevented the connecting
grades and efficient unity Ing desired in edu-
catonal system.
The effects of the improved courses of studies and
of the more thorough work in our normal schools
continue to be seen in the more practical results
achieved The report of the State normal board rep
resents that an increasing proportion of the gradu-
ates of these schools is being annually sought for
I'LL positions in the highest grades of teachings and
it is claimed that while of sister States
hibit more economical or efficient manap ement of
these schools, in no State are they more advanced
earnestly request your attention to the represent
atoms OF the board, respecting the "esstyi for
certain repairs in the school building at Winona.
Nothing has been expended upon this building for re-
pairs since it's erection ten years ago. and if this ne
glect endargers the whole structure is reported
IN consequence OF the decayed and leaky condition
wise precaution to take that prompt action which will
avoid the large expenditures to be demanded to
rescue valuable property from needless destruction.
Your attention is asked also to the wants of the
schools at Mankato and St. Cloud set forth by the
board.
deem it unnecessary at present to add anything
to the statements heretofore made relative to the
condition of the State university The stable font
ing The institution has attained. and the annually
enargng sphre of its usefulness give promise that
with the broad groundwork afforded by our richly en-
dowed common schools, the educational facilities of
our young State will keep pace with the proud marcel,
OF her material develo ment
STATE PRISON.
The report of the State prison inspectors shows an
increased average number in confinement during
the year.
The current expenses were $46,238.74 and the
earnings 1926, being net cost for maintenance
OF So 48238 or S10O.36 per convict, which is de-
crease from the cost of the preceding year, and ex-
hibits continuance of the economical management
which has heretofore characterized the institution.
The improvements for which an appropriation was
maze Dy the asst legislature have been completed
and there are now accommodations for 296 convicts
an excess Of seventyeight the number in actua
confinement at the close of the year. The curren
expenses Tor the next two years are estimated a
SlO5OO0; in addition to which sum exceeding e45-
0Oo is requested for various purposes specified,
While no reasonable expenditure requisite to the
best management of the existing prison should be
withheld feel renewed conviction that steps look
ing TO the erection of another prison should not be
longer delayed, and therefore earnestly renew my
recommendation OF last year upon this subject. The
reasons tnen urged for this action remain in unim-
pared 1orce For due attention to all considerations
involved in matter of such Importance, much time
IS required for preliminary work in testing the rela-
tive merits of prison improvements in the selection
OF SITE adoption of plans and other preparations,
WINE me process of construction is necessarily q
WORK OF time. If it be not commenced at this ses-
sion two years must elapse before any action can be
taken, which cannot but believe will prove an I'M
wise delay as the full capacity of the present prison
will probably then have been nearly or quite reached
Another consideration worthy of mention is the on
portunity which another prison will afford for the
greater separation Of the moro hardened criminals
from new offenders. which has been followed nv
sautary results in other States. The ad, antaees of
9 site before recommended for the new structure,
near the granite quarries at Sank Rapids, in close
proximity to abundant timber supplies are obvious
The situation is at once central safe and convenient,
afordlng an opportunity for the employment of con-
vict labor in the heavy work of preparing and moving
building materials without bringing it into that COM
petition with honest labor which is justly felt to be
grievance The EMPLOYMENT of corvic labor gre IT.
~ reduced the cost of the Illinois State prison at
Chester, and the Iowa prison at Anamosa: and il
has betn found that certain classes of con-
vets can be advanageousy employed in raising Veg
etabes aud oher products where the size affords
land and opportunity for the purpose.
STATE INSTITUTIONS.
The condition OF the several eeemosynary and
other supported by the Stale is thorough
set forth by their respective annual reports which
afford ample classified statistics and statements OF
their transactions, wants and prospects.
Inc State refo..: school makes is twolfth annual
repor from which appears that it has received 1874
boys since its commencement in 1863, Of which 143
were inmates the past year The increase facill-
Ties for teaching the useful arts is attended with sa,-
tary results, large portion Of the discharged in
mates being not only reformed in conduct but forti-
ned against temptation by mechanical instruction
"hch speedily enables them to find honest employ
ment. no FAR as known at least 95 per cent. Of all
VINO go out OF the institution saved from criminal
hves. The corrective md durable Influences and the
admirao q hnancis management of the in .titution
entltle 1t to the cordial support Of the State and
rene" my former recommend 4tions that il be placed
upon footing similar to that of the other ms buttons
owned and controlled by the State
Inc sixteenth annual report OF the institution for
the zeal DUMP and blind shows that the total attend
ance during the year was 1919, of whom 18 were in
the department for deaf mutes 81 in that for the
blind. The new pupils admitted in both departments
during the year numbered eighteen. The general
health has been excellent, and no death occurred
during the year. The report show that the school
ia divided into six intellectual and five industrial
classes, and the benehca. results of more varied and
practical instruction, afford additional proof that to
"unite a thinking brain with skillfu hand ia tho
way to elevate labor. There ia continued evidence
that GLASS of unfJ Inmates who PEG arly touch the
sympathies Of the humane, receive COM Client and
faithful under the present managel.e nt of tho
institution
The rapidly increasing necessities for the proper
care Of the insane will again claim your prompt al
tention The twelfth annual report Of the hospital
shows that $50 patients were under treatment al the
close Of he year, being al increase of 81. OF the
w"ole number of inmates 100 remain in the temporary
buildings, leaving in tho permanent hospital $50