Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-10-13

section appropriated 5000 for barn. The first
section was stricken out in the house by vote Of
179 yeas 10 % nays, and the second section only
passed.
The act Of 1873 was favored by the committee
but came near defeat. ] refer TO these bills. and
especially to the one of 1876 as foreshadowing a
policy which would entail enormous expense on
the state, and with no good but positive harm,
az believe.
The expenses now surpass the probable average
OF the prison and house of correction combined.
No officers could be more faithful in the dis
charge Of duty than the trustees and all the OFF,
GERS have been. The trustees have undertaken
much extra labor under the law of the last ses-
sion in correspondence and other ways, and have
been prompt in performing 1t. Our difference
has been in no manner personal 1t was merely
that they accepted more Of the policy which has
hitherto prevailed in the management OF the
school than could possibly subscribe to.
An item of state expense which ought to- be
borne in larger part by the towns If that OF the
reform school. The towns now nay fifty cents
per week. The trustees agree with me that 1t
should not he less than one dollar. | think one
dollar and fifty cents would be still better and
would not any more than cover the expense.
There will be many less sent under such law,
and with no bad result to the good order of the
community. We have discharged some,
quired the towns to pay one dollar and nifty cents
per week. But the people OF the town know
much better than the trustees can whether boy
really needs the restraint and discipline of the
school, or whether he is sent to get rid of him,
and shift the expense on the state. II providing
u
is required, he will not be sent to the school If
the town pays the expense, and still all will be
sent who ought to be, as the people of the town
are the suiie II this is not done The present
law requiring towns to pay fifty cents per week
has considerably reduced commitments, but not a
few improper ones are still made, and more legis
laton in this same direction will largely diminish
the numbers with no harm TO the state.
HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
Little need be added to the report OF the direc-
tors in regard to this institution, first recon-
mended by Governor Peck, and again by Governor
Fairbanks, the best remedy for the evils of the
Jail system. 1t has answered the requirement
The jais in the larger towns had become schools
Of vice and crime enormously expensive to the
state, and serving little purpose for punishment;
none for the prevention Of crime. The expenses
in 1877 exceeded $4,000, in 1880 they were less
than $4,000, and the balance of 81, 900 saved,
may be fairly put to the credit Of the house OF
correction together with the better execution Of
the law, shown by the amount and of fines
and costs paid for the last year $4,000 in excess
OF former years. The jails, in fact, exerted no
restraining influence Many of the habitual vio-
lators Of the law looked forward to winter in
Jail as sure provision for that incement season.
1t was no object TO pay fine; the state had
practically assumed to support them in idleness
for life unless the governor interfered by pardon.
The evil was increasing with great rapidity, as is
proved by the increasing number of pardons
granted to this class This the only course
for the executive and it was quite as well to do
it quickly, for 1t was no punishment to keep
them there My predecessor released one hum
dred and ninety'iive; renting fines amounting
to 5000
The saving of Jail expenses and the better col
lection of fines will soon pay the whole cost of
buildings and support Inc buildings are well
located and conveniently arranged, ana the
grounds are in good order. Mr. Simons has been
the local director from the first, and has had the
iaporing oar III planning anu erectlng the puiiu-
ings, in the details of equipment and organiza-
uon' anu, WIN new insti, SUI, , on u ne" pI,h
DEPARTMENTS
1een no slight task. ne Is entitled 70 great credit
lor ms perseverance, anu success rug PROVISIONS
wnlch now Apply oniy 10 the prison Oh cotlihuta-
tlon vi sentence iol goou oeaVior, anu aus loriA
Ins tne supe,lu'vhuoht " pay nesuy usonaI 5eu
enough 70 uihe then hoine, snoulu ne eAtehueu
IN some form 10 the mousse Oh CORRECTION
MANAGEMENT OF STATE PRISON, HOUSE OF COR
REorIoN AND REFORM SCHOOL.
The law of the last session placed the state
nrjson and the house of correction under one
board. so arranged that at least one member
shond hold over The working of that law has
been very satisfactory to me. and think IL very
imnortant that the reform school shonid he placed
nnder the same hoard Although the institutions
differ somewhat in Character vet this diff erence
does not apply to the duties Of the directors or
trustees They have little to do with the inmates
In either case il il their business to settle the ac.
counts see to the purchase of supplies make con-
tracts for labor expend the Authorizations for
new buildings and in general siineryise the busi
ness Interests of the Institution.
Now one hoard having charge of the three in.
stitntions will lie able 10 annlv what good they
find in one 10 the others and will acnuire dnrnS
their terms in the management of the three q
much better Knowledge of their duties. they will
have n better man and system of administration
Theye has been a lamentable lack Of This hereto-
fore There were for examnle three differen,
methods of drawing money and settling accounts
a dinferent ono for each If these three institu.
tons different methods of annointing sunerin.
tendents abont navinc over MONEYS 10 the stare
treasnrer about by-laws ahont The annontmen,
~ assistants and other differences ENTIRELY will
ont season One hoard Of managers will Ioo nj The
wants ~ the whole state If bniidings are needed
or asked for at nil Of them thew can indee where
tbey .re headed tho most and THAR rennrt will hs
some guide and help in legislation. Heretofore
4, haa tad tha its ina