National Republican., 1880-08-26
A FROLIC FOR THE BOYS.
The Reform School Youngsters Down the
River.
An Excursion which was Thoroughly En-
ioycd-Fun and Big Dinner
at smiths Point.

The boys Of the reform school were treated
to an excursion yesterday. II was quite q
novel alIdr and proved TO be an entire sue.
cess. The boys, to the number of $50,
ranging in ages from eight to eighteen
years aud composed of whites and blacks
m about equal numbers, arrived at the
Scvculh-stiuct wharf about o'clock
having been brought there in several Of
knoN's large omuibnscs. without much de-
las the steamer John w. Thompson sailed
with nbou; As happy a load as has gone down
the Potomac this season. The boys were on
their good behavior aud took special pains to
show that they intended to do everything in
their power to have good time rs well as to
show that even reform school excur.
sion Gun bo an orderly affair. As soon
as the steamer left tho wharf Mr.. 4. J.
Falls, ono OF the board of directors
Of the institution, made an announcement
to tho boys us follows: This boat has been
TUNED over to you completely, and itrcmains
with you whether or not you will he allowed
TO COutnue In charge Of it. You can do as
you choose, and have all the fun possible 50
that you keep within the bounds Of proprieiy
and good conduct Ailcr a pleasant sail
Smiths Point was reached. The party
landed in order, and consent hav-
ing been given they made rush
for the water where, under proper re-
strictions, they were allowed to bathc as long
as they desired. The scene along the beach
was lively one--in fact, it was all life. This
over, some Of the boys made up boating
parties, while others got their iishing.tackle
| in readiness. Many Of the boys bad plenty OF
| fun In catching crabs, which, by the
way were very plentiful About the
| time they had become to get plenty OF
fishing and sailing they wero told TO charge
on the woods near by and capture a tempting
lot Of good things in the shape Of cakes, fruits,
| Watermgluus, lemonade, ice.crcam, etc, which
| had been prepared for them under the personal
| direction OF Mr.. Falls and Dr. Joseph. The
ealables and drnkables disappeared in
short time, every one having suili.
! cienL and just what particular thing
| lie wanted. The boys showed the pcr.
feet discipline uador which they are kept,
! the banquet being consumed without any
noise or disorder. The superintendent Of
| the school was absent on account Of illness, but
Mr. Greeley, tho assistant superintendent, was
On hand, aud had charge of affairs About 3
| o'clock the boys fell in and marched to the
steamer which started on its return. On the
| way up the time was passed pleasantly, the
| boys singing gloos and chorusus, and in other
ways indicating that they had a good time
| and thoroughly appreciated it. The Thomp-
| sou was struck by the storm near Alexandra,
but she passed through it without any Gilh-
Guilty, the boys seemingly enjoying II as much
~ "a t''N 2A'llhb Na9 SLlyollls 1 hN " ANAA ~
this city was made about hallpast o'clock
and Mr.. KnoXs omnibuses being on hand
| they were soon on their way to the reform
school, whore they arrived Just rs the bell fol
| supper was ringing, safe and sound, but aw'
fully tired rs one of the boys put it. The
captain of the steamer said as the boys
were leaving her: That party Of boys showed
more good conduct than many of the Sunday
schools that we had on c-5urs:ars"
| MI. Fails Wa Very 1uu.,h ,,,utiGuI Wit
the Wy the hoys Conducted themselves. Said
nc: This was to great extent au expert
ment, and am glad to say that it ha. pleased
rs. The roiorn school is not u prison in any
sense. The boys are unfortunate that is all
aud all means that can aid US in our en-
dcavOrs 10 make them grow up good mer
will be taken By US. We get these boys tt
improve them and We decided on this As one
Of the ways
The boys last night passed a vote of thank!
10 Colonel Lowell, OF the Inland Steamboat
company and to Mr.. Knox for their kindness
The money with which the expenses of tht
excursion was pnid was contributed by til,
members Of the board Of directors