Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-01-18
Reform school.

Reform SchoOl.
The Reform School will command, a. IL de-
serves, your especial attention. All who have
boys aud know how they love liberty and must
have ii. cannot hut feel deep sympathy for thi.
class oi nninrtunates detained here. True, they
have been committed and are detained, by sen
ience of the Court. but not much for their own.
a. the fault of their parents and of society.
When consider their tender wears, large pro-
portion OF them not in their teens AMI orphans,
committed for "Truancy" Malicious Mischief"
sabbath breaking idle and Disorderly Con
duct" aud other petty misdeineanors. this school
must bc regarded by every humane person Us n
part of our educational system aud not ~ n
State Prison for boys. But il must be admitted
tina; such is the reputation. due not TO the treat
ment its inmates receive, but 10 the name the In
siitufion hears. Every boy who leaves this la
siitution has feeling. If no, looked upon
such. that he j. n graduate of the State Prison
for boys. and this feeling lac must carry with him
through life. II he learn a trade, IL l. constant
reminder of the misfortune of his youth. IL IL
the skeleton la his house from which legislation
should relieve him by changing the name of the
institution 10 that of Industrial School for Boys
We have kindred institution for girls. No one
ever thought OF giving 10 that Institution the name
of Reform School for Girls. Why should not
the boys be treated with equal consideration and
humanity The general affairs of the Institution
will be laid before YOU In the report of the snper
intcndent and trustees.
Insurance.
Every public officer, holding public funds.
should be required Ia give the usual bond
Them would seem 10 he no good reason why the
Insurance COmmi, >ioner should Dc made eNcep-
ton 20 the general rule.
~ To the insurance of our public buildings.
can see no valid reason why the state should
not exercise the common prudence OF business
men, and insure such property.
stat. Prison.
The duic, now devolyed upon the Warden OF
the STATE Prison, seem 10 me 10 require qualifica
iOns rarely found united IN one person. II thi,
institution i To be- made >elf-sustaining. | be-
licSc 10, business and financial affairs must be
separated icum the duties of Warden. and de-
NOlyCd upon a business agent of the very best
business capacity and qualifications. When the
business affair, of the institution are managed
upon strict business principles by the best skill
and ability atiainahle 1t will pay No doubt OF 1t.
The management of the State Prison and all
other Institutions, should be taken out OF politics
wholly. While Inspectors and Trustees Of
these institutions are all given Ia one party, We
NAV expect them Ia liz burden 10 the taX-pay
crs for they can hardly fail 10 bc run. not
business, hut on political principles. IL should
h. required BY Law that inspectors and trustees
of all our state institutions should he represents
tNrs OF The different political parties.
Militia.
The report "f the idjutant General will furnish
you with the full information 90 the military
organizations of the State and the expenditures
for military purposes during the year.
The wrll-Cuusdercd act of last winter provide,
for complete and efficient military system.
First the enrolment hi-cnnially, Of all able
bodied male citizen, between the ages Of eighteen
and forty five mot exempt 10 hc known the
enrolled militia of Maine. not Ia lie subject
Ia active duty except In ease Of MAR. second.
the reserve military companies organized from
the enrolled military. uniformed at their own ex.
pcn,e the STATE furnishing arms and equipments.
Third, the active or volunteer militia, regularly
enlisted fur i've year. consisting Of not morr
than thrtc regiments of infantry. ono battery v.
artillery ami one squadron OF cavalry. On =
peace footing the whole force j. limited 10 2.O2-
enlisted men. uniformed, and when On duty.
paid by ihe state.
Under the provision OF tai, act. two regiments
oi infantry, one company Of artillery and
company Of cavalry have been organized the
active military 81 the State, armed and equipped
and uniformed AZ the expense Of the STATE, con-
pri.ing In the aggregate 1854 enlisted men ami
commits, lone, officer. The work Of organization
under this act has proceeded de moro. The whole
fOryc ha. hccu enlisted differed and organized
without rrlair % the previously existing military
establishment. The Aljutant General has dis
charged his dutc, with great ability and faithful
ness. IL has been 20 him 4 labor OF love, in the
results of which he NAV indulge just pride.
The completeness and efficiency of Organization
and supervision, ii maintained and perfected by
practice will give 10 Maine military establish
mcut of surprising excellence.
The expenditures for military purposes during
the wear have not been reported.
The estimated cost of the State for maintaining
the present military establishment will require
annual appropriation OF $1,000. As the Ia"
now stands the expenditures for military purpOs-
e, are limited O9ly by the Executive. Section
l.JG of the Mtia Act provides as follows. And
e. carry into full effect the provisions OF this law
the Governor is hereby authorized 10 draw his
warrant from time TO time on any funds OF the
Treasury not otherwise expended for the purposes
thereof"
~ large discretion should not be imposed on
the Executive. IL j. a responsibility that belongs
to the Legislature. The amount Of annual expen-
iture, for military purposes should b limited by
law.
ca boao yubiiooi For what are We training
these citizens in the art of war; in the practice OF
arms :
Undoubtedly military exercises and military
discipline, when maintained AZ high standard of
excellence, should be accounted, even In times of
peace a. among the most effective agencies for
he moral and physical training Of our young
men. For such military training cannot fail Ia
impari 10 our citizen soldiers u spirit OF manly
independence and pride a love of order and neat
ness, and habits of subordinaiiOn. Besides, they
serve TO keep alive, the spirit of patriotism. Re
minded of the past glorious achievements oil our
citizen soldiers in defence of their country. they
will coyet the honors of those who have deserved
well ofther country and lament that they have not
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