Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-14

improper manner, so that the recovery OF
dered impossible.
Previous Legislatures have authorized the
trustees to erect another building, and appro-
priated funds for the purpose. No such
building has been erected. The two systems
Of hospital buildings. viz: The massive, ex-
pensive, castle-likc and prison-like struc-
lures, and what is known rs the cottage
system," deserve careful consideration and
investigation.
There appears to be a question whether the
hospital has an adequate supply of water.
This is a matter of such grave Importance,
the people will rest satisfied with nothing
less than absolute certainty that the water
supply is abundant and At command. at all
seasons of the year. The Legislature, through
its committee, can settle this question aud
secure what is of such vital Importance. II
there be any of our fellow citizens whose
condition should touch our sympathies, and
command our most considerate care and pro-
lection, they are these wards of the State,
deprived of both reason and liberty. This
subject is full of pathos. All other calami-
ties that can befall humanity are but light
Affections. and it would seem as if some were
made TO bear the accumulated woes of our
race. lest man should become wholly un-
mindful of his absolute dependence. Unsc-
quainted as am with the peculiar needs and
demands of this Institution, ! can do no more
than refer you to the official reports Of its
officers, and to pledge myselfto discharge, so
far as in me lies, my duties concerning it.
Reform School.
The Reform School will command. as il
deserves, your especial attention. All who
l.av hop l.,Sr ttnx. lnx-. "a
and must have it, cannot but feel a deep SYM
pathy for this class of unfortunates detained
here. True, they have been committed, and
are detained, by sentence of the Court, but
not SO much for their own, as the fault of
their parents and of society. When we con-
slider their tender years, a large proportion Of
them not in their teens and orphans, com
mitted for "Truancy," Malicious Mischief"
'.Sabbath- breaking" idle and Disorderly
Conduct" and other petty misdemeanors,
this school must be regarded by every hu-
name person as a part of our Educational
System and not as a State Prison for boys.
But it must be admitted that such is its rcpu-
tation, due not to the treatment its inmates
receive. but to the name the institution bears.
Every boy who leaves this institution has
feelngs~if not looked upon as such. that he is
graduate of the State prison for boys, and
tutS ittiiHS HS iiuSt WIN
life. If he learn a trade it is constant re-
minder of the misfortune of his youth. II is
the skeleton in his house from which legisla-
ton should relieve him by changing the name
of the institution to that of Industrial School
for Boys. We have a kindred institution for
girls. No one ever thought Of giving to 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 superintendent
and trustees.
INSURANCE.
Every public officer. holding public funds.
should be required to give the usual bond.
There would seem to be no good reason why
the Insurance Commissioner should be made
exception to this general rule.
As to the insurance of our public build
ings. can see no valid reason why the State
should not exercise the common prudence of
business men, and insure such property.
STATE PRIsox.
The duties now developed upon the War
den Of the State Prison seem to me to require
qualifications rarely found united in one
person. If this institution is to be made
self sustaining I believe its business and
financial affairs must be separated from the
duties of Warden and dcvolve upon bust
ness agent of the very best business capacity
and qualifications. When the business affairs
of the institution are managed upon strict
business principles by the best skill and abil-
ity attainable, it will pay No doubt of it.
The management Of the State Prison and
all other State institutions, should be taken
out of politics-wholly. While inspectors
aud Trustees of these institutions are all Civ
en- to one party, we may expect them to be a
burden to the taxpayers, for they can hardly
fail to be run, not on business, but on politi-
cal principles. It should be required by law
that inspectors and trustees of all our State
institutions should he representatives of the
different political parties.
The report of the Adyutant General will
furnish you with the full information as to
the military organizations Of the State and
the expenditures for military purposes dur
ing the year.
The well considered Act Of last winter
provides for complete and efficient military
system. First, the enrolment Of biennially,
of all able bodied malD citizens between the
ages Of Is and IS mot exempt) to be known
as the enrolled militia of Maine, not to be
subject to active duty except in case of war.
Second, the Reserve Military-companies Or
ganized from the enrolled military, uniformed
at their own expense, the State furnishing
arms and equipments. Third, the Active or
Volunteer Militia, regularly enlisted for five
years, consisting of not more than three reg.
iments of infantry, one battery Of artillery
and one squadron Of cavalry. On a peace
footing the whole force is limited to 2025 en-
listed men uniformed and. when on duty,
paid by the State.
Under the provision Of this Act two regi-
msnts Of infantry, one company Of artillery
and one company of cavalry have been or
ganized as the active military Of the State
armed and equipped and uniformed at the ex-
pense Of the State. comprising in the aggre-
gate 1884 enlisted men and commissioned Of
fcers. The work Of organization under this
act has proceeded de moro. The whole force
has been enlisted, offered. and organized
without regard to the previously existing mil
itary establishment. The AdJutant General
has discharged his duties with great ability
and faithfulncss. 1t has been TO him labor
Of love, in the results Of which he may in.
dulgc just pride. The completeness and
efficiency of organization and supervision, II
maintained and perfected by practice, will
give TO Maine a military establishment Of
surpassing excellence.
The expenditures for military purposes
during the year have been -
The estimated cost IN the Sfafe fov main