The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-03-03

The managers have submitted plans Tor ad-
ditionI shops to cost some DC, 900 for material,
the prisoners to do the labor OF construction.
They also estimate that the pr SON receipts can
without additional current expense, and the
men relieved mt the same tims from constant
confinement I think the needed appropriation
should DO made to carry out the plan OF the
managers.
deslre to call your attention TO another en-
barrassment in the management OF this prison.
The law now permits courts To sentence females
to this institution, while there are no provis-
ions for their care or employment. The latter
should DO provided. or the former prohibited.
l recommend the adoption OF the latter course
aud suggest that section IL, act No. ITO, laws
OF 1879, and section 8, act No. 159, laws OF
1881. relative to disorderly persons, be so
amended as to take from the courts the power
to send females to this prison.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL,
The number of inmates la this institution
has increased steadily until enlarged accomms-
dations are necessity. A portion OF one OF
the old central buildings is in dangerous con-
dltion- The material was poor aud the con-
struction very detective. An inspection lately
made by competent builders, at my request
satisfies me that attention should be given the
matter at once.
The members of the Board of Control hav-
ing charge OF this school have heretofore been
atoms. Thus has been suspended by the modi-
tication of the law during the last session.
recommend that consideration be given TO
these subjects and such action be taken as the
exigencies require.
MoMa AN SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.
The location Of this institution at Lansing
was only settled by the Legislature in the last
hours OF It's regular session. The delay in Sc
lecting a permanent site had prevented the
management from adopting definite plan on
which to base an intelligent request for an APP
preparation.
No appropriation has been made for perma-
neut Improvement since the original act estab-
lshlng the school, The funds heretofore pro-
vided have been exhausted, and improvements
are needed to accommodate the increased de-
mand for admission. Your attention is re-
spectfully called to the subject.
EASTERN MICHIGAN ASYLUM.
The completion of the add lonal wings to
the asylum at Pontiac will render its capacity
equal TO the asylum at kalamazoo, and will ne
cessitate corresponding increase in the medi-
cal staff. The present appropriation Ia INSULT
cient for this purpose, and an additional sum
is a necessity to duly equip the asylum. /
recommend an appropriation for salaries of of
hcers for this asylum equal to that made for
Kalamazoo.
MICHIGAN REFORM SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
The Il )ard Of Control Of the Reform School
FOR Girls calls my attention to the want of ia
cilities for surgical treatment of its inmates,
and respectfully asks that section l of act 1873,
session laws of 1881, be- 80 amended as to in
clude this school. 1 commend the request to
your consideration.
CONTINGENT DAMAGES TO STATE INSTITUTIONS
by FIRE.
At present there is no insurance against losses
by fires occurring in any of the State nstitu-
tons, nor is there ana provision therefor. The
embarrassinents growing ont of the destruction
Of cir ,iarn in fha
past year cause natural feeling Of insecurity
here, especially among the managers of our
asylums.
At recent meeting of the joint boards Of
the asylums, the following action was taken:
Resolped That the Board of Trustees Of the
Eastern Michigan Asylum and Of the Michigan
Asylum for the Insane, now in joint session,
respectfully renew their request to the Governor
OF the State to recommend to the Legislature
at its approaching extra session that sum OF
not less than 100000 be Professionally appro-
priated to commence the immediate rebuild
ing OF the asylums for the insane in the event
Of their injury or destruction by fire.
Were either asylum to be destroyed most
serious inconvenience would be felt, and the
longer the delay In repairing or rebuilding the
more embarrassing would be the difficulty.
Nothing could be done until the Legislature
convened This would be attended by loss of
tme and, should an extra session be necessary,
by large expense
Would it not be wise to place within the con-
troll of some State authority fand sufficient
for making repairs or rebuilding to limited
extent any of the State buildings which may bs
injured when the Legislature Is not in session.
l have called your attention to these wants
of the State institutions, feeling forcibiy inn
pressed with their importance and urgency
from knowledge acquired by personal in
spection.
STATE FISHERIES.
My attention has been called to a difficulty
that embarrasses the commission charged with
fish culture, growing out of want OF legal au-
estate. Needed improvements arc delayed IL
consequence of this defect. The difficulties en-
countered will be presented by the Fish Com
mission in a memorial at the proper time. l
commend it for your consideration.
DAVID III. JEROME.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE. LANSING, Feb. %, 1882.