Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-08-29
Aailp gtn,rtbef Journal.
Aaglsts, Tussisy Morning, Aug. 20.
The Reform School.

The Reform School
The Argus correspondent makes Gov
ernor PIaisted in his Augusta speech give
instances of 'horrlble abuse practiced up
on boys in the Reform School" The
specifications were: that boys were de-
pFived of meals, in some cases three or
four successfully; one boy said be was
logged and starved; that a sick boy was
found locked in room SO hot from the
fierce rays Of the sun beating In that a
person with him refused TO enter" and
that 1.-THE Governor was appealed to by
the officers Of the school to sign requisi-
ton papers for the return Of . boy from
another State who had run away"
The visit made by Governor Plaisted At
which he ascertained this alleged condi-
ton of things, was made in February or
March, 1882, and communicated to the
Councillors at meeting in March. but at
that date he did not make any nomination
for Trustee of Reform School, or ask them
to confirm any; nor has he invited action
subsequent to that date.
The Council Immediately made arrange
ments to visit the school. and on the 18th
day Of March. without any notice being CIV
en- to either officers or trustees. four Coun-
cillors and the Secretary of State dropped
In upon the institution and gave every de-
partment thorough examination. They
visited the boys at their work. conversed
with many Of them individually. inquiring
particularly in regard to their work. their
fare. rules, punishment, etc. In regard
to the starvation process alleged by the
Governor, the boys themselves, without
exception, said that when they were de-
prived OF their meals they were invariably
allowed all the bread they wanted, so that
in no case was an absolute fast inflicted as
punishment at any time upon any boy. 1t
also appeared by the statements of the
boys, as well as the officers. that the fog
ging alluded to was by blows upon the
hand with strap or ruler. and this was
resorted to only in extreme cases of in
subordination.
The Councillors visited the sick boy al
luded to. and found him in the last stages
Of consumption. He was attended by
young man connected with the institution
and was regularly visited by physician
He had long been past hope of recovery.
The room in which he lay had one large
window through which the sun shone dur
ing the early part Of the day. but certainly
in February or March could not have had
an effect prejudicial to person sick with
consumption. as it could not at any time
of day shine directly upon that part of the
room where his bed stood. The Council
Tors were greatly mistaken il this boy was
not receiving every attention practicable.
and was not as comfortable as he could
have been in any place not excepting a
private home. where plenty and affection
prevail.
Thomas F. Donahue of Portland, the
resident trustee and secretary Of the
board. accompanied the Council to the
school As he did Governor Plaisted on his
visit. Mr.. Donahue is democrat, and
one of the young Instantaneous of
Portland. and as a large portion OF
the boys of the school come from the city
Of Portland. he necessarily gives great
deal of time. much of it without compen-
sation. for the good of the boys in whom
he fee!s deep interest. 1t is safe to say
that he has more intimate and thorough
knowledge Of the present condition of the
school than any other man in the State ex-
cepting perhaps Hon. A. Little, whom
Gov. Plaisted would not reappoint. ri
the management is so outrageously cruel
as the Argus correspondent represents
Gov. Plaisted as saying it is. surely Mr..
Donahue would know it and he is too
much of man to refrain from letting it be
known or from working to remedy it.
Mr.. Donahue, at the visit alluded to. BY
word and act. repeatedly showed himself
to have great interest in the boys. to be in
sympathy with the workings of the insti-
tuition, and that he has perfect confidence
in the officers, which could not possibly
be the case were Governor Plaisted's pre-
misses correct.