Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-29

sets of first class carpentry tools for class
of twelve boys, and . set Of tools for general
use az occasion may require. The capacity
of the Building is sufficient to accommodate
- many more, and will be ut once equipped
and made ready for . like number of boys.
1t is also intended, At an early day, to furnish
the shop with machinery for working wood,
30 that the boys may obtain practical knowl-
edge of the use and management of machines.
Mr.. H. H. Houghton, an experienced me-
chanic has charge Of this department, and
the beginning promises success. It il hoped
that the full class of twenty four will be
made up during the ensuing January. The
cost of the mechanical building, benches,
tools and salary of the master mechanic are
| within the appropriation for the year 1888.
class has been made up and commenced
work on the 2lst of the present month.
CONDITION OF PROPERTY.
Neatness, order and care characterises the
school building, barn, farm and other prop
erty of the institution.
WATER SUPPLY AND VENTILATION.
The water supply for the various purposes
of the institution, i. not only insufficient but
is poor and at times unwholesome and entire
ly inadequate in case of fire. Some of the
apartments of the school building need re-
pairs and better ventilation for the comfort
and health of the inmates. In view of these
facts and not unmindful of the expense the
State incurs in the maintainence of this
school, it is believed it would be wise policy
to appropriate sufficient money for an abun-
dant supply of pure water, and the repairs
and ventilation named.
CLASSIFICATION AND SEPARATION OF In
MATES.
Some discussion has of late arisen upon
these questions relating to our Reform School.
It is plain what reform schools need for their
reformation, 10 wise system, administered
by gifted and we'll trained officers. What
the boys need 10 constant stimulus to good
behavior-not merely the distant hope of
future good or ill, but the daily presence of
a motive to do right and continual growing
into habit of doing right. In this way they
will become weansd of their bad habits.
1t has been said that "Society is like an edi-
fee, composed of materials the most diverse
which is held standing by the mastery man.
ner in which they are mingled. If all the
bad should be placed on one side alone, We
should obtain frightful quintessencs of vice,
and the remainder, becoming weakened by the
absence of anything to contend with, would
probably soon change over the same side by
natural deterioration" If this is true of
general society, is it not applicable also to
criminal society?
1t is believed it is not expedient or for the
best to classify the boys in our reformatory
institutions according to character, age or
crime. And being most favorably impressed
wish the practicabiity and utility of the
''familv system" of government in these in
situations as distinguished from the congre-
gate system, that here the classification
should not be arbitrary in regard to age,
character or crime.
MONTHLY SOcIABLEs.
The large upper room that has been fitted
up with curiositiss, pictures, and for evening
sociables and entertainments, where the boys,
dressed in their best, hold exhibitions, play
various innocent games, monthly, under the
care of one of the officers. is q strong stimu
lus to insure good conduct, and is open to all
the classes alike.
VISITING AGENCY.
1t is suggested that the law should provide
for the appointment by the Governor, of a
suitable person as visiting agent, believing
that such would be highly beneficial, who
should be required to visit the wards of the
State placed in families, to ascertain wheth-
er their rights have been invaded, and
whether all contracts in their behalf have
uccu uuly OpoCIVcu, W APPEAR OSlOic ulaSiS-
trates and courts in behalf of children who
are liable to commitment to any of our re-
formatory Institutions, and in proper cases to
ask that the child, instead of being sent to q
reformatory, should be placed in a suitable
family, it being made the duty of the agent
to seek out families willing and suitable to
receive such children. 1t Is believed that the
execution of the duties of such an agency
would not be very difficult nor very costly,
that better homes, treatment and training
would be secured, and would considerably
decrease the number of boys and girls in our
reformatory institutions, and would bring to
the knowledge of the courts and of the public
many facts concerning Juvenile delinquency,
which ought to be known and acted upon.
The experiment in other states fully justifies
and sustains the wisdom and recommenda-
ton of such an agency.
l cannot conclude this report without ex-
pressing qualification at observing the hearty
accord that exists between the Board of
Trustee. and the Superintendent and his as
sistant in the management of the institution
for the best good of the boys, and it is be-
lieved they have discharged the difficult and
important duties imposed upon them with
credit to themselves and the institution.
Respectfully submitted,
W. w. BOLSTER.
Auburn, Me-, Dec. 81, 1883.