Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-05

insly, but the Legislature saw fit to refer it
to this Legislature. Several thousand dol
lars have already been raised by the friends
Of the school and more has been promised.
Aside from the question of humanity and
morals, as question simply of economy and
public policy, the State cannot afford to dis
regard the necessities of this institution. and
l trust YOU will give it the consideration its
Importance merits.
SoLbIERs' ORPHANs' HOME AT Bath.
This institution commanded the cordial
sympathy and enthusiastic support of the en-
tire state at time when its necessity was
apparent. 1t has accomplished its mission
by wise and judicious management, and is
still worth of public and private confidence.
There are forty interesting children within
its walls. well cared for. clothed, and being
educated at the city schools. By reason of
the small number of inmates. each year de-
creasing, the expense to the State is large for
each child. 1t is question for the Legisla-
ture to consider, whether the unoccupied
apartments could be utilized for other orphans
of the State. so as to enlarge its sphere Of
usefulness and open its doors wider, to the
interests of humanity.
MAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL.
This Institution has great claims on public
and private charity; every man, woman and
child of understanding, should be interested in
its success. 1t is not considered to be strictly
charitable institution, but statistics show that
a large proportion of the patients are entirely
free, while there is still another class who
pay only part of the expense. Since 1878
more than One-half of the work of the hospital
has been for free patients. But the charity
OF the institution is not limited to that class,
as few of the paying patients pay more than
81 per week, while the cost to the hospital
during the last four years averages more than
$40 per week. When we consider the cost
of surgeons fees, and skilled attendance at
home, 81 per week would seem to be small
sum. 1t is not local charity, for reports
show that every year nearly every county is
represented. Aside from the State appro-
priations. three fourths of the contributions
are received from Portland people; this does
not appear from reports except as contri-
buttons for free beds less than one eighth of
the relief is furnished TO Portland people.
The fund is small, being only $50. 900.
During the past year the total expenses have
been less than S20,0 600. The cost of keeping
up the house would not be much affected by
an increase of patients. The institution is
under the best management, and we trust
Legislature " III uOt ldll W grant It's
usual appropriation for this worthy object.
DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND.
- The institution at Hartford. Connecticut,
furnishes adequate provision for the
education of the deaf mutes of our State,
and the learning by them of suitable trades.
The faithful care and instruction bestowed on
the pupils of this institution are commendable,
and warrant the continued support of the
State. The school for the deaf in the city of
Portland is worthy of commentator. The
progress that has been made by those who
have availed themselves of the advantages OF
a home institution, where the articulating
method is used, is remarkable. This school
is worthy of patronage. The unfortunate
blind children of our State are educated at
public expense, at the Perkins Institution for
the Blind at Boston. The advantages OF
that institution are unsurpassed. There is
no lack of financial means to furnish all
needed appliances, in books and school
apparatus, and every comfort is furnished.
l would recommend that the appropriation OF
| last year be continued.
STATE BOARD OF PUBLIC CHARITIES.
l call your attention to the fact that many
States advocate and enjoy the utility and ad-
vantage that result from competent board
VI mSu anu WouSus >" Ho uclcSdltu W I'LL d
general official oversight of State institutions
| of a reformatory and penal character. There
| are in every State citizens of high character
aud attainments. imbued with a spirit of
philanthropy and humanity, who are willing
to serve the public i'll these great interests
without pecuniary reward. In our State
there may be a wide field open for reform in
our prisons, jails and reform school. good
result depends largely upon the character of
such board. The progress of reforms which
have been secured by experience. study and
research, if properly applied an;. used, would
undoubtedly still elevate the moral and in
tellectual character of our institutions, and
benefit their financial management
The COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ME-
CHANIC ARTS.
/ commend this institution and its reports
to your special interest and attention. 1t has
gained largely upon public confidence in con-
sequence of what it has done for the State. 1t
has received the fostering care of the general
government, and of our own State, and its
claims should be asserted until its efficiency
for permanent usefulness is fully appreciated.
secured and established. 1t supplements our
common school system and affords an oppor-
tunnity for more thorough and practical
education of those who intend to follow farm
ing or mechanics as a business. 1t is a col
lege for the people, and should receive pop
ular support. 1t still needs assistance in the
purchase of shop and apparatus for the
necessary development and continuance of
the department of practical mechanics. With
such aid, l am assured the institution will re-
cover from the loss of numbers occasioned
by charging tuition. The college still needs
the fostering care of the Legislature, and
rests its claim on its faith in the promise of
the State, when she accepted the grant of
land from the National Government establish
ing the college. The endowment is S132, 500,
yielding an annual revenue of 81 800 The
tuition the past year has accounted to 81 600
This is all the revenue the past wear. In
consequence of the abandonment of free
tuition, the number of scholars has been re-
duced from 100 to so. The General Govern.
ment,it is expected will render further assist
ance. and whatever is necessary to be done
| to sustain the college is worthy of your prompt
and generous consideration
The MILITIA.
Under the laws our military force is COM
posed of the enrolled, the reserve and the
volunteer militia. The enrolled militia con-
sists of all able boiled male citizens between
eighteen and forty-fve years of age, as re-
turned by municipal officers, numbering 81. =
800. The reserve militia ia organized, fur
nished with arms and equipments, but is of
l Al