Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-05
biz, indic.tiug the ftugality of the industrial

organized Nav 9th. 1927. There are now
in active operation 55 all but six of which
have been chartered since 1865.
In 1880 the deposits were 41.465,f51 IS
In 1870 the deposits were i6.o.e.ss %
In 1850 the deposits were 1870 -
In 1ss the deposits were 26.sf,55S :!
In 1852 the deposits were 2s,Sssees 81
The full and concise report of the Bank
Examiner furnishes the State with much val
liable information. twill be seen that very
MANY of the securities held by our Savings
Banks will mature during the next two years.
which will necessitate a corresponding
amount of new investments. In view of this
he recommends that a broader field and more
power in the matter of invest
ments be given to their managers.
On the ground that the earnings of Savings
Banks must necessarily grow smaller as the
old securities mature, and new investments
are made, the Bank Examiner calls attention
to the fact that the State tax of one per cent.
on the deposits has become disproportionate
to their income, and recommends that rea-
sonable reduction be made. These are ques-
tions worthy of the careful consideration of
the Legislature.
The STATE PRIsoN.
In the forthcoming report of the Warden
and Inspectors of the State Prison, you
will find detailed statement of the
affairs of that Institution. The number of
prisoners Nov. Both, 1882, was l4i, a falling
off of 81 since the corresponding date of 1881.
There is a marked increase in the number of
life sentences. In 1870. the number was 10
or per cent of the whole number of con-
victs, in 1876, it was Is or 10 per cent. now
the number is sc or % per cent. The net
cost to the State for the past two years above
earnings has been about $50 per annum to
each convict. The manufacture of shoes be-
ing a losing business has been abandoned,
and that of carriages increased. The disci-
pline is excellent, the work in the various
shops and the sales of the products very sat
isfactory. The introduction OF steam power
would add greatly to the capacity of the work
shops and would~in the end be an economical
investment, both for power and for heating
purposes. There is a balance of the indebt-
edness contracted prior to 1880. amounting
to $50, 06G. "A with interest that has accrued
since June, 1882, still unpaid. 1t was tenn
pOrarily provided for by the Treasurer OF
State on recommendation of the Executive,
and should with an other bills of indebted
ness be paid with the least possible delay.
recommend that such provisions be made.
INSANE HOSPITAL.
There is no public institution which has
higher claims on public and private sympathy
and action than the Hospital for the Insane.
The dreaded malady insanity visits alike the
palace and the cottage, and all classes are
equally interested that wise provisions be
made for the speedy restoration if possible
and for the safety and comfort of this class OF
unfortunates. This idea has been fully rec
ognized by the authorities of every State il
the Union, and generous appropriations have
heretofore been made when necessary. Let
US simply do our whole duty.
Insanity appears to be on the increase
among our people, and unfortunately the
dread of the hospital keeps awav many cura.
BILE cases until chronic condition and Other
complications render the case more uncertain
The increasing number of our insane calls
for more accommodation, so that no applicant
should be refused admittance and a better
classification of patients may be made; or
this largely depend the chances for GONZALES
cence. 1t has been too frequently recon-
mehded to send the incurable and demented
patients to our poor-hOuses in order to avoid
expense. Would it not be more consonani
with humanity to provide for them better &C.
commOdatiOn than such houses usually afford
The Governor of Michigan has well said
''the pOOr-hOuse is no place for the treatment
and care of the insane as a class. a resort to
the poor-house is a retrograde movement I'M.
becoming the State"
The usual custom of sending insane crimi-
mails from the State Prison to the Hospital for
the Insane, giving them the same accommo.
dations and rooms with other patients, has
caused just criticism, and should be abolished
Distinct and suitable apartments should be
furnished for these unfortunates. | trust tina,
the Legislature will find some remedy for
this cause of complaint.
vacancy in the office of Superintendent
of the hospital exists by the resignation OF
DIR. Ii. nj. Harlow, who has faithfully served
the institution for over quarter of century.
1t is certainly desirable to secure the services
of the most efficient and able Superintendent.
which can only be done by an adequate sal
airy. would recommend that more liberal
salary be paid if it should be necessary, that
such appropriation be made as may be neces-
sary to complete and furnish the present un.
finished building, and that such other ap.
preparation be made as the public necessity
requires, for the welfare of our insane.
REFORM SCHOOL.
l would respectfully suggest to the mem
bers of this legislature, that they carefully
consider the reports Of the Trustees of the
heloTm CCuOoi LOT tne past TWO years, also
the several reports of the Commissioners ap-
pointed by the Governor and Council to an
vestigate the grave charges made against the
management of that institution. These re-
ports give valuable statistical information
and suggestions, which would seem to be
sufficient to full knowledge of the history
and the financial, intellectual and moral con-
dition, of the school. The fact that there
has been much severe criticism, which has
provoked both public and private discussion
in regard to its management, calls for a thor
ough investigation on your part, to ascertain
If many of the serious causes of complaint do
not have their origin in the want of proper
legislation. The lack of suitable arrange
ment fer proper classification of pupils, is a
question which. should be considered Hard.
ened criminals should not be associated with
young boys who sent to the school for
first offences, and who perhaps more
"sinned against than SHINING" and who, I'M
der proper influences, might become useful
members of society.
INDUSTRIAL School FOR GIRLS.
The eighth annual report of the Managers
of the Industrial School for Girls at Halo
well, will soon be placed before you This
institution is one of the most important of our
State; is under the direction of board OF
managers composed of able, earnest men and
women, thoroughly alive to the importance
of their work and deeply interested in the
success of the school. During the eigh,
years it has been in operation. AS girls have
hanr, rlt,,,t tA1 H.