Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-01-09

years. which will necessitate correspond
ING amount of new investments. In view
of this he recommends that broader neid
and more discretionary power In the mat
ter of investments be given To their man
ayers. ee
On the ground that the earnings OF say
ings Banks must necessarily grow smaller
as the old securities mature, and new IN
yestments are made, the Bank Examiner
| calls attention TO the fact that the state
tax OF one per cent. on the deposltS mas
| become disproportionate 10 their income,
and recommends that a reasonable reduc-
| ton be made. These are questions worthy
| of the careful consideration OF the Legs
lature.
THE STATE PRISON.
In the forthcoming report OF the Warden
and Inspectors OF the State Prison, you
will find detailed statement or the affairs
Of that Institution. The number OF pris-
oners Nov. Both, 1882, was III, iAlling
OF OF 81 since the corresponding uave Oh
1881. There Is a marked increase In the
number OF life sentences. In 1870, the
number was 10 or 6 pc: cent. OF the whole
number OF convicts; In 1876 IL was 10 OF
10 per cent ; now the number j. 20 or %
per cent. The net cost TO the Sta,e lor
the two past years above earnings mas Oeeh
about $50 per annum TO each convict. Inc
manufacture OF shoes being losing Ousi'
ness has been abandoned, aud that OF car
riages increased. The discipline Is excel
lent, the work In the yAri rus shops anu
the sales OF the products very satisfactory.
The introduction or steam power woula
add greatly To the capacity OF the work
shops and would in the end DC an econom-
ical investment, both for power and
also and for heating purposes. There ~
a balance OF the Indebtedness contricted
prior TO $50, amounting To $50 900. u wlth
interest that has accrued since June ISL
still unpaid. IL was temporarily proVlded
for by the Treasurer or state on recon-,
mendation Of the Executive. aud should
with all other bills of Indebtedness DC
paid with the least possible delay. rec
ommend that such provision be made
INSANE HOSPITAL.
There H. no public Institution which has
higher claims on public aud private sym
patty and action than the Hospital Tor the
Insane. The dreaded malady insanity Wis
its alike the palace and the cottage, anu
all classes are equally interested that wise
provisions be made for the speedy restora-
ton II possible, and for the safety AMI
comfort OF this class OF unfortunates.
This idea has been fully recognized by the
authorities OF every STATE IN the Union,
and generous appropriations have hereto
fore been made when necessary. let US
simply do our whole dnty.
Insanity appears 20 be on the Increase
among our people and unfortunately the
dread OF the hospital keeps away many
durable cases until chronic condition ana
other complications render the case more
uncertain. The increasing number OF our
insane calls for more accommodation, SO
that no applicant should be refused al
mlttance, and better classification OF pa
,Ients NAV be made on this largely depend
the chances for conyalescence. IL mas
been too frequently recommended 10 seho
the incurable and demented patients 10 our
poor-houses In order TO avoid expense.
Would it not DE more cOnsonant with hu-
manity TO provide for them better accom-
modation than such houses usually arOrd!
The Governor OF Michigan has We'll SAID,
the poor house is no place for the treat
| ment and care of the insane a class,
resort 10 the poor-house - a retroSade
movement uubecoming the State.
The usual custom OF sending Insane
criminals from the State Prison 10 the
Hospital for the Insane, giving them the
same accommodations and rooms Win
other patients, has caused just criticism,
| and should be abolished. DiSlinct ahu
suitable apartments should be Iurhtsheu
| for these unfortunates. trust that the
LEGISLATURE will lind some remedy Tor thl'
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 4 quarter
OF a century. II is certainly desirable To
secure the services OF the most efficient
and able Superintendent, which can only
be done by an adequate salary. would
recommend that a more liberal salary be
psld II Il should b. necessary. that such
annroprlation be made as may be necessa-
~ To complete and furnish the present un'
finished building, and that such other aP-
preparation be made as the puplc heces-
sity requires, for the welfare OF our III
sane.
REFORM SCHOOL.
would respectfully suggest to tue
members of this Legislature, that they
carefully consider the reports OF the lrus-
tres OF the Reform School for the past two
wears. also the several reports OF the Com
missioners appointed by the Governor anu
Council to investigate the grave charges
made against the management OF that ln-
stitution. These reports give valuable
statistical information and suggestions,
which would seem 10 be sufficient To tulI
knovledpe of the history and the financial,
intellectual aud moral condition, oil tue
school. The fact that there has been much
severe criticism. which has provoked Dotu
public and private discussion IN regard 70
its manage ment, calls for a thorough ln-
yestigation on your part, TO ascertain u
many OF the serious causes ol complaint
do not have their origin IN the want Oh
nroner legislation. The lack OF suitable
arrangement for proper classification OF
nunils is a question which should be CON
sjdered. Hardened criminals should not
he associated with young boys who are
nerhaps more sinned against than STU
ming" and who, under proper Influences
mieht become useful members OF society.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
The eighth annual report of the Manag'
ers of the Industrial School for Girls al
Uallowell. will soon be placed before you
This institution is one of the most impor
tant of our State; is under the direction OF
a board OF managers composed or able,
earnest men and women, thoroughly alive
to the Importance of their work and deep
ly interested in the success Of the school
During the eight years il has been 10 opera
ton, las girls have been admitted 10 th'
institution. or this number, 81 are no"
in good homes provided for them, ; have
hem returned to friends, . sent TO the or
nbans' home at Bath, 3 have escaped /,
have been dismissed and have deceased
, leaving A now in attendance. The aver
, ACE attendance for the years 1851 aud lso:
was 80 and 40 respectively. The building
A., with the farm OF thirty-two acres upol