The Portland daily press., 1883-01-05
SAVINGS BANKS.

1881 ....2 26, ,474.655.97
aminer furnishes the State with much valua-
BILE information. 1t will be seen that very
many of the securities held by our Savings
Banks will mature during the next two years,
which will necessitate corresponding amount
of new investments. In view of this he
recommends that broader field and
more discretionary power in the matter of in
vestments be given to their managers.
On the ground that the earnings of Savings
Banks must nee essarily grow smaller as the
old securities mature, and new investments
are made, the Bank Examiner calls attention
to the fact the State tax of one per cent. on
the deposits has become disproportionate with
their income, and recommends that reasona-
BILE reduction be made. These are questions
worthy of the careful consideration of the Leg
islature.
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
30th, 1882, was l47, 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 eonvicts, in 1876, it was IS or
ten per cent, now the number is sc or % per
cent. The net cost to the State for the two
past years above earnings has been about $50
pcN TO 0aCQ convict. Inc manufacture
OF shoes being losing business has been aban-
doned, and that Of carriages inci eased. The
discipline is excellent, the work in the various
shops and the sales of the products very salts
factory. 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 heating pur-
poses There is a balance of indebtedness con
tracted prior to 1880, amounting to $50 066 IA
with interest that has accrued since June 1882
still unpaid. 1t was temporarily provided
for by the Treasurer of State on recon-
mendation OF the Executive, and should
with all other bills of Indebtedness 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
nniortunates This idea has been fully recog-
nized by the authorities of every State in the
Union, and generous appropriations have here
tofore been made when necessary. Let US SIM
ply do our whole duty.
Insanity appears to be on the increase among
our people and unfortunately the dread of the
hospital keeps away many durable cases until
a chronic condition and other complications
render the case moro uncertain. The increaS-
ing number of our insane calls for more ac-
commodation that no applicant should be re-
fused admttance, and that better classiica-
ton OF patient may be made, on which largely
depends the chances for ConvaleScence. 1t has
been too frequently recommended to send the
incurable and demented patients to our poor
houses in order to avoid expense. Would it
not be more consOnant with humanity 10 pro-
vide for them better accommodation than such
houses usually afford? The Governor of
Michigan well said, "the poor-house is no
place for the treatment and care of the insane
as class. resort to the poor-house is a retro
grade movement unbecoming the State"
The usual custom of sending insane Grimm
ais from the State Prison to the Hospital for
the Insane, giving them the same accommoda-
tions and rooms with other patients has
caused just criticism, and should be abolished.
Distinct and suitable apartments should be
furnished for these unortunates. | trust that
the Legislature will find some remedy for this
cause Of complaint.
A vacancy in the office of Superintendent OF
the hospital exists by the resignation of Dr. 81,
NJ Harlow, who has faithfully served the in
stitution for over quarter of 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 l
would recommend that more liberal salary
be paid if it should be necessary, and that
such apl ropriation be made as may be neces-
sary to complete and furnish the present unfin.
ished building, and that such other appropria-
tion be made as the public necessity requires,
for the welfare of our insane,
REFORM SCHOOL.
would respectfully suggest to the members
of this Legislature, that they carefully consid-
er the reports of the Trustees of the Reform
School for the past two years, also the several
reports of the Commissioners appointed by the
Governor and Council to investigate the grave
charges made against the management of that
institution. These reports give valuable sta
Iistical Information and suggestions, which
would seem to sufficient TO be full knowledge
ofSthe history, financial, intellectual and moral
condition 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 thorough
investigation on your part, to ascertain If
many of the serious causes of complaint do not
have their origin in the want of proper legisla-
ton. The want of suitable arrangement for
proper classification of pupils, is a question
which should be considered Hardened GRIM
inals should not be associated with young boys
why are sent to the school for first offenses
and who are perhaps more "sinned against
than SHINING" and who, under proper influ-
ences, might become useful members of So
eiety.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
The eighth annual report of the Managers #
the Industrial School for Girls at Hallowell
will soon be placed before you, This institu-
ton 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 eight years it has been
in operation 14S gils have been admitted to
the institution. OF this number 81 are now in
good homes provided for them, s have been re-
turned tosfriends, sent to the Orphans Home
at Bath, have escaped, 6 have been dismissed
and have deceased, leaving "A now in attend
ance. The average attendance for the years
1881 and 1882 was 80 and 40 respectively. The
buildings, with the farm of thirty.two acres
upon which they are located, and set of farm
buildings of moderate dimensions, cost the
State $12, 500, private parties contributing va
rious sums, aggregatiDg $13,500 additional.
The school building is constructed to accom-
modate thirty pupils, The fact that on an av-
erage forty girls have been for the past year
in the building, and that A are now
there, and that the number is kept down TO
these figures by the most rigid restriction,
shows conclusively The pressing necessity for
accommodations new building