New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-03-06
THE CONNECTICUT REFORM SCHOOL.

WHAT THE STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES SAYS con-
CORNING 1T.
Apropos of some recent discussions about the
House of Refuge on Randalrs Island, it is worth
while to note what the State Board OF Charities IN
Connecticut reports this year concerning the Con-
necticut Reform School 1t should be borne III
mind however, in making any contrast between
this and New York institutions that the problems
with which the Connecticut school has to deal are
very different from those presented by the OIL
scourings from the streets OF great metropolis.
1t may be doubted whether even III Connecticut
if is desirable that young criminals should not only
be made more comfortable than they ever were IN
their own homes, but should be surrounded with
Injuries and conveniences such as are often wholly
inaccessible to the children of the honest and hard
working poor. 1t is not thoroughly reformatory
agency to let an honest child see that the way to
become more comfortable and luxurious is to be-
come q criminal.
The state Reform School shows the effects Of able en-;
ightened and progressive 0i h ios 1S h
what is gives satisfaction and encouragement I3r te
future of the institution. The cells III which the DOys
little and big locked up orthe nShtnot many years
ago are gone and dotores have taken Their place Inc
three cottage homes models Of beauty ana eonye
nience, Invested Of prison appliances Liberty ana irec
dom exist in degree quite equal to that 1oima III any
of the food daily placed before the boys could be no better
The bread is from good grade OF White -four the
supplied abundanty from the institution gardens aha
embrace full variety Of such kinds as are found IN me
best market gardens. The tables are supplied daily wle
butter or moasses and, Sundays pies are given al
dinner and cakes for supper. On thanksgiving Day
bounf turkey dinner is furnished and Oh all other L0ll
days the tables spread with the decaces OF season
The deprivaton or change of food is never allowed as
a punishment. The boys clothed in The best quality
of l-woO gray cloth for pantaoons and IN dark ndlgo
blue Army goods for jackets. Heavy AInoskea hlcAoS
issed for srsg; their caps are made to order from 81
wool blue CLOTH and their shoes and stockings are or gOd
quality They dress in summer in lighter goods All
HOLIDAYS are devoted entirely TO recreation ana pay
Portions of each week dav that will equal at least TWO
hours of time, also given to play On Saturday after
moons when the weather suitable the boys 90 TO the
bali ground in an open field of many acres, where they
enjoy full freedom In playing ball, or in such games IS
may snit their tastes best Many opportunities are given
10 attend appropriate amusements i'll the opera House IN
the city and frequent rchearsal concerts and
are given for the benefit OF the boys IN the chapel Iey
the agricultural fairs given IN the PARK near 9y
and always take in the ceremonies on the Gay de-
voted to the decoration Of the soldiers graves Much al
ention is given TO music both vocal and instrumental
An the bows are taught vocal music, and about thirty
bsvs are under constant raningn instrumental or band
music Great proficiency is made in both departments
OF the 23i boys received during the as year. ls4 were
committed by magistrates, and SIX by fiends; twonty
one were returned under old commitments and twenty
three returned OF their accord or those discharged
last ar one was placed at trade