The Portland daily press., 1885-01-22

The "open" or "family system" is indeed
what its name suggests, home for the refor-
nation OF neglected and wayward children.
The fundamental principles Of its govern
ment are philsophic, natural and reasonable,
and are fr % from the appliances of a prison
refoImatory.
Referring to our former approval OF this sys-
tenn, and recommendations for its adoption
we would most earnestly appeal to the mem
bers OF the next Legislature by the testimony
of all who have made reform school work
study, by the testimony OF actual facts and re-
suits in reform schools where the family sy stem
is in successful operation, and by the shinging
promises and bright hope it brings to the des-
tines OF neglected and wayward children. We
appeal to them as fathers, having happy homes,
and children whom they watch over and
guide, delighting to supply their daily wants,
to do their duty towards the homeless and
friendless boys in the Reform School, and pro-
vide system Of Juvenile reform that holds in
store alike the welfare of the State and Of
these unfortunate lads.
WATER SUPPLY.
The supply of water is inadequate and of
very poor quality.
When these facts were brought to the notice
OF the committee of the Honorable Council
they suggested the propriety of at once con.
tracing with the Portland Water Company
Tor supply OF pure water, and ask the coming
Legislature TO make appropriation to cover the
debt incurred by such contract.
ty OF supplying pure water to the school for
sanitary reasons, and for better protecting the
buildings against fire, they chose the more
conservative method of spreading the facts be-
fore the Legislature, and urge the importance
OF making appropriation 10 supply this want,
leaving the responsibility on the Legislature.
Accordingly application was made to the
Portland Water Company to measure the dis
tance from the school buildings to the compa-
ny's water pipe at Stroud water, and submit an
AafjnnQta of a poct of lauipo cuito min
The company reported through its treasurer,
Hon. George P Wescott, that the distance is
1900 lineal feet, and the cost for laying four
inch cast iron pipe will be (@5,850) five thous-
and sight hundred and fifty dollars, estimat-
ing that this pipe will deliver about 25 600 gall
Ions of water per day.
In addition to this estimate, there will be
the expense OF stand pipe, with connections
to be used IN case OF IRE, piping Of the build
ing and plumbing.
DIETARY OF THE INSTITUTION.
While the daily supply Of food ia sufficient
IN quantity and OF good quality, the variety Is
too limited. Believing that the well-being of
these growing boys would be promoted by in-
creasing the variety OF nutritious food, the
trustees have instructed the superintendent to
make such changes as will beat meet this de-
mand.
This action will materially increase the cost
OF supplying the tables, and they appeal to
the Legislature to sustain it by an increase Of
the annual appropriation.
Quarterly meetings OF the board have been
held at the school on the third Tuesday In
February, May, August and November.
AT these quarterly meetings the trusteea
have carefully examined the condition OF the
boys at their work on the farm, In the work
shops, school rooms, and kitchen, ss we'll as in
the dining room, play grounds, dormitorv etc
They have also examined the condition OF
the buildings. stock, farm, tools, and all other
property of the institution.
They have patiently heard all applications
for discharge, and have given the boys great
freedom to express their wishes and COM
plants; and at the same time have given thsm
such counsel and advice as seemed for their
best good
We have examined the record book of pun
ishments, and from time to time have made
such suggestions to the superintendent as in
our Judgment seemed wise and for the best
interest Of the Institution.
All transactions of the board have been
faithfully recorded by Mr.. O'Donoghue, the
Secretary.
Monthly visits by some member of the board
have been regularly made as provided by law.
We would make honorable mention OF the
eh1cient management OF the superintendent, as
well as his faithfulness in carrying into exc
cution the plans of the trustees. Aud of the
matron ws eau bat praise her untiring zeal in
administering TO the various needs of the boys
IN sickness and in health, as well as the eco
nomical and psinstaking method with which
she has conducted her household departments:
while to Mr.. Wentworth the assistant su-
perintendent, great credit is due for the faith
full and Jealous manner in which he dis
charges his many arduous duties and for his
successful efforts in imparting to the boys such
knowledge as shall be for their intelligen
guidance through life. As teacher he seems
somehow TO have eaught the spirit of the old
Greeks, in that he who woald become a true
teacher, must first of all inspire in his pupils
an enthusiasm for knowledge.
In fine the trustees can but report them
selves as satisfied with the general harmony
that appears to prevail among the officers OF the
several departments, and their cordial Coop
Grafton to promotethe success of the institution.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1885 AND 1886.
The trustees would most respectfully sug-
gest that the next Legislature make the fol-
lowing appropriations:
FOR THE YEAR 1886.
For supplying Sebago water. .... ....S 100000
To erect and furnish one family cottage 100000
For new boiler and piping, for hearing. 100000
FOR general repairs, improving ventila-
tloA, 2c..- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 100000
For current expenses and mechanical
shop. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. 100000
Total ss7 100000
FOR THE YEAR 1886.
For general repairs. ............"S 100000
Fer current expenses.....,. ...-.... 100000
Total SIS, 10000
For your further information respecting the
financial condition of the institution and the
details of the years work, the condition of the
inmates and all the property OF the institution,
We would most respectfully refer you to the
report Of the treasurer of this board, and of
those of the superintendent, teachers and
physician.
Respectfully,
ALBION LITTLE,
OWEN B. CHADBoURNE,
e. A. THoMPsoN, Trustees
ID. orc. O'DoNoGHUE,
MARK p. EMERY,
December /, 1884
TREAsURER'S REPORT.
Mr.. E. A. Thompson, the treasurer, an
nounces the accounts of the superintendent
and treasurer have been audited and the vouch-
ers forwarded to the Governor aud Council.
The receipts from Dec. 1, 1888, to Dec. 1,
1884, were $19,250.35, Of which amount S13 :
900 came from the State Treasurer, 81, ,236 Oh
from cities and towns, $2O13 81, from chair
work, 81, ,4S4.29 from farm and stock, $393.71
from other sources, $40 from the Sanford lega-
cy, and $751; balance on hand
The expenditures were S19,101.5 &C. with a
balance of $148 49, OF this amount, salaries
and labor took 5,735 .26, and the remainder
was expended for prOVisiOnH. labor clothino