Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-12-30

apparatus in order that the whole building
might be properly warmed during the winter
months to provide for better ventilation and
10 make other changes and repairs necessary
to place the institution in . condition that
would reflect credit upon the State and COM
pare favorably with like Institutions else
where.
The Legislature, after = careful examine
ton of the premises, by a Legislative COM
mittee, responded to the recommendations
of the visiting committee and appropriated =
sum sufficient to enable the trustees n make
the changes and improvements suggested.
The work has been faithfully and judi
ciously done under their direction and super
vision.
The building 10 now supplied with an album
dance of pure water, which is thoroughly sp-
preciated by the officers and inmates of the
institution. The steam heating apparatus
has been enlarged and il now of sufficient
capacity to warm every part of the school
building. The system of ventilation adopted
works admirably and gives ~ complete VEN
tlation a. it is possible to have in such an
institution.
The changes in the basement of the main
building we're many and verv much needed
in order to obtain additional room. Every part
of the building 10 now very convenient and
in excellent condition.
The Dormitory, containing one hundred
aud twelve beds. il well lighted and warmed;
the beds are neat and supplied with sufficient
clothing. This room is lighted by quite num-
Der of large windows not very closely fitted.
1t could be more readily warmed if it had out.
side windows, which, 10 my opinion, are very
much needed; in fact, the dining room and
several other rooms in the building should be
treated in like manner. The expenditure
in this direction would, to say the least, be
in the interest of economy.
The Hospital room 10 well ventilated and
warmed, the sick are tenderly and properly
cared for, Mrs. and Mr.. Harrington doing
every thing in their power for their comfort.
The cells for the solitary confinement OF
bows for grave offences specified in the rules
of the trustees, are suitably warmed, lighted
and ventilated,
During the past year the boys working IN
the chair shops have been divided into two
classes, twenty-five Of the youngest being |
assigned to one of the work rooms. the older |
ones occupying the second room.
The committee called the attention of the !
last Legislature to the importance and value |
IF the cottage or "family" plan a. con-
1ected with such an institution. In con-
'equence of the large expenditures neces-
,ary for the introduction of water and other |
.ha lges in connection with the reform school |
he legisla i've committee did not deem it ex-
,edient to recommend an appropriation for
he erection of suitable buildings to carry
nto effect the "family plan" IS suggested by
he committee and trustees in their several
eports of last year 1t is to be hoped that the
Ittention of the next Legislature will again be
.alled to the subject and that it will receive
It their hands a careful examination and
avorable action. Upon this subject the trus-
ees in their report for 1884, say: 'The gen.
raj management of the reform school,
Methods employed, and results attained are
IS good as may be expected under the present
ystem Of management. But our system is
yetting far behind the times. During the |
asst few years great progress has been made |
n the system Of conducting reform schools. |
The so-called family system" at first |
ldopted in Germany and France, and later in |
his country, is no longer regarded as an ex- |
pertinent. This system is now in succe ssful |
operation in Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Wisconsin, Iowa Minnesota, Michigan, Mas
achusetts and other States. Reports from
hese schools bring to our notice fiattering
esults, fully justifying the incre Used expense.
The "open" or Family system" is, indeed,
What its name suggests, a home for the re-
ormaton of neglected and hayward children
The fundamental principles of its governme Mt
ire philosophic. natural and reasonable, and
ire free from the appliances of prison re-
'ormatory."
l have at this time no special changes
,r suggestions to recommend in re-
gard to the treatment of the boys
,r the management of the school. The
institution has very competent superinten-
lent and board OF trustees. They are, in my
Judgment, very much interested in the sue
cess Of the school and its iudcious and eco
,omical management.
At the commencement of the year there
we're one hundred and FIVE boys in the school
It the close, one hundred and twelve. Thir-
y-fOur boys were received into the Reform
school the past year, and twenty-seven, for
good conduct, were granted leave of absence
have made to the reform school ten Off
,ial visits during the year, and have careful
y noted the condition and progress of its in
mates. The several schools are in charge of
competent teachers, the boys showing salts
factory progress in their studies.
The daily tasks assigned to each boy in the
chair shops, mechanical department and the
are not unreasonable, and, a. a rule,
the work lie promptly and cheerfully per-
formed. The most trusty ones in the
school, those who are physically able, are
employed, during the season, in working upon
the farm. The outdoor exercise they very
much enjoy, It improves their physical condi-
tiou They enjoy the regular farm work, and
appear to take pleasure in doing their full
duty.
The superintendent and his excellent as
sistant manifest much interest in the boys
and do everything in their power to promote
inflicted for disobedience and violation Of the
rules of the institution, it 10 only such - 10
justified by the offence committed and neces-
sary for proper discipline.
The letters received from the boys through
the letter box, show, as a rule, considerable