The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-10-13


remedy and in providing for an application
OF u. solicit your attention to the report
of your devoted and painstakinp superin-
tendent OF education. The opinions, con-
illusions and recommendations of one 40
well versed in the subject, and who has
given 1t so much patient study and atten-
ton should be OF great weight. If, in
treating upon this at length, | have trenched
upon your province, or invaded the field of
argument, the Importance OF the subject
and my anxiety concerning it must be my
excuse.
STATE BENEFICIARIEs.
This subject and the expenses of the state
having reference to it, is treated at length
by my predecessor in his retiring message.
and therefore only call your attention to
it, 1t has become the fixed policy of the
state to make ample provision for the edu-
cation OF its deaf mutes, blind and feeble
minded. And | doubt not it will be your
pleasure to continue this policy and make
such provision for carrying it out, as will
enable all who should to share it.
STATE PRISON.
The report of the directors and superin-
tendent shows prosperous and harmonious
condition OF things at the prison, and IL does
not appear that any unusual event has tran
spired there within the period covered by it.
AS to the needs of the institution, beyond
current expenses, / cannot do better by
way of calling them to your attention than
to here quote from the directors report,
wherein they say We cannot too strongly
urge the construction Of iron stairs to- and
walks around the cells to take the place of
the old, worn-out wooden ones. This con-
struction would render the prison safer
from fire, etc. And they also suggest, in
the way of desired Improvement, the en-
larging of the front windows of the prison.
The well-known, conservative character
and safe business qualifications and habits
OF the directors give unusual value to their
recommendations and suggestions. They
have my concurrence, and will, | trust re-
ceive careful consideration from you If
repaired and improved as suggested, we are
assured by the report of the directors that
the prison will not suffer by comparison
with any of its size in New England. |
learn from the directors that the prison has
sufficient capacity to comfortably accommo-
date one hundred fifty inmates, and the
superintenden's report shows that the pres
ent number, DULY 81, 1866 is lightweight,
indicating that there is much spare room in
the prison-a condition of things not likely
to be lamented,
HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
This institution has now been in operation
about eight years, and, as was said by my
predecessor in his incoming message, lis
universally admitted to be a success of its
kind" and from the report of the directors
which will be before You, the institution is
seen to be popular as well as successful and
from the same source comes the gratifying
intelligence that the institution has no spe-
cal needs. You WILL however, am sure
agree with me that this institution should
have attention and relief, as we are told by
the directors that it is burdened with a class
of prisoners that, by the construction of its
buildings as to safety, it was not designed to
accommodate; and they add, convicts SEN
fenced for high crimes and long terms are
not as secure as at the state prison, and no
better cared for" 1t also appears that with
a capacity of only seventy-six cells for
males, it has at times been crowded with
one hundred twenty male prisoners. And,
further in their report, the directors say,
eve receive more for labor at the state
prison, and the work is much heater and
the prisoners more secure" and ask that
you prescribe remedy. Invite your atten-
ton to this matter, confidently believing
that you can and will by appropriate legis-
lation relieve the institution of its burdens
and difficulties, and at the same time pro-
vide greater security for the more hardened
criminals with pecuniary advantage to the
state.
THE REFORM SCHOOL.
The object and purpose of this institution
as indicated by its name and too well I'M.
derstood to call for any elaboration. From
the nature of things, its work and the oc.
to be perpetual The frailties and forward.
ness of humanity furnish its patrons, and
the hopeful, generous impulse of a Chris
tian people asks its intervention and aid in
wrestling and saving from a life of degrade
ton and crime the waits and the unfortli-
nate, homeless and criminally inclined
children of the state. AS the result of a
long and watchful official connection with
the school, l entertain no doubt that the
hopes and expectations of the most san
guine of the orignators and supporters Of
| the school have been, and are being, more
than realized in the good work accom-
plished. For the successful and beneficial
results very much credit is due to the faith
full Christian labor and influence of Mr.
and Mrs. Fairbank for a long time and un
| til lately the superintendent and matron o
| the school. | note with pleasure and ap
proval the remarks of Governor Pingree il
his retiring message as to Mr.. and Mrs
| Fairbank They are richly entitled to, anC
| doubt not will have, the thanks of the
state for their long and faithful service, ant
its good wishes in their enlarged field OF
usefulness in a like relation to a similar
institution in a sister state. / bespeak fol
the institution the continued ungrudgine
and liberal support and encouragement OF
the state. The state is to be congratulated
upon the fact that it has in the state prison
house of correction and reform school foi
| superintendent and subordinate officers
/
their work and devoted to its best interests
INSANE ASYLUM.
| The condition of the insane persons of the
state at the asylum, the work being done a
the asylum, the condition, character ant
management of the institution are so wei
stated and set forth in the excellent repor
of the supervisors of the insane that peru
sal of it will be quite sufficient to enabl,
you to legsate properly as to any and al
matters connected with this subject requir
| ing your attention. | invite your consider
ate attention to this subject, and to the
report of the supervisors. The insane are
the unfortunate wards of the state. In the
! treatment of them and providing for then
there should be no such uncertain or in.
sufficient action as to even tend to the
foundation of charge of neglect The
supervisors in their report treat at length
on the subject of "The criminal and convic
! insane" and recommend that the stat,
make provision for them away from til,
asylum, and give such reasons as to make
1t seem matter of necessity to take actor
| in the direction pointed out in the report
You will, doubt not, give the subject such
attention as it demands.
STATE LIBRARY.
To provide for need that had become
a positive necessity" the Legislature of 1888
passed Act No. 227, and thereby made pro
vision for the erection of " building for tn,
use of state library, and other like pur
| poses," and created a commission to carry
out the will of the state in that behalf
| From the report of that commission and tn,
retiring message of Governor Pingree, W,
/ Al