The Portland daily press., 1888-01-16

AUGUSTA, Jan. 14.-The report of Coun-
cillors Tobias Lord and Gerge M. Warren,
as members of the visiting committee of the
State Reform School. have been presented.
The reports follow:
TO Hts Ercelencg the Governor, and the Honora-
bic Council of Maine
In compliance with Chapter I42, Section ls of
the Revised Statutes, herewith submit for your
consideration my first animal report as member
OF the visiting committee to the State Reform
School.
Visits have been made from time to time as the
law requires, and at irregular periods, in order
that the ordinary operations of the School could
be observed. / have been present at most of the
meetings snatg s Of the committee and with them IN.
me pleasure to report that but little has come un-
der my observation of which could not approve.
The last Legislature made an appropriation for
general repairs which has been iudciousy ex-
pended under the direction OF the trustees.
school rooms, one and two, have been generally
repaired and improved and the hrSt-class chair
shop renovated and properly ventilated, thereby
placing these apartments IN much more attrac-
tive and comfortable condition. The old sheath
ing and floor of the front kitchen have been re-
placed by new, which adds very materially to the
general appearance and usefulness OF this depart
been repaired, and the west wing OF the barn re-
shingled; in fact many improvements have been
made throughout the entire buildings, and, so far
as am able to judge, the Institution is in good
sanitary condition. A large portion of this work
has been performed by the boys, under the super
L. OQ,L OtefSeer
the mechanical department.
The law governing the letter box has beer
strictly adhered to at each visit, and whenever an
inmate has expressed desire to interview the
committee an opportunity was granted him, with
out the presence of an officer, and when boy has
nad grievance to offer, It was often found, by
MS own admission to be in consequence Of DISC
beylng some rule of the school, AS compare
lively few communications have been received
fact of itself Indicate general contentment among
the boys? believe such to be the case
MY visits to the schoolroom have always been
pleasant. The decorum, studiousness and excel
lent department which prevails here, mpresses
every one fav0rably with the MANAGEMENT of
those IN charge. SO far as can judge, the teach
erS nave been competent, c0nsiderate and faith
full in the discharge of their often perplexing di-
ties, in advancing the best interests Of this par
sndy rass II pup nG me division Of time oF
suitably adapted to the comfort of the scholars.
have made special efforts to visit the kitchen
for the purpose of examining the food, both be-
fore and after being cooked; also to be present at
meals, and have invariably found the food of good
quality, sufficient in quantity, and variety fair.
With one or TWO exceptions there has been almost
total exemption from sickness during the year.
The mechanical school, which has been in oper-
alton since 1888, was move in the right direc-
tisn, and demonstrates the wisdom Of the Legis-
iature in appropriating funds for this purpose;
for regard this department as an especially re-
formatory feature OF the school. As result the
inmates acquire trades, which tend to keep them
from life of idleness and crime, and enable them
to gain an honest livelihood and become respected
anu useful C1tiLtnS.
hope TO be paTdoned If make use Of the fol-
lowing quotation, taken from a report of a former
member OF the committee, relative to the obliga-
dons OF the State to the unfortunate boys COM
mitted TO its reform school, and which fully COIN
sides with my own views: 1.-THE State, having
taken them under its care, is in honor bound to fit
them to obtain their liviag hereafter honestly, If
II can be done instead of turning them out at the
age OF ~, no wise prepared to enter npon the du-
ties OF life, and only fit subjects for crime"
introduction of printing department, on small
an institution of like character. comparative
ly small expense would be incurred, yet from the
fact that the school could do its own printing the
State would be fully reimbursed before the lapse
of many years. Such department would not
only be OF pecuniary saving to the State. but
would offer an opportunity to that class OF schol-
ars whose tastes are not in keeping with mechan-
lcal pursuits, CT learning a lucrative and more
congenial trade. The board of trustees is COM
posed of men who have had varied and practical
business experiences, and the State may well feel
fortunate that this institution is under the man
agement OF so efficient and conscientious gentle
men.
As a member of the committee feel Indebted
TO Mrs. Hunt, our associate in Office, who in con-
sequence OF her long connection with the School,
has been able to impart information and offer i'm
portant suggestions from time to time. The SUI
perintendentis Is a gentleman of sterling qualities
and am placed under obligations to him and his
SubordinateS for those courtesies and kind atten-
tions which cannot be soon forgotten.
Council Chamber December 3oth, 1887.