Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-10-26
THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION.
Biennial Report of the Directors and the
Superintendent.

The directors of the House of Correction
commend the officers of the institution for
their fidelity and suggest that convicts
are sentenced to the House of Correction
for high crimes and long terms which in
its construction was not designed to &C
commodate This class are not as secure
as at the State prison and no better cared
for, and the State receives more for their
labor at the State prison. They tind that
the superintendent has received In the
two years from all sources $34 06l.55 and
disbursed S33, 436 10, leaving balance in
his hands of s625 -. OF the disburse
mentS $lS $50 - was for current expenses
sl4 1893 - was paid to the State treasurer
and SlU5 92 for books for prisoners use.
The uperintendent, Mr. George n
Eayres, speaks of the success of efforts
made for the reformation of the inmates
as follows:
As to improvement of morals, | cau
truly say that Notwithstanding the fact
there has been quite Il large number OF re
commitments, and some for several times
| have good reason for believing that et
forts to make them better are not entirely
lost. Those who have been there several
times Are made up largely of the class
known AS professional tramps" and those
who are "tramps' to the extent that they
work during the busy season, spending by
intemperate haoits MS they earn, and 5,
have nothing left for the dull season, and
those whose appetites for roug drink.
and the facilities afforded them, especially
in the larger towns OF the State for In
dulging their appetites and passions and
influences leading them 10 iudul Rence are
stronger than any purpose we are able TO
induce them to form during their short
confinement. In my judgment very
important thing for this class TO learn Ii
the value of time, and this they are taught
here by beng obliged 10 work 10 hours
per day, when able ana are also encour-
aged to spend their evenings and morn
ings in reading and study, or doing some
kind OF work. the result of which Will be
useful or profitable to themselves. IL is
my aim that they shall have personal eX-
Amples from myself and the keepers OF
temperance and good morals, and that
good advice snail be given rs opportunity
offers. | have good reason for believing
that goo ~ number who have been mere
are living good and reputable lives, and
that some of the tramp class, by becom
ing accustomed 10 Work while here, have
have put away shftless habits after leav-
ing, and become industrious citizens,
There are notable instances OF reformation
even among those who have served more
than one term.
The averaee monthly number at the
House of Correction for the year ending
July 81, 1887, was %, while for the year
ending July 81, 1883 it had fallen to ~
OF the total number or 4j6 commitments
during the two years, l6l were sentenced
for intoXcdtlon, wholly or IN part, tramp
ing coming next with 81 victims. Yer
mont was the native State OF l69 of the
prisoners Rutland county furnished the
greatest number, 1871, Chittenden coming
next with 9s, and Franklin third with 80
345 could read and write; IA were mar
| 81 4. 4 lls
aud 90 females; only of the total mum
Der were colored; POI of the prisoners
were committed when between the ages
| of 20 aud 30, and ll3 between 30 and 40.