The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-01-17

test under the supervision of the superin-
tendent and Mr.. Northcroft, the architect,
who was finally paid off and discharged
on the 18th ist., but whom we required
should be present and see the machinery
set to work, and the workings of the heat
ers, so that if any defects existed we might
Immediately have same corrected.
Recurring again for a moment to the
buildings, we are glad to say that they are
of imposing appearance and pleasing to
the eye, and have scarcely resemblance
to prison. And we feel that we may
especially congratulate ourselves on the
roofs. Knowing that it was a difficult
matter to secure good roof, we insisted
on thorough test. This they have had,
as we have had several hard rains. And
we asked our very worthy superintendent,
Captain Ben E. McCulloch, to examine the
same very closely, which he kindly did,
and reports the same as excellent. He
also informs us that he has given the
buildings throughout close inspection
and examination, and he finds no defects.
There has been no settings or giving way
in any portions of the structure. Having
thus briefly called your attention to what
has been done we deem it not
out of place to make few
suggestions, which have occurred
to us, with reference to the future of this
institution. As is known to you, there is
very little wood for fire or any other pur-
pose on the reformatory lands. There is
lying adjacent to said land tract of
about 800 acres, which is we'll timbered,
CROSSES the Leon River, and has some very
fine bottom land on it, which, we are told,
may be bought for about Sc or $8 per
acre, If the institution owned this tract
it would supply all wood needed for years
to come, and in addition would give us
access to the river, and, as above stated, we
would thereby acquire some very valuable
lands. This land could be fenced cheaply,
and would at present, or in the near
future, make very desirable pasture. At
present the greatest item of expense, or
at least one of the greatest, incident to the
running of the institution, will be that of
fuel Parties here ask Us as much for
timber per acre as the land is worth, and
it has occurred to us that, unless
we substitute coal for wood, it
would be cheaper to buy this tract, if it
can be done, than to purchase the wood.
We call your attention to this matter so
| that you may consider 1t. Another matter
to which we have given same attention,
has been that of some kind of profitable
employment for the inmates; but having
limited means, and having ascertained
that another legislature would probably
be in session by the time we could receive
the inmates, or our buildings were COM
plete, and knowing that we had not the
means to put in operation any industries,
this matter has been deferred. at this
time it seems that we can only hope the
coming year to engage in farming, though
we hope to be able to make something
out of the laundry, if we can secure proper
ironing machinery, by doing laundry
work for the town.
We trust that this report will give you a
correct idea of the present condition OF
the institution, and some idea of what ltE
future needs may be, and that it will meet
yo1r approval.
The cost of the buildings, land, fences
artesian wells, heating and laundry ap
Paratus, and other necessary items, was
$72, 1871, leaving balance of $2,906.2s
of the appropriation on hand.