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

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its proper purpose be not misappre-
hended, and while moral delinquency
should be made the basis of commit
ments, neither those who cannot be
reformed, nor those who need no
reformation should be committed.
The States prison is the proper place
flor the hardened criminal; the insane
ASYLUM for those mentally deranged;
the public school for the truant, and
1.-THE shiftless citizen should not be per-
mitted to make it place of deposit for
the child whose support he would
gladly escape. Provision should be
made vesting the trustees, acting in
conjunction with superintendent,
with authority whereby transfers
can be made from the reforma-
tory to the State prison of all
persist in the choice of an evil life,
with like privilege of transfer from
the latter to the former of all coming
within the ages when the improve
ment of the convict demands it. This
may be restricted SOFAS not to include
those under life sentence, and while
the present maximum and minimum
ages of admission should be
retained, commitments should
be during minority, and the
Trustees, with the concurrence of the
superintendent, should be clothed
with authority to discharge upon sat
isfactory evidence of reformation, as
none ought to be held in the institution
after giving reasonable hope that re-
FORMATION is effected. The present
institution should be devoted entirely
to the keeping of male delinquents,
and additional regulations provided
for the punishment of those who may
aid or procure the escape of inmates.
In addition L recommend such an APP
preparation as in your judgment will be
helpful in putting it at the earliest
time practicable upon self-supporting
basis. The judgment of your honora-
BILE bodies can best determine such
details as may be essential to the sue
cess of the RefOrmatory and the good
of the State.
INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND DUMB AND
BLIND CoLORED YOUTH.
This institution, in compliance with
t he act of April 5th, 1887, appropriate
ing therefor $4,000, was economically
established and has been successfully
managed, and we can point to no
better illustration of the humane
solicitude of the State in its relations
to it's colored citizens than is here
afforded. 1 was strongly inclined to
the opinion that its establishment was
inexpedient and unnecessary, and that
there was q more pressing necessity in
on1rnfN1ionnn with thn In,,,o,,1a oFI
humanity for liberality in better
ing the accommodations of the
large body of colored lunatics at the
asylums and scattered throughout
the State, but did not interpose my
objection to its becoming a law, be-
cause l believed that it should be an
extreme case which would justify, and
make it the duty of the Executive to
withhold his approval of any bill
passed by the Legislature as the direct
representatives of thepeople, upon the
ground of eXpediency alone. 1 feel
assured, however, that the institution
will do no discredit to the wisdom of
the Legislature making such
ample provision for its Or
ganization, and it gives me
pleasure to refer to the very efficient
and creditable manner in which the
Board of Trustees whose services was
so fortunate in securing have dis
charged their duty with the funds
placed at their disposal.
Superintendent Holland has labored
faithfully in everything pertaining to
its success, and L cheerfully bear wit
ness to his efficiency and zeal. The
marked results Of his efforts are ap-
parent in the details of the manage
ment and the rapid progress made by
those so recently committed to his
charge. Your attention is directed to
his excellent report; and it would be
well to remember when considering
their wants that the more helpless
these people are the more more strongly
do they appeal to the sense of justice
and beneficence Of those who have
been more fortunate in the opportun-
tiles and advantages of life.
THE ORPHAN ASYLUM.