The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-01-09

the recommendations therein mskia ~ n s,e.
caraful attention. Every this tfIv-o- W 10 |
should be done to sustain the seyer the legis-
in enforcing the LAWS aga cure the better
material Interests of the state and merit the
lust approval of all Its citizens.
THE PRESERVATION OF FOREST GROWTH
The preservation of forest growth is a
subject which is now attracting much atten-
ton. Its Importance has brought about the
formation of a number Of worthy organiza-
tions for furthering this work. At the last
meeting Of the American Forestry Associa-
tion at Quebec, in September last, the State
OF Maine was very ably represented by Hon.
George 4. Talbot of Portland. When it is
considered that there is an annual loss by
nres OF growing timber 10 the United States
equal to an area half as large as Maine, and
that very large per cent. Of such fires are
due TO careessness. the Importance OF THIS
matter Is at once apparent. 1t will merit
your careful attention.
INDIANS.
The affairs of the Indian tribes appear to
be In excellent condition. Moral and treaty
obligations alike demand that these wards
of the state should have our watchful care
and protection.
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
1ulS ucpdktucub 10 QUkub q MOos tASOAAShb
work and has fully justified the wisdom of
its establishment. The good results that
have attended its we'll directed efforts In the
interests Of the public health are generally
known and appreciated. Outside OF very
few towns there has been no great preva-
lence of infec 'ious diseases within the state
during the pat two years. 1t Is of the high
est importance that each town should be
faithful In its observance OF the health laws.
The circulars of the state board, and all 9TH
or ms and blanks for the OF local
b. ards of health, are furnished free to all
the 'wns and cities of the state. In add
ton to these, specially important circulars
for general distribution have been printed III
large editions and freely circulated in most
of the towns. 1t S highly Important that
there should be In the state an official regis
tration of births and deaths. Moiue is be-
hind all other New England States in failing
to make proper provision for securing such
vital statistics The matter is one that de-
serves prompt attention.
THE STATE PRISON.
The affairs of the state prison will BE-
shown, by the report of its warden, to be in
excellent condition. In the 16 vars prior to
1886 the state appropriated S297.207. fCr
the support of the prison, exclusive OF sal
received no appropriation from the state
save for its pay roll. In all other respects
the prison has been self supporting. 1t be-
with baan Se of 81 $40 20 in it's favor. The
Introduction of refOrmatory methods into
the administration of its affairs has been at
tended with gratifying results. Everything
that can be done towards reclaiming men
from the ways of crime and making them IT,
spectacle members of society, will merit the
cordial approval and cooperation Of all who
have at heart the highest interests of the
state.
THE STATE REFORM SCHOOL
The highly creditable work which has been
.k,t, 10 ClRn hvN far
that about seventy five cent. of the boys who
have gone forth FROM 1t have become respect
able and law-abiding citizens, a record that
speaks more eloquently than words for the
excellence of its management. There have
been 1859 boys in the school during the past
year. The present number is ia. Good
health has prevailed among them, no death
having occurred there during the year.
In 1889 there was erected building SO by
48 feet, designed to accommodate fifty boys.
This enables good beginning to be made In
the introduction of the cottage system, which
permits the classification Of these youths into
family groups. The adoption of this system
In other states has been attended with most
satisfactory results. BY purchase in 1889,
twenty acres Of land were added to the school
farm, making total of about 1874 acres.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
The Industrial School for Girls continues
to do a most successful and worthy work
Its efforts are upon broad, humane and
philanthropic plane. The large measure of
success that has attended them In the past
entities the school to continued encourage
ment and support.
STATE REFoRMAToRY FOR WOMEN.
An effort was made during the session of
the last legislature to secure an appropria-
ton for the establishment of a State Re-
formatory for Women. The matter was
finally left in the hands OF the governor and
council with instructions to investigate 1t
and report to the next legislature. They
have, accordingly, given public hearing, at
which various friends Of the project APP
peared and urged many forcible
psSs s0c why the institution slas sh3 The
report upon the matter will soon be laid be-
fore you. There are many grave objections
to the custom now In vogue OF Keeping fe-
male prisoners In the various jail OF the
state, where proper provision mas not oeen
made for them, and where the associations
ar. dpmorallzng. The enlightened moral
sentiment of society demands considerable
treatment of women, even when they incur
the penalties of the law. There can be no
doubt that a state reformatory under COM
pit Mt female management would result in
vast good.
The details of many of the subjects have
thus briefly touched upon, and OF others
w, ich DO not require specific mention at this
time, will fully appear In the various various Pubic
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of
Representatives: As we turn to the import
ant work of the session, we must bear clear
" In mind the fact that we are here not az
the representatives of any special interests
or sections of the state, but as the represent
atives of all interests and all sections. Let
us act fearlessly and conscientiously for the
furtherance of whatever, in our judgment,
may be foi the highest good of the. whole
STATE At the same time, we should invoke,
in ali our deltberation, strength and guild
aDce FROM Him who is the source of all wis
dom, 1t is my earnest hope that with the
blessing of God. our labors here for the wei
fare OF our beloved state may be crowned
with such success as shall permanently adj
vance its interests and make for the lasting
benefit of all its citizens.
EDWIN G. BURLEIGH.