Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-04-21
TO SAVE THE YOUNG.
The INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL DOING A
GREAT WORK OF REFORMATION.
Annual yoetIng OF the Prison Associa-
tion Last Night-To Change the Lo-
cation Officers Elected.

The annual meeting OF the Prison-Re-
form Association wns held last night in
tho vesiry-roam OF St. Psul's church.
Those present were MAJOR Robert Stiles.
president; Mr. John A. Lancaster.
treasurer: Judge ThomasS Atkins. Messrs.
Adolphus Blair, Overton Howard. Richard
A. Dunlop. ID. s. Morrison. James Caskie.
w. o. English. d. Buchanan, George G
Jefferson and Dr. Minor.
The meeting was called 70 order by the
President, who stated that the secretary
Rev. w. y. Williams, was unavoidably
absent. Mr.. Overton Howard was re-
quested to act rs secretary of the meeting.
THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
The President said that he had been so
much engaged for several weeks past that
he had not been able TO prepare his an
nual report. but would read very in
terestlng report from Mr.. Sampson, the
superintendent OF the industrial school.
In this report Mr.. Sampson said that he
entered upon the discharge of bic duties
September 25th. The first work done was
to prepare the building for the reception
of inmates. The place was made habita-
BILE and now had sufficient room to accom-
modate twenty-five boys.
HAS FOURTEEN ngMATUE.
The first boy was received November
3d. ard at this time there are fourteen iu-
mates in the institution, hailing from
Lynchburg. Richmond. Norfolk, Accomac
county, and Rockbridge county. These
boys are taught to read and write and do
manual labor in cultiveting the gar
den, grading. etc. Besides, they are
taught sewing and are now making their
own clothes. They are surrounded by
good moral and religious influences. Thev
attend Sunday school every SUNDAY and
frequently 90 TO church in the neighbor-
hood.
THE WORK DONE
Major Stiles, after reading this report.
said that this looks like n small work, but
an immense amount OF good had been
done: that Mr.. Williams, the secretary,
had been TO the school repeatedly. and he
reports that the boys since their recep-
tion had changed in appearance en-
tirely. When they were received they
had hang-dog appearance. hut now
they have n cheerful and cOntented look.
Their faces are bright and manly and they
are neat and clean, and orderly in manners.
In fact their entire natures seem to have
undergone complete transformation.
Mr.. Sampson. the Major said, is doing an
excellent work.
SOON TO MOVE.
Major Stiles, during his remarks, said the
present location of the school is not at all
suited for the purpose. as the surroundings
are such as TO depress the spirits of the
boys. and it is highly important to remove
the school to the property OF the as
sociation at laurel. on the Rich
mond. Fredericksburg end Potomac
| railroad. They hoped that in the near
| future the association will be in condi-
| tion TO erect permanent buildings on their
property. When this is accomplishetd
| they will be able to accommodate sum-
| cient number Of inmates TO make the in
stitution selt-sustaining. Major Stiles
said that he had received several apDlica-
| ton from parents 10 take their BOYS,
| but under the present law boys can
! only be committed by justices of the peace.
This could only be remedied by having the
| law changed so that boys can be admitted
who are not, strictly speaking, criminals,
but who are in danger of becoming such.
CAUSE FOR RNOoUR ,GEAfENT.
Major Stile,, in concluding, said that the
ASSOCIATION should feel encouraged at the
present prospects of the institution; that
| the Governor was in full sympathy with the
movement, and several prominent citizens
| in the State had written to him in regard
| to the institution. volunteering their SER
vices to assist in the enterprise and
| offering their influence and money; that
| the COMMITTEES of the Legislature on
Reduction Of Criminal Expenses of the
| Commonwealth were favorably impressed
with ADMINISTRATION as a means OF reducing
expenses for the management of criminasl
| in this state. and will call the atten-
| tion of the Legislature to the Importance
| of this association in this direction; that
| William f. Round, superintendent OF the
Durham Industrial Farm in New York:
| who is also q director of the National
| Prison Association, and also of the Prison
| Association of New York, had invited
| him 10 visit the farm for the
purpose of inspecting and gathering In.
! formation in regard to the building and
general organization and equipment OF in
! dustrial schools. and he intended to ac-
cept the invitation and would visit Alr.
| Round in June.
The report was, on motion OF MI OVer-
| ton Howard, received.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
An election of officers was held, result
ing as follows: Major Robert Stiles, presl-
! dent ID. G. Richardson, first vice-presi-
dent; Rev. w. i. Williams, secretary /;
| John A. Lancaster. treasurer. The office
of second vlce-president VIII be hlled oy
! the Executive Committee.
Mr.. Blair moved that the Executive ana
Finance committees be authorized TO re-
| move the institution to Laurel and either
| TO purchase or rent the house and lot ad-
| Joining the property of the ASSOCIATION, OF
| TO put up suitable temporary buildings on
| the property of the association as they
may deem best. Adopted.
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