Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-01-15

1t is of the highest Importance that each
town should be faithful in it's observance
of the health laws. The circulars of the
State Board, and all other papers and
blanks for the use of local boards of
health. are furnished free to all the towns
and cities of the State. In addition to
these, specially important circulars for
general distribution have been printed in
large editions and freely circulated in most
of the towns
1t is highly important that there should
be in the State an official registration of
births and deaths. Maine is behind 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 sixteen years
prior to 1886, the State appropriated S291,-
2S7.2l for the support of the Prison, eX-
elusive of salaries of Its officers. Since
that time it has received no appropriation
from the State save for its payroll. In all
other respects the Prison has been self
supporting. 1t begins the present year
free from debt and with balance of 81
$40. % in its favor. The introduction of
reformatory methods into the admnistra-
ton of its affairs has been attended with
gratifying results. Everything that can be
done towards retaining men from the
WAYS of crime and making them respecta-
BILE members of society, will merit the cor
dial 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 done by this Institution is shown in
the fact that about seventy-tve per cent. of
the boys who have gone forth from it have
become respectable aud law abiding citi-
zens, record that speaks more eloquently
than words for the excellence of its man
agement. There have been ll9 boys i'll
the school during the past year. The pres
ent number is IA Good health has pre-
vailed among them, no death having oC-
CURED there during the year.
II 1859 there was erected a building 96
by i feet designed to accommodate 80
BOYS. This enables good beginning TO
he 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 re
suits. BY a purchase in 1889. twenty
acres of land were added to the school
farm, making total of about Isl acres
INDUSTRIAL school FOR GIRLS.
The Industrial School for girls continues
to do most successful and worthy work.
It, efforts are upon broad human AMI
philanthropc plane The large measure Of
success that has attended them in the past
entities the School to continued encourage
ment and support,
STATE EEroEMAtoEY FOR WOMEN.
An effort was made during the session
of the last Legislature to secure an appro-
pration for the cstanl> hment of a State
keformatory for Women. The matter was
finally left IN the hands OF the Governor
and Council, with instructions TO inve>Ii-
gate 1t and report to the next Legislature.
They have accordingly given a puhlIc
hearing. at which various friends of tn"
project appeared aud urged many forcib'e
reasons why the State sh0uld have such
an institution The report upon the matter
Will soon be laid before you
There are many grave objections to the
custom now in vogue of keeping female
prisoners in the various jail> Of the State,
where proper provision has not been made
for them. aud whore the associations are
demOralizlng. The enlightened moral
sentiment Of society demands a consider
ate treatment of women. even when they
incur the penalties of the law. There can
be NJ doubt that State Reformatory
under competent female Management
would result in vast good.
tn\CTf-sIpN
The details of many of the subjects
have thus briefly touched upon. and OF
Others which 10 not require specific men
ton At this time, will fully appear in the
various public documents that Will be
placed before you
Gentlemen of the Senate and House Of
Representatives A. we turn 70 the
important work of the session. We must
bear clearly in mind the fact that We are
here not the representatives of any
special interests or sections of The State.
hut a the representatives of all interests
and all sections Let Us act fearessly and
cOu>clentiously for the furthcrance of
whatever. in our judgments, may be for
the highest good of the whole state. AT
the same time. we should invoke in all our
deliberations. strength and guidance from
Him who is the source Of all wisdom. II
Is my earnest hope that, with the blessing
of God. our labors for the welfare of our
beloved State NAV he crowned with such
success a. shall permanently advance its
interests and make for the lasting benei.
of all its citizens
EDWIN {. BI'RLEIGH