Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-02-06
DR.. Hoes ON THs REFORM SCHOOL
lie Strongly Commends This Institution
ina Letter 10 Senator Hurt.

Bills have been introduced IN the Gene
raj Assembly looking to the exten-
SION Of the great work of reform now be-
ing so efficiently prosecuted by the PRISON
Association of Virginia. This organiza-
fion is ofticered bv some Of the most gene
us-hearted, solf-sacr6cing men III Vlr-
ginia. and IN their laudable efforts they
have the sympathy and earnest co-opera-
tion OF tho ministry and others Interested
IN charitable matters.
The following letter TO Senator John l..
Hnrt. which was read before the members
OF the Legislature Tuesday night, heartily
commends the ASSOCIATION:
My Dear slr,-l trust may be permitted most
respcctluly 10 express the opinion that among
the important measures already proposed
OF which may be proposed 20 the Legislature du-
ring its present session there is scarcely one
more deserving favorable consideration than
that which relatos TO tho Prison Association OF
Virginia and is reform schools.
ITS CLAIMS ARE PARAMOUNT.
Whether II is viewed In its economic or ethi-
cal character: whether as n matter OF eXpodiency
OF duty, II has paramount claims on the pubic
| regard. My professional training ought 70 nave
accustomed ms 70 study the cause aud cure OF
great social evils more diligently and proiitably
| than have done, but believe / have learned
more and more deeply % feel that the pressing
need Of tho world to-day Is % bring 20 bear upon
what are called "the lower classes" but which
prefer 10 call "the neglected and uncared-for
claescs." the conservative restraints and the
purifying power Of our molly religion. The philan-
ihropy which has ts inspiration aud support
from this divine source Is the word true re-
former. II We over so reach the classes 10 which
have referred as 20 benoht them permanently,
10 must be by securing the proper training of
fheir children; tho formation OF yirtuous char
acter in youth rather tnan by the well-nigh
hopeless task % reforming the adults among
these classes, who are already out OF touch and
ont OF sympathy with tho right and safe social
.r.f.. of "a world
happen personally 70 know that my friend,
Major stiles, has read and reflected much upon
these subjects. Within the last two years he
has carefully examined the legislation fegu-
lating the reiormatOrles and industrial schools,
both Of this country and OF Europe, and not only
30, hut he hiss personally Inspected many or
these institutions. He has now had in addition,
the experience OF fifteen months IN managing
the only institution OF this character In the state
of Virginia, and he Il prepared 10 lay before you
such results both moral and financial, as TO en-
title him 10 respectful and favorable nearing ny
the General Assembly.
SHOULD COMMAND ATTENTION.
know, moreover. that he has devoted great
care and labor 60 formulating the schemed
legislation which he proposes TO present TO your
consideration. have gone over that plan with
him and while 4 do not consider myself Qualified
70 fudge Of its legal and constitutional provisions,
! can nj least see that even those essential paris
of the bin have been tarefuily constructed and
guarded.
Mnile rendy 10 trust aDsoiutely TO tne wise
aud humane decision OF your honorable body,
may not venture 10 express the hope that you
may see ut to make the experiment-f what 1as
been so well tested and approved elsewhere is
an experiment-nnd grant what the Prison Asso-
citation, through its president, asks OF you
10 may not be improper for me 10 add that,
bO.h from my personal acquaintance with the
gentlOmen composing the association and the
zeal, tempered with conservative wisdom, which
they have shown In the use Of the liberal charter
granted them two years ago, feel assured that
the favors now asked for will, II granted, De
employed for the good OF the Commonwealth
and the welfare Of her imperillod children.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
MOSEs d. HOGE.