The record-union., 1892-06-01
PRESTON SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY.
A "RecOrd-Union" Correspondent In
spectS the Structure.
Some Things About tie Unfinished
building to Criticfse-How 1t was
saved From Injury.

TTraveling Correspondence RECoRD-UNIoN.l
AMADoR, May 3O.-Attracted by the
striking appearance of the buildings and
grounds from the distance, visited the
place. went over the building, discussed
the project with some citizens, and,
through the courtesy of the Echo, found
a copy of Senator Preston's speech, Civ
ing the idea of the enterprise.
When we boys used to run after the
sleighs in New York those of us who
failed to catch on used to cry out to the
driver, "Cut behindp' ] found plenty of
the same spirit in this community, as we
always find in California regarding any
public enterprise. At the risk of being
accused of falling into the same groove,
we must admit the impression made was
that our public institutions in California
are Justly amenable to the criticism of
being top-heavy in the administrative
department.. To see so many large
roomS-and choice roOmS-in a school
designed for the reformation Of young
criminals assigned to the officers, their
families and guests, looks as though those
making the plans thought twice about
making some desirable position for po-
litical friend every time they thought
once about using the peoples money I'D a
way to reform the worst young crimi-
nalS Thanks to the trades unions, that
shut their doors against apprentices, and
10 an educational system which largely
exalts disciplinary and ornamental over
practical studies, and puts the low
much?n before the How well ?' idle
ness has bred an enormous crop of the
youngsters that the Preston School is de-
signed 10 reform. There are not public
funds enough TO go around, and l think
that, instead Of trying to make such a
show that it may entertain visiting
friends in way TO make tITem remember
their stay there as a delightful visit those
should be put in charge whose devotion
to humanity Is so great as to make them
satisfied with plain surroundings and
living, and willing to ecCnomize i'll every
direction, that they may save just as
many boys and girls from ruin as the re-
sources at command will permit.
1t is grand and noble work for lives
devoted to humanity, bat no place to re-
ward political lambs with perpetual
ovation at the expense of taxpayers.
1t is good thing TO give the boys and
girls such an education as viii enable
them to earn honest livings, but those
who heard the addresses at the laying of
the cornerstone are planning how their
children shall commit the least possible
crime that may entitle them to so great
advantages. They put it in phrase more
suggestive than classical, "Where do the
good get OFF,"
There was considerable said about mill
tary drill and the studies, etc., in the adj
dresses, and very little about work.
Now, that is the way these people must
earn a iving-if they get it honestly
when they leave there, and don't think
that plenty of work will hurt them. OF
course, it should be planned and re-
warded in a way to make it attractive, if
possible, but none the less constant
either with hand or head
The landscape presents a charming
scene, and the immediate surroundings,
with some native trees and shrubs of
rare beauty, offer an inviting field for the
work of a landscape gardener. | did not
see that part of the ground likely to prove
attractive to the vegetable gardener or
the fruit-grower. However, we must re-
member that, with the California climate,
water will do almost anything, and that
they are constantly reclaiming to profit
able cultivation in Southern California
land that looked to poor 10 feed goat to
the acre.
The limit pledge made by both parties
in the last campaign worked very badly
for this institution. When other appro-
priations had been signed and footed up
the work at the Preston School was
stopped without roof The Prison Di-
rectors deserve credit for having saved
the walls from destruction, likely to be
caused by standing without protection
while waiting for another appropriation,
by borrowing from the San Quentin fund
enough to build the roof. a farmer who
pursued policy similar to that of our
State would build one wheel year of the
wagon designed to haul his crop to mar
ket. FRANK ;. CHAPLIN.