Los Angeles herald., 1892-01-09

fed that the one thing claiming our at
tention is the lack of room to accommo-
date the pupils. The accommodations
are more than full-they are crowded.
From this report the principaPsl and
the lack of action by the last legislature
it looks as though our representatives
have either been very derelict or over
crowded with other matter; for surely
when San Jose secured $37 900 and
Chico $25, 900, $4,000 could have been
had for persistent asking for the State
Normal school of Los Angeles. While
this school is doing a good work for the
state generally, it is especially so to
Southern California. 1t will not do for
us to allow it's influence to be crippled
by either neglect or short-sighted policy.
Now in view of the rapidity with
which this school has outgrown its &C
commodations and the increasing de-
mand for more accommodations, which
the school without more room cannot
supply, we, the grand jury of this
county, take occasion to call the atten-
ton OF the people of the state, the legis-
lature and especially our legislative rep
resentatives to the pressing needs of
this school. In our opinion the school
needs at once another building equal iu
capacity to the present one.
The grounds are ample for another
building equally as large as the one now
full to overlooking. The present build
ing cost 500, 900. Let the legislature ap-
propriate an equal sum for the second
building at its next session.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
This is where the brush is most
vigorously used. The following is the
entire statement of the jury on the much
discussed institution
Numerous charges of mismanagement
and corruption having been made
against the trustees and officers of the
state reform school, this grand jury de-
termined to make their investigation as
thorough as possible; to this end all the
books and documents in possession of
the officers OF said school, as we'll as all
on file in the Office of the state controller
have bee in po ss, ion of the grand jury
and carefully compared and exported,
and all the persons supposed to know
any thing in relation to the charges
made have been before the grand jury
for examination. AS result of this
thorough investigation and examination
we submit the follow findings and re-
concentrations.
We find that the books have been
correctly kept and every dollar of money
properly accounted for.
We find that the moneys have been
judiciously expended, with perhaps the
exception of a few small appropriations
made soon after the first organization of
the board of trustees, and these having
been passed upon and allowed by the
state board of examiners, may have
been necessary under the circum-
stances.
After very thorough investigation of
all the charges and rumors in relation
to the letting of contracts and the con-
struction of the buildings, we are united
III finding that the contracts were
let inaccordance with law that
the construction of said buildings
Mas in accordance with the con-
tracts and specifications; that the ma
terial and workmanship was good, and
that such changes as were made were
for the best interest of the state, and
not in the interest or to the benefit of
any one else; and there is no evidence
of collusion or misconduct on the part
of any officer or contractor.
".
In the matter of the purchase OF the
additional 120 acres of land, we are of
the opinion that the deal was square
one, and very advantageous to the state.
The land is very fertile, is easily culti-
vated, will grow good citrus or decidu
Gus fruits, vegetables or grain. 1t is
we'll adapted to the needs of the school,
and now worth much more than it cost
the state.
After careful investigation into the
whole matter of furniture and furnish
ing, and personal inspection of the
same, we find that the furniture is suit
able in kind, excellent in quality, and
not excessive in quantity. That it was
purchased in a aslawful manner, and at
its fair market value; and there is no
evidence whatever of dishonesty or col
lusion on the part of any officer OF the
school, the state or the furniture COM
pany.
Bearing in mind that this is an edu-
cational, much more than penal institu-
IlOn blldt tllC OuJCCI 10 w LII
than punish the boys and girls sent
there by the state; we are united in the
opinion that the trustees have acted
wisely in the whole matter of furniture
and furnishing.
MANAGEMENT.
Under the management of Superin-
tendent DR.. Walter Lindley, we believe
that the objects and intentions of the
institution are being faithfully carried
out, the discipline maintained, the
military drill, the literary instruction
and the good manners taught, and the
trades learned will place those receiving
an honorable discharge from the insti
tuition at an advantage over many boys
and girls who depend upon the public
schools of the state. Or. Lindley, in
addition to his arduous duties as super
intendent, is teaching and doing the
work of the physician, receiving no
additional compensation therefor.
His whole heart appears to be in the
work and we believe he deserves the en-
dorsement of the grand jury, the con-
fidence of the people and the commen-
dation and moral support of all good
citizens. DIR. Lindley is ably assisted
by his wife, who is devoting her time
and energies to the best interests of the
school, without any compensation, and
deserves special mention in this report.
We are gratified at the cheerful, and