The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-01-30


years..
Total. I.s29
The continual increase Of the inmates OF our
State institutions presents a problem which
yearly becomes more serious. While II may
be ascribed to the steady growth Of our popu-
lation and 20 a more vigorous enforcement OF
our laws, IL Is by no means certain that these
two causes will afford complete explanation.
IL has been asserted that the state ID TOO I'D
eral in bearing the expense not only of the
support of the insane but also OF the commit
.ment OF persons 10 the insane asylum ana
workhouse. Although i am not prepared TO
endorse this claim, yet think the proposition
that this increase may be restricted by caus-
ing the towns and cities to share the cost OF
care and commitment Is entitled TO your con-
Alteration Ii is not unreasonable 10 assume
that the commitment fee creates zeal In the
work of apprehension, which would be judi
ciously restrained III the expense were borne
had legal settlement BY placing this expense
upon the town authorities IL Is believed
that the State would be relieved OF many
transient paupers who are driven from neigh
boring States and detained here only because
is 'ne suui.. .SA ce O: the inmates OF
the state work house, Sockanosset school, Oak
lawn school and Insane Asylum should he
chargeable To the towns in which they have
legal settlement, and If any inmate has an es-
tate, or any person is legally liable for his sup
port, the town should recover from such es-
tate or person.
renew my recommendation for the enact
ment OF a law making the reform school the
only place of detention for children under n
certain age, and requiring that their commit
ment TO the States prison for more serious
crimes shall be contingent upon the approval
Of justice of the Supreme Court.
Militia
For the military department the past year
...l st.tfx ..t.1t inf.
Investigations have been made of co. A, End
Regt Infy. of Warren and the Naval Reserve
Torpedo Company Of Newport The condition
Of affairs in the Warren Company was such
as to justify its disbandment, and Col. James
Moran of the End Regiment has been directed
20 e.ilist and organize "A company at Olneyville
10 fiji the vacancy. The report OF the Board
of Inquiry upon the troubles In the Newport
Naval Reserves led me to discharge one OF the
acting officers. Charges have been made Of
irregularities In the muster and pay rolls OF
Co. E, End Regt. Infy., and have ordered the
officer against whom the charges were made
10 be tried by Court Martial.
In these and minor matters have been ami
mated by q desire to maintain discipline and
70 encourage respect for the military regula-
tions. The ambiguity and Inconsistency OF
our present military law and the consequent
growth or embarrassing customs and prece-
dents have sometimes rendered my duty one
of difficulty. Where insistcnce In the obser-
vaiion OF certain regulations which have
fallen into disuse would have been liable 10
demoraiizc the organization, have considered
Il better to await the adoption OF the new
militia law now being prepared by the com
mittee appointed at the last January session.
This remark applies more particularly TO the
provisions regarding fines for non-appearance
at drills. and the furnishing of bonds by COM
missioned officers charged with the care of
State property.
am of the opinion that the militia canno
be placed upon efficient and well organized
basis until three important changes are
made:-
40 far as IL appertains TO field and company
officers.
End. The provision Of sufficient assistance in
the departments OF the Adjutant General and
Quartermaster General, and the payment of
an adequate salary to these officers.
3rd The requirement OF strict physical
examination for enlistment and the prohibi-
ton of recruiting within three months of the
annual encampment.
other essential improvements are in the d.
pection OF imperative regulations regarding
the care of State property, and attendance at
drills. with power TO enforce the same; in
crease OF the time required TO be devoted 10
sncampmeuts, and the formation ofa hospital
corps.
Notwithstanding the disabilities which these
suggestions cover, IL is gratifying to know that
the fidelity and zeal of the ofncers anu men
have enabled the organization TO advance In
soldierly qualifications. This seal was espe-
cially displayed by the voluntary presence OF
100 men nj the range for rife practice during
last year, the appropriation intended TO de-
fray their expenses having been pronounced
imperative. The rifle practice season was
most successful. or the 80 who fired at the
ranges, lw qualified from third TO second
class, "a 90 first class. 81 90 grade OF marks
men ard 10 90 the distinction OF shnrpshooters.
The returns Of th. active militia at the
close of the year are as follows;AC Commits
stoned officers 10 non-commissioned officers
32p musicians &c. priyates sl5, total lt's.
Various branches OF the service are repre-
sented as follows:--Csenersl officers Is. cavalry
lO. heavy artillery sf,. light batteries ~. in
fantry sx. signal corps 8. machine gun bat
tery q, naval reserve companies ITO. Number
of men available in the state for militia SER
vice lan.Ss Appropriations last year for
military purposes e4s5O5.eo. Of which s3.Jg
Was inoperative expenditures $1,000.