Daily Kennebec journal., 1894-12-22

Of crime and the treatment Of Criminals
has ever been question demanding anu
receiving the attention of the best minds
of the world. 1t may be that crime, 20
certain extent, is a disease, hereditary or
acquired II SO, the treatment should De
in accordance with the best and most
intelligent charitable methods. For the
present and most immediate good, IL IS
necessary to carefully look after the chill
dren, early surrounding them with good
associations and good Christian discipline,
and lead them by kindness, while young,
in the path of right, so that when mature
their impulses and tendencies will be III
the proper direction. Children who nnd
the world cold who suffer from hunger
and rarely receive a kind word, whose
associations are bad, and who see around
them the luxurious life of the many, may
learn that which in after years may de-
yelop the criminal.
Today one hundred and ten boys play
in our yard, sleep in the same dormitory.
The most of these boys show disposition
to become good and useful men, and .SO)
eighty per cent who go out do well. The
few large boys whose future shows little
hope are not suitable associates for the
former. Until another cottage is ready,
it may be well to separate under dlrec-
tion of trustees and superintendent To
do so, suitable provisions by law may be
needed.
frequently boys 16 and over are COM
mitted. Later some one causes trouble
to officials by endeavor to release py
writ. The law should be amended so as
to settle that the courts commitment is
evidence of age and no plea for discharge
available Provision should be made for
boy arriving of age should not be sent
away until suitable home or work pro-
vided. A child of the State should not
be thrown into temptation. At present,
officials cannot retain them without dam
ger of litigation.
The institution is fortunate to still
command the services of Mr.. and Mrs.
Harrington. Their duties are varied and
incessant From $50 A. M. to $50 T.
M. daily they find work to do. All pur-
chases are made by the superintendent
and the services show him to be good
buyer. Assistant Supt. e. p. Wentworth
and wife are still with the school, and
continue to show their value. MIR.
Wentworth's work is, to a large degree.
detail Record of every boy, study, work,
play and charge of exercises take his
time from early morning to late at night;
frequently by night caring for the sick.
The teachers and officials generally
are well selected.
1t is advisable, as soon as boys record
warrants it, to find him home where
he will be kindly treated and grow up de-
veloping the best possible. We submit
whether, as matter of economy and for
the best good, the employment OF an agent
or the designation of trustee who shall
devote so much time as may be needed
in procuring suitable homes and looking
after the boys, keeping a record and general
information as to boys in homes and their
whereabouts until majority. Should this
be deemed proper, authority would best
be given by law.
The school has not been known suffic-
iently. We have been honored by visits
of mayors of several cities, judges of SUI
preme and other courts, school committees
and prominent citizens from different
parts of the State, all of whom go away
warmly impressed with the good work.
l 1t is more economical to care for the
boys and put them in good homes to be-
come valued citizens than that they con-
tinue with their surroundings that only
prepare them for criminal life.
With this report our official relations
end. We have given this institution our
best effort-frequent visits by day and
night, Sundays as well as week days,
visited every department., giving proper
examination, and heard all who desired.
We trust that the recommendations and
suggestions submitted may in some de-
gree aid our successors and all interested
to help this most valuable institution
to continue in it's good work and supply
sufficient funds to meet its needs.
The trustees in every way have shown
a desire to receive suggestions and rem
dered courteous attention, for which we
are not unmindful.
Mrs. Annie M. l.. Hawes. associate
visitor, has shown much interest in the
boys and gives kind word to them. Her
report is respectfully referred to.
FRED ATWOOD,
Chairman Committee on Reform School.
Trustees Report.
aThe rule requiring every boy out on
probation to report to the superintendent
in writing every quarter enables the
/ trustees to judge how far he has reformed.
Over rs per cent. of the boys graduating
| from the school go out thoroughly re-
formed. Examinations have been held at
the quarterly meetings, hearings granted
! to the boys and their parents or gnar-
dams. There has been an increase the
past year in the right direction toward an
/ ideal reform school The boys are led
! to think of the school not as a prison for
| the punishment of crime OF the 2102
boys committed 6S8 had incorporate
parents, 1905 had lost a parent, CPS were
| specially neglected, $50 truants, 72f
Sabbath breakers, 1860 idlers. This shows
the condition of the boys when taken tc
the reform school. The appropriations
recommended for 1895 and 1896 are: For
1895, $23, 500 for 1896 $50, 900. Treasurer
Emcry's report shows balance on hand oi
s64. 06, and expenditures have been $40,
397 95.
Insane Asylum
The visiting committee of the Executive
Council of the Maine Insane hospital
has rendered the following report:
To His Excellency the Governor ant
Honorable Council:
/ Mental diseases are no respecters of per
I .-orc x-;c;t;nr tboco of hiph and low do