The record-union., 1894-05-26

/ have been accustomed in estimating Its
expense, to first ascertain the gross ex-
penditures, dividing it by the number OF
inmates, and then considering whether
the result was or was not too much Tor
the State to expend in the care of one bad
or incorrigible boy or girl. And this is,
no doubt, the method adopted by almost
every one who gives the matter any con-
sideration at all. / am now satisfied that
this is an entirely erroneous basis to fig-
ure upon as it leaves out of consideration
most important factor. The omitted
factor, or principle, is that which has
crystallized into the proverb, An ounce
of prevention is worth pound OF cure"
In this familiar proverb, however, the
ratio is only l6 to |, whereas in the case
in hand the proportion is intellectually
greater. II we remember the immense
sums of money expended in the detec-
ton, arrest, conviction and punishment
of criminals; if added to this we take
into consideration the ever active, ever
widening influence for evil OF one cor
rupt. depraved vicious boy in commu-
nIty, and much more of such girl, can any
amount of money seem too much which
shall take such boy or girl from COM
munity, transform the prospective vaga-
bond or dangerous criminal, and return
him or her in a few years to the same
community safe and respected citizen
thereof-radiating an influence for good
in place of for evil? And this is the sort
of work the Whittier School is accom-
plishing.
/ have in mind case in point: A boy
in our city Of San Jose who is now filling
most worthily and acceptably response
BILE position with one of our local cor
porations, was but comparatively short
time ago sent to Whittier a most un-
promising and all but hopeless incorrigi.
BILE. He there became interested in, and
acquired the technical knowledge ana
practical training which fitted him for his
present position; and, with such kn0Wl-
edge and training, aud better than both,
acquired habits of industry and applica-
ton, and had stirred within him aspira-
tions for good and noble things, which
will vet make him-my word for it-a
man of mark and of influence for good in
this community.
At the school | saw between 800 and 400
boys and girls surrounded by and yield
ing to the same influences and instru-
mentalities which wrought such happy
results in the case of our own San Jose
BOY.
Can that sort of thing be estimated in
dollars and cents at so much per head, as
droves of oxen and pigs are estimated
and valued? A thousand times no.
And / say that my basis of estimating
Lu0 Ndlu0 VI SiCu WOIh dS 10 JULIE QOhO
at Whittier was wrong, and so is that of
everyone else who thinks of it as / was
prone to think Of it before going and see-
ing for myself what is doing there and
the manner of it's doing. One might as
we'll try to calculate the value of SUM-
shine to the earth at so many dollars and
cents degree; or the worth of the grateful
rain upon the thirsty hills and plains at
so much per drop.
AS citizen and taxpayer-and very
conservative one at that, remembe
say let the good work go on. Establish
more such schools, if necessary, and
keep on establishing them. Reclaim the
boys and girls. Turn in the right direc-
ton those that are heading wrong; lift
up those that are in the mire and set their
feet on the solid ground; bring up into
the bright and healthful light of Gods
sunshine those that are in the filth and
the darkness of the slums, all of whom if
not so cared for, will carry moral conta-
gion into and among the children OF our
city and of our State, as one left free
among them with the pollution of a conta.
gious physical disease would scatter
among them sickness and death.
Save, reclaim and transform the vicious
bows and girls, and the future of the men
and women of our State is assured.
And, Mr.. Editor, / for one don't care
aOhat it costs, so long as the money Is as
wisely and judiciously expended as 1
now know it to be at Whittier.
RALPH LOWE.
San Jose, May II, 1894.