The Portland daily press., 1895-01-04

lts Ieaa1ng object shall be to teach such
branches of learning as are related to agricul-
t11re and mechanic arts, and without exclud-
ing other scientific and classical STUDIES. This
institution offers an opportunity for a practi-
cal and advanced education, at reasonable
cost. The attendance during the past Two
years has steadily increased, and the NUMBER
of new students III 1894, was more than douple
that of the preceding year
A new COURSE in electrical engineering mas
been established, enabling our young men ia
gain systematic training in the use OF cleo
tricity, which is destined in the future to bear
an important part in the development and utl'
lization of the immense water power OF tho
State for manufacturing and other purposes.
Instruction in pharmacy has also been intro
duced and two courses established. In addt
ton to the full cpurs@ in agriculture, shorter
courses have been arranged to meet the con-
venience of those desiring instruction IN this
important branch, but who are unable to de
vote the time for full course
The General Government also requires that
instruction in military science shall be given.
and in October last encampment was held
by the students at Portland. They exhibited
marked proficiency in drill, thorough discip-
line. and their gentlemanly bearing won the
communication of thousands of citizens who
had an opportunity to observe them While in
camp. This department is under the direct
supervision of Lieut.. Mark l.. Hersey, U. s. A,
who, in addition to his duties at the College,
has rendered valuable service to the Maine
National Guard.
Reform School.
Two thousand ore hundred and two boys
have been admitted to the Reform School since
its establishment. The number in the school
December first, 1894; was one hundred and
forty. The State should not treat this as pc
nal institution alone, but as branch of the
educational work of our State. Many OF this
have never been blessed with the kind and re-
filming influences of happy home and de-
voted mother and father. Many of them when
arrested and arraigned before the magistrate,
had no conception that they had committed
any wrong or any crime against society. Here
they are receiving moral, intellectual and In
dustrial training, which will fit them for use
full employments and good citizenship. The
superior advantages of the cottage system have
been fully Demonstrated and the institution
should receive a cordial support.
The Insane.
That there may be no misapprehension IS
to my views relative to making appropriate
provision for the insane, you will allow r6fer-
ence to former communication, addressed to
the Legislature in 1893, upon this important
subject, wherein it was stated: 1.-THE insane
are entitled to the special of the State.
Their lot is the saddest that can befall human
ity. To the great credit of our State you have
never reluctantly or stintingly bestowed your
public favor upon this unfortunate class, and
we should continue to make appropriate pro
vision for their care. Many, with proper treat
ment, can be restored to their families, to So
ciety and activity in the business world. The
incurable should have the kindest restraint
! consistent with public safety
At the last session of the Legislature, tWo
committees of that body, the Com littee on
Finance and the Committee on Insane Hospital,
acting jointly as a 81 al committee, had this
subject under consideration and were practl-
cally unanimous in their decision that addl-
tionai accommodations should be provided Tor
the insane. Two reports were made to the
Legislature by this committee; in the final re-
port a majority recommended an approprla'
ton of $150,000 to erect new hospital at Ban
gor and minority recommended an appro'
priation of $4,000 to be expended in adding
two new buildings to the hospital at Augusta
Under resolve of the last Legislature direct
ing the Governor and Council and the Trustees
of the Insane Hospital "To ascertain the exact
number of idioio and deEented persons now
in the hospital, and to report their condltlon,
and to further examine into the expectancy OF
constructing add ional wings or buildings, ana
the cost of the same, for the accommodation OF
the above classes, on the grounds of the Maine
Insane Hospital in Augusta, and report TO the
next Legislature Ex-Governor FREDERICK
Robbie, OF Cumberland county, Honorable I. NJ
Simpson, of Penooscot county, and General h.
b.
pointed a committee to investigate, consider
and report upon this subject.
he resolve, under which the committee
d, related solely to the present hospital,
and the result OF their inquiries Will be SUD
mitted to you. The investigations have been
exhaustive While the report suggests THAT
two additional wings of the same style and
character of these already constructed could
| be erected Id connected thereto by corridor,
or "That new buildings could be constructed
on the grounds of the hospitals at Augusta, Oh
sufficient capacity for the care of the present
existing surplus at said Hospital +" no opinion
is expressed as to the a lvisability of adopting
either Of such methods, nor is any recommen
dation made but the report of the committee
leaves 1.-THE matter for the wise consideration
of the Legislature, with the full belief that the
best interests of the State will be conserved,
and the large and ever increasing populatloH'
of it's insane will b. humanely and benevo
lently provided for"
1t is fully recognized that the present accom-
modations are inadequate, and the duty Will
devolve upon you to provide some measure OF
relief for the future. Controversies and dis
| agreements as to the location where the insane
| OF the State shall be provided for, should not
result in withholding suitable and necessary
provision for their care. Differences OF opinion
may naturally be entertained, discussions may
arise, but urge upon you the importance OF
reaching q harmonious and satisfactory de-
cision.
The claims of the insane upon the State are
such that you cannot regard the question en-
tirely in an economic sense, but must consider
what means will afford the best opportunities
for the care and treatment of those upon whom
this sad misfortune has fallen.
From the most impartial information have
been able to obtain, believe the best interests
of the insane would justify the erection OF
new hospital. If upon full and thorough in.
vestigation you are in accord with this express
sion of belief, recommend that reasonable
appropriation be made by the Legislature with
| this object in view, and that you appropriately
| provide for the beginning of the work of con
| struction. The State owns a suitable site IN
| Bangor, purchased some years since.
| In dealing with matter of legislation so i'm
| portant to those who cannot come here to pres
emit their cause, not only their welfare, but the
| interests of the State will be best subserved
| and promoted, by considering this subject en-
| tirely freed from and Independents of, all other
questions, as association with other measures
may imperil the most deserving.
Criminal Insane.
Experience has fully justified the establish
| ment, by the last Legislature of separate de