The Portland daily press., 1895-05-02
Notes.
THEY MUST HAVE GUNS.
The Two Companies at the Reform School
Need Guns in Order to Make Further
. Progress-Captain Baker and Mr.. Little
Will Ask. Governor Cleaves for Them.

Some months ago the trustees of the Re-
form school decided to adopt plan pro-
posed by Hon. Albion Little. and to intro
duce military drill as part of the regular
system of the institution. Mr.. Little in
sisted that it would be found that the boys
would sho,y the good effect of the drill. that
they would find it break in the life at the
school. and that they would be in many
ways the better for it.
Captain Baker was secured as military in
struotor, and for long time saw but little
results. although he tried very hard After
a while the boys began to take to it more
naturally, and to feel more confidence in
themselves. and those who had doubted the
wisdom of The proposed Innovation aoknowl-
edged that Mr.. Little was right.
Yesterday Captain Baker drilled his
buys in the presence of Mr.. Little, Mr..
Harrington, MI. Wentworth, member of
the High School Cadets and PRESS re-
porter. Then he left them in the hands of
Captain Arris of ''Co. A." of the school
battalion, who went through the setting-up
drill. OF course the boys did not show per-
feet work, but there were some things that
would have done credit 10 company or
ganized much longer and drilled much more
frequently. Once the bright young repre-
sentative of the Cadets said: s'They beat
US that time"
One thing is lacking. and both Mr.. Little
and Captain Baker will ask Governor
Cleaves I o suppy that most pressing want.
They need guns and must have them. The
boys have been drilled as far as they can De
without guns. There are about forty guns
that belonged TO the old militia. They went
through the fire and are of doubtful value
at the best, and not fit for any actual work.
Governor Cleaves will be asked to allow
school for the use of the battalion. Swords
are also wanted for the officers and will be
procured. The great want is guns, and it
is believed that Governor Cleayes will con-
sent to the removal of the now useless
militia arms TO the school.
he cottage system is working even bother
than was expected. and the cottage to be
built under the direction of the trustees
will pattern closely after the one at the
present time. SO pleasant feature of the
life of the boys who are fortunate enough
to be taken from he school, to what it is
The constant effort of those in charge, to
make a real home. Pictures are scattered
through the rooms. but more are needed,
especially il the hospital in the cottage
Mr.. Payson Tucker has offered to send to
The school number of pictures, and Mr.
Little proposes 10 use them to brighten the
room where the sick boys are kept. Mr.
Tucker can be trusted tc make the walls of
that room bright and Mr.. Little would be
glad to have more contributions Of tie same
sort.
The good effect of the military drill on the
boys can be plainly seen. They walk more
erect, and show something of the pride of
the soldier in their apreI aance. Tho officers
are promptly obeyed, and Captain Baker is
confid ent that once provided with guns
they will present still more soldier like
appearance. The drill has been found help
ful i'll other ways. the boys yield and obey
more promptly those in authority, and are
more self especting