Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-12-10
THE REFORM SCHOOL
The Superintendent Speaks of the Care of
the Inmates.
Boys Are Looked After In Every De.
partment of the Institution-NO
Death During the Year.

In his annual report Mr.. G. A Shallen-
ger, superintendent of the District reform
school. gives the following account of the
methods and condition of that institution:
The many failures so apparent in the
management of the average homes of to-
day warrant the conclusion that state
and municipal laws notably deficient
in their exacticns upon parents and guard
lars; otherwise the number of commit
merits TO our Teforma tory and penal insti-
tutions would be greatly diminished. A
careful study of the personal histories OF
these youthful Migrants transferred from
Other homes 10 receive more exacting
Discipline with us must serve to convince
the most skeptical INQUIRER that in many
instances the child is not the real Of
fondar. and in justice should not be made
TO bear the burdens which of right belong
TO others
Care of the Institution.
Considering the number and diversity OF
the interests involved. each department of
the schC oil work has received its full meas
ure OF attention Nothing has been left
undoEe-at least no reasonable effort has
been spared-to protect and preserve the
public property in its manifold needs. A
sufficient proof of these claims is clearly
evidenced in the present creditable condi-
ton and slightly appearance of our school
buildings and their immediate surround
inss- But in material sense has the ex-
ertise of these duties prevented a constant
vigilance in making daily and ample pro-
vision for the necessary wants of those
directly dependent upon us for everything
relating to their personal welI-being, pres
ent and prospective Looking to this end.
clean and comfortably furnished apart
merits adequate and suitable clothing, to-
gether with an abundant supply of pala-
table and wholesome food. have been pro-
vided, in season and out of season. with
a care and regularity always conducive to
healthful development of both body and
mind.
In the purchase of all ordinary supplies
the prevailing custom favors a home mar
ket. Local conditions always liable to
affect prices. as well the character of
the food and clothing adapted to EACH
hence II is quite impossible to make eaui-
table comparisons without a thorough
knowledge of these widely different condi-
lions
Under the general management it has
been my constant purpose to practice as
Tar as consistent with a true economy the
reduction OF all expenditures to the mini
mum, but never to purchase anything SIM
ply because II was cheap.
Regular school Sessions.
THE regular school sessions have been
conducted throughout the term of eight
consecutive months. with a purpose to Sc
cure the most satisfac tory educational re-
suits in each of the several families
These separate families are organized
and maintained upon a basis of age rather
than upon the mental requirements of their
members, which favors possible and very
Die separation OF the younger boys
frcE: those more advanced in years
I Hder the supervision of a competent
te lcAer. ard through the exercise of the
practical methods common TO the school
sessions. a respectful obedience to his au-
thoT!ty is soon established. This forms the
nucleus for all future discipline, and be-
comes an important factor in his manage
ment during other and longer hours that
coniront him daily outside of the school
rom, and yet clearly within the round Of
his official duty.
We have had no difficulty in finding
steady and healthful employment for our
older boys, especially during the months
when our large farm was N full operation.
as the demand for all kinds of outside
IaOo seems to increase with each succeed
ing year In addition to the working force
required for the necessary care of buildings
ard other kinds of domestic labor il be
comes difficult task 1t times 10 secure the
requisite number of well-grown intelliee mt
boys to supply the mechanical labor re-
CURED N our carpenter. tailoring and shoe
SHOPS. greenhouses. laundry, bakery and
industry must not be overlooked s 1t still
continues TO furnish suitable and profitable
employment for ma ~ of our smaller BOYS
No Death During the Year
There has been no record OF death.
making third consecutive report of this
Character possible, and thus securing
another reduction in our already low rate
U MORTALITY Altogether, the general health
mas been about equal to an average during
the past number of ya1rs. These favorable
Conditions, under providence. have been Sc
cured largely by the constant and urited
eHorts OF the physician and the school
auhoribes In maintaining, especially dur
ihs the epidemic season. a thoroughly sys-
teInatlc use of disinfectanIs throughout the
several buildings and adjacent grounds
fSehslous services have been held regu-
Iarly- with few exceptions during the mid
sCIhiher months, at he usual hour every
sunday afternoon. These services have
heen conducted without reference To secta
ran creeds and formulas by ministers of
the gospel and others. ever ready and will
ing TO serve the Master MANY good
friends OF the school have shown their in
teFest IN our work by their freuuen: nres
thce upon these occasions
Every Sunday morning a Bible class
session Is held in each OF the several family
school rooms, under the immediate direc.
tloA OF the officer IN charge AMI the s,ner
ihtendent seldom fails to spend this morn
ing hour In a fair division between tie
several classes, and TO Join with them in
tie STUDY OF their Bible lessons
IL IS altogether pertinent as well also a
peasant duty in this connection to make
Htuhs ACCOMPLISHMENTS to those who have
80 OFTEN and acceptably given us aid and
SSmpdtny Dy their friendly vIsitati,ns and
VI the conduct of these stated raIieious c.
vices" sis'o's ser
Lower Rates Tho