St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1896-10-09

. mum ajst of good road should be the
guide IN carrying out the reform. Prob
ably NJ one thing will attract temper
ary and permanent dwelIers to the
state, more than good roads.
If the policy Of permanent improve
ment is continued by means Of state
funds there should be a state super
vision Of their expenditure and perhaps
this cannot be provided any better than
TO make a permanent State Road Com
mission, giving 1t more voice in deter
mining the character and location Of
reform. Regarding this subject nearer
than almost any other to the material
prosperity of the state 1t Is consigned
to your care.
Railroads and Railroad Commission.
For full particulars regarding the con-
dition, business and management of the
railroads of the state reference should
be made to the able report of the railroad
commissioners, where full account Is
given Of the different systems within
the jurisdiction Of the state.
The railroad commission born Of a
right to supervise the dongs Of rail-
roads is now ten years old Its powers
are said to be too limited. 1t is old
enough to speak, through its record, for
itself. If it can be strengthened to rem
der the people any better service than
they now receive let it be so strengthen
ed. Let it be made complete in all re-
spects for doing in fair just way the
most good to all concerned. You viii
give this subject your attention and con-
slider whether the railroads should not
pay a portion Of the expense Of this com
mission
Board of Agriculture
This board is rendering faithful SER
vice along the different lines of work
1t conducts, and doing much good in
various ways. Its meetings held in all
parts of the state supply food for
thought, awaken interest and quicken
endeavor among the farmers. 1t is a
state institution that goes about doing
good. 1t has rendered an important SER
vice in furnishing statistical informa-
ton to sellers and buyers of farms and
summer tourists.
Tuberculosis.
This dread disease among stock has
created a deep interest and incurred not
q little expense. The mystery of the
disease and uncertainty of its treatment
/ dwell so much in the unknown, that more
than ordinary interest has centered in
the methods employed to eradicate it.
The tests, made upon which slaught-
ers have been based are as convincing
as experimental work can be and uE-
/ int yy-ou n nytnCD1iO
ton as clearly as present knowledge
upon the subject is able to.
After examinations have covered the
state and should they not do so as soon
as possible, whether invited or not, a
more defnate account of presence,
progress and control of the disease can
be kept If the present work is in tn"
right direction let it proceed until re-
duced to a system by which an accurate
estimate can be made of what is being
accomplished. The compensation for
slaughters, is perhaps as just as can
be devised in such cases The disease
exposed by slaughters, in every instance,
so far as reported, whatever 1t may be,
is something common consent pronoun-
ces incompatible with healthy animals
and healthy food. This subject invites
YOUR attention that the public and the
Individual may be better satisfied with
and feel more secure in what is being
done The slaughters during the last
biennial term cost the state 100000.
State Board of Health.
The work of this board should not be
overlooked nor it's needs neglected. That
It's report will be consulted and the i'm
portance of its duties appreciated is the
common desire of an interested people.
Soldiers Home.
This institution, true to its name, is a
home for the INDECENT veterans of the late
war tt is filled, the greater part of thu
time, with those who shared the dangers
and endured the hardships of that gigan-
tic struggle, and have grown DID, feeble
and poor. The generosity of grateful
people in 1884 determined at whatever
cost, the brave veterans of the Union
being needy, should have an alternative
between a home and the poorhouse. This
determination stands upon the records
of state legislation, a monument of patri'
otto gratitude to the soldier of that war
whether dead or living rich or poor,
need not suggest that you consider the
needs of this institution in the samt
spirit that has always characterized
Vermont's bearing toward the old sol.
der.
Reform School.
This institution, in reality a school
such blessing to so many boy and girls
benefits the state in more ways than a
a glance appear 1t restrains youthful
wanderings and fits, for men and women
the wanderers, 1t discharges its inmates
higher in the scale of being than it re
ceives them Its purpose and manage
ment are to be commended. Your at
tention is directed to the report of thu
trustees and the recommendations there
in contained as to the needs Of the school
State Prison.
This institution having changed thu
contract for it's labor and provided new
machinery incident to the change, ex
poets hereafter to be self sustaining;
desirable condition for penal institution
to enjoy, calling for congratulations t.
state and management.
A small farm, utilizing part of tn,
prison labor, and a keepers dwelling
should be added to the property of thi!
institution.
Such additions would save the state
more than the interest on their cost.
House of Correction.
The much needed Improvements havinl
; been accomplished within the appropria
ton authorizing them, this institution /,
now a credit to the state. Short terms
; of imprisonment prevent as proftabl,