Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-10-09

mum cost of a good road should be the
guide in carrying out the reform. Prob.
ably no one thing will attract temper.
airy and permanent jewellers to the
state, more than good roads.
II the policy of permanent improve
ment is continued by means Of state
funds there should be a state super
vision of their expenditure andsperhaps
this cannot be provided any better than
to make a permanent State Road Com
mission, giving II 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 a full account Is
given of the different systems within
the jurisdiction of the state.
The railroad commission born OF a
right to supervise the doings 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. II It can be strengthened to rem
der the people any better service than
they now receive let II be so strengthen
ed. Let it be made complete in all re-
spects for doing in a fair. just way the
most good to all concerned. You will
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
It 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
a 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 UNI
doubtedly point the way to eNtermina-
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. II the present work is in tn"
right direction let II 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 IL 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 |
may be better satisfied with |
and feel more secure in what is being |
r =, ri ;S,'aughtG-s during the last
uvitsie -nTnHtrrs, saEIHed. IN town. the .athar-d1
biennial term cost the state $4,000.
State Board Of Health.
The work OF this board should not be
overlooked nor its needs neglected. That
its 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 q
for fh.a indiUanf VatPFaDQ of the lat q
war. tt is filled, the greater part of the
time, with those who shared the dangers
and endured the hardships of that gigan-
tic struggle, and have grown old. 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-
otIc 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 same
spirit that has always characterized
Vermont's bearing toward the old SOL
der.
Reform School.
This institution, in reality a school,
such a blessing to so many boy and girls,
benefits the state in more ways than at
a glance appear. 1t restraints youthful
wanderings and fits, for men and women.
the wanderers. II discharges its inmates
higher in the scale OF being than II re-
ceives them. Its purpose and manage
ment are to be commended. Your at
tention is directed to the report Of the
trustees and the recommendations there
In contained as to the needs Of the school
State Prison
This institution having changed the
contract for its labor and provided new
machinery incident to the change. ex-
poets hereafter to be self sustaining; a
desirable condition for penal institution
to enjoy calling for congratulations TO
state and management.
A small farm, utilizing a part of the
prison labor, and a keepers dwelling,
should be added to the property OF this
institution.
Such additions would save the state
more than the interest on their cost.
House of Correction.
The much needed improveme ats having
been accomplished within the appropria-
ton authorizing them. this institution is
now a credit TO the state. Short terms
of imprisonment prevent as profitable
employment of its labor as might be
made under longer terms. The earnings.
however. compare favor ably with SINH
lar institutions in other states. The re-
turn by the directors of about $4,000, the
unexpended portion of the appropriation
Of 1894. is a welcome surprise to the treas
ury.
Prison Reform.