The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-12-29
STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT PRE-
SEETED TO GOVERNOR COOKE.

table and Rcformatory Work In Insti-
tutionsin State-StatistIos Showing Cost
to State and Townsville Prison, Jails,
Schools and Almsheuses.
Hartford, Dec. 2S.-The sixteenth an
nual report of the state board of chart
ties was presented to the governor this
afternoon. 1t covers the period from
September &c. 1895, to SEPTEMBER so,
1897.
The report contains a general review
of the charitable and reformatory insti-
tutions In the state and records the
changes in their condition and develop
nlent since the issue OF the previous re-
port. statistics are given showing the
cost to the state and the towns of the
institutions for the year and recon-
mendations are made for improvements
In certain directions. A brief account
of the principal institutions and of the
recommendations concerning them is as
follows:
AT the state prison number Of
changes in equipment have been made
during the year, of which the most i'm
portant is the erection of the ward for
insane criminals which has long been
needed there. In connection with this
new department, 1t is recommended that
a careful study be made of the proba
BILE causes Of insanity in the prison
with a view toward introducing pre-
ventive measures. Mention is made of
the new law providing for the release
on parole by the state board of par
dons of certain classes Of prisoners.
The crowded condition Of the prison is
noted as an argument for the estab-
1ishment of reformatory in the state,
but until that time arrives, the de-
STABILITY Is shown of employing in the
state prison every successful expedient
known to modern prison reform.
Regret is expressed that no material
advances have been made at the State
School for Boys for the definite i'm
provement of it's inmates, and the in
PRODUCTION is strongly urged of syste-
matte physical exercise and Of a
greater variety of trades instruction for
all the boys in the school. In these re-
spects the school is declared to be sad
ly inferior to similar institutions in
neighboring states, and it is recon-
mended that the best features of these
more progressive schools be adopted
here. 1t is believed that such innova-
lions would prove profitable invest
ment in the increased usefulness to the
state hereafter of the graduates of the
school as self-sustaining, law-abiding
citizens. 1t is also recommended that
a state agent be appointed to find suit
able homes and employment for the
boys who are released on probation,
and to maintain general supervision
over them SO long as they are wards
of the state and school.
At the Industrial School for Girls at
Middletown, the Honor Home is about
completed and will furnish an inter-
mediate residence between the other
homes and positions in families. Here
girls will be tested by the employment
of a period of comparative freedom to
prove their fitness for life in the world
outside. The general condition of the
school is highly commended for neat
ness, comfort and discipline.
In regard to the county jai1s mention
Is made Of the completion of the alter
ations at Hartford and New Haven, and
of the new Windham county Jail, and
approval is expressed for their neatness
and good mana cement, The county
Jail system, however, as maintained in
Connecticut. continues to be as unsat-
isfactory as ever in the way Of reducing
crime or Of permanently improving the
moral and social condition of their in
mates. AS a possible solution of the re-
formatory problem in Connecticut, it
is suggested that all of the county pris-
ons might be brought under the CEN
tralized control of the state. and that
two of the larger ones might be con-
verified into reforma tories for men and
women. respectively, leaving the other
for the restraint of less serious Offend
ers and the detention of prisoners bound
over to the higher courts.
The history of the movement to es-
fabTish a reformatory is briefly re.
viewed, and the need is shown Of such
an institution in the state, especially
for young women past the age of aid
mission to the industrial school, for
whom the influence of the county jails
are especially bad.
The crowded condition of the state
hospital for the insane is noted anG
the question is presented whether the
insane wards Of the state may not be
best cared for in separate institutions
one hospital for the scientific treat.
ment of acute cases, and the other ar
asylum for the restraint and humane
care of so-called chronic or incurables
The hospital has maintained its GUS
tomary appearance of neatness anC
prudent management.
All Of the private asylums for the in
sane in the state have obtained licenses
from the governor in accordance with
the law of 1897. requiring such action
with the exception of the London sani
tarium at Greenwich.
At the Lakeville school for imbeciles
no changes of Importance have occurred
during the year, but 1t is hoped that the
appropriation made by the last genera
assembly in lieu of the Marett beques
will enable the school to enlarge tbs
scope of it's work.
The American school at Hartford fol-
the deaf has enjoyed another year O,
steady progress. A class in pure ora
instruction has been formed this year
and committee of the trustees is de
yeloping plans for the removal of the
school to quieter and more extensive
grounds.
The condition of the Mystic ora,
school is practically the same as yeal