New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-09

. scattered over the slope Of grass-covered land
known as the refuge grounds conveyed no un-
pleasant suggestion of a prison. II one be ex-
cepted-a neutrality-suspicious. structure WIN
narrow windows covered with iron bars IN
which the inmates Of the institution are first
nlaced on their arrival in Albion. The remain
ing buildings facing a broad stone walk that
divides the refuge grounds into two equal por-
tons appear more like a modern high school
building. Several of them are known as COT
tages": there is well-constructed hospital
building a storage warehouse and fine-look-
ing administration building. The GROUNDS nave
fine green lawns and flowers.
The intent of the present management IS 10
make the refuge as little like a prison as pos
sible and therefore, there will be an EFFORT
made TO establish more cottages, where the
women committed to the institution can pe
given a homeke life. In this policy OF opilt-
Grating the prison idea the Board or Managers
and Mrs. Mary K. Boyd. the superintendent
have the earnest support Of the state Boaro
Of Charities.
"Compulsory reformation" said Mrs. Boyd, rs
not successful reformation. The prison IDEA is
a wrong one in dealing with these women ana
we Americans have made mistake, in my
Judgment in adopting it. l think the Enghsh
method the preferable one. There they trans
building in a city and in quiet, undemonstra-
tive manner have them earn their living at
first by doing laundry work. They receive, IN
fact a ticket of leave. good as long as they
behave themselves out in the world. Then
finally they are released. Here we play on
brass bands as IL were. while seeking TO reform
q woman Such a woman does not wish any
public notice; IL she has thoughts of reforming
her life, she hopes no one will observe her
What especially impresses one In the women
who are brought here at least the younger ones
IS that they have had no home training, no
preparation to earn living. In my judgment
there ought to be complete separation OF the
Young women here from the older ones. There
ia nothing to prevent a police magistrate now
from sending here the who has had
charge Of a dsreputable house with all the
inmates Of her house. and the giving TO her the
opportunity Of using this institution as a re-
cruiting ground"
EDUCATION THE BASIS OF REFORM.
Mrs Boyd's main effort now. It is apparent is
20 educate the women in her charge and espe-
cially TO mpart 10 them the idea OF better
moral life. In the school building this morn
ing about twenty girls were found busily en-
ployed in sewing Miss Mcconnell, the teacher.
exhibited specimens in book of all kinds OF
needlework. which the girls had executed. All
forms OF needlewOrk are taught 10 the girls lIoW
embroidery to that employed in making a dress
The specimens CT needlework exhibited were
certainly a credit to both the teacher and her
pupils The girls dressed in neat blue
uniform: their hair was well brushed; their faces
and hands were clean. and they looked thorough
~ well cared for in every respect by the refuge
authorities. They make all their own dresses.
and one Of the features Of this training is that
before they leave the refuge they cut out and
make dress Of superior material to wear to
their homes.
II may be stated here that the women who are
thus undergoing reformation do not have in their
faces that hardened prison appearance which us
ually so saddens a visitor TO q penal institution.
and that In fact from their contented faces one
would not suspect that they were restrained in
their liberty The younger girls receive the pref
erence for cottage life at Mrs. Boyds hands,
and IL plainly is her intent TO separate them from
their older associates. most of whom have lived
Gisreputable lives But If an older girl shows
signs OF true repentance, she Is promoted to
the cottage lfe and her age. therefore, is no bar
20 her living in a place more like home. 1t
should be stated also that Margaret Medium.
the matron OF the prison department. makes no
acknowledgment Of any evil tendencies OF the
women under care but on the contrary asserts
that most Of them behave well; and. indeed. just
as we'll as the cottagers."
There are two cottages" occupied, and TWO