The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-01-14
TWO THINGS NEEDED.
A Curfew Law and a State Reforma-
tory.
Edenton. n. c., Jan. IL, 1898.

Edenton, n. c., Jan. II, 1898.
To the Editor: A few days ago |
noticed, in your editorial columns, brief
reference to Il State Reformatory, in
which, in substance, the statement was
made that the State could not at this
time afford the expense incident to the
establishment of such an institution. No
matter what the individual opinion may
be, or how correct in the conclusion
reached, it will be idle to waste words,
or time, in trying to prove this, If you
are endeavoring to show the economy III
the erection of such an institution with
the press while not against the estab-
Eshment of the training school press
ing the fact that the State cannot
afford the expense; for the press is the
censor and former of the public senti-
ment and opinion, which generally pre-
walls. In connection with the subject of
n training school / recently said mo in
ducement of economy should have any
weight in this matter, for every dollar
spent in this cause, will be repaid to
the State an hundred fold" and | am
fully persuaded the statement was then
and is now correct, and the facts will
bear me out and future events will JUS
tify the prediction. 1t is to be regretted
that our State has been so slow rela-
tive to the founding of such an institu-
ton and it must be admitted, in this
respect, she has been a veritable Rip
Van Wrinkle. But let this be as it may,
and admit that the State cannot afford
the expense, at this time, | cannot see
any reason why ''curfew law" cannot
be enacted. Certainly it will not cost
the State one cent in extra expense.
The effect of this law is wholesome
upon the communities in which it has
been enforced. The record under this
system has been most gratifying and
beneficial. The arrests of young crimi-
nails has been decreased as much as rs
per cent. There has been also a great
decrease in the numbers sent to prison
and the reformatories; and teachers tes-
tify that there has been great improve
ment in punctuality and scholarship.
The home life has been made better and
the warp and wool of the State and
nation have been raised in character.
Can these things be of no Importance
to our lawmakers? Can they afford to
leave to others the work they ought to
do themselves at this time for the bene-
fit of the State, in helping the children
and future generations. ! think not,
The duty is plain and the obligations
rest upon our lawmakers. individually
and collectively, to do something in this
direction for God and humanity AS well,
as for temporal affairs, which perish. as
it were, with the hour. / earnestly urge,
as | have done before that our represen-
tatives in the General Assembly now in
session, grasp this important opportunity
and pass a general law, providing for
the enactment of ordinances by our cit
les and towns covering the questions in
volved under the ''curfew law" Much
is said about education of a certain class,
yet believe the enactment of a "curfew
law and the establishment of a State
reformatory is of equal, if not of greater,
Importance; for you then take charge
of the young when it needs the attention
of the State most. Hence my interest.
/ fully appreciate the fact that the mat
ter is with our lawmakers, and | sin
cerely trust they win come up to the
full measure of their duty, and give it
the earnest consideration it deserves at
their hands.
WIN II JEARY SIR