The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-10
The laurel Relorlnatory.

Editor of the Times:
tSir,-Representng the Brotherhood Of
st. Andrew, it was my privilege to visit
the Laurel Reformatory to make an adj
dress to the boys.
The Importance of this institution to
our social and governmental economy
and the noble work that is being done
there impresses me very deeply.
There is, unquestionably, apathy on the
part Of the general public to this nstitu-
ton, which comes, 1 presume, from a
want of information of its character and
scope of work.
Its objects is to take young boys, who
have been convicted of infractions and
violations of the law, with view to re-
forming them by discipline, wholesome re-
IS traints and religious instructions, and to
teach them some handicraft SO that they
may be able 60 earn an honest living when
they are discharged from the institution.
NThe institution is beautifully located
about eight miles from Richmond-on the
a., +. and-P. r. r.. covering an area OF
about ninety-three acres.
They have two very substantial struc-
lures The main building, "a handsome
structure of brick, where the boys are
uuartered. which cost about 10000. and
another large brick building, used as a
shirt factory These buildings were paid
for by money appropriated by the Lesisla-
ture.
The institution is really known as an In
idustrial School. This. however, is a mis-
uomer, as the institution is totally without
'the means and appliances to give instruc-
ton of any consequence in the industrial
arts.
| think the shirt factory was an unwlse
expenditure, as the knowledge is merely
sneohan:cal. and Of no practical value TO
the boys after they are discharged and
go out into the world The boys are made
to work on the farm, but this Is of little
value. as they all drift to the cities af-
ter they leave the institution,
The prime need of the institution is
buildings. machinery, appliances, etc. to
teach these boys something useful, so that
they may be able to get employment when
they leave the institution. Idleness, ineffi-
cheney and incapacity to do some one thing
are the causes that develop criminals.
tramps and the dangerous elements in ev-
cry society.
No man can stand up in the assembly
room Of this institution and look these
boys in the face without being impressed
with the solemn responsibility that rests
1lpon the Christian and weil-to-do element
of our State i'm their relation to this I'M
fortunate class of our population. and also
the wonderful possibilities of these boys
undet. proper influences, restraints and
encoura sements.
! do not believe that they are all bad al
heart Their situation is due to lack Of
training and bad environment in their
early youth. AS I talked to them about
home and mother. the innocence of
childhood, the Faii2erhood of God, and the
possibilities that were theirs if they would
but resolve to make men of themselves, /
saw many cheek wet with tears.
They were very attentive to all said
to them. and it did ones heart good to
hear them sing the hymns and respond
Justify in the service.
In the evening when / lett I took three
of the boys with me in the trap 10 Lake
side, where I took the car. On the way they
seemed to be deeply impressed with and
often spoke of the beauties OF mature
don't think we need eyer despair of boy
who can shed a tear and appreciate the
beauties of nature.
This institution gets an appropriation
from the State. which is totally made
ouate TO its needs. To meet the deficiency
it has to depend upon popular subscrip-
tons. To those who are subscribers and
those who should be, 1 desire to say. after
a day spent in the closest scrutiny and
observation of everything arpertaining to
the institution, that they cannot give to
c1ore worthy cause
The we'll being of the State and society
at large from a sociological and eco
nomic standpoint. demands the care, inn
provement and elevation OF our criminal
classes. and that the longer the duty and
responsibility is neglected. the more serious
and menacing the problem will be-
come.
Water pipes can be secured and cleaned
by a new German apparatus, which is