Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-07

Later more rational system for the
the boys coming to the institution. was
undertaken. IN pursuance Of this plan,
two cottages were built. These gave the
opportunity Of classifying the boys, to Il
certain extent, and surrounding them
with more Of the influences OF a home aud
less Of the Influences Of jail. The mn
poItance of this is more apparent when
it Is remembered that under the law. as
II exists, various classes of bows so to
this institution, as well those of stronl,
developed criminal tendencies as those
in whom such tendencies are only mildly
developed and those who are guilty OF no
more fragrant sin than truancy TO put
all such boys together. 20 subject them
all to the same methods and Influences Is
to treat some Of them, at least. with alb
soiutc injustice and To fail in the very
purpose which the state has III maintain
ing tho institution. The boys coming to
this institution, grow imperfect 90 be
sure in shady places where their lots have
been cast. are yet hut part grown and
are still young enough to straighten
some wholly and al somewhat. under
pruper Influences ana surroundings. The
lonS reaches OF life are before them. ana
the purpose Of the State ANA it's manner
in dealing with them has little i'm com
mon with its purpose and manner in deal
ing with aGult public charges, criminal or
otherwise. If Boys are to be reformed.
they are not "a be surrounded with too
prominent or constant reminders that
they are criminals.
at seems to your committee that it Is
advisable to discontinue at the earliest
possible date The use Of the main build
ing as Il dcrmilory for the boys IT is not
well designed for the purpose; its con-
struction is old and especially its floor
ing is much worn and with open seams
which necessarily collect much dirt and
absorb much moisture from the frequent
washings which are required to keep the
building in reasonable condition Of
cleanliness. This main building. we
think, could well be relieved of the gen
eral appearance OF jail and internal
changes made. 50 that it should contain
all the schOUirooms required by the insti-
tuition, and in addition, proper apart
ments and officers for the chief officers If
the institution, a general assembly hall
for the boys. workrooms ana such rooms
as should be found necessary to be used
in the restraint of such boys as required
severe discipline and confinement In
this way the, schools of the institution
could he graded; an object extremely de-
sirable, in view Of the great differences
among the boys, both mental ana moral.
The rooms in the cottages now used for
could then be used as sit
tinE-rooms for the boys ana the whole
OF the institution, it seems
to Us, he systcmatized with a great saw
ing in the expense of management.
such changes in the main building
would doubtless reupire the erection oc
perhaps two new cottages, but if ncccS-
sary. these should be provided for by the
State. Certainly from purely economic
point of view, ii can wei deal as literally
with an institution which has to do with
the care ana development Of boys, most
OF whom are to live as citizens Of the
State as with the institutions which care
for adult criminals and for the insane OF
the State"
The report Of those who have had
general oversight OF the officers shows
that the institution in all departments is
being managed in a manner that reflects
great credit on the State.