The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1901-01-11

ginning OF The century VIII afford some
degree of satisfaction. In due time,
when the policy adopted by it is under
stood, and ignorance and prejudice give
way to a clearer and less passionate con-
sideration, the full measure of praise will
be accorded to those who have directed
and shaped it's policy in this regard and
judiciously husbanded its resources
Some Items Causing Increase.
AS will be seen, the increase in cost of
state government has been great. But
we are not justified in hastily concluding
that there has been an extravaganza or
unwarranted expenditure. Some expla-
nation for the larger amount required is
found in the increase of people, in the
greater number of officers now necessary
for the efficient conduct of affairs and
multiplying objects calling for payment.
Many of these were unknown at the be-
ginning of the century and found no
place in government. Now they are
accepted as necessary for the safe and
orderly administration of progressive
state. To abolish some would meet with
general disapproval; to discontinue the
support of others would either be inn
possible or result in disorganization. En-
lightened selfshness demands their con-
tinuance.
A few may be used to illustrate the
proposition and at the same time in
dictate how steady has been the progress
of the state in all that characterizes a
humane, generous and an enlightened
people. The work done, the expense
thereof to the state and the condition
of the departments chosen for this pur-
pose will at the same time be seen.
The Public Schools.
Free common schools throughout the
entire state were first established in the
year 1871. Today all children, of parents
foreign or native, may land between
the years of and ~ must avail
themselves of the education there accord
ed. Three hundred and twenty-five
thousand five hundred and seventy-five
children attended these schools DUR
in the year, and 1888, $50 were raised
and spent for their education. Nearly
$4,000 We're spent for the normal and
model schools, where those intending to
teach are taught. The fund--the income
of which is used for school purposes
derived from various sources, amounted
to $1,000, 6S2.62 at the close of the year.
The School For the Deaf was founded
in 1882. At the close of the year 1873
pupils were receiving the special training
there given, at cost to the state for the
year of $4,000.
For the purposes of Industrial educa-
ton the outlay was $43. 1920.
When the century began the insane
were housed in novels and huts, with
little and insufficient care for their well
being and physical comfort Slight or
little regard was had for their resto,
ration. They were not then the wards
Of the state. Now they are confined in
asylums and are given the care which
humanity demands. The state maintains
the INDECENT. They numbered in Oeiol e.
last, in both the state and county asy.
iums, 4,423 aiid cost the state. the sum
of 1851, 216.79 The buildings where
they find shelter and comfort were i'm.
proved or repaired at the expense OF
$132, sol. rs.
In 1901 convicted criminals were,
\ happily, few in number. Whether those
confined and uncon6ned are now greater
in proportion to the population is a
matter about which opinions differ.
Whatever may be the truth, the state
then paid less than $4,000 each year fol
keeping those who were confined The
total number Of prisoners last year was
1881. During the year 500 were dis.
charged. and 1901 remained at its close
within the prison walls. For the sup.
port of those convicted there were spent
$I93, 065.65 and for furnishing and re.
pairs to the prison buildings 81, $3.50. rs.
The cost was reduced by SOL, C34. 40.
which sum represents the earnings Of
the inmates under the wise and careful
management of the prison officials.
Humane Treatment of Criminals.
The gradual Introduction OF more
rational and humane treatment OF its
criminals strikingly indicates the adj
vance Of the state along the lines Of prog
ress. Now the purpose OF confinement
is twofold. protection with punishment
and reformation, II possible. The state
separately confines itx younger criminals
and incoFrigibles o. both sexes IN instiku,
ions especially pspxided. 1t estakHaAed
the State Home For Boys III tho yeai
1855 ana me stata Home For Crib il