The Republican journal., 1901-01-10


of truancy, or some minor offense scarcely
more serious in its character
1t is the duty of the State to do every
thing possible to improve the condition of
these unfortunate children, to encourage
them in right doing, and to lead them into
ways that will develop them into honest,
self-reliant and useful citizens. Irrespect-
i've of the sentiment of humanity, the care
full training of these boys is in the interest
of true economy and sound public policy.
Al comparatively small cost the main
building could be put in good repair, and it
is We'll adapted for schoolrooms, work
rooms, and the general purposes of the in
stituton | recommend such an appropria-
ton for this work in your Judgment may
wiSeSt and best.
Maine Industrial School for Girls.
The Report OF he Trustees of the Maine
Industrial School for Girls shows that
there are 100 girls now under the care of
this Institution. OF these, I'll are in the
school, ii are out at board. "A are working
for their board and 46 are receiving wages.
Ii Will thus be seen mat more than half
OF the number are self-Sustaining. The
girls are taught habits of personal cleanli-
ness and neatnesS. the laws of health, how
to do houseMor in all its branches, how to
knit and sew and make garments, and the
common English branches, such are
taught in the public schools.
tn the 9TH of February last Flagg-
hummer Hall which was destroyed by fire
in the winter of 1899, was again ready for
occupancy. greatly relieving the crowded
Cuntltlun OF the Otler buildings. On Nav
24tD, Erskine Hall was burned, together
with the small building to the north,
known as the office, the fire spreading so
rapidly That liftle OF the furnishings of the
blliidlug Ut lie personal effects OF the in
mates could be saved. Insurance to the
amount of Sll,675.oo has been paid,
$6GS. 30 going to the treasury of the
school. and S4!SI.IO into the State treas
ury This lAtler sum can become available
I'm rebuilding only through an appropria-
tion by the legislature.
The Burning Of this building made 80
girls homeless. They were Immediately pro
vitied for by Icing taken into other build
iugs. and within three weeks % of them
were placed in private homes. Board was
secured for fifteen of them under twelve.
years of age at a price so moderate as to
increase but slightly the expense of their,
care 10 the State.
The policy of placing in private families
younger girls, who have committed no of
Tense, but are unfortunate in having no
suitable homes of their own. has been fol-
lowed to advantage in other States, and
may be worthy of imitation in our own
You will be asked for an appropriation
to aid in rebuilding Erskine. Hall, the
fcent for this purpose. You will also be
asked to provide for further improvements
which seem necessary 10. put the institu
tion in q creditable condition.
The school is doing an important work.
and its various needs will. I am sure, re-
ceive your careful attention.
Other Departments.
The reports of the State Assessors, the
Railroad Commissioner, the Insurance Com
missioner the Commissioner of Industrial
and Labor Statistics, the Secretary of the
departments as well as of the trustees of
the various State institutions, will give
you in detail an account of their work and
requirements 1t will be your duty to ex-
anime carefully and thoroughly into the
condition of every institution and depart-
ment. and to determine what amounts are
maintenance and support I trust you viii
not hesitate to refuse any appropriation
that seems unwise unnecessary and
that expenditures will be reduced wherever
Institutions and various governmental de-
partments are. I believe, well managed.
faithful and competent men in her public
service. But it is none the less your duty
to thoroughly inform yourself in all these
matters. that you may act unon them un-
melt and opinion of others 1t is also due
to those who have earnestly and zealously
devoted their best efforts to the service Of
the State. that you should give them the
advantage of your counsel and Judgment,
that all may work together for the com
mon interest and the common good.
Conclusion.
l wish to assure you of my earnest de-
sire to cooperate with you in every meas
ure that tends to promote the interests Of
Of its people. The noble example of those
high minded and patriotic men. whose de-
voted and unselfsh public service in the
past makes so many of the proudest pages
in history. should inspire us to dis
charge with honor and credit the difficult
and Important duties devolvlng upon US. If
we exercise that good Judgment, careful
foresight and judicious economy SO essen
tial to the success of private enterprise
our success is assured and though all may
not endorse the result of our efforts, we
should be satisfied with the work accom-
plished if our own judgment and conscience
approve.
Confident that you will sustain the proud
record of the past, and that your efforts
will result in great permanent benefit to
the State, permit me to remind you of the
Importance and necessity of beginning upon
the work before you as soon as possible
thus avoiding the danger of hasty and ill 4
considered legislation in the busy closing
weeks of the session.
trust that you will find your. duties
pleasant and agreeable, and that when the
work of the session has been accomplished
you may have the proud satisfaction which
comes from a duty conscientiously per-
formed, and trust faithfully discharged.