The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-01-05
MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR
Continued from Ninth Page)

-aSuASdA sOClSly IL was SlONn that InSre were at that time not less than five hundred epileptics in the state, of whom at least one hundred and twenty were neither insane nor feeble-minded, and therefore proper subjects for treat ment. The medical profession of the state, as represented in the Connecticut Medical society, the largest organiza- ton of medical men in the state, recog- nizes in the so-called colony plan the best method of treatment for this class Of unfortunates, as being at once hu- mane, curative, scientific and economi- cal, as shown in several institutions of the kind in neighborng states n this country, and in several foreign coun- tries. In the establishment of colonies Of epileptics they are given proper edu- cation and training, and instructed in diverse trades and industries, and sub jected to scientific methods of treat ment by physicians especially trained and experienced in the management of this disease.
 This matter is one that can be proper ly referred to the committee on humane institutions for such action thereon as they may deem advisable, if the per sons interested desire it's consideration by this general assembly and take the proper steps to this end.
 OUR JAIL SYSTEM.
 There is one feature of our penal in- stitutions to which your attention should be directed. I refer to the dis parity between the amount paid by the state for boarding prisoners in jails and the earnings of those prisoners. The reports of the county commissioners for the year ending June 30, 1904, show that the state paid $109,971.O0 while the re- ceipts from the prisoners earnings amounted to but s16, 6,S74,GO, or about fif- teen per cent. of the states contribu- tion. This showing is not one in which the people of the state can take any satisfaction. I suppose at least ninety per cent. of the persons sent to jail are physically capable of earning their SUD- port. They should be furnished with something to do and then made to do it. Why should the state pay over one hundred thousand dollars year to sup port persons who can just as well earn the money themselves? Even pappers are obliged to assist in, their own sup port when able. Why, then, should we apply 3 different rule to the inmates of jaiIs? Ought not these places of deten- tion be fade less attractive because of stringent requirements of labor? '"TWere consummation devoutly to be wished I have briefly alluded to this subject, not in criticism of individuals, but of a system for the defects of which we are all in a measure responsible. Some action by the general assembly is desirable in my judgment.
 STATE HIGHWAYS.
 The rapid growth in population of our state, and the large commercial inter- ests by water and by rail, has made this great question of transportation, whether by water, by railroad or by road, an important matter for consid- eration. With the dawn of the new century old things are fast passing away, and a demand Is made on the part Of our people for many improve ments over old conditions. In no field of state rare, outside of our splendid school system, is the finger of reform pointed more emphatically or persis- tently than it is in the direction of highway improvement. So universally has the sentiment grown on the part of all our people, who use the highways of our state for business or pleasure, that it has now become the fixed policy of the state to improve our highways; and as an earnest of that fact, each legis- lature has given an appropriation for the accomplishment of this puruose
 The highway commissioners report to the legislature will show that since the passage of the good roads law in 1895 there has been appropriated on the part of the state the sum of $1, ,53S, ,910, and on the part of the towns the sum of s1,003, TOT, making. a total of $2,542,- 617. This has resulted in the improve ment of many miles of our state high ways. Irlasmuch as the commissioners report has not been presented, and only an approximation can be had of the amount of work done in 1903-4, 1t is a difficult matter to state just the number Of miles that have been or will be improved under the last appropria- ton. Approximately, the expenditure of the money will accomplish the im- provement of 564 miles.
 As the improvement has been chiefly on the 1,400 mile plan, upon which the commissioner is now at work it is safe to say that over one-third of the sys- tenn has been completed.
 The "old contract" and working out tax" system are fast disappearing, and by force of the example set by the state the towns are of themselves improving their highways, under more permanent and economical methods of highway construction. While our state does not make as large an appropriation for highway improvements as some of our sister states, the money is being very wisely expended, and so long as this policy is pursued it is safe to say that state assistance will be continued. The new law very wisely provides for the care and maintenance of the roads by the town. This is the only safe policy for the state to pursue. If roads were to be neglected after they have been once improved they would very soon go back into their original condition, and the last condition would be worse than the first.