The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-11-13
FOR A

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We suppose some of our readers are
getting tired of The Messenger having
so much to say about the necessity for
the establishment in the state Of a re-
formatory for youthful criminals; but
we know. on the other hand, that many
of our readers are glad whenever they
see anything On this subject in the
columns of our paper. This, and the
question of increasing the capacity of
u insane asylums are the most i'm
perfume subjects of legislation which
will come before the next legislature.
1t is hard to decide which is the more
important of the two. On the n
hand there are several hundred poor
unfortunates nov confined in county
jails and poor-houses, who should be
provided with comfortable quarters
and proper medical attention in we'll
regulated asylums for the insane. 1t is
a disgrace to the state that SO many
of this unfortunate class of her people
have to be confined in prison cells and
uncomfortable and improperly furnish
ed poor-house strong rooms, to say
nothing of lack Of proper medical at
tention. The state should, if it can
possibly do SO, raise the money to pro-
vide sufficient in the hospitals
for the insane for these people. Their
condition now is pitiabfe.
On the other hand, look at the num-
Der of criminals the state is turning
out yea after year by the manner in
which she treats those youths who are
convicted of m~isdemeanors and minor
%felonies. In this matter the state is
working to the injury of future gen.
erations. She is making criminals out
Of her men who should in time to
come be good citizens, and could be
made so if proper methods were adopt
ed for their protection and reforma-
ton.
1t is hard to say which Of these two
needed steps on the part of the state is
of the greater Importance viewed from
the standpoint Of political economy and
humanity. One means the present al
deviation Of suffering through neglect
and improper care Of a class Of I'M
fortunate citizens. The other will pre-
vent much crime and suffering in the
future sure to come from continued
neglect of the proper care of many of
our young citizens who could be made
l~aw-abiding and useful members of So
ciety were the state to adopt a differ
ent method of punishment in their
cases.
The interest in the establishment
of a reformatory has not abated in
the least, we are glad to know. In
every section OF the state there are
men prominent in every calling of life
who are doing what they can to create
such a strong public sentiment in IA
o Of the establishment of a reforma-
tory that the legislature which meets
next winter will be forced to take &C.
ton on the subject.
AS an evidence of the agitation that
is being made along this line we have
been granted permission to publish
the following letter to one of the bust
ness men of our city:
Charlotte, October 20.
Mr.. r. W. Hicks, Wilmington, ". G.
Dear Sir.-Tn view Of tho great noo5
In North Carolina of a reformatory for
youthful criminals and in view also
of a growing interest in behalf of such
an institution, a number of Charlotte
men met one afternoon not long ago
to discuss the matter.
II there is an ADEQUATE amount of
public sentiment aroused we believe
the legislature will give US what we
want.
1 would ask as a personal favor that
you make vigorous efforts to aid the
movement in your community and
county. Speak to the representative
men about it. Ascertain how the
newspapers stand on the question.
II possible communicate with all the
prospective members of the senate and
house Of representatives and find out
how they feel.
IF you, cooperating with several
Others, could succeed in calling a
meeting of fifty of your picked citizens
to discuss this matter the results would
be far reaching.
Please let me hear from you in re-
gard 80 this matter. not later thar
November 10th, and if there are any
persons whom you think would be
sreciciiy interested in the above please |
writ them or furnish me with their
names and I will communicate with |
them Immediately.
THANKING 0 in advance, I am,
Yours very truly, |