Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1909-06-24
virginian Who Has Made Good.

"A short time ago the editor OF the Reg
lister had a most pleasant and instructive
visit to the National Training School fol-
Boys, in the suburbs of Washington,
where he was gratified to find an old
friend, Mr.. Orion E. Darnall, superintend-
emf OF that institution. MIR. Darnall was
superintendent of the West Virginia Re
form School at Pruntytown, and il was
from this place that he was called to take
charge of the National Training School.
Being appreciative OF the larger field for
his usefulness, he accepted the place,
though Governor Dawson, who knew
his ability and fitness, was very reluctant
to accept his resignation.
The National Training School is an in
stitution to which are committed youthful
offenders against the United States laws
and bad boys from the District of ColuH1-
bia. II is beautifully located property
Just outside the city, and comprises a farm
upon which are located the several build
ings-the large administration building,
the halls and schools for the different
groups of inmates the chapel greenhouses.
barn, ETC. II is supported by appropria-
tons from the national government, and
its board OF directors is composed OF dis
tinguished public men and prominent
residents of Washington.
There are several hundred boys, both
white and colored, in the institution,
ranging from ten TO twenty-one years OF
age, and they are being educated so as to
fit them for useful citizenship, many OF
them acquiring useful trades by which
they may support themselves when their
terms expire Possessing the full conf
dence OF the board Of directors, Mr.. Dar-
nall has practically unlimited power, and
is thus enabled to conduct the inSti-
tuition in accordance with the most mod
ern methods and up-to-date ideas. He
is giving his life 10 this work, and with
earnest purpose and intelligent thought
is developing system that is making his
institution a model of its kind. The
buildings, most OF which have been built
or remodeled under his direction, are es-
pecially adapted TO this character OF train
ing, while his system Of discipline and in
struction has proven so eminently sue
ceSsful that it is being copied throughout
the country. His excellent wife is most
capable helper, and her influence is one
of the dominant factors in the success that
they have attained in their work.
1t was the writer's good fortune to see
the boys on Sunday, when they were
looking their best Neatly uniformed, in
orderly companies, they marched from
the halls 10 the chapel, where they took a
spirited part in the religious exercises.
An earnest and helpful sermon was
preached by good Dr. Schick, while other
visitors present made brief talks. The
boys sang Justify but well, and reverently
engaged in the service. They weren't
bad boys on this day, at least, and that
they were under the very best influence
was plainly observable.
We write of Mr.. Darnall's work and OF
this institution because we are sure that
his friends in West Virginia will all be
glad to know that he is making such a
success in the responsible position that
he holds and that his efforts 10 make good
Citizens of hayward lads is appreciated
by the foremost authorities and specialists
in this country This is shown not only
blythe full confidence repoSed in him by
his board OF directors, but was also man
ifeSted in a national way few days ago,
when he was honored by being elected
president OF the annual conference on the
education OF backward, truant and delin-
Quent children in sixth annual session at
Buffalo, N. Y. On this occasion Mr.
DarnalI was congratulated and compli-
mented by his co-workers upon the Sue
cessful management of his own inStitu-
ton and the splendid results he is OBJ
tanning.