The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-07-15
CIVIL PLAN
Mrs. Perry Dilates on Industrial
School Service.
Says Elimination of Politics Has
Done Good.
EXPEND MONEY WELL.
Superintendent Ayers Needs
Are Zealously Studied.
Asserts More Good Is Done Now
Than Formerly.
EXPEND MONEY WELL.

In an exhaustive biennial report to
the state board of control, Mrs. Julia
B. Perry, superintendent of the Beloit
industrial school for girls. dilates upon
what the civil service has done for the
state of Kansas.
Mrs Perry says in part:
ITO rightly estimate the spirit of re-
form that prevails in the institutional
life of Kansas one must consider brief
ly the conditions that first made the
reform necessity. Under the old re-
gime political patronage figured so
largely that the real aim and purpose
| of our institutions were defeated. I'm
der the new order of things the wards
| of the state are cared for in the most
efficient and systematic. way possible
| and the business of the various institu
tions Is conducted on economic prin-
| ciples and the greatest good is being
accomplished for our great and mag
| nificent commonwealth.
Our state institutions are establish
| ed for definite ends. Some exist for
the purpose of providing homes for
| these whose inf1rmitieS are Of such a
nature that they cannot live in the
outside world Again, it is necessary
to segregate those who are menace
to the welfare Of society and, most of
all to restore every inmate possible ID
I d
| come self-supporting and thereby re-
lieve the state from the burden OF his
maintenance.
| "Our hospitals are expected to- re-
store to a normal, mental and physlcai
| condition every patient in whom there
| is a chance for recovery. The GUS
todial and reformatory institutions are
expected to. impress anew upon the dis
eased or warped minds the laws OF So
cial life, that a quick return 70 the
! he T7nSSihl0 To az
complish this the inmates must be kept
contented and happy, brought 70
condition of physical health, without
which no permanent improvement OF
reform is possible. All this denanoeu
at the hands of the state of the ones
who manage and direct the various IN
stitutions. Is 1t too much to ask tnat
they be allowed to select the nelP nSeu-
ed to bring the best good ana hlsnesl
state of efficiency to the Work re-
Quired?
Thought of the Future.
.4rbe thought of the future should
he To extend this spirit of reform The
time is surely coming when civil SCI
vice will extend to county, cry an an
schools. and will not be complete uhlii
the spoils system IS totalis h hos sun
and the new order of things mas SUI
nianted itself in the ordinary ways. o.
thinking and the political habits OF the
people. ,.s;.;ans ~
eft is not natural Tor pOliIiClaho ~
rob themselves of political PATRONAGE
a,e,, If the hest things are not accom-
plished. Yet in Kansas as Wen as IN
other states there are men VINO are
well enough informed and enough IL.
terested ill their state lnstitu'ioiiS ~
Law aside selfish motives and use their
inf1uence TO bring about best condltlons.
THE result of this is that the lnselulu-
tions Of the state were run on nrner
basis.
Money Expended Wisely.
aft is of material interest, too, 10
the taxpayers of the stare, 70 ki 1oH
that their moneys are wisely EXPENDED
end there is no doubt or question
about the wisdom of employing those
who are strong enough IN -tnelnselx y
to make all they come IN contacl WIZ
stronger and better. Thus, their mon
e11s are extended in a way that pays
| the largest dividends and will continue
| r. nav as long as the weak can De
| strengthened, the afflicted cured, anu
| the wayward ones saved to nome anu
state. 80 4d.x,
+bat the hest interest and needs OF
the various institutions are zeal0usiy
studied by our board OF control. Inelr
valued counsel and constant ana gen
erous support is of vital interest 10
the work, and under their management
everv phase of the work is becoming
better classified and more perfectly
systematized.
"Today the state is doing more things
and doing them better than at any
previous time in its history, ana there
will be a steady movement forward as
long as the urgent needs OF its pup,
lie life demand it. 1t is my opinion
that Kansas people, once Thoroughly
aroused on a question that stands for
moral progress and civic righteousness.
will without doubt throw the weight OF
their conscience on the side. OF right
and move steadily onward.
I'VE do not want here to sound the
warning note or disseminate any feel
ing of alarm, but in all reform move
rlents popular approval and ultimate
success are dependent upon the main
tenance of public interest.
ITO .hirk of cur institutions fraught
with so much of veal or woe to the
individuals, being made subject to po-
litical intrigue, subject, too, to persons
who look on public employment not as
q trust but as the spoils of party vic
tory, who resist all advance and seek
to undo what has been done, is food
for thought, and would be a step back
ward that Kansas people can never af-
ford to take"