The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-01-18

expect of the influence of boys and girls who have been trained in re- fornatOry institutions upon their homes when they return to them? l would say that we may reasonably ex- pect an improvement in all directions an elevation of the standards of liv- ing and refinement of the general conduct of everyday life, which is the first lesson, and perhaps the most important one, leading to an ultimate emancipation of the family from it's long life of degradation and poverty. If this expectation can be realized 1t is certain that the beneflcient influ ence of this institution cannot be measured simply by the proportion of boys and girls they reform, but there must be added to this element the general uplifting of society in that part of it which most needs help from the other half of the world, and which is itself the greatest menace to the permanent and happy existence to those who are we'll to do, and have by continued effort brought within the' range of their enjoyments all that God intended man should have in the world.
 tiary. There are upon it's inmates no badges of disgrace and felony. There are no guards with loaded guns to keep them within bounds. Children that enter these Institutions are given every possible advantage.
 Since the school was opened for the reception of pupils, March 1, 1854, there have been committed to it's care 7,918 boys. Of this number it is safe to say that more than eighty per cent who have been graduated from it have taken their places in society as respectable, self supporting citizens, an honor and 8 credit to this in fitnfjOn and to fhRmSR1VaS
 In the world outside practically everybody has to work for a living; it is the law of life. This and how to do it are taught to the boys. They get the notion finally that they must work, and then they do. In many cases this is just what they have been avoiding and consequently falling into crime. How much good the reforma- tories accomplish nobody can say. Boys are sent out under parole and for some time are kept under sur veillance. After a time they move on and disappear in the millions of our population. It seems safe to say that seventy per cent. of those whom the courts send to these institutions never turn up in court again. This is a magnificent record and a. complete vindication of the system. There are ates of the reformatories have taken high places. Some are independent ly rich. Many write back expressing gratitude for what has been taught to them. Surely Connecticut ought to do what she can to rescue the boys tain to go to the devil It is an economic proposition, but that is nothing beside the moral aspects of the movement. It means the saving of men.
 The second matter before the Gen. of ia1, both branches, and was returned without approval by your Excellency for reasons stated, requires no words from us. We heartily commend your action.
 It is possible that we may come to the General Assembly with request for an appropriation to construct a suitable building for a worshop as the floor space now available is very linn ited and much scattered, being in at least six different buildings. Our boys have shown commendable advancement in study, conduct and appearance. They appear to us to be contented and happy. In the manual training department they are inter ested and improve from week to week, nearly everyone showing some aptitude for the trades which we try to teach them, at least the elements. We fell that the spirit of the school, it's progress, and the high place it oc- cupies among institutions of this character, is due very largely to the ability and management of our su perintendent, and to him and the off, ficers and teachers who work in har- mony with him and his methods we give great credit.
 The people of the State of Con- necticut have builded better than they knew, when they established this institution. It has done, and is still doing @ great work; and it is our earnest prayer that it continue to do for the unfortunate, wayward ju veniles that come to it's doors, even better in the future than it has done in the past.
 Dated, Monday, Jan. 12, 1910. JAMES N. STATES, JOHN c. BYXBEE, N l.. BRADLEY,
 JOHN T. WALSH,
 JOHN w. COE,
 I. l.. HOLT,