The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-02-21
Our Unfortunate Boys.
itor Of The virginian

Editor Of The Nirginian:
Shiny attention has been called
to a communication in your issue OF
the seventeenth, under heading, For
Unfortunate Boys" submitted by "A
Friend" who is evidently true
friend of incorrigible and erring boys
and submits his views in forceful
honest manner showing his great in
terest in an all-important matter sc
greatly interviewer in the honor and
welfare of this great Commonwealth
The writer of the communication
now refer to makes brief reference
TO letter published by Judge Bruce
simmons in your issue of the fifteenth,
which the present writer read the day
ii appeared and confesses that il
startled him with its surprising state
ments concerning several and sundry
conditions existing al Laurel indus
trial school. the more so since the
institution is well known to him from
interested observations made during a
number of visits. However. | am told
that Judge Bruce Simmons is clever
and estimable gentleman always
meaning and intending we'll: 1t may
be he expected too much when he
visited Laurel Reformatory.
The day following my reading OF
Judge Simmons's letter | felt called
upon to visit Laurel Reformatory in
order to see II the judge had really
given the institution and Its manage
ment "a square deal: / went at once
to the office of the superintendent
whom ! found to be no little annoyed
in fact, worried over criticisms and
structures coming from a source SC
respectable and intelligent. / sup
pose we talked over the matter fully
an hour: 1t greatly puzzled us to know
how Judge Simmons reached his con-
illusions and the motif that prompted
their publication. was induced te
inquire of the genial superintendent,
what quality of lunch he spread for
his guest, what viands and drink was
furnished, remembering that Pope
wrote. 'Viands of various kinds allure
the taste, II also earnestly inquired
II the judge was an unfortunate VIC
tim of dyspepsia or indigestion. since
] know such things at times will make
a good man go wrong. nolens. volens
The kindly and most affa BILE superin-
tendent. who is known as a good en-
tertainer, assured me that his honor
able guest was in excellent health
that he was the life and soul of the
lunch table. made merry for all. In
fact was "a jolly COED fellow" If
am allowed to use and apply this
expression about judge when the
judicial ermine is not present.
The writer notices that "A Friend
in his communication to which refer
ence has been made. thus writes
Than Judge Simmons l know of nc
one more competent to speak MOI
more honest in his views. in fact, il
is probable that the Judge spoke very
conservatlvely.' AS a matter OF fact
"A Friend" of the Judge and the 22s
boys mot 325 boys at Laurel Refor-
matory has perfect right to accep,
the statements in Judge Simmons
letter to be correct and ''conserva-
tive" provided he does not know any
more than the judge knows with the
brief and hasty attention given the
particular matter so unkindly and UNI
justly exploited.
1t Is not the purpose of the writer
70 enter into any dispute with any one
1T is only as q true friend of Laurel
Industrial school he is tempted tc
offer this general denial of the ma jor
portion of the statements contained
in Judge Simmonss letter. The
Laurel Reformatory Is doing a noble
work, and doing it remarkable well
with its limited financial resources
1t greatly needs financial aid from the
State TO carry out much needed inn
provements in addition to contributing
to the comfort OF its 225 boys.
know it is the wish OF the officers
of the school that the State Legisla-
ture should visit the reformatory al
any time and see ii as 1t really is
without fear, favor or any manner
of prejudice.
In the communication. For Tn
fortunate Boys" / notice at least one
very timely and pertinent query as
al u ', Ii f1lr
the Laurel this year instead of launch
ing other, institutions which will Ian.
guish. and do more hurt than good. II
not conducted on q we'll defined plan.
and startled right" Surely this is a
most practical and Intelligent inquiry
1t calls attention to an honest,
bounden duty incumbent on the State
towards its youthful and erring wards
at period when their fortunes mag
readily turn to veal or woe, to dis
grace or honor in the annals Of a
great Commonwealth. l further quote
from "A Friend" when he says. 1.-The
State should do its full duty by the
boy-give him a chance; teach him
little, let him have recreation, learn
him vocation, so that when he leaves
the institution he is equipped for the
struggle of life, and better equipped
than many who have no trade what
ever. The State owes this much to
him. and must not shirk the duty"
am told that the State Reformatory
for boys known as the Laurel Indus
trial school through it's management
and officers invites Investigation, and
is pleased to receive visitors who feel
an interest in the institution. An in
stitution that Is often praised. and
rarely nnkindly criticized for the
good and noble work 1t is doing for
the betterment, the moral, humane
uplifting of many erring, unfortunate
boys who are trained. taught and
cared for with a sole view, purpose.
intent. earnestly, prayerfully. looking
to their reformation. and becoming
desirable citizens of the State l am
farther informed that the Laurel
school is In no sense prison, and
neither is there any prison features
connected with it, 1t Is conducted
within the limitations of reforma-
tory and all the purposes and object
In the meaning OF moral
and educational reformation.
A FRIEND OF BOYS.
Richmond, Feb. 10.
Il