The Charles Mix new era. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1???-1911, 1911-01-06

c%ational lines not only by our higher
institutions OF learning but by the pub
lie schools as well, that South Dakota
need not avoid comparison with any Of
the sister states in this regard. Upon
our schools rests the future safety of
our country and each and every one Of
them is deserving of the fostering care
of the state in order that the present
high standard may be retained and
elevated, and certainly there can be no
doubt that it is the duty Of the legis-
lature to provide for the progressive
development of our entire school sys-
tenn. =
State Institutions
From the report of the State Board
of Charities and Corrections, which,
by the way, is worthy of your espec-
lal consideration, it appears that the
various penal and ele~emosynary insti-
buttons of the state are in good con-
dition, and it is gratifying to the
state to know that the Management of
all has been wise, efficient and frugal.
In the School for Deaf Mutes, a
great and important work is being
done. The school is now under the Sup
e%rintendency of Mr.. Howard w. Simp-
son, who is unusually familiar with
the work of caring for these peculiarly
helpless people. l approve of a thor
ough and comprehensive industrial ed
u~cation for these unfortunates in order
that each and every one of them may
leave the Institution well fitted to cope
with the practical side of life.
Thu CahonI &c Tho D1irI I,r,nr oil
most the entire past two years has been
in charge of Leila NJ. Curl, who is a
woman of experience and enthusiasm
for the work and has well conducted
the affairs of the institution. Mrs.
Curl has proven herself a thoroughly
competent Superintendent, conscien-
tious and CAPABLE, and deeply interest
ed in the school and the education of
the pupils. An extra effort should
be made to place all the blind of the
state in the school.
In the School for the Feeble Mind
ed much good is being done and DR..
l~>utnewsky and his entire force Of
very able assistants are entitled to
much credit for the satisfactory re-
suits which have been obtained.
I am under the impression that the
majority of people do not realize how
much of the vice and crime of the
world is brought about by the weak
or Predetermined element, and this con-
dition is worthy of mention. Some
time ago there was admitted into our
home for the feeble minded, a mother
with her four children, al of whom
were mentally deficient. Upon inves-
tigation it was learned that the faith
er, who had died prior to their admit
tance into the home, was also a man
of weak mind. Just here I wish to
say that the enactment and proper en-
forcement of a comprehensive and in
telligent law prohibiting such mar
riages would be a means of materially
lessening the evil.
~Penitentiary
The financial affairs and the gener-
al condition of the State Penitentiary
are well set forth in the report of the
Board of Charities and Corrections
and the showing is very satisfactory.
Under The guidance of the present
Warden there has been a commendable
Improvement made during the last
two years. Violations of the prison
rules are %infrequent and the prisoners
seem to realize that thew are being
fairly dealt with and will receive a
square deal.
I am in favor of securing for the
institution the services of a chaplain
who will not only conduct the religious
exercises but also devote his time to
properly educating and instructing the
prisoners along other lines. The
teacher chaplain system is in force in
MANY prisons of other states and has
given most efficient aid in the reform
alton of criminals.
Hosrital for the Insane
In speaking of our Insane Hospital,
I have nothing but words of the high
est nraise and commentator for the
management of that institution aud |
well realize that no asylum could be
better controlled or conducted. The
treatment of the inmates is humane
and kind and everything possible is
done toward giving reilef and bring
ing about a permanent cure in these un-
f~ortunates, and the state of South
Dakota may wei be proud of the in
stitution at Yankton.
The new buildings which have been
erected under the direction of Suoer-
intendent Mend are skillfullv DESIGN
ed, well equipnad, and furnished with
unusual thought sulness for the patients.
The Woman's Building is undoubtedly
one of the hest in the United States,
as to durability. safety, beauty of de-
sign, etc. and has every facilitv for
the proner treatment of the patients,
containing a completely equipped hy-
drotherapeutic department where every
form of medicinal baths can be given.
Many leading authorities consider this
treatment the most e~ffectual for sore
forms of insanity and undoubtedly
many viii be restored to health and
reason through the medium of this de-
%partment.
Much credit is due the Superintend-
ert for his aid in securing this beau
tiful building at so small a cost to
the State.
There are at present 526 men and
324 women being cared for at the in
stitution.