The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-01-12
The Great Issues In Vermont.

the key note for the coming cam
paign in Vermont, in his address be-
fore the Stowe Civic Club, when he
said that the real issues in this State
were not of political nature but
far deeper.
What can and should be done for
the unfortunate children in Vermont
to give them a fair start so that they
might become useful citizens 2"
what shall be done for the victims
of the drug and liquor habits to make
them producers instead of a charge
upon the State ?"
What shall be done with the be-
ginners in crime to make them use
full citizens and prevent their getting
deeper into the mire 2"
Ever since Mr.. Howe, who Is edi-
tor of the Bennington Daily Banner,
visited some two years ago the Yer
mont Industrial school at Vergennes,
now so ably managed by Supt. Bars
and Commissioner Weeks, and be-
came interested in this great issue,
embraced in the first and last ques-
tions above, he has made close
study of these great problems.
He is a man who once he gets pro-
foundly interested in any great prob
lem like this, will take the time to
investigate the subject thoroughly
! and consult with those who have
been working out this matter for
years 1t is not to be wondered at
that he places this issue above all
others in Vermont, as 1t does con-
Germ her future welfare; does mean
more to the State in the years to
come than who shall be governor;
who shall hold any office, no matter
how high or important; or whether
this State shall be republican or
democratic.
We, too have had an opportunity.
every week during the past three
years, to observe the great work for
Vermont and for humanity that is be-
ing done in the State Industrial
school at Vergennes.
We know that Speaker Howe is
everlastingly right
No man or woman can visit that
institution and see what is being done
there and not go away with belief
that the work there is the kind that
will count in this world and in the
world to come more than any other
being done by church, school or State
He is right when he believes that
the work now being carried on there
should be divided and those criminally
inclined should be educated, cared
for and trained up into the best men
and women possible In an institution
separate and distinct from the poor
street waits. the unfortunate children
that are worse than homeless. and
now often sent there for want of a
better place to send and save them.
When it is known for a positive
fact that the system OF industrial
education there taught and the ap-
peal there being made to all that is
best in every boy and girl, Is turning
them out at the end OF their term,
not only good men and women, in
nine cases out Of every ten, but
more, is sending them out into the
world with a good trade, the one
that each is best adapted to. takes
to naturally and will succeed in, and
therefore better equipped for life
than most Of the graduates OF ouT
schools and colleges, then. and not
till then, can one begin to realize the
tremendous Importance OF this
school to the State.
The legislative committee thai
went there to investigate and the
other members OF the last legislature
that were interested in this school
through an article we wrote for the
Enterprise and Vermonter, and thai
was printed in this and many Other
papers, one and all became as firm
. ~ converted to the truth OF this fact
as Mr. Howe, that right here lies
great question OF vital Importance tC
Vermont now and In the years L
: come.
Those who have followed the worl
that Sheriff Frank II. Tracy OF Mont
pelier is doing In helping the pool
victims of the drink and drug habits
who drift into the Washington
county jail, back to their lost man
hood, those who have talked this
matter over with him and learned
how he, and others like him, have
succeeded in reaching their hearts
and souls with the new and better
appeal, do not need to be told OF the
tremendous Importance that is cen
tered In this issue.
We have often discussed this ques
: ton, in It's various phases with Mr.
Tracy, at his summer home at High
! gate Springs. and at every oppor
tunity elsewhere. and know tina
this work should be taken up by tn,
State and conducted upon broade
and better lines, as he suggests.
He would have the State abolish
its present system OF contract labor
even at Windsor and Rutland. Jus
as far as possible. and give thes
men, even those who must be con
fined, more humane treatment ant
a share OF what they earn.
He says he is yet to find a maj
with n family. who does not want 4
do something for that family whei
he gets where he Is safe from tn
effects OF drink or drug dope and 4
again clothed in his right mind. en-
feebled though II be by excuses
even to the point where he canno
let the stun alone when he Is fire.
and can get II.
Mr.. Tacy would have grea
State detention farm and hospita
where nine tenths OF. these unfortu
nate men and women could b
SAINT for treatment and IN he curet