tution will find a generous return by the productiveness of the soil thus improved, in contributing largely towards the support of the inmates of the institution. Referring to the reports of the Superintendent and Treasurer, who have called attention to our wants for the next two years, we would say that all the money they have named will undoubtedly be required to carry us through the term named. Therefore we would respectfully suggest that the Legislature appropriate for the support of the institution for the years 1873 and 1874 thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000), for each year. For the erection of a permanent wall around the yard and shops, in place of the dilapidated board fence, which was only erected as a temporary affair, and which has often been blown down, and caused much extra trouble and care in keeping the boys in subjection, we need at least five thousand dollars. When the School was located here this ground was a forest, and the trees were removed and the surface put in as good condition as circumstances would then admit; since which little has been done, except the planting of a few trees and the construction of a plank walk to the entrance, towards adorning or improving the grounds around the buildings. The character of the State, and the general condition of other public institutions, require an improvement in this respect. We have made an arrangement for an exchange of grounds, as contemplated by an act of a previous Legislature, whereby we extend our frontage upon Pennsylvania Avenue, thus bringing the whole into a much more compact and desirable shape, while we obtain considerable more area than we give. For the additional fence required, improvement of grounds, and painting of buildings, not less than three thousand five hundred dollars will be required. The suggestion of the Superintendent-that an addition of at least five hundred dollars' worth of books to our library is desirable,-we think is Feb. 29. To cash for elbow 15 cents; Murch, 2 chairs To amount of paid bills not recorded in report. 17,724 65 2,798 85 * Includes not only all ordinary and endless repairs, but all amounts expended to date upon new building; also ditching and tiling the farm-not properly chargeable to farm expenses. + Includes freight, telegrams, soap, brooms, cane, flag, lumber for shops, expense for escaped inmates, rewards, blacksmith bills, harness repairs, hay, and grain, for house, team, etc., etc., etc. The amount deemed necessary for the current expenses of 1873, is $35,000, and a like amount for the current expenses of 1874. The balance now on hand will be entirely exhausted before we can reach the appropriation to be made for the next year. The fence around the play-ground is rapidly going to decay; the larger portion is old and must be rebuilt next summer. True economy requires that a permanent fence be built of hard brick and cement, and $5,000 00 will be required for this purpose. Respectfully submitted. J. I. MEAD, Treasurer. |