USA > New York > New York and its institutions, 1609-1871. A library of information, pertaining to the great metropolis, past and present > Part 38
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They spend much of the time during the pleasant season
567
THE IDIOT ASYLUM.
in the play-ground set apart for them, a portion of which is covered with canvass to screen them from the sun. Those admitted to the school enter the primary class, from which most of them are afterwards advanced to the two higher classes. The first lessons taught are cleanliness, order, and obedience, of which many of them seem to have no previous conceptions. The next consist of color and form.
Many idiots have an infantile fondness for bright colors, hence these afford a medium for instruction. As they have no mental control and are destitute of all analytical qualities, the common order of teaching must be reversed, hence words are taught before the letters. A card containing the words " chair," "hand," "book," or "table," printed in large bright letters, is held up before them, by which means they are at length taught the names and definitions of things. The mat- ter of speech is often difficult, as many of them have impedi- ments. The success of this school during the first four years of its history is surprising. The author visited it in 1868. and again in 1870. The school at the second visit exhibited marked improvement. The scholars were all tidy and orderly, their countenances having perceptibly brightened. We asked them various questions in geography which were promptly answered. The advanced class read from the large Reader, in a creditable manner. In singing they almost ex- cel, following the instrument with great exactness. Many make fine progress in penmanship, and a few study instru- mental music. One of the girls, who began as an ordinary pupil four years since, is now a teacher in one of the depart- ments. Mathematics are the most difficult things for them to learn, in which they seldom make much progress. A few able to pay board have been admitted at the moderate rate of eight dollars per month. More of this unfortunate class exist in community than is generally supposed, probably several to every one thousand of the population. Idiot
schools are valuable, raising inany to thoughts and toil who had hitherto been totally neglected, offering also the only test by which a proper discrimination can be made between the true idiot and persons of feeble mind or of slow and imper- fect development. The Commissioners have performed a ' commendable service in the establishment of this school, and have been remarkably successful in their selection of teachers.
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SOCIETY FOR THE REFORMATION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS . (Randall's Island.)
HIE House of Refuge, under the control of the " So- ciety for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents," is situated on the southern portion of Randall's Is- land, thirty acres of land being connected with the Institution. The Society, one of the most beneficent and humane in the world, was incorporated in 1824, with power of self-perpetuation. Among its managers have ranked many of the wisest and purest men of the State, who, with- out pecuniary compensation, have devoted a large portion of their time to its interests for years, and the records of their proceedings for nearly half a century exhibit the most grati- fying results. Its first building was erected in Madison Square, where it continued fifteen years, until the growing city forced the managers to evacuate, when they withdrew to Twenty-third street and East river. Here another fifteen were spent, until straitened for room, after much search and discussion, it was resolved to remove the whole to Ran- dall's Island, which was substantially accomplished in 1854. Thousands of children in our great cities and towns are con- stantly growing up in ignorance and neglect, many homes being little less than schools of vice. A consciousness of guilt, attended with imprisonment and disgrace, crushes what little of self-respect and laudable ambition may yet remain. To hurl these truant youth into a penitentiary, filled with ma- ture and expert criminals, is but to cultivate. their treache- rous tendencies, and insure their final ruin. This society comes at the opportune moment to open the gates of its City of Refuge to those youthful unfortunates who are brought before the courts for petit offences, and receives them, NOT for punishment, but for instruction, discipline, and reforma- tion. The departments are well arranged and most admira- bly conducted, presenting at every turn some striking exam- ple of system and tidiness. Visitors are politely received, but however distinguished they may be, no change is made in the daily routine of the Institution. Everything is on ex- hibition in its ordinary field parade. The buildings are of brick, constructed on a magnificent scale in the Italian style,
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HOUSE OF REFUGE .- RANDALL'S ISLAND.
FOUNDLING ASYLUM .- RANDALL'S ISLAND.
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SOCIETY FOR REFORMATION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS. 569
the two principal structures presenting a graceful façade nearly a thousand feet in length, the whole completed at an expense of half a million. There are eight hundred and eighty-six spacious, well-ventilated dormitories, several finely . arranged and amply furnished school-rooms, appropriate hospital departments, dining halls, kitchens, bakeries, laun- dries, sewing-rooms, elegant apartments for officers, and a model chapel, with seating for a thousand persons. In the rear stand the workshops, each thirty feet wide by one hun- dred and fifty long, and three stories high. The boys and girls are kept in separate buildings, their respective yards be- ing divided by high walls, and the more advanced of the latter, who have been guilty of social crime, are carefully separated from the more youthful. Every child upon its ad- mission is made to feel that the period of its detention rests with itself. Two general rules are at once and always incul- cated. First, "Tell no lies." Secondly, " Always do the best you can." Every child is compelled to toil from six to eight hours every week-day, at some employment suited to its capacity, and to study from four to five hours, under compe- tent teachers. The labor is designed to tame their fiery, vi- cious natures, to quicken attention, and favorably rouse all the dormant elements of their being. As moderate stints are in- troduced, affording opportunity to redeem extra time for reading and play, they toil with a cheerfulness and speed that is highly exhilarating. Thus sobered and awakened by toil, they return to their books, and keep pace with those who reside at home and attend the public schools of New York. Hundreds of young men and women are at work in the city and elsewhere rising to respectability and affluence by the steady habits and trades they acquired at the Institu- tion, the former earning from twelve to twenty dollars per week, and the latter from four to twelve. Four grades of conduct have been introduced. Grade 1 is the highest, which every child must retain at least six weeks, and attain to the third class in school, before any application for indenture will be entertained from parents or friends. This grade must also be retained for one year, and the studies of the highest class mastered before one is discharged, and then a situation is provided. Grade 4 is the lowest, and is one of disgrace.
The society opened its first building on New Year's day, 1825, with six wretched girls and three boys. During the
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570
NEW YORK AND ITS INSTITUTIONS.
first fifteen years of its operations, it received and again re- turned to society two thousand five hundred. When it re- moved to Randall's Island, about six thousand had been received, and up to January, 1871, no less than 13,727. An average of three hundred per annum have thus been returned to the community since the first organization of the society, and we are told that at least seventy-five per cent. of them have lived honest and useful lives. The good accomplished for the country and humanity is incalculable. The sons of eminent merchants and lawyers, and of distinguished divines, have taken lessons here to their lasting advantage ; while not a few from the haunts of infamy, who would but for this model " Bethesda " have gone frightfully down the slippery steeps of crime, have been raised to sit among the princes of the land. The sanitary interests of the Institution have al- ways been conducted with remarkable success. During the first ten years of its history but five deaths occurred, and in 1832, out of ninety-nine cases of cholera, only two proved fatal. The report of 1869 showed, that of the seventeen hun- dred and seventy-five different inmates of the year, but three had died, and during the year closing 1871, but six died. But without the transforming influence of pure Christianity, all efforts for the reformation of delinquents must prove sadly abortive.
This Institution is, in its faith and practice, eminently Protestant, and most of its officers and teacher are persons of established Christian character. Rev. B. K. Pierce, D.D., the chaplain, a man of rare culture and long experience in this difficult work, with quick discernment of character, re- markable facility in remembering countenances and names, and with a heart that always bleeds at the woes of a child, is admirably fitted for his critical station. Mr. J. C. Jones, the successful superintendent, is also a man of more than ordinary culture and ability.
Sabbath at the Refuge is a day of delightful, hallowed rest. Once on that day all join in Sunday-School study and recita- tion, and once they crowd their beautiful chapel, when a thou- sand faces are turned toward the man of God, and a thousand voices join in liturgical responses. Many have been hopefully converted, and several who were once inmates of the Institu- tion are now studying for the Christian ministry.
With the multiplication of reformatory Institutions, and some unjust disparagements, a smaller number of youth than
SOCIETY FOR REFORMATION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS. 571
formerly are being received from the New York courts. As the supply is undiminished, we can but regard this as a public mistake. In the matter of economy, the Refuge is conducted . with remarkable ability. During the last seven years, the net cost of each child, above its own earnings, has but little exceeded seventy dollars per annum, while the gross cost has varied from $116.20 in 1867, to $131.13 in 1870, according to the number in the Institution. About twelve thousand dollars have, until recently, been annually received from the license of theaters. In addition to this, the sums contributed from the city treasury and the school fund have, united, been annually less than twenty dollars per capita, while the Catholic Protectory has been paid $110 for each child, and the Commissioners of Charities and Corrections have ex- pended over one hundred and fifty dollars per annum on each child, in the Industrial school at Hart Island and on the school-ship. This comparison speaks volumes in favor of the Refuge, inasmuch as it greatly surpasses both the Institutions mentioned in the appliances of personal comfort, while in matters of culture. discipline, building up of character, and thoroughness of skilled labor, it probably surpasses every In stitution of its kind in the country.
The Managers propose, if appropriate legislation can be secured, to somewhat enlarge their Institution, and receive a class of delinquents still more advanced in crime and years. They fully believe that multitudes of young men, who have grown up without employment and are sent annually to the Penitentiary to be further confirmed in treachery, might in a well-conducted reformatory be taught the arts of skilled labor, mellowed by the appliances of Christianity, and saved for time and eternity. Who with a well-balanced head and suitably affected heart can for a moment doubt it ? A society so intent on the accomplishment of its great work, and so rich in desirable fruits, deserves well of the public, and should not be crippled in any of the appliances necessary to its highest success . it is the pioneer of its kind ; the twenty other simi- lar Institutions, with their many thousand inmates in this country as well as those of Europe, have grown up through its example. Its managers and friends, in molding their . economy, have sought to incorporate the lessons they have industriously culled from the experience and wisdom of ages. Long may it flourish to elevate the fallen and enrich the world.
572
CHAPTER IX.
INSTITUTIONS ON HART ISLAND.
THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL-SHIP.
HE number of vagrant, vicious, and adventurous chil- dren around New York is so great, that a new insti- tution for their correction and reformation springs up every few years, and though thousands are from these annually sent to the country, the buildings are always full, and the supply well nigh inexhaustible. For years past a class of large vicious boys have been thrown on the hands of the Com- missioners of Charities and Corrections, for whom it has been difficult to well and suitably provide. If sent to the Work- house or Penitentiary, they would be farther steeped in evil, and if sent to the Nurseries, their insubordination incited the younger and more dutiful to mischief and demoralization. Hence, after the purchase of Hart Island, which occurred in May, 1868, they were placed there in the capacity of an In- dustrial School. On this Island the Potter's Field has been located, separate sections having been set apart for Catholic and Protestant burial. The southern portion, during the spring and early summer of 1870, was also set apart for the treatment of persons suffering with relapsing fever. The Is- land contained at the time of its purchase more than sixty buildings of wood, constructed by the United States Govern- ment for the use of the soldiers, and said to have cost over $200,000. The dilapidated buildings were pulled down, and the sound material employed in repairing. other buildings. Those formerly occupied by the officers of the army and navy of the barracks were excellent structures of their kind, and were easily converted to the uses for which they were desired. The buildings formerly occupied by the officers are now the residences of the warden, matron, teachers, surgeon., clerks, etc. Others have been changed to school-rooms, dormitories, play-rooms, dining-rooms, and two houses for baking and
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SCHOOL SHIP " MERCURY."
SCHOOL BETWEEN DECK .- SCHOOL SHIP "MERCURY."
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573
THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL-SHIP.
cooking. A large ice-house has been erected, capable of con- taining a hundred tons of that invaluable antidote to mid- summer heats. The school began late in the year 1868, and on the 31st of December, 1869, the warden reported the recep- tion of 504 boys. The utter neglect under which they had thus far grown up appears in the fact that seventy-five per cent. of them could neither read nor write, fifteen per cent. able to read only, leaving but ten per cent. in tolerable possession of the rudiments of an education. They are kept in school five hours per day, devoting the remainder to play or light labor .. A vigorous system of discipline has been introduced, but no very serious corporal punishment is inflicted. During the last year, 972 boys were received into the school.
Many boys in each generation are wild and adventurous in their natures, fond of excitements and dangers, and who will not sober down to the quietudes of ordinary industry. Neg- lected, they become the roughs, harbor thieves, pirates, and fillibusterers of the world. As early as 1812, Rev. Dr. Stan- ford, chaplain of the penal institutions of New York, recom- mended the separation of the youthful criminals from those more advanced, and urged the importance of training this adventurous class in a nautical ship for service on the sea. But reforms " hasten slowly," and though a citizen of Man- hattan was the first to originate and recommend the plan of a training ship, the authorities of New York lingered until the experiment had been successfully tried in England and in Massachusetts. Under authority conferred by the Legisla- ture, the Commissioners, in July, 1869, purchased the sail-ship Mercury, formerly belonging to the Havre line of packets, a fine vessel of 1,200 tons burden, which they have fitted for this service. The vessel is calculated to accommodate 250 or 300 boys, besides the usual complement of officers and drilled sailors. The boys, whose features for the most part show their foreign origin and treacherous tendencies, are all clothed in bright sailor's uniform, and governed on the apprenticeship system of the United States Navy. From the Industrial School they are transferred to the school-ship, where a year or two of good drilling is expected, to fit the more advanced for useful service in the Merchant Marine, or in the United States Navy. The vessel has already made several trips to sea, remaining oncside the bar on one cruise four months At the 1st of January last, 826 boys had been received on board, and 565. discharged, many of whom had shipped as sailors in
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NEW YORK AND ITS INSTITUTIONS.
the United States Navy, and others had entered the Merchants' Marine.
The daily routine adopted in port is as follows: At early daylight the reveille is beaten, all hands are called, and ham- mocks properly stowed by the Captains of Tops and other petty officers, to whom this duty belongs. This done, when the weather will permit, the decks are washed down, and if " Washi Clothes Day," hammocks and clothing are scrubbed, and triced up on the lines, while the boys are compelled to cleanse their persons, under the superintendence of the Offi- cer of the Deck. At 7.30 A.M., the boys are mustered, the line formed, and at 8 A.M., breakfast is piped and the boys marched to their respective messes on the berth-deck. This is in the charge of the Master at Arms and ship's Corporals, whose duty. it is to preserve order there at all times. One hour is allowed the boys for the morning meal and recreation. At 9 A.M., the " hands are turned to," sweepers are piped, and the decks cleaned fore and aft. Ten minutes before "Colors," the drummer beats their call, hands stand by to lower boats, Quartermasters bend on their colors, Coxswains report boats ready for lowering, sail loosers are sent aloft, when necessary ; lower booms got ready for going out, one hand stationed by the bell. At 9 A.M. in winter, at S A.M. in summer, the druni- mer rolls off, the bell is struck ; at the third roll colors hoisted, boats lowered, sails let fall, and booms rigged out, to which the boats when lowered are hauled and made fast. The boys now take their cleaning stations, warned by the roll of the drum of their duties, and polish all bright work fore and aft. The ship's company are divided into divisions, called the First ; Second ; Third, or Master's ; Fourth, or Boatswain's ; Fifth, or Powder Division, commanded respectively by the Second and Third officers, Sailing Master, Boatswain, and Master-at-Arms. At 9.30 A.M., the drummer beats to quarters for inspection, allowing the boys three minutes to gain their stations, where they are inspected and mustered by their respective officers, whose duty it is to see that their persons and clothing are clean and in good order, and that all are present to answer the muster, being careful to report all delinquents and absen- tees to the Executive Officer, who in turn reports to the Cap- tain the condition of the ship and the divisions. The "Re- treat " is now beaten, and the Starboard Watch is formed in line and marched into the school-room, where they remain at their studies in charge of the Instructor until 11.45 A.M., the
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THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL-SHIP.
Port Watch in the meantime being engaged on deck working masts, yards or sails, or drilling with the great guns, small arms, etc.
At 11.30 A.M., the dinner is inspected, and if properly cooked, ordered to be issued to the messes ; sweepers are piped and all work ceases ; decks are cleared, and the mess- cloths spread. At meridian, dinner is piped, and the boys sent to their messes as at the morning meal ; at 1 P.M., the "hands are again turned to," while the sweepers, in response to the pipes of the Boatswain and his mates, clean the decks ; the Port Watch is now formed and. sent to the school-room, while the Starboard Watch is called on deck, and receive practical lessons in seamanship and the various exercises and drill. At 4 P.M., school is dismissed, decks cleared up, and at 4.30 p.M., supper is piped ; the evening hours are devoted to recreation ; games of various kinds being provided for those disposed to avail themselves of the same.
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At fifteen minutes before sundown, the drum beats to quar- ters for inspection, when the usual notes are made, and re- ports given to the Executive and Captain. At ten minutes before sundown, the " call " is beaten, lower booms got ready for coming alongside, boats hooked on, Quartermasters stand by their colors, and at the third roll of the drum the booms are rigged in, boats hoisted, colors hauled down, and the boys are called to stand by their hammocks, when they assemble in their own parts of the ship, and hammocks being piped down, they are removed to the Berth-Deck, and hung on hooks bear- ing their respective numbers.
The remainder of the evening is devoted to recreation, all work being laid aside for the day. At 7.30 P.M., the boys are assembled for evening exercises, which are held in the school-room, consisting of singing and prayer, conducted by the Instructor.
At 8 P.M., the tattoo is beaten, Boatswain and mates pipe : down, the boys are sent to their hammocks, the "anchor watch " is set for the night, all unauthorized lights and galley- fires are reported "out " by the Master-at-Arms, and the night reports of the petty-officers as to the condition of their several departments are made to the Executive At one bell (S.30 . P.M.), all loud talking must cease ; the bertn-deck is in charge of the ship's Corporals for the night, who keep watch there until regularly relieved, paying strict attention to the condi- tion of the lights, and inspecting the ship below the spar-deck
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NEW YORK AND ITS INSTITUTIONS.
every half hour ; being particularly careful that no irregulari- ties occur on the decks in their charge.
Every boy when received on board is cleansed, and a com- plete outfit given him of clothing, suitable for the weather and season of the year; he is given a number and a station on the watch, quarter, and fire-bells ; he is detailed to a cer- tain mess, and placed in a certain boat, while he is, when ad- mitted to the school-room, placed in such classes as his abili- ties will admit of. In all the maneuvers and exercises he must be at his station ; his number at the gun must be filled, his station aloft must be supplied, and his absence from any of these duties is at once detected ; no idle hands are permitted, no one is without a duty ; from the time that the lad receives his number, which is immediately on his admission into the ship, he is entirely under control and subject to orders.
The ship's company is divided into two watches, called Port and Starboard, and these are sub-divided into first and second · parts, forming quarter watches, which facilitates at times the duty of the ship. There are other sub-divisions, into which the boys are separated according to their stations, as follows : Forecastle-men, foretop-men, maintop-men, mizzentop-men and afterguard. Each of these divisions are headed by a first and second Captain, the first Captain being in the Starboard Watch, and the second Captain in the Port Watch. . All orders to be executed in a certain part of the ship are issued to the Captain of the same, whose duty it becomes to see that the boys stationed under him perform them, reporting to the offi- cer of the deck when finished.
Precautions are taken against fire, by having stations for fire-quarters and duties assigned every officer, seaman, and boy on board, with frequent drilling at quelling this danger- ous element.
Divine service is held on Sunday in the school-room at 10 A.M., and again in the evening at 6.30 P.M., the peculiar relig- ious tenets of all respected, and religious instruction imparted by both Protestant and Catholic clergymen, who are granted access to the ship for this purpose at all times.
Nothing has been left undone that would enhance the comfort of the boys or assist them in their studies. Every encouragement is held out to them, and liberty on shore and other privileges granted to the deserving, while advancement to the grade of petty officer awaits the ambitious pupil .. Posi- tions, though they entail an additional responsibility, bring
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THE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL-SHIP.
with them certain privileges and distinctions which make them objects of desire to the aspiring lad.
The food furnished the boys is of a good quality and the supply is ample, and provided in accordance with the sugges- tions of a medical officer of acknowledged ability. Boys from a few wealthy families have been admitted whose par- ents pay $10 per month for their subsistence and instruction. It is probable that an independent ship could be made to pay as well as an academy. The boys take great pleasure in going aloft to spread or furl the sails. We saw from a distance a hundred or less of them engaged in this exercise. The spars, tackling, and flapping sails, united to the rapid movement of the boys, presented the appearance of a handful of black ants caught and struggling for dear life amid the meshes of a great cob-web.
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