age myself by trying to look at these cases as exceptions; but alas, they are so very many that their lessons cannot be overlooked. In any case, our duty is not changed by a knowledge of all the difficulties, however serious, which we find in our way.

No really useful helper will be deterred from effort by a full view of the deplorable need for his work, no truly available aid will be won by making the field seem more inviting than it really is. The charges on which children are sent to an institution are but a small part of the considerations for securing true classification; all should at first be taken to our hearts as our children — the children of the state, and each should have a fair and equal chance for new development under the new influences.

It is indispensable for the reform of those who have fallen under condemnation, in the outside world, that we remove the obliquy so far as possible, and let their future bo governed by their needs as to special instruction, and their own or their companions' danger from communication. If the word and the idea of "criminal," as applied to a child under sixteen years of age, could be entirely removed from public use, one strong adjunct of reform would be secured, and if the legal process of sending children to reformatories could be a civil rather than a criminal one, another long step in advance of present methods would be taken.

Classification, then, can not be based on previous history, but must take place after careful study of character within the institution — always, of course, taking fully into account all reliable testimony from outside, as to acts and tendencies — and the children must be studied patiently and tenderly, with every opportunity for the development of their better nature, and unjler the exercise of sweet, parental influences as well as firm discipline. And there should be means for easy transfer from class to class or from family to family. The superiority of the family system is here evinced.

Contamination of one by another is almost impossible in a well regulated school home, and usually ft is greatly overrated in considering this question, so far as that system is concerned. The boys and girls when out of school are always with officer or matron and their assistants, and. are kept so busy with sources of good thoughts and impulses that #he old associations are nearly crowded out.

The fullest confidence should exist between managers and all teachers and officers employed, but often it secures the truest and most just treatment of the child 'V# for the superintendent or some other one person only to know particulars of past history. Then as principles of "< classification I would give i

1st. The families or classes must be formed according to the kind of instruction needed.

2d. No disgrace should be attached to any class.

3d. Only strong personal qualifications in teachers will secure success.

This brings me to the only point which I had before coming here earnestly desired to urge upon the attention of this Conference, and I close by asking: Can any nobler work be done under its auspices than the establishment of some means for the training of the officers and teachers, oipon whom, after all is done, the burden of all this work, the daily influences over all these chil- , dren rests? Each institution is perhaps training a few, but under serious difficulties.

When peculiar talent and devotion are discovered in a new recruit into this truly "noble army of martyrs," who is willing to devote himself or herself to its pursuit, there should be a place where he or she may receive instruction from those whose teachings or practice have made them authorities in this field. A library of such literature as would help in the study of the subjects intimately connected with the work (of which library the reports of this conference for ten years past might be the nucleus), and courses of suitable lectures should be provided, so that special studies could be pursued under the " old masters," and we could make of practical aid the views of the learned and thoughtful students of social science in connection with the practices of the best experts. Theory and experience, in connection with study and practice under teachers, in some well-established ancTsuccessful reformatory, with which such a normal school could be connected, would become compared and assimilated, and much light be thrown on the field where as yet in many minds, only twilight of the dawn is breaking.

To elevate this work into a profession, to be sought from worthy and stable motives, and pursued with humane and christian devotion, would throw floods of sunshine into dark places Among women there is reason to believe that many of noble character and the best social standing would .enter such a sisterhood, if *thus assured of being made fit for acceptable service.

HOW WE PLACE OUT GIRLS IN CONNECTICUT.

BY REV. C. H. BOND} MIDDLETOWN.

Before referring to my special subject, I wish to say a word in support of the position taken by Hon. W. P. Letch worth, in his able paper on " Classification and Industrial Employment."

There should be no longer any question as to the necessity for careful and, as far as possible, thorough classification in reformatories for boys and girls.

There is no doubt as to the expediency of the separating system, *and I will offer no argument to prove, that it is more successful than the original congregate plan. In making comparisons, for which I have no time, I would not include all congregate schools, for in some, and perhaps in many, there is recognition and practice of the family system, as far as they are able to carry it out.

Of course, in the delicate and difficult work of classification, we must consider previous history and present moral condition before we decide according to age. I could illustrate by many instances, but would rather be spared the recital.

The industrial employment of children is an important matter, but I think the best results are often lost by endeavoring to make them self-supporting in institutions. I refer especially to girls, of whom I have charge at the Industrial School in Connecticut. Boys may be employed at profitable industries, which should be of a character that will be useful to them in their future lives, but girls must be taught the art of housekeeping, and whatever interferes with this training is a curse to them, no matter how much money it may bring into the treasury of the School. A thorough education in housework requires frequent transfer from one department to another, but we are tempted to deprive them of the benefits of this rotation when customers are calling for paper boxes or other goods made in the shops.

We place out many girls from our institution into country homes with farmers' families. We have nearly ninety so provided for at.present. Judge Ferris, of Tennessee, gave us an interesting account of his success in finding homes for orphan children. The majority of our scholars are not orphans; we could almost wish they were, for their own sakes and for the sake of the state.

We often feel the need of a training school for families, that they may be taught how to protect and provide for the girls committed to their care. Kespectable families, highly recommended by pastors, selectmen and others frequently prove false to the trust and cause us much anxiety and trouble. •

Our visiting agent, Hon. Charles Fabrique, of New Haven, is also President of our Board of Directors. He devotes a large portion of his time to the interests of the girls living out, who remain under our guardianship until they arrive at the age of twenty-one.. We do not lose sight of our wards. This gentleman has reason to complain of the evil effects of unsystematic housekeeping and uneven temper, too often observed, in families supposed to be well regulated.

One of the obstacles thrown in our way arises from the interference of unprincipled, unreasonable and intemperate parents, who strive to make the children discontented and unsettled; but we are able, in a great measure, to overcome this difficulty.

These girls cannot always be taken close to the heart of the household, as intimate companions of the children in the family, but great care must be exercised in drawing the line. The "bruised reed" should not be broken and ijothing should hinder the awakening to a better life.

We have a form of Indenture which reads as follows:

No

SECTION MEETING. . 487

Name of girl,

Present age,

Under the guardianship of the School until

Three months1 trial ends

During this time you may return the girl and surrender this agreement without notice, if she prove unsatisfactory in character or service, or the School may peremptorily remove her from your care if convinced that the home is unsuitable.

It is required that her wages be not paid into her hands until she is

years old, but that you keep an exact account of her dues and expenditures in a suitable book which shall be subject to our inspection at any time, and which she shall be allowed to examine at least once a month.

C. H. BOND,

Dated \.. 18 Superintendent,

Our preventive and reformatory work has been successfully carried on for fourteen years, in a school established on the family plan. Our system of placing out has been satisfactory in results, and we are convinced that preparatory training is not in vain, if supplemented by practical guardianship and continued oversight on the part of those servants to whom the State has committed* the sacred duty of saving her children.

A discussion followed, for which there had been no opportunity on Thursday.

[This discussion was not reported, as the regular reporter was busy at the same time in taking the debates in the Conference then in session.—Editor.]