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Without going into the comparison of voluntary and compulsory or even rate-supported institutions: it is well certainly that the demand for Reformatories under the abundance of juvenile crime, which is, perhaps, the strongest argument for non-voluntary schools, has not carried their legislative establishment. For no one who had a Reformatory to start from the first, could possibly tell how they were to be officered, with a true regard of the work to be done. Demand cannot cause, at least quick, supply of such articles. If it is only considered that a Reformatory staff ought altogether, and as far as possible in each single member, to possess a knowledge of the evils of human nature with the method of its cure, with the rarer faculty of applying the one to the other, this will be at once perceived. A Reformatory officer over and above his special function in the establishment, should be a compound of a detective and a devotee. A mere devotee without judgment and practical sagacity, quick apprehension and concentrated purpose—would be in despair in a week, with an empty school probably. A mere detective would keep or regain his boys, but never reclaim them. In proportion as Reformatories are felt beneficial, anxiety about their permanance is reasonable. I think Magistrates in Sessions might, advisably, have power to continue by rate a voluntary institution—which by change of property or other contingencies is in danger of being given up. Or a county which has not requirement for a separate institution cf its own, or no likelihood of getting one, but which felt confidence in, and gladly would use that of a neighbouring county, might have powers to grant aid in proportion to such use, without interference with the management.
None of the clauses of Sir G. Grey's bill seemed capable of carrying these two most probable, and least objectionable cases.[1]
But more pressing than the establishment or maintenance of Reformatories is, or soon will be, what to do with the boys on their release, and where. Home service will rarely be adviseable for the most real and true Reformatory subject. The very way they cling in heart and feeling to their old haunts and homes—"that dear old Brum!"—makes me fear their return to them. If the argument about honest and criminal labour applies anywhere, it does to the bringing back the known criminal youth to supersede, probably, his honest competitor. I trust the Government will aid this looming difficulty by establishing Colonial Correspondents for the reception and employment of the boys. The benefit would soon be felt to be mutual—and any antecedent suspicion removed on experience. If the expense is the difficulty, why not apply one shilling a week for this purpose out of the seven shillings now allowed per head by the Government.
- ↑ This was written after having seen only the bill as originally introduced: since then I have seen the amended form lately passed by the Lords, and these cases are provided for.
