In compliance with the demand for and necessity of a reform school for boys, the State legislature passed a law at the session of 1889 establishing this school.

The Oregon State Reform School was opened for the reception of boys November 5, 1891, and up to the present time has been under the supervision of the following superintendents: B. J. Miles, M. W. Smith, R. J. Hendricks, E. M. Croisan, H. E. Bickers, and N. H. Looney.

Since the school has been in existence there have been six hundred and sixty-eightboys committed to the care of this institution, many of whom have been paroled and are out in the world earning their own living, and are doing well and making law abiding citizens. Seventy-one were released during the biennial term just closing, and none of them have been returned to the care of the school. Two who were feeble minded were sent to the asylum, and two others to the State prison after they left here. The other sixty-seven are doing very well as far as known.

It would seem advisable to build or purchase property to be used for the purpose of a girl's reformatory, as many applications are made every year for a home to place wayward and delinquent girls in, and although the State law provides for such a home, the legislature has not as yet made any appropriation therefor. The coming session will probably have an opportunity to vote upon such an appropriation.

During the past two years the school has had an average of one hundred and twenty enrolled on its books. Through a change in the law governing commitments, and a general misunderstanding of the intents and purposes of this institution the enrollment has not been as large as it should be. Many consider the Reform School a place of punishment for crimes committed by youths too young to be sent to the penitentiary, when the real object is to help boys, especially those without homes and suitable surroundings, to form good habits; and to educate them during the time their characters are being developed. While there are some boys here who are vicious and immoral, the majority are those who have been unfortunate in having been deprived of proper home influences, and have not been compelled to make the most of their school privileges. The family history of the majority of these youths would appeal to the sympathy of every true man or woman.

It would be well to change the name of this institution from Reform School to State Industrial School, or something of that nature, and it is to be desired that the next session of the legislature consider this matter, for to many the present name is a stigma of disgrace when applied to youths whose characters are not yet formed. It is not the intention of the State of Oregon to brand the boys, when what they need is help and encouragement. Praise and courtesy shown these youths helps them, and it should be the aim of all with whom they come in contact to advise instead of distrusting and criticising.

It has been the effort of the management to see that the boys should have, as often as possible, a short lecture by some practical business man. They have been entertained on various occasions by ministers, musicians, professors from the Oregon Agricultural College, railroad men, scientific farmers, and others. These lectures are greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the boys, and they are attentive listeners.

The band is an especial feature of the school, and the boys make good progress. There are now twenty-eight in the band, eighteen of whom are quite proficient in music. They have played at several public gatherings this summer, and furnished music at Gladstone Park July 4th.

LOCATION.

The Oregon State Reform School is located five miles south of Salem on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Trains stop for passengers. The school is a fine place for boys; taking them away from the temptations and evils of city life, giving them plenty of outdoor exercise, and the fresh air and the advantages of the country. The main buildings are picturesquely situated, overlooking the valley to the north and south, and plentifully supplied with pure spring water.

The boys are divided into two families, and the younger boys are separated from the older ones as much as possible. All are treated with kindness and consideration, everything being done to promote their welfare and happiness.

Convict labor has been employed in repairing and improving the road from Salem to the State Reform School, and we have now one of the finest thoroughfares in the State, adding greatly to the attractiveness of the surroundings of the State buildings.