REPORT.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, at its January Session, A. D. 1907.

The Board of Visitors to Institutions where Women are Imprisoned respectfully presents its report for the year ending January 31st, 1907, as required by Chapter 809, section 52, of the General Laws of Rhode Island.

In carefully renewing the events occurring the past year, we find the meetings have been held regularly, and well attended; much interest manifested in the furtherance of all that tends to the upliftment of those whose welfare is brought to our notice, in every visit made at the Institution. The members have made, in a body, two visits; in all, thirty-two during the year; finding much that is commendable, and a kindly feeling uppermost between superintendent and inmates.

Considering the crowded condition of the buildings, it was surprising to note the general cleanliness and purity of the atmosphere and the systematic arrangement of all departments of labor, from the one who takes charge of the scrubbing to the one who has the care of the inner man.

The smoothness and regularity of all the wheels must be well oiled and properly cared for, or else there would be friction and confusion. "It is harmony that has a rhythm."

As a whole, we have been especially attracted to the Oaklawn school. The need that the Board has keenly felt and expressed, of better accommodations, for the elevation morally of its inmates, will be filled in part by the erection of a new cottage, which we hope in time will be followed by another. The underpinning of this new

cottage is completed. Plans for the upper floors are ready for use as soon as practicable. They are so complete in every detail, no fault can be found. Besides separate sleeping apartments, so equipped that each girl has her own individual bathing accommodations, a gymnasium, living-room, and a model kitchen are provided. It is believed that this will have a helpful effect on all the girls in the school, as an admission to the new cottage is to be the reward of good conduct on their part. There will be special facilities for teaching cooking and other industries, so that upon leaving the school, the girls will be better fitted to become wage earners. At the present time a new teacher, a graduate from the Boston Cooking School, has inspired new interest in the girls in this special direction. The experiment in dividing the school into two sections has proved a wise one. Better classwork has been accomplished, and more interest has been manifested by the girls, and much more individual attention has been possible. In the early spring Mrs. Radeke, with Mr. Eastman's permission and approval, gave plants and seeds to every girl in the school, and in so doing awakened a larger interest in gardening. Each girl had her own plat of ground, and they surely vied with each other in making beautiful their own special spot. And in August, at their yearly clambake, their gardens were full of bloom and fragrance, adding much glory to the picture made in the arrangement of tables, the neatness of attire of teachers and pupils. The whole formed one vast dining hall, and to add to the joyousness of the occasion, the boys' band discoursed sweet music during the dinner hour. Autumn found the beds a mass of glowing color, and the girls were busied transplanting the plants for the house and caring for the bulbs.

In a visit paid at the House of Correction, in October, the Board was impressed with the idea that some helpful thought at the beginning of each day be given to the inmates, so their thoughts might be lifted above the dull routine of coarse hard labor, something sunshiny and bright to crowd out the dross. At the suggestion of the Advisory

Board, with the co-operation of Mr. Eastman and the Board of State Charities, the change has been accomplished.

Taking the year as a whole, we think it has been profitable-a larger interest has been shown by the public in our work. The Board feels that the greatest present need is in relieving the overcrowded condition of the Almshouse. We are glad to know an effort is being made to separate the sick from the well. The Board also hopes in the near future that a separate building, with grounds attached. sufficient in size for necessary exercises for every inmate, may be provided for the women of the House of Correction.

Money is needed to bring about all desired changes, and if a larger interest could be awakened in the public by bringing them in closer touch with our Institutions, much could be gained for its poor, its unfortunates, and its criminals, and the finest facilities for its growing girls, who need all the help and guidance that kind teachers and matron can provide. And we know it pays to care for even the least of these.

Respectfully submitted,

LYDIA K. KENDALL,

EDNA A. KILTON,

ELIZA G. M. RADEKE,

CLARA E. WIGHTMAN,

ANNA L. WOFFENDEN,

ELLEN COTTRELL.