In Massachusetts, where statistics are more carefully collected
than in any other State, we gather the fact that, for a term of five
years, the cost of crime for prosecution and confinement, was
$1,393,379. Thus over one million and a quarter of dollars was
spent for the punishment of crime. Another estimate is made,
that the cost of each boy sent to prison, is from $250 to $500,
with the only result that, at the expiration of his sentence, he is
turned out to commit new depredations on society, and swell up
new costs for his imprisonment. Now, the object of the Refuge
is not to punish but to reform. This we desire to be kept
always distinctly in view. The whole theory of the Institution,
is the practical, common sense belief that it is better to prevent
than to punish crime. The Refuge does this most effectually,
and at a comparatively cheap cost. In the seventeen institutions
represented in the National Convention of Reformatory Institu-
tions, held in New York, in May last, statistics show that the
whole number of inmates that had been under their charge since
their first organization, was 20,658, of whom seventy-five per
cent, were reformed, and all this at an average annual cost of
$97.53 per head, and that this reform has been generally effected
on an average of two years detention. These facts are incontro-
vertible.

Set aside, however, the pecuniary cost. Look deeper into this
matter, and with the eye of humanity. Look at the education
and the Christian instruction imparted, the discipline and self-re-
liance taught, and the reclamation of these little vagabonds and
children of neglect. Look at them converted into good citizens
and useful members of society, and who can estimate the true
value of these Reform Schools ? Their results are far beyond
human computation. God alone can judge of their inestimable
worth.

But the Board, in conclusion, only desire to say that standing
for the State in loco parentis to these young delinquents, they
consider themselves as entitled to all the consideration of credi-
tors upon the public treasury. What means we have to com-
mence the work of the current year, will be exhausted by the first
of April, leaving, for our only resource, for the remainder of the
year, the quarterly instalments of $2,500 of the appropriation of
1856 before referred to. The average number of inmates last
year was 181—the cost of their maintenance, was $19,421 40, or
at the daily rate of 29 cents per head. For a more extended ex-
position, the Board would refer to their annual Report, but these
few data here given, are sufficient to show what are their require-
ments. To the State we must look for an increased appropria-
tion to meet the balance of our wants.

The Board have no debts or liens, or mortgages, nor can they
consent to change their determination made at the very outset of
their administration, to make no debt that cannot be met by an

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