REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. To the HON. JOHN T. RICH, Governor of Michigan: As the Board of Trustees of the Industrial School for Boys we take pleasure in submitting this report for the two years ending June 30, 1896. It seems entirely unnecessary for us to enter into a detailed report of the work done in this institution inasmuch as for the past four years your residence has been in this city where you could at all times be cognizant of what was being done by the management in regard to caring for the large family of boys committed to our care. We are pleased to say, however, that to us the work of the past two years is most satisfactory, and our old time faith in the reformation of wayward boys is fully sustained, and we are glad to say that no institution in the United States stands the peer of the one with which we have the honor to be connected. Hundreds of these boys are not only reclaimed but are taught some useful trade and at the same time given a good scholastic education. The greenhouse, for which we received an appropriaiton from the last legislature, is proving more of a success than we dared to hope in the way of fitting a class of boys for gaining a livelihood after leaving school. The silo that was built last year was also a much needed addition to our cattle barn and has already demonstrated the wisdom in building it. We would respectfully call your attention to the condition of the barns which have been newly painted and otherwise repaired. The farm fences have been rebuilt and a large amount of new fence built, also a fine picket fence in front of the south portion of the grounds. The small appropriation for fences and sidewalks, and for painting was insufficient to put things in proper shape, but the amount was expended in a judicious manner and we hope for a more liberal sum from the next legislature, as it is true economy to keep fences, buildings, sidewalks and the like in good repair all the time. The money appropriated for the erection of a new cottage is being used for that purpose according to our best judgment and we hope to have the building ready to occupy by November 1. Our numbers are increasing steadily and in order to continue cur work successfully we feel the great necessity of asking the legislature for an increased appropriation for running expenses. To clothe, feed, educate, and teach trades to 100 boys extra means some $10,000 a year and we hardly see how we can properly care for all these lads without more means, but considering the fact of the great depression which exists all through the country today and which is felt quite severely by the farmers, making their taxes seem burdensome, we shall only ask for an increase in our current expense appropriation of the small sum of $4,000 and shall out our wants clear down below our actual needs. We heartily commend the management of our Superintendent in so carefully conducting the financial affairs of the school as to get through the past year with no deficit. We shall not ask the legislature for any special appropriation for new buildings, but shall only ask a few specials that are absolutely necessary to the maintenance of the buildings and preservation of the property in our charge. We regret the necessity, however, of postponing some needed repairs that should have been made during the past year had there been means to accomplish them. We beg to call your close attention of the present need of means by which to overhaul our immense steam and water plant which is liable to fail before we can get through another winter. Some of our boilers and engine have been in constant use for over thirty years and must be replaced with new ones. A part of our heating apparatus is worn out and the repairs which we are obliged to make every summer would more than pay the interest on a much larger sum of money than it would cost to put in a new plant. We therefore ask for $5,000 for that purpose. Please find below a recapitulation of our needs as to current expenses: For general salaries.. Teachers' salaries. Food ..... $13,466 00 4,300 00 15,000 00 5,340 00 500 00 6,620 00 1,600 00 Medical expenses. 540 00 Stationery and printing.. 844 00 Amusement and instruction. 600 00 |