CONSTITUTION, ADDRESS,
AND
LIST OF MEMBERS
OF THE
%mmxuran  3seots atiln for t{it lrxamtfon
of     mdial  $itxnaf,
WITH THE
QUESTIONS PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION:
TO WHICH ARE ADDED
MINUTES OF THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
July, 1   66.
B   STON:
WRIGHT & POTTER, PRINTERS, No. 4 SPRING LANE.
1 8 6 6.








CO NSTI TU TION
OF THE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL
SCIENCE.
ADOPTED IN BOSTON OCTOBER 4, 1865.
I.- This Society shall be called THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR
THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.
II.- Its objects are, to aid the development of Social Science, and to
guide the public mind to the best practical means of promoting the
Amendment of Laws, the Advancement of Education, the Prevention
and Repression of Crime, the Reformation of Criminals, and the progress of Public Morality, the adoption of Sanitary Regulations, and
the diffusion of sound principles on questions of Economy, Trade, and
Finance. It will give attention to Pauperism, and the topics related
thereto; including the responsibility of the well-endowed and successful, the wise and educated, the honest and respectable, for the failures
of others. It will aim to bring together the various societies and individuals now interested in these objects, for the purpose of obtaining by
discussion the real elements of Truth; by which doubts are removed,
conflicting opinions harmonized, and a common ground afforded for
treating wisely the great social problems of the day.
III. — This Association shall include four departments: the first,
for Education; the second, for Public Health; the third, for Economy,
Trade, and Finance; the fourth, for Jurisprudence, and the Amendment
of Laws.
IV.    The officers of this Association shall be a President, four VicePresidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and five Directors, who shall constitute an Executive Committee
of thirteen, and shall have power to fill any vacancies in their body
which shall occur between the annual meetings. One Vice-President
and one Director shall be assigned to each department; and these,
together with a Special Secretary for each, shall constitute the Executive Committee for each department. The fifth Director shall act as




4
Librarian. These seventeen officers shall hereafter be chosen annually,
on the second Wednesday in October, and shall hold office till their
successors are chosen.
V. - The annual meetings of this Association shall be held in Boston,
unless some other place is specially designated. Special meetings may
be called by the Executive Committee, or by the President and any five
members of the Committee, at any time and place which they may
think proper; but no officers shall be chosen, assessments made, or
amendments to the Constitution passed, except at the annual meetings,
or some adjournment thereof.
VI. —The business of the meetings shall be to hear addresses,
reports, and papers, and to conduct discussions on the topics before
mentioned. When desirable, the meetings shall be held by departments, over each of which a Vice-President shall preside. All members may take part in the discussions, but no papers shall be read which
have not been previously submitted to the Executive Committee in each
department.
VII. -Before any meeting shall divide into departments, and immediately after the transaction of the regular business, the President shall
call for, and the Executive Committee may bring forward, such subjects, not exceeding four in number, as are judged by them of immediate
practical importance; and these shall have the precedence of all other
subjects during the first session of the meeting.
VIII. - Any person may become a member by signing the Constitution, and paying the sum of three dollars, and may continue a member
by paying annually such further sum, not exceeding five dollars, as may
be assessed on the members by vote of the Association at its annual
meeting. Any person may become a life member, exempt from assessments, by the payment of fifty dollars.
IX. - Honorary members and corresponding members may be chosen,
but shall not exceed the number of the regular members; and members
thus chosen shall be exempt from the payment of assessments. All
members, both regular, honorary, and corresponding, shall be entitled to
receive a copy of the Transactions of the Association.
X.- The Secretaries, under the direction of the Executive Committee, shall annually select from  the papers handed in and the
addresses made such as they shall deem proper for publication, and shall
publish them, along with a report of the doings and discussions at the
meetings during the year. This publication shall be called the Transactions of the Association. They may also prepare and issue such
other publications as may be deemed best by the Executive Committee.
XI. - None but regular members shall have the privilege of voting
in the meetings, and none but members of taking part in the discus



sions, except by invitation of the presiding officer; but it shall be the
policy of the Association to admit as many members as possible, and to
encourage the co-operation of other societies having kindred objects in
view.
XII. -Whenever other associations shall be formed in other parts of
North America, it shall be the policy of this Association to co-operate
with them so far as practicable. For this purpose, the Executive Committee is empowered to call a convention of these associations, or to
send delegates to such a convention.
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
[Those marked * have been chosen to fill vacancies. The numerals indicate the departments.]
PRESIDENT.
Professor WILLIAM B. ROGERS, 1 Temple Place, Boston.
VI C E -P R ES ID E N T S.
I. Rev. THOMAS HILL, D. D., Cambridge, Mass.
II. Vacancy.
III. *Hon. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL, Groton, Mass.
IV. FRANCIS LIEBER, LL. D., 48 East 34th Street, New York.
DIRECTORS.
I. Rev. ERASTUS 0. HAVEN, D. D., Ann Arbor, Mich.
II. Mrs. MARY ELIOT PARKMAN, 109 Boylston Street, Boston.
III.  *DAVID A. WELLS, Esq., Custom House, New York.
IV. Hon. EMORY WASHBURN, Cambridge, Mass.
V. Mrs. CAROLINE HEALY DALL, 70 Warren Avenue, Boston.
GENERAL  SECRET ARIES.
SAMUEL ELIOT, LL. D., Cor. Sec'y, 30 Chestnut St., Boston.
F. B. SANBORN, Esq., Recording Sec'y, 12 State House, Boston.
SPECIAL SECRETARIES.
I. Hon. JOSEPH WHITE, Williamstown, Mass.
II. J. C. WHITE, M. D., 10 Park Square, Boston.
III.  Hon. GEORGE WALKER, Springfield, Mass.
IV. Professor THEODORE W. DWIGHT, Columbia College, N. York.
TREASURER.
Capt. JAMES J. HIGGINSON, 40 State Street, Boston.




6
REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION,
Hon. John A. Andrew, 27 Tremont Row, Boston.
Prof. William B. Rogers, 1 Temple Place, Boston.
Francis Lieber, LL. D., 48 East 34th Street, New York.
Hon. Josiah Quincy, 4 Park Street, Boston.
Mrs. Mary J. Quincy, 4 Park Street, Boston.
Samuel G. Howe, M. D., 20 Bromfield Street, Boston.
Thomas C. Amory, Esq., 15 Temple Place, Boston.
Hon. Edward S. Tobey, 103 State Street, Boston.
Mrs. Maria Weston Chapman, New York.
Miss Mary Grey Chapman, Boston.
Rev. Rufus Ellis, Hamilton Place, Boston.
Henry B. Rogers, Esq., 5 Joy Street, Boston.
Rev. Andrew Bigelow, 3 Hancock Street, Boston.
Miss Matilda Goddard, 2 Florence Street, Boston.
Mrs. Zena Fay Peirce, Cambridge.
Wendell Phillips, Esq., 26 Essex Street, Boston.
Mrs. Mary E. Stearns, Medford.
Henry G. Clark, M. D., 18 Beacon Street, Boston.
William Lloyd Garrison, Esq., Roxbury.
Miss Abby W. May, 27 Hollis Street, Boston.
Mrs. F. C. Paine, 96 Chestnut Street, Boston.
John D. Philbrick, Esq., City Hall, Boston.
Henry I. Bowditch, M. D., 113 Boylston Street, Boston.
George William Bond, Esq., 167 Congress Street, Boston.
David Wilder, Jr., Esq., State House, Boston.
David Pulsifer, State House, Boston.
Hon. Otis Clapp, 3 Albion Building, Boston.
Rev. John T. Sargent, 70 Dover Street, Boston.
Francis L. Capen, K Street, corner of 9th, South Boston.
Rev. John W. Chickering, Boston.
George B. Emerson, Esq., 3 Pemberton Square, Boston.
Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, Columbia College, New York.
Rev. J. M. Manning, 9 Boylston Place, Boston.
Rev. William G. Babcock, Warren Street Chapel, Boston.
John M. Clark, Esq., Suffolk Jail, Boston.
Rev. George C. Beckwith, 23 Chauncy Street, Boston.
Rev. Frederic Hinckley, K Street, corner of Broadway, South Boston.
Rev. W. Phillips Tilden, 79 Bedford Street, Boston.
S. W. Hatheway, State House, Boston.
George H. Snelling, Esq., 2 Hamilton Place, Boston.
William Emersonr Baker, 18 Summer Street, Boston.
G. Julian Harney, State House, Boston.
Prof. James C. White, M. D., 10 Park Square, Boston.




7
Charles K. Whipple, 59 East Chester Park, Boston.
Ira Steward, 12 Avon Place, Boston.
John S. Butler, M. D., The Retreat, Hartford, Connecticut.
Dr. Oliver S. Strong, House of Refuge, New York.
Rev. B. K. Peirce, House of Refuge, New York.
James M. Talcott, Esq., Reform School, Providence, Rhode Island.
Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Newport, Rhode Island.
Hon. John A. Poor, Portland, Maine.
John H. Rice, Bangor, Maine.
Charles N. Skinner, St. John, New Brunswick.
E. W. Hatch, M. D., Reform School, West Meriden, Connecticut.
Warren W. Rice, State Prison, Thomaston, Maine.
Rev. Erastus 0. Haven, D. D., Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Rev. Theodore D. Woolsey, D. D., Yale College, New -Haven, Connecticut.
Prof. A. B. Palmer, M. D., Michigan University, Amn Arbor, Michigan.
Isaac Ray, M. D., Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.
Prof. Daniel C. Gilman, Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut.
Rev. Oliver C. Everett, Charlestown.
Hon. Alfred Hitchcock, Fitchburg.
Rev. Edward H. Hall, Plymouth.
Miss Lucy Goddard, Roxbury.
George W. Coffin, Charlestown.
Benjamin W. Sawtell, Charlestown.
Rev. Horatio Wood, Lowell.
Hon. George S. Boutwell, M. C., Groton.
James Redpath, Maiden.
Edward Earle, Worcester.
Mrs. Ann B. Earle, Worcester.
William Workman, M. D., Worcester.
George C. Davis, Esq., Northborough.
Hon. Gideon Haynes, State Prison, Charlestown.
Rev. Marcus Ames, Industrial School, Lancaster.
Nathan Allen, M.. D., Lowell.
Hon. John Nesmith, Lowell.
Hon. P. M. Neal, Lynn.
John C. Metcalf, Esq.,. Mendon.
James B. Congdon, Esq., New Bedford.
Rev. Samuel May, Jr., Leicester.
Hon. Amasa Walker, M. C., North Brookfield.
Hon. Asa Millett, Bridgewater.
Edward Jarvis, M. D., Dorchester.
M. M. Fisher, Medway.
N. S. Shaler, Cambridge.
Hon. Phineas Ball, Worcester.
Hon. Emory Washburn, Cambridge.
Prof. W. P. Atkinson, Cambridge.
Jonathan Brown, M. D., Tewksbury.
T. Prentiss Allen, Esq., West Newton.




8
George W. Searle, Esq., Boston.
Rev. James Thurston, West Newton.
Joseph A. Allen, Esq., Reform School, Westborough.
N. T. Allen, Esq., West Newton.
Hon. William H. Wood, Middleborough.
Rev. S. W. Bush, Roxbury.
F. B. Sanborn, Concord.
J. C. Zachos, West Newton.
E. B. Huntington, Esq., Stamford, Conn.
Rev. Charles F. Barnard, Warren Street Chapel, Boston.
Rev. A. A. Livermore, Meadville, Penn.
Miss Rebecca Bradford, Roxbury.
W. Ellery Copeland, Cambridge.
Rev. Thomas Hill, D. D., Harvard College, Cambridge.
Prof. Samuel Eliot, 30 Chestnut Street, Boston.
Edward Atkinson, Esq., 40 State Street, Boston.
Mrs. Caroline H. Dall, 70 Warren Avenue, Boston.
Hon. George S. Hale, 4 Court Street, Boston.
David A. Wells, Esq., New York.
Hon. George Walker, Springfield, Mass.
Mrs. Mary E. Parkman, 109 Boylston Street, Boston.
Hon. Joseph White, Williamstown.
Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, Pemberton Square, Boston.
Mrs. R. W. Emerson, Concord.
S. R. Urbino, Boston.
Mrs. Caroline M. Severance, West Newton.
Samuel F. Haven, Esq., Boston.
Capt. J. F. B. Marshall, State House, Boston.
Dr. Ammi Brown, 35 Common Street, Boston.
Mrs. Sarah H. Young, Lowell.
Delano K. Goddard, Esq., Worcester.
Lieut. T. Melville Chisholm, 108th U. S. Colored Infantry.
Samuel E. Sewall, Esq., 46 Washington Street, Boston.
Theodore H. Mead, Esq., 31 Union Park, Boston.
Capt. James J. Higginson, 40 State Street, Boston.
C. W. Dabney, Jr., 67 Commercial Wharf, Boston.
Sinclair Tousey, New York.
William T. Ingalls, M. D., 168 Tremont Street, Boston.
Samuel Jennison, Esq., 27 State Street, Boston.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
Residing in America.
Lewis A. Sayre, M. D., 795 Broadway, New York.
Samuel B. Ruggles, Esq., New York.
Henry Barnard, LL. ID, Annapolis, Md.
A. Bronson Alcott, Esq., Concord, Mass.
Rev. Frederic N. Knapp, Yonkers, N. Y.
Prof. David Wilson, Toronto, C. W.




9
Edward A. Meredith, Esq., Quebec, C. E.
Rev. Philip P. Carpenter,* Montreal, C. E.
Henry C. Carey, Esq., Philadelphia.
Charles L. Brace, Esq., New York.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.
In Great Britain and Ireland.
The Right Honorable Lord Brougham,* London.
George W. Hastings, Esq.,* London.
John Stuart Mill, Esq., M. P., London.
Thomas Hughes, Esq., M. P., London.
Miss Mary Carpenter, Fed Lodge House, Bristol.
Matthew Davenport Hill, Esq., Bristol.
Sir Walter Crofton, The Close, Winchester.'Edward Peacock, Esq.,* Botsford Manor, Lincolnshire.
Prof. J. E. Thorold Rogers,* Oxford.
Rev. James Frazer, Ufton Rectory, Reading.
Lord Radstock, London.
Miss Frances Power Cobbe, 26 Hereford Square, London.
Edwin Chadwick, Esq., C. B., 5 Montague Villas, Richmond.
Edwin Lankester, M. D., London.
William Farr,* M. D., F. R. S., London.
Hon. Edward Twisleton, London.
Prof. J. E. Cairnes, London.
Capt. J. M. Whitty,* Dublin Castle, Dublin.
James P. Organ, Esq.,* Dublin.
Sir John Bowring, Exeter.
Prof. Henry B. Rogers, Glasgow.
In France.
M. Bonneville de Marsangy, 7 Rue de Penthievre, Paris.
M. F. A. Demetz,* Mettray.
M. A. de Gasparin, Paris.
M. Guillaume de Felice,* Montauban.
M. Edouard Laboulaye,* Paris.
In Belgium.
Hon. Henry S. Sanford, U. S. Legation, Brussels.
M. Edouard Ducpetiaux, 26 Rue des Arts, Brussels.
In Prussia.
Baron Franz von Holtzendorff, Royal University, Berlin.
In Italy.
Signor Martino Beltrani Scalia, Turin.
In Russia.
J. Kapnist, St. Petersburgh.
* These gentlemen have been notified of their election, but have not yet signified their acceptance
of membership.




10
DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE ASSOCIATION.
The following Circular and Address will explain the origin
and objects of the American Social Science Association.  The
Circular was issued before the organizaticq  of the Association,
and the Address appeared between the first and the second
general meetings:
I.
CIRCULAR OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF CHARITIES.
COMMONWEALTH  OF MASSACHUSETTS.
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF STATE CHRITIES, 
12 STATE HOUSE, BOSTON Aug. 2, 1865. 
DEAR SIR,-Our attention has lately been called to the importance
of some organization in the United States, both local and national,
whose object shall be the discussion of those questions relating to the
Sanitary Condition of the People, the Relief, Employment, and Education of the Poor, the Prevention of Crime, the Amelioration of the
Criminal Law, the Discipline of Prisons, the Remedial Treatment of
the Insane, and those numerous matters of statistical and philanthropic
interest which are included under the general head of " Social Science."
An association for the consideration of these questions has existed in
Great Britain for several years, including among its members many of
the most eminent philanthropists and statistical writers of that country.
Its published proceedings have been of great service to England and to
the world.
Some gentlemen of this city, during the present year, have taken
steps to organize such a society for Massachusetts, and will hold a public meeting here on the first WEDNESDAY of October, 1865, at 10
o'clock, A. M., at which the general objects of such an organization will
be announced, and papers will be read on special topics. We are so
thoroughly convinced of the value of such an organization, that, at the
request of the gentlemen interested, we take the liberty of inviting you
to be present at that time, and to give us the benefit of your counsel as
to the proposed work of the Social Science League.




It has been suggested that a local society should be established in
every State in which there shall be sufficient interest taken, and that
these societies shall all be represented, annually, in a National Convention of the League, the proceedings of which shall be published along
with such contributions from the local societies as may be selected.
If unable to attend the proposed meeting, would you be so good as to
favor us with your views, by letter, concerning this plan, and in general,
in regard to the whole subject, in which, from your known reputation,
you are believed to take an interest?
NATHAN ALLEN, Lowell.
EDWARD EARLE, Worcester.
H. B. WHEELWRIGHT, Taunton.
F. B. SANBORN, Concord.
THEODORE METCALF, Boston.
J. C. BLAISDELL, Fall River.
S. G. HOWE, Boston.
Members of the Board of State Charities.
II.
ADDRESS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN SOCIAL
SCIENCE ASSOCIATION.
PUBLISHED, NOVEMBER, 1865.
THE Executive Committee of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR
THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, in submitting to the public
the Constitution of the Association, would state some facts and
present some consideraions relating thereto.
It is now eight years since the formation of an Association in
Great Britain, for the promotion of Social Science, gave celebrity to a name that has since become familiar to philanthropists
all over the world. Uncertain to whom we may ascribe the
happy generalization by which all the subjects of human inquiry
that specially concern the institutions of society are classed
together under the name of Social Science, we have reason to
accept this name as the most appropriate yet invented. It
includes so much, and suggests so much, that we have adopted
it, without hesitation, in designating our own organization.




12
The British Association, already alluded to, was founded by
a few earnest laborers in the cause of humanity, under the lead
of Lord Brougham, who has been from the beginning its President. So great was the interest felt in the subject, however,
that, very early, a large number of justly distinguished persons
became members of the Association.  Among these were Earl
Russell, Lord Shaftesbury, the Earl of Carlisle, Lady Byron,
Edwin Chadwick, Sir Walter Crofton, Miss Florence Nightingale, Sir James Kay Shuttleworth, Mrs. Jameson, Lord Houghton, Miss Mary Carpenter, Dr. Lankester, Matthew Davenport
Hill, General Sabine, Arthur Helps, and Sir Fitzroy Kelly. At
the annual meetings, which were held successively in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bradford, Glasgow, Dublin, London, Edinburgh,
York, and Sheffield, a large attendance testified to the public
appreciation of the labors of the Association; while the course
of legislation, following the changes wrought in public opinion,
gave evidence that the measures advocated at these meetings
were of a practical sort. Several important bills, resulting in
acts of Parliament, have been carried by means of the discussions and the exertions of the Social Science Association.
In 1862, an International Association, embracing the continental countries of Europe, was formed at Brussels, and has
since held annual meetings, the last of which was at Berne, in
the present year. This Association grew out of that in Great
Britain, and included members of the latter among its own
members.  Our own Association, in the same way, traces its
origin to the British National Association; from which we have
taken the idea and the general principles of our Constitution.
In the details of its organization, the parent society has
made some modifications of its original plan, which we have
adopted as the approved result of experience. Originally it had
five departments: namely, I. Jurisprudence; II. Education;
III. Punishment  and  Reformation;  IV. Public  Health;
V. Social Economy. Afterwards a sixth was added for Trade
and International Law; but, more recently, they have been
reduced to four, corresponding, except in order of sequence, to
our own.
The range of the International Association is somewhat wider.
In the words of its Constitution,



13
"The Association aims to develop the study of social science; to
guide the public opinion towards the most practical /neans to improve
civil and criminal legislation; to perfect and generalize education; to
extend and determine the mission of art and literature in modern society; to increase public wealth, and to insure its proper distribution; to
improve the moral and physical condition of the working classes; to aid,
in fine, in the diffusion of those principles which make the strength and
the dignity of nations."
We have not thought it advisable to follow the usage of the
International Association, preferring that Art and Literature
should be considered apart from the topics which we propose to
discuss.
The preliminary measures for the formation of an Association, on the basis of that existing in Great Britain, having been
taken by a few gentlemen and ladies in Boston, in the spring of
1865, at their request, the Massachusetts Board of State Charities, in August last, issued a circular, inviting to a conference
in Boston on the 4th of October.  As it was presumed that
many persons favorable to such a movement might not be able
to attend the conference, the following suggestion and request
was made at the end of the Circular: 
" It has been suggested that a local society should be established in
every State in which there shall be sufficient interest taken, and that
these societies shall all be represented annually in a National Convention of the League, the proceedings of which shall be published, along
with such contributions from the local societies as may be selected.
" If unable to attend the proposed meeting, would you be so good as
to favor us with your views, by letter, concerning this plan, and, in
general, in regard to the whole subject, in which, from your known reputation, you are believed to take an interest?"
In response to this invitation, a large number of gentlemen
and ladies from  Massachusetts, New York, and other States,
assembled at the State House, in Boston, on the 4th of October
last, and proceeded to form  an Association  for the whole
country.  The meeting, presided over by His Excellency Governor Andrew, decided, by distinct vote, that the Association
should receive the name of "American," and should enroll
members from  any part of the country; and our list of members already enrolled will show that this purpose has already




14
been carried out. We enclose herewith a copy of the Constitution then adopted, with a form of signature for such persons as
wish to become members; and we would announce that the
Association is desirous of enrolling as many members as possible from all parts of North America. To become members, it
is only necessary to sign the accompanying paper, and forward
it, with the fee for admission, to our Treasurer, James Jackson
Higginson, Esq., 40 State Street, Boston.
In response to that portion of the Circular of the Board of
Charities quoted above, a great number of letters were received;
one or more being sent from the States of Maine, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and California, and from
the District of Columbia. Among those who wrote, expressing
interest in such an association, were several Members of Congress; Drs. Ray, Chipley, Earle, Harlow, and Tyler, of the
American Association of Superintendents of Insane Asylums;
Messrs. Chandler and Willetts, of the Philadelphia Prison
Society; the Board of Managers of the Philadelphia House of
Refuge, the Warden of the Ohio Penitentiary, and many other
gentlemen connected with philanthropic enterprises or public
institutions. Portions of this correspondence will be included
in the Transactions of the Association, as being of public
interest.
Since the formation of our Association, we have received
notice of the formation of local Associations in Boston and
Quincy; and movements for the establishment of State Associations are making in Vermont, in California, and elsewhere.
A committee of one of the State institutions in Kentucky has
also signified its interest in the subject by inviting our Association to hold its next Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.
Indeed, we everywhere find the opinion expressed, that the
present is a particularly seasonable time for the labors of such
Associations as ours.
But we also find that there is some uncertainty as to the precise nature of our Association, its aims and purposes. It may
be well, therefore, to copy here what was said in the brief
Report made by the Committee of Arrangements for the conference of October 4.




15
".PURPOSES OF THE ASSOCIATION.
"This Association proposes to afford, to all persons interested in
human improvement, ah opportunity to consider social economics as a
whole.
"The persons composing it are expected to meet together to read
papers and pursue discussions, and to seek the assistance of those who
have a practical acquaintance with reform, as well as that of purely
abstract reasoners.
"They are to collect all facts, diffuse all knowledge, and stimulate all
inquiry, which have a bearing on social welfare. It has long since been
shown that the man of science who confines himself to a specialty; who
does not, at the very least, conquer the underlying principles of other
branches of scientific inquiry,-is necessarily misled, and cannot avoid
frequent mistakes. To have any perception of the perspective of his
subject, he must see it in its relation to other subjects. Something like
this is true of those who investigate the necessities of society. If they
associate themselves together, they have the advantage of each other's
knowledge; they do not misunderstand their own relative positions;
and they insure an economy of time, labor and money.
" We would offer the widest hospitality to individual convictions, and
to untried theories, provided only that such convictions and theories are
the fruit of a serious purpose and an industrious life. To entertain the
vagaries of the indolent would be at once undignified and unprofitable.
" THE FOUR DEPARTMENTS.
"1. Under the Department of Education will come everything
relating to the interests of Public Schools, Universities, and Colleges;
to Reformatory, Adult, and Evening Schools; to Instruction in the
Useful Arts; to Systems of Apprenticeship; to Lyceums, Pulpits, and
the formation of Societies for the purposes of Public Instruction. In
this department will be debated also all questions relating to Classical,
Linguistic, and Scientific Studies, in their proportion to what is called
an English Education; and the bearing of the publication of National
and Patriotic Memorials upon Popular Culture.
"2. Upon the Department relating to Public Health, a very large
proportion of the popular interest will naturally be fixed. All Sanitary
and Hygienic matters will come before it; and what the Sanitary Commission has learned in the last four years will be made available,
through its action, to the people at large. The subjects of Epidemics,
of the origin and spread of Cholera, Yellow Fever, and Eruptive Diseases, will be legitimately discussed here. It will consider all questions
of Increase of Population, Vaccination, Ventilation of Public and Private Buildings, Drainage, Houses for the Poor, the Management of




16
Cemeteries, Public Baths, Parks and Public Gardens, Places of Recreation, the Management of Hospitals and Insane Asylums, the Adulteration of Food and Drugs, all questions relating to the Duration of HuInan
Life, Sanitary Regulations for the Army and Navy, and all matters of
popular interest connected with medical science. We shall look to our
ablest physicians and surgeons for contributions to this department.
"3. Under the head of Social Economy, we shall consider Pauperism
actual rather than legal, and the relation and the responsibilities of the
gifted and educated classes towards the weak, the witless, and the ignorant. We shall endeavor to make useful inquiries into the causes of
Human Failure, and the Duties devolving upon Human Success. We
shall consider the Hours of Labor; the relation of Employers and
Employed; the Employment of Women, by itself considered; the
relation of Idleness to Female Crime; Prostitution and Intemperance;
Workhouses; Public Libraries and Museums; Savings Banks and Dispensaries. Here, too, will be discussed National Debt; the subjects of
Tariff and Taxation; the Habits of Trade; the Quality of our Manufactures; the Control of Markets; the Monopolies in the Sale of Food,,
or the Production of articles of common use; the Value of Gold; and
all questions connected with the Currency.
"4. In the Department of Jurisprudence, we aim to consider, first,
the absolute Science of Right; and, second, the Amendment of Laws.
This department should be the final resort of the other three; for when
the laws of Education, of Public Health, and of Social Economy, are
fully ascertained, the law of the land should recognize and define them
all. Under this head will be considered all questions of the justice, the
expediency, and the results, of existing statutes; including their administration and'interpretation, and especially their bearing on Suffrage,
Property, Privilege, Debt, Crime, and Pauperism. Here, then, will
come up the vexed questions of Prison Discipline and Capital Punishment."
It will thus be seen that our scope is sufficiently general, and
the field for our labors sufficiently broad. But we shall, without doubt, discover other topics which equally claim attention;
and shall not refuse to entertain any inquiry by which the
progress of humanity may be investigated or promoted.
In this great work there will be a place for all.  All existing
societies for the advancement of Education, Public Health, the
Reformation of Criminals, the Improvement of Prison Discipline, &c., can and ought to co-operate with us. We shall be
glad to receive papers and hold discussions on any of the sub



17
jects named, or others which may properly come before us; and
we would here particularly invite students of these subjects to
bring or send papers discussing them  to our next General
Meeting, the time  and  place of which will be hereafter
announced.
In the interval between this time and the General Meeting,
it is hoped that all members, and all persons to whom this
Address may be sent, will exert themselves to distribute it, to
enroll members, and to spread a knowledge of the existence
and objects of the Association, so far as they have opportunity.
For the Committee,
WILLIAM  B. ROGERS, President.
SAMUEL ELIOT,  General Se s.
F. B. SANBORN, I Seneral Secretares.
The following List of Questions for Discussion has been prepared by the Secretaries, under the direction of the Executive
Committee. It is not meant that members shall confine themselves to these Questions, or to the furnishing of the information
required under the head of Data. The Questions are given
rather as a sample of what may properly be discussed, and the
suggestions concerning Data are mere hints to assist collectors
of facts and observations. A full schedule of Questions would
fill a volume, if accompanied by the necessary specifications.
2




18
III.
QUESTIONS PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
I.  THE RELATIVE VALUE OF CLASSICAL AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.
This question calls for the following data, which may be furnished by members of the Association.
(A.) 1. The number of hours devoted to the study of the
Classics in the - School, (or College.)
2. The proportion which this time bears to the whole time
occupied in Study and Recitation.
3. The difference, if any, between the studies of the two
sexes in this respect.
4. The degree of proficiency in Latin and in Greek, attained
by the students at the end of the regular course.
5. The degree of proficiency attained by the students who
pursue an advanced course, and the proportion to the whole
number of those who go beyond the regular course.
(B.) 1-5. The number of hours devoted to Mathematical
Scientific Studies, etc., (as in 2, 3, 4 and 5, A.)
6. The changes proposed with a view to extend or diminish
the course of Scientific Studies in the  ~  School, (or College.)
II. THE FINE ARTS IN EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY.
Data Required.
1. The experience of foreign countries upon this point.
2. What provision exists in our own country for extending
the knowledge of the Arts, or employing them in Education or
Industry.
3. Statements concerning the possibility of opening public
galleries of Painting and Sculpture in one or more of our large
cities, and the Establishment or Extension of Schools of Design.




19
4. Applications of the Fine Arts to American Manufactures.
5. Statements respecting the development of the Fine Arts
in Industry as opening new and suitable Vocations for Women.
III. THE HALF-TIME SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION.
Data Required.
1. The localities and schools where this system is now in use.
2. The actual results of introducing it in schools formerly
taught on the old system.
3. The number of school hours in each week, the number of
studies pursued, and the number of different classes, in schools
using the Half-Time System.
4. The feasibility of introducing this system in communities
where the old system is established by law and long usage.
IV. THE EDUCATION OF NEGLECTED AND VICIOUS CHILDREN.
This question divides itself into the following subordinate
questions, in regard to which information no less than opinions
should be given:1. The Distinction between Vagrancy and Destitution, on
the one hand, and Crime on the other.
2. The Comparative Value of the Family and Congregate
Systems in Reformatory Institutions.
3. The Work to be done by Public as contrasted with Private
Institutions, and the True Principle of Distributing these Institutions in the Community.
4. The True Principles of Legislation in respect to Vagrant
and Criminal Children.
5. The Best System of Education in Reformatories; including Manual, Intellectual Moral and Religious Education.
6. The Best System of Discipline, and how to train Officers
to administer such a System.
7. The Length of Time during which Children should remain
in Reformatories, and the best method of providing for them
when discharged.




20
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
I. QUARANTINE CONSIDERED IN ITS RELATION TO CHOLERA.
Data Required.
1. Facts and observations tending to show whether Cholera is
contagious or not.
2. Statements concerning the efficacy of Quarantine Regulations to check Contagious and Epidemic Diseases.
3. The Different Methods of establishing Quarantine in different localities; and the observed results of each method,
especially in relation to Cholera.
II. THE TENEMENT HOUSE.
Data Required.
1. Statements concerning Tenement Houses already built and
occupied; their arrangements for Economy, Convenience and
Health, and the evils resulting from imperfection in these
arrangements.
2. Plans and statements concerning Model Lodging Houses,
and similar structures; and all information bearing on the
question of building these in cities, or in the suburbs of cities.
3. Existing and Proposed Laws for securing Health and
Economy in Tenement Houses.
4. Statements of Objections made by the Laboring Classes to
the occupancy of Lodging Houses, Tenement Houses, etc., and
how to overcome such objections.
III. INSPECTION OF FOOD AND DRUGS.
Data Required.
1. Facts concerning the present method- of Drug Inspection
in the United States, and in foreign countries.
2. Facts showing the evil results of an imperfect method of
inspection.
3. Facts concerning the Inspection and Adulteration of Milk;
with the observed effects of such adulteration, on the health of
children, especially.




21
IV. PORK AS AN ARTICLE OF FOOD.
Data Required.
1. Facts showing the general effect. on the human system of
eating pork.
2. Facts relating to the specific disease known as Trichiniasis.
V. THE SEWERAGE OF GREAT CITIES.
Data Required.
1. Facts concerning the Sewerage of Cities on Tide Water.
2. The corresponding facts concerning Inland Cities.
3. Statements of possible means for extending the Sewerage
of Cities, to meet the wants of a rapidly increasing population.
VI. THE MANAGEMENT OF HOSPITALS AND INSANE ASYLUMS.
Data Required.
1. Facts and principles of construction, with regard not only
to arrangement of buildings and grounds, but also to extent of
accommodations and number of patients in any single institution.
2. Facts and principles of classification, with regard to the
separation of different classes and individuals among patients,
and (in insane asylums) the distinction of chronic and recent
cases of insanity.
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND FINANCE.
I. NATIONAL DEBT AND A NATIONAL CURRENCY.
Data Required.
1. Statements of the National Debt of the United States, as
compared with that of other countries, both now and in former
years.
2. The modes of contracting and liquidating a National Debt,
as seen in the experience of the United States and of other
countries; with an especial view to the observed effect of a
National Paper Currency, and the debasing of the current coin,
on the increase and the diminution of National Debt.
3. The National Resources as advanced or checked. in their
development by a great National Debt, and the limits of pro



22
portion between Debt and Resources; with a view to exhibit
and define what is meant by National Bankruptcy.
4. The facts which tend to show the true relation of Gold
and Silver to a sound and manageable Currency; especially
such facts as have been elicited by the financial exigencies of
European and American Wars.
II. TAXATION AND REVENUE.
Data Required.
1. Statements of the methods of Taxation and the amount
of Revenue collected in the several States of the Union, in the
United States, and in the principal countries of Europe, especially since the year 1800.
2. The observed results of Excise Duties on Trade and
Manufactures, particularly under the Internal Revenue Acts of
the United States; the historical origin and effects of Income
Taxation in Europe and America; and similar information with
regard to Import and Export Duties, Land Taxes, Bank and
Corporation Taxes, Tithes, Postal Duties; and generally of all
methods of raising Public Revenue.
3. The tendency of sagacious Economists and Statesmen in
Europe and America, towards common Principles of Taxation,
both for the advantage of the Revenue, and the Promotion of
National Industry and Morality.
III. LABOR AND CAPITAL.
Data Required.
1. The Amount and Classification of Productive Labor in
any of the States, or in the United States; or in any of the
countries of the world; the amount and modes of Investment
of Capital in the same localities; and the present and past relations between Labor and Capital, whether established by Law,
Custom or Necessity.
2. The observed effects on Labor and on Capital of any
change in the hours of Labor required by law or custom for a
day's work.
3. Facts relating to the causes and results of Strikes among
Laborers; their effect on the Laborer himself and on the
Capitalist.




23
4. Statistics of Co-operative Societies and other forms of
associated Labor.
5. The actual Rates, of Interest on Capital and the observed
effect of Usury Laws.
6. All facts concerning the Condition and Prospects of the
Industrial Classes; especially such  as show the causes of
Pauperism.
DEPARTMENT OF JURISPRUDENCE.
I. HASTY AND EXCESSIVE LEGISLATION.
Data Required.
1. The number and character of public and of private
Acts passed by the different Legislative Assemblies in this
country and abroad; and the frequency of repeal and change of
policy in Legislation without any corresponding change in the
circumstances of the community.
2. The amount of time given by legislators to important
measures coming before them, and the extent to which private
interests seem to control legislation; with such information as
can be given concerning the practice of " lobbying."
3. Statistics of the length of service, and  frequency ol
re-election of Legislators.
4. Statements of the checks on Hasty Legislation resorted to
in different communities, and of the efficiency of such checks.
5. Definite Statements of the results of Hasty and Excessive Legislation, as observed by the author of the statement.
II. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.
Data Required.
1. The  Penal Codes of different  communities, and the
changes made in them from time to time; with the reasons and
results of such changes.
2. Facts concerning Capital Punishment.
3. Facts concerning past and present Systems of Prison
Discipline, particularly with regard to the Separate, the Congregate, and the Irish Systems.
4. Facts concerning the Treatment of Intemperance as a




24
crime, or as an evil; with a statement of the legal means
employed to diminish it, and the result of such means when
employed.
5. Facts concerning Pardons  and the Pardoning Power,
especially with regard to Conditional Pardons or " Tickets-ofLeave."
6. Facts concerning the Criminal Class in different States
and countries; especially those bearing on the permanence and
possibility of reformation of this class.
III.  THE PROVINCE OF LAW IN REGARD TO EDUCATION, PUBLIC
HEALTH, AND SOCIAL MORALS.
Data Required.
1. Statements of the effects of Compulsory Education as
contrasted with voluntary efforts to educate the people.
2. The observed effects, and the practical limits of Sanitary
Legislation.
3. The effects of restrictions upon Gambling, Prostitution,
Intemperance, etc., imposed by Statute, and enforced by the
Police.
4. Statements respecting the qualifications, responsibility and
efficiency of the Police; including the higher Police, the minor
officers, and the Detective Force.




25
MINUTE S
OF THE
FIRST GENERAL MEETING IN THE STATE HOUSE.
BOSTON, October 4th, 1865.
Pursuant to the call issued by the Board of State Charities
of Massachusetts, a numerous assembly of citizens of Massachusetts and other States met in the State House, in Boston,
October 4, 1865.
The meeting was called to order at 10, A. M., by Dr. Edward
Jarvis, of Dorchester, Chairman of a Committee of Arrangements, representing the persons originally acting to form a
Social Science Association.
His Excellency  Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts was
chosen by acclamation as Chairman, and Dr. James C. White,
of Boston, and F. B. Sanborn, of Concord, were chosen Secretaries of the meeting. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Miles, of
Boston. Governor Andrew took the chair at 10.15, A. M., and
in a brief speech thanked the meeting for the honor they had
conferred on him, declared his interest in the subject to be
discussed, and called upon the Committee of Arrangements to
present the business of the session.
Dr. White then read the Report of the Committee of Arrangements, of which the most important parts are given on pages
15 and 16.
On motion of Rev. Charles F. Barnard, of Boston, the Report
was laid upon the table for the present.
On motion of Dr. Jarvis, it was voted, that a Society be now
organized on the basis indicated by the report just read. Mr.
Sanborn, one of the Secretaries, then read the draft of a constitution for the proposed Society, which was taken up and considered, article by article. The first Article was as follows:



26
ARTICLE I.  "This Society shall be called the Association for
Social Science."
Mrs. C. HI. Dall, of Boston moved the insertion of the words,
"the promotion of," after the word " for," and the motion was
carried.
Mr. Strong, of New York inquired whether it was proposed to
make the association a local or a national one.
Dr. Jarvis explained that the committee had discussed that
question, and had decided to report the name as it stood,
leaving it for the meeting to decide whether it should be a
Massachusetts, or a New England, or an American association.
A spirited discussion followed, in which Dr. Palmer, of Michigan,
Judge Russell, of Boston, Mr. Barnard and others took part.
On motion of Mr. Barnard, the word " American " was inserted
before the word " Association." The first article, thus amended,
was then adopted.
The second Article was then read, as follows:ARTICLE II. "Its objects are to aid the development of Social
Science, and to guide the public mind to the best practical means of
promoting the Amendment of Laws, the Advancement of Education,
the Prevention and Repression of Crime, the Reformation of Criminals, the adoption of Sanitary Regulations, and the diffusion of sound
principles on questions of Economy, Trade, and Finance. It will give
special attention to Pauperism and the topics related thereto; including
the responsibility of the well educated and successful, the wise and
educated, and the honest and respectable, for the failures of others. It
will aim to bring together the various societies and individuals now
interested in these objects, for the purpose of obtaining by discussion
the real elements of truth, by which doubts are removed, conflicting
opinions harmonized, and a common ground afforded for treating wisely
the great social problems of the day."
Mr. George H. Snelling of Boston moved to strike out the
word " special," before " attention to pauperism."  Agreed to.
The Rev. Mr. Chickering of Boston moved to insert the
words, " and the progress of public morality," after the words
"reformation of criminals," which after some discussion was
agreed to.  The article, with these amendments, was then
adopted.
Article third was then read, as follows:



27
ARTICLE II. "This Association shall include four Departments:
the first for Education; the second for Public Health; the third for
Economy, Trade and Finance; the fourth for Jurisprudence and the
Amendment of Laws."
Mr. George B. Emerson, of Boston moved to add a special
department, for the prevention of crime and the reformation of
criminals. He regarded that as the most important work now
before the public, and desired to see direct attention given to it.
Mrs. Dall opposed the motion as needless.  Hon. Amasa
Walker, of North Brookfield also opposed it, on the ground that
the classification into four departments was enough for all
practical purposes.
Dr. Jarvis said that the committee had followed the classification of the British Association, and believed that they had
included the subjects proposed by Mr. Emerson under the head
of Jurisprudence and Education.
Mr. Emerson then withdrew his motion, which was renewed
by Dr. Palmer, of Michigan, and supported by him and others.
It was opposed by Dr. E. W. Hatch, of Meriden, Ct., by Mr. J.
D. Philbrick, of Boston, Mr. John A. Goodwin, of Lowell, and
several others. Finally, Dr. Palmer withdrew his motion, and
the third article was adopted without further change.
Article fourth was then read, as follows:ARTICLE IV. "The officers of this Association shall be a President, four Vice-Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding
Secretary, a Treasurer, and five Directors, who shall constitute an
Executive Committee of thirteen. One Vice-President and one Director shall be assigned to each Department, and these, together with a
Special Secretary for each, shall constitute the Executive Committee
for each Department.  These seventeen officers shall hereafter be
chosen annually, on the second Wednesday in October."
This article was discussed and adopted, but afterwards reconsidered, and amended by inserting the words, " and shall have
power to fill any vacancies which shall occur between the
annual meetings," before the first period.
Article fifth was then read, as follows: —
ARTICLE V. "The annual meetings of this Association shall be
held in Boston, unless some other place is specially designated. Special
meetings may be called by the Executive Committee at any time and




28
place which they may think proper; but no officers shall be chosen,
assessments made, or amendments to the constitution passed, except at
the annual meetings or some adjournment thereof."
Judge Wright moved amendment by the insertion of a clause' that special meetings be called by the President and any five
members of the Executive Committee;" which was agreed to.
A warm discussion then took place in regard to holding the regular
meetings in Boston.  Mr. P. T. Jackson, of Boston, Dr. Palmer,
of Michigan, Dr. Hatch, of Connecticut, and others spoke.
A motion was made by Mr. Jackson that the next meeting be
held in Boston, and that subsequent meetings shall be held
where designated by the executive committee. Lost.
The article was then adopted as amended.
The sixth and seventh articles were then read and adopted
without amendment as follows:
ARTICLE VI. "The business of the meeting  shall be to hear
Addresses, Reports and Papers, and to conduct discussions on the topics
before mentioned. When desirable, the meetings shall be held by
departments, over each of which a vice-president shall preside. All
members may take part in the discussions, but no papers shall be read
which have not been previously submitted to the executive committee
in each department."
ARTICLE VII. " Before any meeting shall divide into departments,
and immediately after the transaction of the regular business, the president shall call for, and the executive committee may bring forward such
subjects, not exceeding four in number, as are judged by them of imme;
diate practical importance, and these shall have the precedence of all
other subjects during the first session of the meeting."
The eighth article was read and adopted as follows:ARTICLE VIII. "Any person may become a member by paying the
sum of five dollars, and may continue a member by paying annually
such further sum, not exceeding five dollars, as may be assessed on the
members by vote of the association at its annual meeting. Any person
may become a life member, exempt from assessments, by the payment of
fifty dollars."
This article was afterwards reconsidered and discussed at
great length,-Colonel Higginson, of Newport, Dr. Wellington,
Wendell Phillips, Esq., Mrs. Dall, Mr. Earle, of Worcester, and
others taking part.




29
Colonel Higginson moved that the annual assessment be
changed to three dollars, and life membership to thirty dollars,
and accepted an amendment by Dr. Wellington to his own by
substituting one dollar for three dollars. The amendment of
Dr. Wellington was adopted.
Mr. W. E. Baker moved that the members shall be elected
by a majority of the Executive Committee,-which was carried.
On motion, the one dollar amendment was reconsidered, and
the motion of Col. Higginson to strike out five dollars and
insert three dollars, was finally adopted.
A motion was then made to strike out the words " shall be
elected by a majority of the Executive' Committee," adopted as
an amendment, and the motion was carried.
Dr. Jarvis moved the insertion of the words, " and by signing
the Constitution," —which was agreed to.
The article was then again adopted.
Article ninth was read as follows:ARTICLE IX. " Honorary members and corresponding members may
be chosen, but shall not exceed in number one-fourth of the regular
members; and members thus chosen shall be exempt from the payment
of assessments. All members, both regular, honorary and corresponding,
shall be entitled to receive a copy of the Transactions of the
association."
Hon. Amasa Walker moved to amend, by striking out and
inserting so that the clause should read, "shall not exceed the
number of the regular members," which, after discussion, was
agreed to, and the article was adopted as amended.
Articles tenth, eleventh and twelfth, were adopted without
amendment as follows:
ARTICLE X. " The secretaries, under the direction of the executive
committee, shall annually select from the papers handed in, and the
addresses made, such as they shall deem proper for publication, and
and shall publish them, along with a report of the doings and discussions at the meetings during the year. This publication shall be called
the Transactions of the association. They may also prepare and issue
such other publications as may be deemed best by the executive
committee."
ARTICLE XI. "None but regular members shall have the privilege
of voting in the meetings, and none but members of taking part in the




80
discussions, except by invitation of the presiding officer; but it shall be
the policy of the association to admit as many members as possible, and
to encourage the co-operation of other societies having kindred objects
in view."
ARTICLE XII. "Whenever other associations shall be formed in
other parts of North America, it shall be the policy of this association
to co-operate with them as far as practicable. For this purpose, the
executive committee are empowered to call a convention of these associations, or to send delegates to such a convention."
The Constitution was then adopted as a whole. Further discussion arose upon the.question of making the association a
State or a National body, and a motion to reconsider the adoption
of the Constitution, in order to re-open the subject, was negatived, 21 to 27.
The secretaries now proceeded to enrol the names of persons
who desired to become members of the association. Nearly one
hundred signatures were obtained.
The Chair appointed a committee of thirteen to nominate
officers. The following persons were selected:Dr. Edward Jarvis, of Dorchester; Dr. J. S. Butler, of Hartford; Prof. W. P. Atkinson, of Cambridge; Rev. C. F. Barnard,
of Boston; Rev. Horatio Wood, of Lowell; Prof. Palmer, of
Michigan University: Dr. Chas. Beck, of Cambridge; Mrs.
Severance, of West Newton; Prof. D. C. Gilman, of Yale College, New Haven; Mrs. Dall, of Boston; Hon. John A. Poor,
of Maine; Rev. B. K. Pierce, of New York; Judge Wright,.of
Boston.
The Chairman stated that he should be obliged to leave
the city in the afternoon, and called for a nomination for VicePresident of the meeting.  Hon. Josiah Quincy having been
nominated, and having declined, Hon. Amasa Walker was chosen. At 1.30, P. M. the meeting adjourned, to re-assemble at 3
o'clock.




AFTERNOON  SESSION.
At 3 o'clock the meeting re-assembled, Vice-President Walker
in the chair. The nominating committee made their report of
a list of officers, as follows:President,... Professor W. B. ROGERS, of Boston.
Vice-PresidentsFirst Department,  Rev. Dr. HILL, of Cambridge.
Second Department, Dr. S. G. HOWE, of Boston.
Third Department,  Rev. Dr. WOOLSEY, of New Haven.
Fourth Department, Dr. FRANCIS LIEBER, of New York.
DirectorsFirst,... Rev. Dr. E. O. HAVEN, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Second,..' Mrs. SAMUEL PARKMAN, of Boston.
Third,... EDWARD ATKINSON, Esq., of Boston.
Fourth,.. Hon. E. WASHBURN, of Cambridge.
Fifth,... Mrs. C. H. DALL, of Boston.
Treasurer,... CHARLES H. DALTON, Esq., of Boston.
Corresponding Secretary, SAMUEL ELIOT, LL.D., of Boston.
Recording Secretary,. F.B. SANBORN, Esq., of Concord.
Special SecretariesFirst,... Hon. JOSEPH WHITE, of Williamstown.
Second,.. Dr. JAMES C. WHITE, of Boston.
Third,... Hon. GEORGE WALKER, of Springfield.
Fourth,.. Prof. THEODORE W. DWIGHT, of New York.
The candidates nominated were unanimously elected.
Prof. W. P. Atkinson, of Cambridge, then read a paper on
Education.
He stated that his theory of education was diametrically opposed to
that of those who held that this science, like morals, depended upon a
few plain principles that had always been well understood; that could
not be made to bear any more or any better fruit than they always had
borne, and that the true philosophy of the subject was to go on in the
old ways.  No science had suffered more than education from  this
theory. However plain some of its principles may be, it is always open
to fresh investigation; because it is dependent for the right conducting of
its practical details upon the varying circumstances of time and country.
Very closely connected with the whole circle of great social problems, it
is a most pressing question whether we have a system which adjusts




32
itself to the other parts of the social structure, and is the true and natural
outgrowth of the circumstances and the times.
The educational system of the United States in its broad outlines
was unquestionably superior to any other national system, although
it was true that in the higher walks of learning, as of. art, we
cannot as yet compete with the stored up resources of the old world.
Yet our system is still in the rough,-our duty now is to extend and
improve it; to spread it over all the South, and by most searching
criticism to raise it up higher here.
It is the height of folly to regard our school system as being mature
or perfect. The question of the improvement of our public schools
ought to be a prominent one in this Association. The improvements
needed were of a twofold kind.
First, in outward arrangements, organization and machinery; second,
internal improvements in methods and principles of teaching. Under
the first head, while there was less pressing need of reform, yet in many
parts of Massachusetts the old district system remains unabolished;
and Dr. Haven's description of the Union  schools of Michigan,
showed that our younger Western sisters are wholly distancing us.
Under the second head, we should regard education as the youngest of
the branches of knowledge. Founded as it must be on a science of the
mind, that very mental philosophy which is its basis, is in a great measure yet to be created. The spirit of slavery which poisoned our teaching must be exorcised. Those teachings of liberty which it prohibited,
must be begun even in the primary schools. The question of the character of the studies, and of the proportion in which each should enter
into the programme of instruction; the question, what class of studies
should be taken as the basis of our system; the question of a right
method of grading schools; the questions connected with the improvement of normal teaching; all these press themselves upon the student
of educational matters, as problems in which there is much mere random
thought, out of which there grows much mere random teaching. It
would surprise any careful inquirer to find how much there is in our
teaching that rests on mere unreasoning tradition. On methods of
teaching, the most enlightened instructors will be prompt to acknowledge
the need of more light in all those difficult problems, which lead so
directly into the obscurities of mental science. The field of study which
the philosophy of education offers is illimitable, and is almost untrodden
by English thought.
Education can only be pursued successfully as an inductive science.
Its history is strown with the wreck of theories. We want a body of
carefully recorded facts, the results of accurate observation. Few
teachers have ever thought of recording their observations of the work



ings of the minds of the young; and educational literature is almost a
blank as regards notes of the workings of systems of study, and above
all of the effects of different modes of education on the after-life of the
pupil,-the true touchstone of their worth.
It is on these that a science of education must be founded. It is only
lately that the importance has been recognized of those vital questions
which arise from the complex nature of man as at once a material and
spiritual being. Yet there is reason to suspect that many of our teaching processes have led to nothing but disaster, from the overlooking of
these most obvious relations.
The true order of the development of the faculties is inverted in our
schools.' Some of our studies often appeal to faculties that have not come
into existence. On the other hand, important studies of practical
importance are ignored. Had political science been assigned its proper
place, would we have needed a bloody war to open the eyes of the nation
to its plainest duties? Would demagogues have miled the adults, had
youth been properly taught their rights and dutieT also?  Again, the
study of God's great book of nature has no place in our national system.
Right methods involve an equally important question. Rote-learning
and cramming are mighty evils in our present system. Our normal
school and college system needs greatly to be reformed and extended to
adapt it to the wants of our country. Originally English, it has been
patched and mended, but it does not yet fit to our American life.
On all these questions cited we do not need to go abroad for a system.
We can find many hints for the improvement of the details of our own.
Mr. Atkinson passed rapidly in review the educational systems of Germany, France, England and Prussia, pointing out their defects, and
wherein they might serve us as models. He paid a high compliment to
the Fwnch school-books,' which he regarded as superior to any similar
manuals in England or America, recognized the Germans as the only
people who had a philosophy of education, and held up England chiefly
as the temperance lecturer pointed to his drunken brother, as " a shocking example " of a bigoted adherence to old tradition.
Dr. Henry G. Clark of Boston then read a paper on Cholera.
The subject introduced by Dr. Clark was further discussed
by Dr. Reed, Hon.,Otis Clapp, Rev. Mr. Barnard, Hon. T. C.
Amory and others, of Boston, and by Dr. Palmer, of Michigan.
Dr. Palmer dwelt upon the necessity of devoting more time to
sanitary matters in the highest education of our young men
and women, and spoke of the mode of teaching at the University of Michigan.
5




34
Professor Rogers, the newly elected President of the Association, having entered the room, was invited to take the chair,
and made a brief address. He thanked the Association for the
honor conferred upon him, spoke of the magnitude of the
enterprise this day undertaken, and the importance of the subjects to be discussed. He closed by promising to devote to the
work such powers and opportunities as he had, and inviting all
the members to apply themselves with zeal to the work before
them.
Referring to the statement made by Dr. Palmer, respecting
sanitary education in the University of Michigan, Dr. Jarvis,
Prof. Atkinson, of Cambridge, Mr. Snelling, of Boston, Mrs.
Pierce, of Cambridge, and others spoke.
Mr. Snelling and Mr. Barnard wished to have some expression of opinion b this Association, as to the importance of such
information and he best mode of communicating it, and complimented Dr. Palmer on the method adopted.at his University.
No formal action was taken, however.
Hon. Amasa Walker said that this Association had organized
with the most gratifying appearance of interest in the subject,
which he hoped would continue. It was too much the custom
in this country to organize societies and fail to keep them up.
In England they managed better. He spoke of the great work
done by the British Association of this character, and trusted we
should have as good a record. In the matter of finance much
is to be learned by our people, and many errors have been committed in consequence of ignorance. Every member if this
Association should consider himself enlisted for life in a movement to increase the public information and serve the public
interest.
Prof. Atkinson moved that this association adjourn until
to-morrow, the fifth of October. After a discussion, in which
Mr. Walker, Mrs. Dall, Mr. Sanborn, Mr. Capen, of Boston,
Professor Gilman, of New Haven, the President and others took
part, it was voted that the Executive Committee be instructed
to call a meeting of the association, in Boston, before the first
of January, 1866.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.




85
PROCEEDINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Between the first and second General Meetings of the Association, frequent sessions of the Executive Committee were held. at
which vacancies created by declension or resignation were filled;
by-laws for the guidance of the Committee were framed; an
address prepared, and measures taken td provide papers for the
second General Meeting, the time for which was fixed on the
27th and 28th of December, 1865. Since many of the Committee live at a distance from Boston, where the sessions were held,
a full attendance was never secured; but in regard to the most
important measures discussed, the opinion of absent members
was obtained by correspondence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND GENERAL MEETING.
The Association assembled for its second General Meeting in
the hall of the Lowell Institute in Boston, on Wednesday,
December 27th, 1865, at 10, A. M. Prof. William B. Rogers, the
President, called the Association to order, and prayer was
offered'by Rev. Dr. Neale. The Secretary, F. B. Sanborn, Esq.,
of Concord, read the records of the last meeting. The report of
the Executive Committee in reference to their meetings was
also read.
A list of honorary and corresponding members was presented
by the Executive Committee. Among the latter was the name
of Lord Brougham. Mr. George H. Snelling moved that the
nomination of his lordship be referred to a special. committee,
saying that his perversion of historical facts in 1862 had rendeted his name obnoxious to all loyal Americans. Discussion
followed, in which President Rogers, Hon, Otis Clapp, Mrs.
Dall, Rev. Mr. Barnard and others spoke. On motion of Mr.
Clapp, the list was adopted as a whole, with but one, or two.
dissenting voices.




36
This list will be found on pages 8-9.
On motion of Mr. Stulborn, the Association adopted a by-law
authorizing the Departments to hold meetings separately, and to
report their proceedings to the Executive Committee before
being published in the Transactions.
President Rogers made an address of welcome, referring to
the important objects of the Association, and to the wisest and
most desirable methods of securing its ends.  Starting with the
proposition that " society was the product of the social instincts
of man," he said it has a growth like that of an organic being.
Out of this comes Social Science, which refers not only to the
particular branches of science which interest us, but also to the
whole range of human knowledge.  Some of the more important
topics Professor Rogers proceeded to specify as appropriate to
the consideration of the Association.
Rev. President Hill, of Harvard College, was now introduced,
and read a paper on the " Problems of Education."  Dr. Hill
began by saying thatPhilosophy has been defined as common sense accounting to itself for
its own opinions, and Science might be defined in like manner as common sense, verifying this account by observation and experiment and
induction, or else by analysis and deductive reasoning. Common sense
passes a summary judgment upon matters presented before us; philosophy seeks the ground of that judgment and endeavors to explain its
reasonableness under the circumstances of the evidence; science undertakes to find criteria by which the accuracy of the judgment cLn be
tested, and the grounds of our certainty in it be either discovered and
shown sufficient, or elie shown to be sufficient while yet undiscovered.
The ultimate ends of common sense, of philosophy, and of science are
the same. They may be summed up in one,-it is the reading of God's
Ithought. The order of the universe is rational, intelligible. The con\viction of this primal truth springs up upon occasion for its use in every
ihuman mind. No mind capable of scientific labor ever doubts that all
phenomena are subject to law, that is, that all phenomena succeed each
other in an order which can be understood and expressed in the formulae
of human speech. To discover this order, to comprehend it, to express
it in words and teach (hers to see it, this is the labor and the play, the
work.and tthe wages of the human intellect.
And by no means the least difficult part of the problems of Social Science belongs to the department of education. Education in the narrower
sense in which it is usually spoken of, belongs to the mind of man; it is




37
the training of the power of observation, memory, imagination, reason,
sentiment, affections and will, and as these'are not directly manifested
in space and time, to which alone measurement directly applies, it is
difficult to devise any modes of measuring, however roughly, the effects
of different systems of education. Then in this department, as in all The
higher departments, the difficulty arising from the complication of causes
affecting one effect, and the multiplicity of observations requisite on this
account, is very embarrassing.
After illustrating this latter point by several striking examples,
drawn from his own observation, Dr. Hill went on to sayThere are at least four distinct authorities to which the superintendence and direction of education may be intrusted,-and one of the fundamental inquiries is: To what extent and in what method should each of
these four authorities charge itself with the duty and claim the right of
fulfilling it? I refer of course to the State, to the Church, to voluntary
association, and to the family. Public schools, parochial schools and
Sunday schools, private schools and academies, family instruction,-what
are the rights and duties of each, and the consequent advantages and
disadvantages of allowing each to have its own place or to supplant the
place of the other, and are there any direct numerical results by which
we can verify our philosophical conclusions upon these points?
These inquiries are more interesting and complicated to us in this
country, because of the freedom of division in the Church, and because
of our sub-division of the powers of the State. The State is divided
with us into the main divisions of the nation, the State in the local
sense, or as we say in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth, and the town
or township; and it is a question of great importance whether the nation
has not the right and the duty to nationalize a system of education. It
is also a matter of vital importance that as great freedom as possible be
left with the towns. In all departments of our social life one law prevails, and in observing the history of'education in our country I am
deeply impressed with the truth of the law that the most perfect development of individuality, and the greatest multiplication and strengthening
of local centres of attraction, bind the whole community most firmly
together as one, and lead to the highest and best results,-that there is
therefore a natural aud healthful tendency in our school system as it
attains perfection, to have some common national bond, some common
head.
But in addition to this question of a public system, and whether that
system can and should be made national in any sense, comes the question
of religion,-whether public education should ignore religion, —whether




38
churches should be allowed to supplant public schools by parochial
schools,-and whether Sunday schools should be allowed to supplant
family instruction.
*Dr. Hill next specified other problems toward the solution of
which statistical and deductive inquiries might be directed;
such as the relative importance of physical, mental, moral and
religious training; the extent to which special tendencies in the
pupil should be fostered or thwarted; the selection of text-books
and the order of studies. In this connection he saidThe better the general state of health and vigor, other things being
equal, the greater is the efficiency which can be given to one member,
and the greater the skill that can be acquired in one operation, so that
the best preparation for special pursuits is a general education. It was
in defence of this doctrine that Horace Mann brought forward the striking fact to which I have referred, that the wages earned by piecework
in a cotton mill were in proportion to the time previously spent by the
operative in studying arithmetic and geography and grammar. Similar
statistics to show the advantages of general education in special pursuits
might doubtless be gathered in other departments of labor. It might be
worth while for example to compare the income lists with the catalogues
of schools -and colleges, and see what ratio may exist between income
and education. A recent writer has shown how favorable mental culture is to longevity, by actual statistics. The relation of culture in one
department to general life and activity of thought in other departments,
could be shown from the depopulation of observatories and laboratories
during the revolutions of 1848; and from the rolls of honor of our colleges during the late war in our country, especially if, as has been
stated, the percentage of graduates who entered the service, proved to
have been in proportion to the height of the standard of scholarship in
the institution.
In conclusion, the learned President remarkedThese questions concerning the true selection and true order of studies
in public education are manifestly of public interest. Not less really so
are the same questions as applied to special education for the various
pursuits of life. A man of high social position once expressed to me his
contempt of the questions of education in the primary school. Of what
consequence is it, said he, what babies are doing?
Ah! it was a hasty, inconsiderate question. The interests of the
whole race are bound together in one, and it as really concerns me to




39
have a method discovered by which shoemakers' apprentices at Lynn
shall be most rapidly converted into skilful workmen, as it does to have
the course of studies and instruction at the university made the best
possible; as really though not as early. The less time occupied in
learning, (provided the end of tl  teaching is attained, and the pupil
grows to hi full stature in knowledge and wisdom,) the more time left
for practising, for doing the work of life, for serving men, and it is in
the mutual.serving of each other that our highest social life and highest
social happiness consists.
At the close of Dr. Hill's paper, President Rogers called to
the chair Dr. Charles E. Buckingham, Vice-President of the
Department of Health, who presided during the rest of the.
morning session.  Dr. Buckingham introduced to the audience
Mrs. Caroline H. Dall, of the Executive Committee, who read a
paper containing an appeal and statement concerning a library
for the Association.  After speaking of the great scarcity of
books in this country suitable for a Social Science library, Mrs.
Dall mentioned the efforts made by Mr. Everett, Mr. Ticknor
and others to collect works for such a department in the Public
Library of Boston. The object of an Association like this was
threefold,-to collect facts, to form theories from these facts,
and to project experiments. In her correspondence with the
secretary and assistant-secretary of the British Association, she
had learned that the books necessary were so easily accessible in
England that the Association had never thought of fornmng a
library. If therefore a library was formed by the American
Association, it would be the first of this nature ever formed.
The money needed to gather such a library, and to supply the
equal need of a building, could be provided by memberships, life
memberships and subscriptions.  If persons would send to her
lists of desirable books, she would endeavor to give them her
consideration and make the preliminary examinations necessary
toward forming a library. Mrs. Dall concluded by referring to
the advantages which the Association is capable of conferring
upon women.
The Chairman then read a paper sent in by Dr. A. B. Palmer
of the University of Michigan, on the importance of Sanitary
Science as a branch of education, of which the following is a
brief abstract:



40
The objects of education were to impart discipline and knowledge.
In scientific studies the relations of causes and effects were constantly
traced. Too exclusive study of mathematics and the languages tended
to dogmatism. A  variety of studio was necessary. Students should
study the human body and its relatigi to natural and immaterial forces.
Thus the study of sanitary laws embraced a wide scope. Tohere were
four branches in the study of disease; first, those most preventable by
any means now known; second, those preventable by proper personal
habits; third, those preventable by proper domestic arrangements;
fourth, those which are affected by the action of communities. It was
not necessary that the pathology and cure of disease should become a
general study. Men need special instruction in the laws of self-preservation and the prevention of disease.  The vast number of premature
deaths, the general pallor and infirmity, proved that by the constant violation of hygienic laws, life was robbed of half its pleasures. The paper
closed with references, to the provision made by ancient and modern
nations for the preservation of the public health. At the present time
the chances* of life in England were greater than ever before, McCulloch's statistics showing a gradual diminution of the rate of mortality for'
a long series of years, especially among children. The mortuary statistics of our own country, though imperfectly kept, show a very large
amount of unnecessary sickness in the cities, and considerable preventable disease in the rural districts. The study of hygiene in the University of Michigan, of which the paper gave an outline, had already
developed beneficial results, and the general instruction of the students
of colleges in mental and physical hygiene could not but have an important influence for good. These subjects were extremely interesting to
students, and whenever introduced had been pursued with pleasure and
alacrity, and followed with practical results. The signs of the times
indicated that these studies were to receive more attention'than had
hitherto been given them, and that the day was approaching when eVery
well-conducted university would include them in its curriculum.
At the close of the reading of this paper the Association
adjourned, till 3, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
President Rogers on tal-ing the chair in the afternoon introduqed to the Association H?ry C. Carey, Esq., of Philadelphia,
who read an extended pape-ron National Resources.
MIr. Carey began by comparing the prosperity of various nations and
States, possessing more or less natural advantages, and from the contrast




41
thus drawn deduced the conclusion that, with societies as with individuals, prosperity is far less due to the liberality of nature than to the
use that is made of the bounties of which they have been the recipients,
the question of the prosperity or adversity of nations being dependent,
mainly, not on the extent of natural gifts, but on the use that is made of
those which have been accorded. Studying the communities which he
had cited for comparison, the speaker said they would be found susceptible of division into two. well-defined classes, one of which exports
its products in their rudest state, leaving to the others the work of changing their forms and fitting them for consumption; and the other, buying
the raw products of other countries, combining with them those produced
athome, and sending the two thus combined to every market of the
world. In the first of these, the price of land is low, capital always
scarce, and the capitalist is always master of the laborer. We are thus
led inevitably to the conclusion that the growth of capital is slow, and
the price paid for its use high, in the direct ratio of dependence on strangers for finishing and distributing the products of the soil; but rapid
in its growth and declining in its prices in the ratio of the increase of
that national independence which enables each and every nation to
exchange directly and without the need of foreign intervention, with
each and every other. Admitting this, the extent of national resources
must mainly depend upon the question whether the national policy
pursued tends to promote or to'depress that independence.
Xr. Carey next proceeded to the consideration of the question why
poverty, high interest and subjection of the laborer to the will of the
capitalist are constant attendants of a course of policy limiting nations
to the two pursuits of trade and agriculture. In treating this branch of
his subject, the speaker illustrated, by many well-known facts, the
advantages of the concentraion and interfusion of producers and consumers.  The consequent gain by this state of things in the economy of
capital, would, he said, in this country represent many hundred millions.
For in every country in which the consumer and producer are near
neighbors to each other, everything yielded by the land is speedily consumed, the market gardener finds instant demand for his products, capital
abounds, and the rates of interests are low. With every step of progress
in this direction, the various utilities of the raw materials of the neighborhood become more and more developed. Diversity of employment
produces diversity in the demands for physical and intellectual powers,
and for the use of the soil, and nothing grows in vain. Directly the
reverse of all this becomes obvious as the consumer is more and more
removed from the producer, and as the power of association is thus,diminished. Mr. Carey enlarged upon this topic, applying his theories
to the processes of development of many branches of industry.
6




42
Mr. Carey next went into a consideration of what he termed the
waste of physical and mental forces in the United States, under the tariff
of 1846, the cost of which to the country he estimated at more than
$3,000,000,000 a year. That waste, so far as the population of the free
States were concerned, was at its height throughout Mr. Buchanan's
administration. For the products of our agriculture there was almost
literally. no demand among the manufacturing nations of Europe. Corn
in the West was then being used for fuel, and thus was its producer
compelled to lose not only the interest upon his capital, but the very
capital itself that he had thus invested. Labor power was in excess.
Mills and furnaces were abandoned, and the stock of a number of the
most important roads of the country fell to, and long remained atan
average price of less than fifty per cent. The community was paralyzed,
and so wholly destitute of force, that had the government then found
occasion to call upon the whole 32,000,000 for a sum so small as even a
single hundred millions, it could scarcely have at all been furnished.
Nevertheless, hardly had Mr. Buchanan left the seat of government
when three-fifths of the nation, numbering hut 20,000,000, commenced
the erection of the grandest monument the world has ever seen; one that
during the whole five years that have since elapsed has, on an average,
required the services of more than a million of men, or more than five
per cent. of the total population, male and female, sick and well, young
and old. Not only have those services been given, but during all that
time the men employed have been well clothed, abundantly fed, and
furnished with transportation unparalleled in the history of the world.
This extraordinary force, Mr. Carey said, resulted from a radical
change in the conditions of national existence; activity and life
having succeeded to paralysis, and the societary circulation having
become strong and vigorous to an extent- never before known in any
community. The secret of all the force recently so well exerted was to
be found in the simple principle that the power of accumulation exists
in the ratio of the rapidity of circulation. The wonderful activity of
that circulation in the present instance did not result from the necessities
of the government. It came from the adoption at Chicago, six years
since, by the Republican party, of a resolution to the effect that the
produce of the farm should no longer be compelled to remain inertwand
losing interest while waiting demand in distant markets; that the capital which daily took the form of labor power should no longer be
allowed to go to waste; that the fuel which underlies our soil should no
longer there remain to be a mere support for foreign rails; that the
power which ldy then petrified in the form of coal should everywhere be
brought to aid the human arm; that our vast deposits of iron ore should
be made to take the form of engines and other machinery to'be used as




48
substitutes for mere muscular force; and that all our wonderful resources
must be at once developed. Such was the intent and meaning of
the brief resolution then and there adopted, to be at the earliest practicable moment ratified by Congress, as proved to be the case when the
Morrill Tariff, on the memorable 2d of March, 1861, was made the law
of the land. To that law, aided as it was by the admirable action of the
treasury in supplying machinery of circulation, we stand now indebted
for the fact that we have, in the short space of five years, produced more
food, built more houses and mills, opened more mines, constructed more
roads than ever before, and so greatly added to the wealth of the country.
The remainder of Mr. Carey's address was devoted to a review of the
industrial history of this country for the last half century, and f comparison of the advantages of the "national free trade system" of 1813,
1828 and 1842, over the "British monopoly system" of 1817, 1834,
1846 and 1857. In conclusion, he asked attention to the fact that commercial power has always gone hand in hand with that diversification of
pursuits which has everywhere resulted from measures tending to the
promotion of internal commerce. Such is the lesson taught by history,
and we must now profit by it or abandon forever the hope of occupying
the proud position to which our natural resources so well entitle us.
Those who desire to command the respect of others must learn first to
respect themselves; and this our people can never do until they shall
first have learned that the road towards wealth and strength has, in all
nations, and at all ages, been found to lie in the direction of bringing the
plough, the loom, the anvil and the ship to work in harmony with each
other. Let us once learn thoroughly that great lesson, and then shall
we be enabled to control and direct the commerce of the world.
At the close of Mr. Carey's paper a lively discussion took
place on the questions raised by him, in which several gentlemen,
not members of the Association, took part.  At 5 o'clock the
meeting adjourned until 10.30, A. M., on the 28th.
The sessions were attended not only by the members of the
American Association, but by delegates from the local associations in Boston and Quincy.  The papers read were received
with attention and interest, and tolerably full reports of the
meeting appeared in the Boston newspapers.




44
SECOND DAY.
On Thursday, Dec. 28th, the session was opened at 10.30,
A. M., by a paper from F. B. Sanborn, Esq., the Recording Secretary, and Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Charities.
His subject was Prison Discipline in Europe and America. He
gave a brief summary of the systems now in use, naming the
Congregate or Auburn system, the Separate or Pennsylvania
System, and the Irish system. Concerning the latter, he stated
that thl best source of information accessible in America was a
work by Miss Mary Carpenter, a corresponding member of the
Association.  The title of this book was " Our Convicts;" it
was published in Boston by William V. Spencer, and should be
procured by all who desired to know what the Irish system
really is.
Mr. Sanborn also gave a sketch of the career of Captain
Maconochie, whom he regarded as the real founder of the Irish
system, and read portions of two letters addressed by Captain
Maconochie to Hon. Horace Mann in 1846, in which some
account was given of the Norfolk Island Prison from 1840 to
1844. These letters had never been published and were of great
value. He also read portions of a letter received from Captain
J. M. Whitty, the successor of Sir Walter Crofton in the manageinent of the Irish prisons,, and laid before the Association a
letter from Mr. Ruth, of the Philadelphia Penitentiary, in relation to the present form of the Separate System in use in Pennsylvania, and concluded with some account of the movement in
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere,
for a reform in Prison Discipline. In this connection he spoke
of the Prison Association of New York, the most active organization for the reform of Prisons in America, and of the Prison
Society of Philadelphia.
At eleven o'clock, Mr. Sanborn gave way to Dr. Isaac Ray, of
Providence, R. I., who read a paper upon " The Isolation of the
Insane."  Dr. Ray said:
When a man loses his reason, it becomes necessary that the reason of
others, in a greater or less degree, should supply its place. Humanity
and the safety and peace of society demand it, and the ultimate good of




45
all parties is promoted by it. The inquiries suggested by this subject
are deeply interesting, because the idea is beginning to prevail that the
legislature should prescribe under what circumstances interference with
the unalienable rights of men, on the ground of insanity, is to be allowed,
and by what safeguards it is to be protected. This is one of the much
vexed problems of Social Science. Beginning with first principles, it may
be observed that in the more sudden and violent forms of insanity the
patient is necessarily placed under increasing surveillance, his wishes are
disregarded, medicines and food are forced upon him, and his limbs subjected to restraint. It is not very obvious how, in the subsequent stages
of the disease, the obligation to do this can be lessened, or a different one
created. Nor does it appear how this right can become a wrong, by
making the place of confinement some other than one's own home. If,
in the progress of knowledge and philanthropy, institutions have become
established expressly for the care of the insane, in which they are supposed to be more successfully treated than they can be at home, it would
seem as if the natural right in question would be all the more heartily
recognized by making choice of them for this purpose.
Admitting, then, the right of the friends to isolate the patient, we may
well consider whether that right should not be so restricted as to prevent
its being used by bad men for bad purposes. Of late years the ordinary
practice has been to obtain a certificate of insanity from some physician,
which, with the prescribed obligations for the payment of expenses, has
been sufficient to procure the admission of a patient into any hospital or
asylum in the country. The questionnow before us is, whether, upon a
broad consideration of the various forms of insanity, of our social habits,
of the liability to mistake, of the sacredness of private grief, and the
requirements of justice, anything more than this is necessary. It is not
denied that, for the most part, the medical certificate fulfils every requisite purpose, securing the performance of a painful duty without adding
to the motives for delay, and shielding the friends from all unnecessary
exposure of domestic affliction. But it is alleged that the physician may
be biased by his relation to the patient or his family, he may be deceived
by false representations, or be honestly mistaken in his opinion. Hence
a prevalent idea that there is an opportunity for flagrant abuses which
should be met by stringent legislation.
Dr. Ray considered at some length the question here presented, and gave it as his opinion that the confinement of persons who were not insane in hospitals and asylums for lunatics,
is a very rare occurrence. He had never known such a case,
and they were almost unknown in England, in spite of what the
novelists might say.




46
After a brief examination of the laws of various States in
relation to insane persons, Dr. Ray closed by.submitting a project for a general law for regulating the isolation of the insane,
the provisions of which were substantially as follows:Section 1. Insane persons may be placed in a hospital for
the insane by their legal guardians, relatives or friends; or if
paupers, by the proper municipal authorities.
2. Insane persons may be confined by order of a magistrate
who, after proper inquisition, shall find it dangerous for them
to remain at large, the fact of their insanity to be certified by a
responsible physician.
3. Insane persons may be placed in a hospital by order of any
judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, upon the recommendation
of a commission appointed to investigate the case.
4. Such commission to be composed of not less than three
nor more than four persons, one of whom shall be a physician
and another a lawyer; all parties interested to have proper
notice, and a chance to be heard.
5. Empowering judges of the Supreme Court to place in hospitals insane persons not receiving proper care from their relatives, the expense to be borne by those legally bound to maintain
them.
6. The provisions of the last section to apply to persons suffering from want of proper care or treatment in jails or poorhouses.
7. Persons confined under the first section to be removed by
the party at whose instance they were confined.
Sections 8, 9 and 10 provide for the release of persons confined
under the second, third and fifth sections, on recovery, or on its
appearing that reasons for their isolation no longer exist.
Section 11 provides for investigations by commissions, under
authority of a judge of the Supreme Court, on the representation
of respectable parties that a person not insane is unjustly
deprived of his liberty-the judge to issue his warrant for a
discharge of the person confined, if the facts warrant it.
Section 12 provides that the commission named in section 11
shall not be repeated oftener than once in six months, and in
cases of persons confined under the third section, shall not be
appointed within six months of their isolation.




47
Section 13 prescribes the manner of releasing persons confined
under the first section.
Section 14 provides that superintendents of hospitals for the
insane shall receive no person into their custody under the provisions of the first section, without a written request from the
party therein authorized to make it, and a certificate of insanity
from some regular physician.
Dr. Ray was followed by Professor W. P. Atkinson, of the
Institute of Technology, who read a paper on Competitive Examinations for the Civil Service, quoting frequently from the reports
of English commissions on thislsubject.  The conclusion of
Professor Atkinson, was that the English method of Civil Service
examinations had not, on the whole, been successful.
The next paper was on the Sanitary Legislation of England
and the effect of Sanitary. Science, by Mr. Charles L. Brace, of
New York. Mr. Brace gave an outline of the sanitary legislation of England, which might be said to have fairly begun in
1848. He showed how, by the workings of the English system,
the death-rate and the amount of sickness had been reduced
there to a remarkable degree. One evil which had been to a
great extent remedied in England was still very prevalent in
this country, viz., the corruption of water in wells by the proximity of cess-pools and other sources of impurity. In speaking
of the power of removing inhabitants from infected districts,
given by British law, Mr. Brace gave a remarkable instance of
the beneficial effects of the exercise of this power in a Cornwall
fishing town threatened with the cholera. Tenants in whole
streets were removed to tents outside the limits of the town,
and improvement in health at once followed.
The English local enactments against letting cellars as lodging
rooms were spoken of as highly salutary, and as providing a
remedy such as is much needed in New York. The best point
in the sanitary legislation of England, was the requirement
securing the appointment of highly' competent scientific and
medical men as health officers. The provision regulating the
location of slaughter-houses and the construction of lodging
rooms was also alluded to with commendation.
Referring to the practical effects of sanitary legislation in
England, Mr. Brace spoke of the remarkable pecuniary success
and the healthfulness of the lodging houses; the beneficial




48
results of good drainage; the remarkable improvement in the
public health in Salisbury and other towns by a thorough system of sewerage and the introduction of pure water; and the
great decrease of zymotic deaths in these towns since these
improvements were made. Equally favorable results in other
localities were mentioned, the reform extending to the morals
as well as to the health of communities, and greatly reducing
poor rates.
Dr. H. G. Clark made a few remarks, indorsing the views of
Mr. Brace, and urging the importance of sanitary reform in
Boston, and a reorganization ifboards of health. The difficulty
was that the community could not be brought to realize the
silent influences constantly tending to produce disease, until
some great emergency arose. He believed the State authorities
were ready to co-operate in measures looking to defence from
cholera.
Rev. Mr. Barnard spoke briefly in relation to the sanitary
condition of Boston and other subjects.
The Association then adjourned until 3, P. M.
AFTERNOON- SESSION.
At the final session of the Association, Dr. Edward Jarvis, of
Dorchester, read a paper on Vital Statistics. The paper was an
able presentation of the causes which shorten human life and
lessen the powers of its abbreviated existence, and the methods
of securing sounder health and greater longevity.
Dr. Jarvis gave in detail many of the statistics of England
and the United States, on this point, fortifying his own conclusions, and those of Mr. Brace.
The Secretary next read a communication from Mr. Tregurtha,
showing the successful working of the eight-hour labor system
in Australia, where, it was stated, it had worked its way to the
favor of employers, and had become so popular as to secure its
general adoption.
An informal discussion ensued, in which comments were made
upon the various papers read before the Association during the
session. Mrs. Dall, Mr. Sanborn, Rev. Mr. Barnard and Prof.
Rogers participated in the discussion, the latter drawing encouragement for the success of the Association from the large amount
of work which it had accomplished, and the value of the papers
read before it.




49
Judge Washburn also spoke briefly of the claims of the Association to public attention. On his motion, the thanks of the
Association were voted to Mr. Lowell, for the use of the hall in
which the sittings had been held.
At 4.30, P. M., the Association adjourned.
Subsequent to the adjournment, a communication was received
from Mr. Walker, Secretary of the Department of Trade, calling
the attention of the Association to the system of instruction for
Deaf Mutes and blind persons, devised by Dr. Blanchet of Paris.
It is confidently declared by Dr. Blanchet, that these unfortunate classes can be instructed in the common schools, and that
they are so taught in several of the departments of France.
Concerning this and the other features of Dr. Blanchet's system,
the Recording Secretary is now in correspondence with that
gentleman, and the subject will be brought forward at the next
general meeting of the Association.
In response to the letters addressed to the honorary and corresponding members, informing them  of their election, about
thirty letters have been received. From one of these, written by
Edwin Chadwick, Esq., of London, the following passages are
selected as showing the opinion of that eminent gentleman in
regard to the work done by Social Science Associations.
[From Mr. CHADWICK'S Letter, April 8th, 1866.]
"I am very glad to hear of the formation of the American Association, as I believe it is calculated, if properly supported, to do the like
good that has undoubtedly been done by the Association for the promotion of Social Science in England.
" The English Association serves to prepare questions for legislation.
Our parliament has more to do than it can do properly,-at all events,
by amateur legislation within the usual time of its sittings. It can only
give sometimes not more than a day's attention to large subjects, which
can only be developed by the attention, for considerable periods, of
persons specially interested in them.
"The larger public meetings of our Association are attended by persons
of all parties, and, indeed, of no political parties, and without any of the
heats and animosities, the bigotry or the exclusiveness displayed on
political platforms. Some of our leading statesmen of both parties have,
7




50
at times, occupied presidential chairs, but it is in the treatment of neutral questions. For myself, I have found the institution very serviceable
in getting some questions discussed before first class and superior
audiences. From  this institution I have promoted a Commission of
Inquiry into the application of Sanitary Science to the protection of our
army in India, which has been productive of great and important results;
also a Commission of Inquiry into our Middle Class Education, and one
on the management of our railways, which are in progress. In a recent
presidential address at Sheffield, I have endeavored to get an inquiry
into our severe losses by shipwreck, and the means of prevention, and
into the training and education of children for our mercantile marine.
"I hope the new institution may be the means with you of getting important questions discussed, for which there is no sufficient time or means
in your legislatures. The annual meetings in different parts of the
country serve to bring persons who give their attention to special subjects, as sanitarians, educationists, law reformers, political economists,
into personal communication with each other.
"My engagements at present prevent me promising any paper, but I
hope to be able at some time to avail myself of the privilege you confer
upon me. In the meantime, I beg to express my best wishes for your
success, and to return you my best wishes for the honor you do me.
Yours, most truly,
EDWIN CHADWICK."




51
THE REFORM SCHOOL CONFERENCE.
A Conference of the Managers of Reformatories, and of other
persons interested in the training of orphan and vagrant children and juvenile delinquents, having been called by a committee of the Social Science Association, and many of the papers
presented at the Conference having been prepared by members
of the American Association, it is deemed proper to give here
some minutes of the sessions. These opened in the City Hall,
in Boston, June 5th, 1866, and closed on the evening of the 7th
of June.
The following is the Circular issued by the Committee of the
Association:
CIRCULAR.
AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION, 
BOSTON, May 1, 1866. 
The undersigned, a Joint Committee of the American Association for
the Promotion of Social Science, and of the Boston Social Science Association, have been instructed to call a meeting of persons interested in
the training and reformation of vagrant children and juvenile delinquents, to consider the present condition of our orphan asylums, pauper
schools, reformatories, &c., and what additional means are needed to
prevent and check vice among the young.
Two conventions, having a like object in view, have been held in the
United States; one in 1857 and the other in 1859. On both occasions
the attendance of delegates was so large, and the interest manifested so
earnest, as to justify the expectations of those who had originated the
plan of meeting; while the character of the papers read and the tone of
the discussions were such as to convey much important information, and
communicate fruitful ideas both to the persons present, and, through the
printed reports, to many who did not attend the conventions. It was the
purpose, therefore, of the members of these conventions to continue them
periodically; but the disturbed state of the country since 1859 has
prevented the holding of another.
Among the members of the American Social Science Association,
and of the branch Association in Boston, are many who feel deeply the
necessity of renewed and increased activity in the work of training and
reforming neglected children. This subject, accordingly, has been much
considered; and, by conversation and correspondence with persons in




52
various parts of the country, it has been ascertained that a conference
on this subject would be welcomed by many who are not members of
either Association. It has therefore been decided to invite all who are
concerned in the management of establishments and associations for the
prevention and correction of juvenile delinquency, and all who take an
interest in this subject, to assemble in BOSTON, on TUESDAY, the 5th of
JUNE NEXT, for a three days' conference. It is proposed at this meeting
to discuss the following general topics, which, with the subjects included
and connected with them, cover a wide field of inquiry:[For these topics see the seven heads of Section IV. on page 19.]
These topics are mainly the same which were proposed for discussion
in 1859. In writing upon them it should be borne in mind that the
history and experience of existing organizations are among the best
guides to a correct opinion; and that all accounts of the actual working
of such establishments will be of great value. It is hoped that a sufficient number of papers on these subjects will be presented to occupy
the time of the conference in the reading and discussion of them.
It is contemplated to vary the discussions by visits to such reformatories as are accessible in this vicinity; particularly the Boston House
of Reformation, the Farm  School, the Nautical Reform  School, the
State Reform School at Westborough, and the Industrial School for Girls,
at Lancaster; or so many of these as can conveniently be visited during
the sessions.
In order to furnish material for a statement of the actual condition
and working of the reformatory system of this country, it is desired that
the blanks enclosed to officers of establishments be filled up as soon as
convenient, and that other needful particulars in relation to these establishments should be communicated in writing. Communications of this
kind should be sent to the office of the Committee, No. 12 STATE
HOUSE, as early as the 1st of June, 1866, and we hope to receive such
statements from private as well as from public organizations.
Allow us, in conclusion, to invite you to attend the conference, and to
give us the benefit of your experience and your reflections on this important matter. The sessions will open at 9, A. M. on the fifth of June;
the place of meeting may be learned from the newspapers, or by inquiry
at the office above named.
With much respect, yours very truly,
WILLIAM B. ROGERS, ]
SAMUEL ELIOT,
F. B. SANBORN,
F. B. SANB Y    ~  Joint Committee.
CHARLES F. BARNARD,
WILLIAM P. ATKINSON,
FREDERIC HINCKLEY, 




53
The following gentlemen, among others, have consented to act with
us as a Committee of Arrangements:-Dr. S. G. HOWE, Boston; Hon.
THOMAS RUSSELL, Boston; MARSHALL S. SCUDDER, Esq., Boston;
JOSEPH A. ALLEN, Esq., Westborough; NATHANIEL T.,LLEN, Esq.,
West Newton; Hon. J. WARREN MERRILL, Cambridge.
FIRST DAY.
The morning session on the 5th of June was occupied from 9
o'clock until 10.30, A. M., with the organization ox the Conference. The following officers were chosen:President.
His Excellency ALEXANDER H. BULLOCK, Governor of Massachusetts.
Vice-Presidents.
OLIVER S. STRONG, Esq., of New York.
GEORGE W. PERKINS, Esq., of Chicago.
SAMUEL ALLINSON, Esq., of New Jersey.
Hon. F. W. LINCOLN, Mayor of Boston.
JAMES M. TALCOTT, Esq., Providence. R. I.
GEORGE B. EMERSON, Esq., Boston.
Hon. HENRY C. BROCKMEYER, St. Louis.
HENRY BARNARD, LL. D., Annapolis.
Prof. WILLIAM B. ROGERS, Boston.
Dr. E. W. HATCH, West Meriden, Conn.
Hon. GEORGE B. BARROWS, Cape Elizabeth, Me.
Secretaries.
Dr. S. D. BROOKS, New York.
JAMES REDPATH, Esq., Malden.
Rev. FREDERIC HINCKLEY, Boston.
DAVID P. NICHOLS, Esq., Danbury, Conn.
F. B. SANBORN, Esq., Concord, Mass.
Business Committee.
Rev. CHARLES F. BARNARD, Boston.
F. B. SANBORN, Esq., Concord.
Hon. NATHAN T. STRATTON, New Jersey.
ISRAEL C. JONES, Esq., New York.
Hon. FRANK B. FAY, Chelsea.
Committee on Finance and Statistics.
Hon. OTIS CLAPP, Boston.
OLIVER S. STRONG, Esq., New York.
JAMES J. BARCLAY, Esq., Philadelphia.
Hon. FRANK B. FAY, Chelsea.
F. B. SANBORN, Esq., Concord.
J. H. STEPHENSON, Esq., Boston.




54
The following Establishments and Associations were represented, by the persons named, during the sessions of the Conference, although there was no session at which all were present:MAINE.
State Reform  School-James T. McCobb, Esq., Trustee.  Hon.
George B. Barrows, Superintendent.
MASSACHUSETTS.
State Reform School ( Westborough)-Henry Chickering, George C.
Davis, John H. Stephenson, E. A. Goodnow, Jones S. Davis, Trustees.
Joseph A. Allen, Superintendent. Orville K.'Hutchinson, Issistant
Superintendent.
State Industrial School (Lancaster)-George B. Emerson, Daniel
Denny, Jacob Fisher, Frank B. Fay, Trustees. Colonel F. B. Fay,
former Trustee.
State Nautical School-William  Fabens, A. C. Hersey, Thomas
Russell, Trustees. Richard Matthews, Superintendent. M. L. Eldridge,
Assistant Superintendent.
Boston Asylum and Farm School-John L. Emmons, Samuel Eliot,
Managers. William A. Morse, Superintendent.
Boston Female Asylum-Mrs. Mary A. Wales, Miss Sarah C. Paine.
Home for Little Wanderers-Hon. Otis Clapp, Rev. R. G. Toles,
Superintendent.
Children's Aid Society-Marshall S. Scudder, Rufus Cook.
Temporary Home for the Destitute-George W. Bond, E. T.'Eastman, Managers.
Warren Street Chapel-Rev. Charles F. Barnard. Superintendent.
Ministry-at-Large-Rev. E. J. Gerry, Rev. P. Davies, Rev. Andrew
Bigelow, D. D., Boston.  Rev. O. C. Everett, Charlestown. Rev.
Horatio Wood, Lowell.
Boston Police Court-Judge Edwin Wright.
Cambridge Police Court-John S. Ladd, Esq.
Worcester Truant School-Thomas Wheelock.
Board of State Charities-Dr. S. G. Howe, Edward Earle, F. B.
Sanborn.
RHODE ISLAND.
Providence Reform School-James M. Talcott, Superintendent.
CONNECTICUT.
State Reform School-David P. Nichols, Trustee. Dr. E. W. Hatch,
Superintendent.




55
NEW YORK.
House of Refuge (Randalts Island)-Oliver S. Strong, President of
Managers.  Israel C. Jones, Superintendent.  Rev. B. K. Peirce,
Chaplain.
Juvenile Asylum, New York City-Dr. S. D. Brooks, Superintendent.
New York Prison Association-Dr. John H. Griscom.
NEW JERSEY.
State Reform  School-Hon. Nathan T. Stratton, Samuel Allinson,
David Ripley, John D. Buckalea, Trustees.
ILLINOIS.
Chicago Reform School-George W. Perkins, Superintended
The American Social Science Association, the Boston and the
Hopedale Associations, were also represented by officers and
members. The president of the American Association took the
chair at the opening session, and welcomed the delegates to
Boston.  He was succeeded by the president of the Boston
Association, who, on the receipt of a message from Governor
Bullock, regretting that his official duties would prevent his
taking the chair, gave Way to Mr. Strong, of New York, the
first vice-president, and this gentleman continued to act as
chairman during the conference.
The Business Committee having announced the order of
visits to the four establishments which it was proposed to
inspect, namely: to the School Ships and Farm  School on
Tuesday the 5th, to Westborough on the 6th, and to Lancaster
on Thursday the 7th, the regular business of the Conference
was opened by the reading of a paper on  The Reformatories of Massachusetts, and the present state of Legislation in
regard to them, by F. B. Sanborn, Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Charities. After a brief introduction, Mr.
Sanborn said:
There are two great classes of reformatories in all countries which
have yet established them-private and public institutions-the former
being controlled and supported by private benevolence, and the latter by
public officers and revenues. But it is evident that there may be as
many classes of public reformatories as there are public bodies in the
community; and, since we have in New England three well-defined
civil organizations-the State, the county and the municipality, (town




56
or city,) we may, and actually do, find reformatories supported by each
of these public bodies. So that, besides private reformatories, like the
Farm School, on Thompson's Island, we have municipal reformatories
like the Boston House of Reformation on Deer Island, and the Lowell
Reform School, county reformatories in embryo, and State reformatories.
Of the latter we have three, the State Reform School for boys, at Westborough; the State Industrial School for girls, at Lancaster, and the
School Ships, both now lying in our harbor, but of which, one, the
Massachusetts, is soon to be transferred to New Bedford. We have,
therefore, four large public reformatories in Massachusetts, containing at
the present time nearly nine hundred children in all,-six hundred and
ninety-five boys and one hundred and eighty-three girls. We have one
large plvate reformatory, the Farm  School, containing about ninety
boys. The legislation under which these five establishments have
grown up dates back at least forty years. Much earlier than this date,
however, there were orphan asylums established, and these, under various
names, and, approximating by almost imperceptible gradations towards
reformatories, are now very numerous. Exactly how many there are
in the State no one can say, for new ones are continually springing up.
In the second report of the Board of Charities mention is made of thirteen
such establishments, which is probably not more than half the actual
number. These are all private institutions.  Returning to a consideration of public institutions on a smaller scale than the four already mentioned, we find a number of truant schools, under diverse names, in the
large towns and cities of the Commonwealth, about a dozen in number.
Another class of public reformatories in Massachusetts has been designated by law, but not yet established-the County Houses of Reformation, which, by chapter 208, of 1865, the County Commissioners of the
several counties are allowed to provide. Turning now to the course of
legislation in regard to neglected and vicious children, to the laws under
which these numerous establishments have grown up, it is shown that
those laws themselves indicate a gradual awakening of the community
to a sense of its duty towards these unhappy members of it.
At first, the provision made for general instruction in learning and
morality proved sufficient to keep the class of ignorant and depraved
children quite small; but as our population increased, and the disturbing
elements of new races and creeds were introduced, poverty became more
permanent, and juvenile crime more common. At first, the powers
granted to overseers of the poor in our towns and cities were so exercised as to provide for neglected children; and, when these were
inadequate, individual charity carried on the work. But soon societies
were incorporated to manage this increasing task; and from 1800 to
1850, these societies multiplied, and were of great service, as thty still




57
are. The interference of the magistrates, however, which was recognized as necessary in 1826, when the Boston House of Reformation was
incorporated, became the settled policy of Massachusetts about 1850;
and the power of committing neglected and vicious children to institutions supported by the public revenue has been fully exercised by all
our judges for nearly twenty years.  This power has been gradually extended, either by recognizing new causes of commitment, or by
increasing the means of receiving sentenced. children, until now it is
very wide.
During the session of the legislature which has just closed, a new
Step has been taken in this matter. We have three State Almshouses,
in which there is an average of 600 school children the year round,
most of them belonging to the class from which our young vagrants and
criminals come. About half of these children are either orphans or else
deserted by their parents.
Now, these 600 children have hitherto been styled and treated as
paupers. Their schools, however good they might be, were pauper
schools. Their associates were paupers. Their dress, their food, their
whole surroundings, were those of an almshouse. A remedy for this evil
was found by the passage, about a month since, of the Primary School
Act, which enacts that so many of.these children as can be separated
from the mass of pauperism in our almshouses shall be gathered in a
special school, where they shall cease to be called paupers, and where
the influences around them shall be of a higher order. This school is
located at Monson, near Springfield. It will gather together, when full,
perhaps 500 children, from four to sixteen years old. These children
will be carefully taught, and, as soon as it can well be done, will be provided with places in good families in the central and western parts of
the State.
Another Act just passed provides that an amount of schooling double
that heretofore required by law shall be given to all children employed
in factories, both before they enter and while they continue at work
there, and it fixes the age at which a child can lawfully be employed in
a factory at 10 years, while between 10 and 14 years, eight hours is a
day's work. Moreover, it intrusts the execution of the law not to the
school committees of the cities and towns alone, but to the State Constabulary, which has shown itself a very efficient police force. The
defect of the former law on this subject was that it was very often disregarded, and prosecutions under it were seldom brought by school
committees, who, being local officers, were under tie influence of the
sentiment of their locality. The State Constables will have no such
reasons for neglecting violations of the law, and it is hoped that much
8




58
good will result from it in keeping poor children at school and away
from demoralizing influences.
After quoting from a paper by Miss Mary Carpenter, of England, Mr. Sanborn closed by saying,"Our laws, though far from perfect, are now more than sufficient for
the work which we give them to do. It is we ourselves-it is the
churches and the communities of New England and New York, and the
Great West, that are not accomplishing the work given us to do. We,
the citizens of the country, meeting in benevolent activity, according to
our means and opportunities, have the power to make our beneficent
laws fertile in good results, and then to amend still further the laws
themselves."
A brief discussion followed the reading of this paper. Dr.
Hatch, of the Connecticut Reform School, said he agreed with
the closing sentiment of the paper, that there was legislation
enough on the subject, and that there should be a greater reliance on Christian efforts and influence. Messrs. Pierce, of New
York, Perkins, of Chicago, Dr. Griscom, Talcott, of Providence,
Barnard, of Boston, and others'also took part in the discussion.
When the discussion on Mr. Sanborn's. paper was concluded,
Mr. B. J. Butts, of Hopedale, read an essay upon " Vagrancy
and its Causes," in which the labor question was largely concerned, the assumption being that, to a great extent, vagrancy
resulted from the unequal distribution of the fruits and burdens
of labor.
Another short discussion followed this paper.  Rev. Mr.
Gerry, of this city, said it was the experience of those who
visited much among the poor, that vagrancy very generally had
its origin in the condition of the homes of the poor. Crowded
dwellings and tenements were almost necessarily corrupting,
and, in his opinion, the best remedy for the great evil of
vagrancy was the improvement of the homes of the poor.
Rev. Mr. Toles, Superintendent of the Baldwin Place Home
for Little Wanderers, read a paper on the object and the beneficial results of this institution. So successful had it been that
homes could befound for a greater number of children than
the House could supply.
Nearly five hundred children had been received in the Home,
of all the various classes which furnish young vagrants, and




59
which Mr. Toles described in detail. He thought the success of
this new establishment had been very gratifying.
The fourth paper read was written by Rev. G. W. Holls,
Superintendent of the Orphan's Farm School at Zelienopie, Penn.
His subject was, The European  Reformatories, as compared
with those of America, and it was read by Rev. C. F. Barnard.
The following is a brief abstract of this very valuable communication:
The. revolutions of the earlier part of this country, and especially the
revolution of 1848, renewed or awakened a general and deep interest in
the condition of the poorer classes and the causes of crime. Reformatory institutions have sprung up rapidly since that time. In Bavaria
alone, for example, 87 institutions of a distinctly reformatory character
have been established since 1848, and, in Prussia, 18. There were, in
Europe, little more than 100 Houses of Refuge of the character of the
Rauhe Haus in 1848, whereas, at present, there are from $00 to 1,000,
over two-thirds of which are Protestant charities, established and almost
wholly supported by private individuals, societies, and churches. A
list of nearly 600 of these accompanied Mr. Holls' paper. This list
includes different asylums, institutions for idiots and cretins, agricultural
colonies, associations for the care of vagrant children, and the like; but
it is wholly exclusive of Orphan Asylums, Houses of Correction, Industrial Schools, Ragged Schools, and hiilar establishments, which the
Governments control.
By far the larger number of all the institutions enumerated here are
established on the family principle. The Government Institutions,
Houses of Correction, State or City Orphan Asylums and the like,
mostly adhere to the Congregate System.
The German family system  has no room for legions or classes of
honor. Nor are the elder brothers military drill-masters. Much less
does the spirit of the Rauhe Haus admit of any public exhibitions in
which the children are looked at as so many curiosities. The mark
system of discipline would be entirely adverse to that spirit.
It will be conceded by all who have ever been engaged in the education of vicious youth of both sexes, that it is not this or that system,
classification, or arrangement, but the spirit which pervades the whole
institution, which will give a character to it. Most of the European
Reformatories were commenced on a small scale, and consequently had
a natural growth and a healthful development. The individual or
society by which they have been established takes a more direct and
lively interest in their welfare than is the case in the State institutions,




60
which are managed more or less by lifeless official forms, rules or regulations. European Reformatories desire to be entirely independent of
the State, and by far the larger number receive no support whatever
from the public treasury; much less do they ever apply for any such
support. These Reformatories have been very successful and are still
progressing.
After speaking of the Central Committee of Inner Missions in
Germany-which he compares to a Social Science AssociationMr. Holls says thatOne of the most striking features of the European Reformatory Institutions, both Protestant and Catholic, is the presence of.a large number
of male or female assistants in the large establishments. These young
men and women belong to the different institutions of brothers and to
the Deaconess Institutions of Germany and other countries. They are
prepared, theoretically and practically, to fill the posts of the different
branches of.the Inner Mission; as, for instance, superintendents of
reformatories, warders in prisons, managers in poor houses, city missionaries, superintendents of orphan asylums, nurses in hospitals, teachers in
infant schools, &c.
Much statistical information was also given by Mr. Holls in
regard to the locality and extent of the establishments of which
he spoke.
At the close of this paper, the Conference adjourned until
2.30, P. M., when the members visited the School Ships and the
Farm School in Boston Harbor, returning to the city about 6,
P. M.
At the evening session, in Mercantile Hall, a paper was read
by Rev. B. K. Peirce, chaplain of the New  York House of
Refuge, (Randall's Island,) on The Adaptation of the Congregate System for Juvenile Reformation in Dense Communities.
Mr. Peirce said:The "Family  System" in reformatories was unquestionably a
progress in the right direction, since there were many boys and girls
who needed just the discipline thus received. For private reformatories especially, this system was the best; but for the necessities of a
large city the Congregate System was indispensable.
Of those arrested there will be boys of 16, often of 18, but still wearing a youthful aspect, and giving some promise of redemption under
wholesome influences; some of 12 and 14, who have committed quite




61
serious crimes, such as grand larceny, burglary, arson, forgery, and
assault with dangerous weapons. " To send these boys to the penitentiary
is to deliberately give them over to ruin, and to entail upon the community
the frightful tax of a life of crime." They cannot be sent to a family
at once. They would escape if admitted. Positive restraint is necessary to prepare the way for the discipline of love, education and piety.
The arrangement of various divisions readily secured in large establishments defends ykinger and softer boys from the possible injury of contact with those more confirmed in criminal habits. Many of the boys
go forth from  the Congregated Refuge to a life of crime and to the
suffering of its penalties; but the overwhelming majority of even these
mature boys turn out well. The evidence on this point is voluminous
and decisive.
The records of the largest institution in the country, and probably in
the world, (the New York House of Refuge,) show that the number of
those known to do well after their discharge far exceeds the number
that do ill. At this time, when its numbers are fifty per cent. greater
than heretofore, there are more perceptible evidences of the presence of
a strong moral influence among the inmates than for many years. In
all this time there is no recorded instance of one dating his ruin to intimacies formed in the Hous or of combinations to commit crime after
discharge. This plainly shds that what may be considered the incident
evils of a congregate institution may be very largely controlled.
It is not, however, desirable that boys should remain long. In Europe
they are expected to learn their trade in the Reformatory; but in
America, where the demand for even unskilled labor is so great, they
should be intrusted to farmers and others who are ready to receive them
as soon as their habits are sufficiently formed-especially when, by the
terms of the indentures, they can be recalled at any time. When children are intractable, a long stay in an institution rather confirms them
in the temper than cures them of it. They should be given repeated
chances of improvement by being tried in different families. Institution
life should be as limited in all cases as it can conveniently be, consistently with the results it seeks to accomplish, and then the children
should be sent forth to the best homes that can be secured for them.' Even the family system, after all, is a make-believe family. If the
introduction of a step-father into a family circle so often breaks its
power of love over a child, we can readily see how almost impossible it
is, by any artificial arrangement,.exactly to renew the natural relation.
The positive advantages of a large reformatory in a dense community,
are, that from its extensive resources-sanitary, educational, industrial
and moral-and its capacity to receive a large number at any given
time, a great diminution of juvenile crime may be secured in that




62
vicinity; that it enables the reforming genius, when found, to have a
large field for the exertion of his powers; and that it offers a great
opportunity for systematic labor.
Mr. Peirce spoke at much length on these points, and illustrated them from  the records of the House of Refuge. He
dwelt particularly on the value of labor as a reformatory agent,
and dissented from some of the views expressed by the Massachusetts Board of Charities in their recent report.
A general discussion followed, in which Mr. George B. Emerson, of Boston, and other gentlemen took part. Pending the
discussion, the Conference adjourned, to meet at Westborough
on the next day.
SECOND  DAY.
There was a general attendance of the Conference at the State
Reform School, in Westborough, on the 6th of June. The
forenoon was devoted to an examination of the establishment,
and the afternoon to a session in the  apel.  Papers were read
by Joseph A. Allen, Esq., Superintendent of the Westborough
School, on the Comparative Merits of the Congregate and
Family Systems, by Dr. S. D. Brooks, of New York, on the
New York Juvenile Asylum, and by George William Bond, Esq.,
of Boston, on the Temporary Home in Kneeland Street. These
papers were all prepared with care, and will appear in the
printed report of the Conference.  Mr. Allen advocated the
Family System; Dr. Brooks thought the Congregate System
ought to be combined with it; while Mr. Bond favored small
families, and a speedy transfer of children into private households.
A discussion followed, in which David Ripley, Esq., of Newark, N. J., favored the Family System, and denounced the New
York institutions for sending so many vicious children to the
West. Dr. Brooks explained the manner in which the Juvenile
Asylum regulates this, and was supported by Mr. Perkins, of
Chicago, in the statement that no complaint was made at the
West of children sent out under these regulations.
In the evening the members of the Conferen.ce, after returning from Westborough, met socially at the house of Dr. S. G.
Howe, in Boston.




63
THIRD DAY.
At 11, A. M. on Thursday, the 7th of June, the delegates took
the train for Lancaster, and arrived at the Industrial School
ther, about 1.30, P. M. After an examination of the schools and
family houses, the Conference met in the chapel, to listen tethe
recitations of the pupils, who are all girls, about 150 in number.
Before returning to Boston, a business meeting was held, and
the report of the Committee on Statistics was read. From this
it appeared that there are in the United States and Canada
about thirty Reformatories, besides some hundred or more
orphan asylums, industrial schools, &c. From eighteen of the
reformatories, and from a few of the other establishments returns
had been received, showing that about 6,000 children were
residing in them on the 1st of May, 1866.
The Committee was instructed to complete these statistics as
soon as possible, and to print their report along with the papers
read and minutes of the discussions, in a pamphlet for the use
of the Conference. 2,500 copies of this pamphlet were ordered
to be printed.
In the evening the final session was held at Mercantile Hall,
where J. H. Stephenson, Esq., of Boston, read a paper on the
Best Combination of the Family and Congregate Systems in
Reformatories.  Mr. Stephenson thought the family system
preferable, but that it would be necessary to combine the two.
A very earnest discussion followed in which Messrs. Allinson
and Ripley, of New Jersey, Mr. Barrows, of Maine, Mr. Allen, of
Westborough and others took part. At a late hour, the conference adjourned to meet in Philadelphia in 1867.
Besides the communications already noticed, letters were
received from the mayor of Boston, James J. Barclay, Esq., of
Philadelphia, W. R. Lincoln, Esq., of Baltimore, and Dr.
Barnard, of Annapolis, Maryland, George E. Howe, Esq., of the
Ohio Reform School, Hon. Thomas H. Barrows, State superintendent of soldiers' orphans in Pennsylvania, Hon. H. C. Brockmeyer, of St. Louis, Mr. Monfort, of the Cincinnati House of
Refuge, Mr. Robinson, of the Michigan State Reform School, Mr.
Pease, of the Vermont Reform School, Mr. E. A. Meredith, provincial secretary of Canada, and other gentlemen, expressing their




64
interest in the objects of the Conference, and their regret at not
being able to attend. A  paper on Canadian Reformatories,
made up chiefly from information furnished by Mr. Meredith,
was also submitted but not read.
THIRD GENERAL MEETING.
The Third General Meeting of the Association, which will
include the Second Annual Meeting, will be held in New
Haven, Conn., on TUESDAY, the 9th of OCTOBER, 1866, at 10,
A. M. Notice of papers to be presented, or the papers themselves;
should be sent to the Recording Secretary before the first of
October. The first business on Wednesday, the 10th, will be
the election of officers for the year, after which provision will
be made for printing the Transactions for 1865-6, for the annual
assessment, and  other matters of business.  All members,
whether Regular, Honorary or Corresponding, are invited to
communicate papers on such topics as they may select; preference being given to those indicated on pages 18-24 of this
pamphlet.
ADDITIONAL  IMEMBERS.
The following names of Regular Members were omitted from
the list on pages 6-8.
Mrs. MARY A. WHITAKER, Springfield, Mo.
Dr. S. D. BRROOKS, Juvenile Asylum, New York.
HENRY G. DENNY, Esq., 42 Court St., Boston.
The asterisk should be removed from the name of Mr. CARPENTER, on
page 9.