The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-13


The following gives the essential points In the state
ment made by the Superintendent OF Truancy:-
The causes OF absence are numerous, anu as .he
child valid they must visit the parent and endeavor
to ascertain the cause, relying upon their own udg-
ment 10 arrive at just conclusion They are thus
often led into abodes OF wrechedness and crime and
IL Is here that they have exercise ordinary Judg
ment and discretion Drunkenness the parent oil vce
and misery often battles their efforts and denies their
authority. The work Of the agents is various, and
the results not always visible They are called
upon by both teacher and parent 10 reprimand
and children who inclined to trnancy or who
have been dsorderly in their conduct Frequent
changes in the residence of children, and the search
after those who when found are discovered TO be over
or under the age prescribed by law consumes much OF
their available lime. In other cases the child, warned
by companions OF their intended visit is found 10 have
returned TO school; this though not apparently the
consequence OF the agents work. is nevertheless &C
compshed by it In some instances frequent visits,
mucn time and vast amount Of moral suasion are re-
qurod to induce the child TO attend school Much time
is also consumed in frequent visits to school and
domicile IN search OF Information, and tout
at work. is frequently the reply TO
the oit-repeaed search after the parents,
while the child Is probably running around unknown
TO those who suppose il to be in school, Instances Of
opposition on the part of the parents to the law, or
the EFFORTS OF the agents, are extremely rare put
rather do they regard them as welcome visitors and
valuable auxliaries their authority and suason beng
earnestly solicited for the reformation of the child.
Not unfrcquently they are called upon TO do the mis-
sionary work Of relieving restitution by enhsting aid
OF the charitably disposed to provide clothing and
other necessaries for the deserving While their
yet some good has resulted from their efforts; their
kindness aud encouragement to the parents and ch-
dren popularzing the law with the people When kind
endeavors have failed then, and then only is the aid
OF the law invoked and the child brought ino court
THE PoLIcE ARRANGRMBsTs
During the month of June SIX police officers were
detailed to this department to act as agents OF truaDcy
Five placed the seventh district, and one
Roundsman Sherwood, attached TO the Office Of
the superintendent for special duty. This arrange
ment continued only through the month, the Police
Commissioners refusing to furnish the after that
time, with the exception of Roundsman Sherwood, who
was continued in the position to winch he had pre-
vously been assigned
The great delay that in having warrants served
by the court officers, well that occurring IN taking
tho children Randalfs Island, made II necessary
that there should be some officer especially In
trusted with that duty. found that they were sent
to the lookup in the Court House after convc-
they were frequently kept several days So repug-
nant and contrary to every feeling OF humanity did
this that applied to the Committee on Bylaws,
Elections and Qualifications for authority, which was
unhesatingy granted to incur the expense OF sending
them direct 10 the Island in charge OF Officer Sher
wood. When not otherwise engaged he is employed 10
recover books which children leaving school have
failed to return. One hundred and seventy books
tmany OF considerable value) have been recovered
He also assists the agents in their work among the
street children.
THE WORK ACCOMPLISHED.
The following tables show the number OF cases that
have been invesu gated, the number Of truants and
non-attendants placed IN school and the number com
mtted under the law -
Total number Of cases Investigated. -. 1919