New-York tribune., 1880-02-17
WHAT oNE SOCIETY HAS DONE FOR NEGLECTED
AND ABUSED CHILDREN

WHAT oNE SOCIETY HAS DONE FOR NEGLECTED
AND ABUSED CHILDREN.
In the fifth annual report of the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty 10 Children. which has re.
Gently been printed Elbrdge I. Gerry. the presl-
dent of the society, speaks In an encouraging way
Of the work Of the last year
The work OF the society to-day he says, " is
definite. comprehensive and effective In this State
four and In other States sixteen kindred OrganIza-
tiOns have been organized. In all legislation most
comprehensive IN ITS character for the protection
OF children, and for their rescue from suffering,
shame aud misery has been secured" Similar
organizations, the report. have been formed In
Italy and France. The good results OF the work
are dwelt upon at some length. Child beggars
have to great extent disappeared from the streets.
Miserable little girls compelled to sell flowers at
the doors of places Of vile resort-their business
often being cover tor shameful practices-no longer
loIter there night after night. The shameful ex-
hibton of little children in acrobatc performances
dangerous to life and limb. has been wholly sup
pressed. Connected with these. the so-calied Ju-
Venle Opera TrOupes,' 10y which children Oi a ten
der age are compelled. night after night. to lose
their natural rest, in order TO put money into tho
pockets of ayarlciOus managers and thOughtiess
parents. bave been broken up. THIS last phase OF
utilizing children at time when 10y the Iaw OF the
land they entitled to proper education. free OF
expense at the hands OF the State their best cap
ital in life, coupled with the enjoyment OF that
amount of sleep which alone sustain their phys-
cal existence, To- insure their proper growth has
been exploded and suppressed. True. the press dnd
public who view these per- OrmaDces only from the
exterior line of the footghts are disposed at times
TO cIiiOse the law hGrsh and oppressive, but the
recorded instances Of female ruin and criminal acts
originating in the miscellaneous companies and evil
associations connected with these performances
more than sustain the wisdom of the action Of this
society," which has not failed to do its duty IT.
respective of individual prejudices or thOughtless
censure."
The report then reviews the cases Of the poor
Italian children who were brought to New York by
"padrOni." Here they were made to work In The
streets as wandering musicians aud pediers, tneir
entire earnings being seized by their masters. The
case # AncaFOa. the " King padrone,' Who was cou
victed Is referred to incidentally.
Another abuse-that OF selling liquor to minors
has received n severe check at the hands OF this
port. d" Tne salutary effect of a law max
ing tins vile practice criminal offence has been
to limit i'm some degree the indiscnmlnaie sale OF
hquOr. and to prevent the rum Of many ittle
wTetches who are utilized by their unprincipled
parents to obtain the poison, Tor which they acquire
a taste at an early age"
The report Of the president concludes rs follows
IAN important need of the society ut the present
time is proper place OF accommodation for the
children rescued before they can be committed 10
the proper institutions sent to their homes. IL ~
hoped that before long the chaIifaby disposed will
appreciate fhe Importance Of constructing such a
temporary house Of relief for the soclety.'
The report OF the superintendent T.. Follows Jen-
kins shows that during he year 1879 2}3 cases were
prosecuted, resulting IN 1919 convictions, aud the
297 children also temporarily relieved ana
supplied with clothing; 1,1S0 complaints were re.
ceiyed advice was gwen in 80 instances, and Ill
the other cases were investigated.