, 1884-10-17
OUR BOYS AND GIRLS.
What Shall We Do With Themp--A
Proposed Youths Directory.
what the French society Tor the Pro-
lection of Abandoned Chill
dren II Doing-Hnts
for Legislators.

Ia. 7. Dietz in Philadelphia Times.l
Political economists are hoginnIng to real
lie that the cheapest and surest plan to abate
crime, In the ond, is to provide for the physi-
cal wants and moral training OF tho rising
generation, from whose worst ranks the cor
rupt and dangerous classes OF older society
are constantly recruited. Tho French
philanthroplsis now understand that the
work Of social reformation must commence in
early life. The principles Of morality, like
the good Of temperance and religion, caunot
be inculcated by the operation Of civil law.
The General Society Of France for the Pro
lection OF Abandoned or Delinquent Chill
dren, Is a foundation established by leeisla-
tive decree, under the patronage OF the min
lister Of justice It rests upon a basis Of broad
charity, and Is governed by a board OF direc-
tors, among whom we recognize the leading
ing journalists Of Paris The judge OF the
tribunal Of the Seine, a high parsonage, Is
president, while tho Baron do Rothschild
was lately treasurer. Though barely four
years old, tho society already numbers 1000
members, representing thirty nationalities.
In each Of forty towns in the French repub-
lie it has set up a protectory, not only for the
rearing II neglected children, but for their
indenture, notably In the rural districts. The
managers aim 10 create a spirit Of solidarity
among all kindred organizations at home
aud abroad, aud TO invite the appointment OF
delegates 20 meet in ecumenlcal council at
stated times and places, FOR the promotion OF
universal brotherhood and the discussion Of
subjects and methods bearing on the protec.
ton Of youth.
Two years ago the promoters OF the society,
headed by Alexandra Dumas, a member OF
the French academy, set about organizing an
international congress Tor The protection OF
rlttlrqn The nufnfafau FOR f.rafUu .n.t~a
through diplomatic agents in both hemis-
pheres, excited a widespread interest and in.
quiry into tho matter, the result OF which
was the receipt at the parent office in Paris
81 n mass OF precious documents and oncour.
aging communication from distant govern.
mcnts and also from benevolent persons IN
the four quarters Of the globe.
AT the first international congress, rsssm.
bied at Paris in the summer OF 1883, tie fol.
lowing programme was submitted for dis
cussion; First, foundlmgs, deserted bales, re
ceptacles for %abandoned infants, day homes
for the nnrslings OF poor working women,
asylums and baby farms; second, children Of
larger growth bodily or morally abandoned,
orphans. waits and strays; third. mcorrigibls
pupils at schooland prisoners OF tender years.
fourth, apprentices Of other sex under u
years OF age and employment Of INDECENT
boys and girls rs "A saiutary measure OF pub
lie utility" Under each OF the foregoing
heads were examined: First, the s~tatistics
showing the extent in various countries OF
the evil involved; secondly, the legal mean
Of redress actually In force; Thirdly. the
financial resources provided for the work oi
reformation, and, fourthly, the methods and
hystems adopted BY associations throughout
tho civilized world for tho protection and
employment Of vngrant children.
There Is no question that more forclbly
presses itself upon the consideration OF the
thoughtful than this: What shall We do
witt our vagrant boys and girlsi Business
men do not seem able to solve II, legislators
have not been able % grapple with It. ju-
dieial benches have not Rdjudicatsd it. The
generally accepted belief is that any means
by which profitable occupation can be nf.
forded 10 the youthful wanderers who infest
our streets will come ne1rcr solving the
problem than any device for nlms-giving Of
mere charitable maintenance. American
boys and girls, as n rule, do not take kindly
10 the faie and discipline Of eleemosynary
houses. They want Independents and self
support
some years ago the writer, authorized and
assisted by the citizens Of San Francisco.
started in that city a youths directory OF
free intelligence Office for tho benefit OF chill.
dren under sixteen years OF ug.. 1t is a fact
OF record that in five years from the opening
Of the directory IL procured remunerativs
employment in town and in the country to
upward Of 10000 boys and 1000 girls, OF
every tongue, kindred, religion and type in
society free intelligence office planted
in.the heart OF a city and fostered by her
citizens would go n long way toward sup
pressing juvenile vice n answering the
Ve1ed question. What shall we DO with aur
street boys and girlsi