Telegram-herald., 1890-09-13
A FOUNDLINC'S HOME
fhat is What Is Needed in Grand
Rapids
some INTERVIEWS on TIE SUBJECT
optaa0Rs Impressed ~ LAdtes rromiesnt
her Beasxslsnt Deeds sBd ktnals
Ckartty-Ehe Cts Shoaid Bsild
kHd 8aaist4iE a nonte.

"1our article on the Founding ;
Home almost TOOK my breath away,
wrote Mrs. l.. I'll. Stone. Of Kalamazoo,
70 the TELEGRAH-HERALD. Mrs. Stone
is one OF the best known and most
dearly loved and honOred of Michigan
women. She is the mother of James
II. Stone, Of the Detroit Tribune, and is
the only woman recognized by The
University Of Michigan, the degree OF
Ph.D. having been conferred upon her
last spr.ng.
Mrs. stone is bat one of the many
who have approached the TELEGKAN-
HERALD upon the subject. The condi-
ton OF the infant wards of the city, as
portrayed in these columns not long
since, has excited much comment on
the need of founding home within
the jurisdiction of the city. That the
necessity exists is proved by the fact
that homeless and nameless young
babes, dependent upon the city for
care have been placed where dirt, dis
ease and death rule simply because
there was no other place for them.
Yesterday afternoon the following
ladies prominent in church charitable
and social circles expressed their views
on the project of a Foundling's Home
To the observation-disclosures:
Mrs. L. NJ. Boise-When the project
OF Foundiing's Home is discussed, |
have often heard very singular argu-
ment advanced against il. People
sometimes say that such an institution
but fosters wee and encourages illtgitl-
macy. However that may be when the
innocent victims fall into our hands, il
: our duty 10 see that they have pro-
per care. | think 1t is the city's place
10 build and maintain such an instltu-
ton. | think the matter should, how
ever. be thoroughly discussed and
understood by the people before any
acton is taken.
Mrs. EnOS Putman-My ideas on the
subject are very crude, as | nave gwen
ltllttle thought. Such an institution
would be 4 good thing, and is sure 10
come eventually.
Mrs. NJ. X. Bissell--I think it would
be an excellent plan to combine the
Childreu's Free kindergarten with the
founding's Home, or add such a de-
partment TO the kindergarten. I have
often questioned myself on the real
charity of caring for such children and
their mothers. 1t sometimes seems as
though 1t encouraged them in wicked
ness. But, or course, the babies are in-
nocent and helpless, and have TO he
cared FOR In some way, and | think IL
would b a wise plan FOR some circle of
Kings Daughters to take up the work
Mrs. ). l.. Fuller think it is the
duty of the city to care for these chill
dren as they sre the city's wards. The
city should hJild and MAINTAIN a home,
but it should be under the exclusive
care and direction of women.
Mrs. X. +. WatsOn-I tnlnk the time
has hardly come for the establishments
of foundling's home in this city. |
knew of that place on IOnia-st., where
the babies were sent, but | never ap-
proved OF il. The women are low
ignorant and bad, and 1t is no place to
send children. OF course little babies
can not receive moral harm IN such a
place, but 1t is not right to send them
~ oANh l~ORtt way. We QO uOb
want our children TO fall into the hands
of such creatures. | think the city Is
too parsimOnious in paying for the care
OF young infants. Out of Sl.50 per
week, which is all that is allowed,
about 20 cents goes for milk. then there
Is the washing, ironing and general
care. If the city would consent 10 pay
s2 per week, which IS certainly little
enough, know that could find many
decent respectable homes among the
poor where these babies would get good
care.
A prominent lady physician who does
not deslre ner name mentioned. when
questioned n regard 10 the matter, SAID
that her plan would be to place the
children with some kind motherly wO-
man whose home WAS pleasantly and
heakhfully located and Who would give
to her charges the necessary intelligent
care at a nominal charge. She knew
OF one woman VINO has a large, we'll
ventilated and convenient home on
Lake-st., who would be just the person.
"One thing Is certain she added IN q
decisive tone of voice. "ThOsc children
should and must have proper care"