The Forrest City times., 1891-12-04
TO BE CONTINUED.
Our Boys.

Our Boys.
 Why do so many Of the boys from 10 to l6 years of age, or even younger, spend so much of their leisure time about the streets, and in saloons and other places where their mothers and sisters would blush to be seenp Scarce an evening passes but what numbers of them may be found in the billiard room. or. quite as bad, congregated in places listening to profanity and vul- gar conversation, vile enough to for over taint their youthful minds. Evi. dently there must be some reason why these boys are found frequenting such places, instead of pleasantly spending the evening at home. or seeking profit able amusements, plenty of which can be easily provided with little expense and trouble at this day and age of the world. Can it be possible these places are made more attractive than theit homes?
 Methinks, to great extent parents are not watchful enough, failing so many times in their duty by not mak- ing home sufficiently attractive; net providing, perhaps through thought lessness or carelessless, pastimes and pleasures suited to their boyish tastes; not entering into any of their sports and games with zeal and enthusiasm; and possibly not granting them e many pleasures and privileges as the girls of the household, which latter they are very quick to perceive; their proud and sensitive feelings arc AA1 sx< t<xvS becomes firmly rixed in their minds that because they are boys they are in the way, nobody really caring for their presence.
 l have now in mind an example which fully illustrates the fact, that came, years ago, under my observation. A widowed mother, of comfortable circumstances, had to be responsible for the bringing up. training and edu- cation of two bright, beautiful children "a boy and girl-both of whom have great promise of future usefulness. As Is far too often the case, the little girl was petted. humored, and indulg- cd in every want and fancy, beside being taught to think, on account of her naturally frail and feeble constitu- ton. she must not engage iu any hard labor; in fact, she was brought up an accomplished lady, only fitted to lead Q life of ease and luxury. On the other hand, the boy received little or no attention, but was taught from the first that the sister must have the pref erence in every want and wish; in fact. he soon felt there was too marked . difference in the treatment of the two. which truly was very noticeable. There seemed to be no place at homo for this boy, naturally soloving, noble- hearted and generous. hence he was driven to seeking pleasures elsewhere. just as so many other dear boys are doing. Years rolled on in their rapid course, and this boy reached manhood; 1; not that noble type he should have been, but victim of bad habits with little or no education, almost Q curse to humanity.
 What sad fate! A brighter, nobler, kinder, more generous-hearted boy never lived, who with proper homo surroundings and influences without doubt would have been a blessing to the world; but for lack of these he read fly fell a victim to the many snares laid by the outside world to entrap the !
 unwary.
 Only one boy, to be sure, but there arc many just such cases, and what will the future of this nation be without cus dear, noble boys becoming fitted to du offices of trust and honor.
 Years of my life have been spent among the boys, yet have never found any who were unacceptable to kindly influences, in whose hearts there was not something akin to affection and O. preciation of the pure, good, noble and beautiful. Then why not treat tho boys with the kindness and affection their natures crave, above all making home the place where happiest hours are spent
 Remember, mothers, you have a place in their affections and an inhu- ence over them tha: no one else can have. Win their confidence and keep it; always manifest interest in their pleasure and trials, and in doing this SOW many good seeds; teach many beautiful and lasting lessons.
 In fact, be kind to the boys, giving them pleasant word and look wher- ever you meet them; furnish them with suitable reading, so far as your means will admit; let them enjoy the companionship of their mates in some pleasing games around your own fire side, thus winning their love and con- iidence. and. at the same time. inspir- ing them with desire for the pure. good and beautiful in life. Full soon the time will come when they must so out into the world to battle with the right and wrong. and think you they will forget the pleasant associations of home, a mother and fathers noble teachings, or sisters love and infu- ences-H. w., in Milwaukee Wiscon- sin.
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