Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-19

10 human twigs have bee
OA unuaturally bent an
as consequence mill
ions of living trees hav
grown Historically until death removed tn
vital sap and left the trunks lfeless but none tn
lsss ugly. Up to the middle of the presen
century mankird generally contsnted itself
with furnishing the criminal and the unfortu-
nats-the products Of vicious surroundings
today thousands OF philanthropists. rich anC
poor, old and young-toil necessarily to pre-
vent vice and palperism by searching out the
youthful twigs and SO directing their lives thai
maturity shall display the nobility Of true man
hood and pure womanbood, free to the fullest
possible extent from all suspicion Of moral
weakness
coScERrrp EFFORT.
Work Of this nature has been going on in this
city for some years past, but it was left for
shose who organized the Newsboys' and Chill
drens Aid Society to make concerted effort in
behalf OF those who by reason of their youth
fitness were unable to materially help them
selves. A temporary home for children was
established in 1854 and it has been in steady
and successful operation ever since. This has
not been done without difficulty. Many time
did it seem to all. save a faithful few. as though
the charitable enterprise would have to be
abandoned because the necessary financial sup
port was nOt LCrbnCOfnlDR- TEOtu Tue VI
organization Up to the day of his death Chief
Justies Morrison L Waite of the Supreme Court
OF the United States. WAS president of the
trustees of the society; tower of strength.
Lis interest in the good work never tagged. He
was present at every meeting and his activity
Old much 10 tide the young organization over
several troublOus periods. In all he did and IN
all that has been done since his death much
valuable assistance was rendered by the incor-
porasors: Henry Strong. Samuel F. Miller, E.
Ill
Hswley, Henrietta c. NTetzerott. Mary L
Hood, Emily III. Webb, James X. McCamuon,
John W. Thompson, Thomas s. CEilds, Jane L.
Childs Sarah D. Ia Petra, hose A. Foster and
Flora Payne Whitney.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SOCIETY.
The society originated with a few ladies' who
were moved by stories in the daily newspapers
70 care for some of the waits that so frequently
and Improperly appeared in the city Police
Court Those youngsters were necessarily sent
TO the WORK house because they could not be
provided fo- in the fully populated reform
school; there was no reform school for ths
girls. anyhow. But a very small percentage
Of the little ones had committed any crime. vet
they were compelled to associate with the vile
characters which the work house was intended
to hold securely. The result was disastrous to
the little ones and most dangerous to society.
Coz. warm and brightly lighted reading rooms
were first provided and to these the newsboys
8EQ all OtUer Dogs were invited Games and
books were provided and proved most etfectual
counter attractions to the pool rooms There
was an absence of hamperins rules. the boys
being permitted tocomo and go they pleased
between the hours OF and 10 p. m. Almost
Immediately 1t became apparent that dormi-
tories were absolutely necessary to the success
full prosecution of the salvage work. There
was no money available for this extension OF
the scheme, and for awhile it was difficult to
keep even the reading rooms open.
GENEROUS FRIEND.
Just when il seemed as though the society
must disband friend to helpless childhood
agreed to give $500 annually for the rent of a
building. but made strict provision that her
name should not be made public. With this
Sgft, which has always made its appearance
since the promise, the home at 5l7 18th street
was established Other friends contributed
cots and bedding, and very speedily were the
couches used Many q child was saved from
moral destruction by those who toiled beneath
the roof of No. SIT. From that building bows
and girls-comIoE tably clad and with new hopes
born In them-have gone forth to lives of
honesty, soDriety and success
NEW HOME
About year ago the society Was notified that
1t would have to look GU. for a new home. the
house it was then occupying having to be sac
rlnced TO make way for improved structure
II was then proposed that permanent location
be had at No $40 street. and this would prob
ably have been brought about had it not been
discovered that a good title to the property
could Eotbe secured. This house was occupied
however, unit. February Of this year. On that
day the home Was removed to 927 Z street.
where II now Is. The location is n good one.
easy reach of the bows who appreciate shelter.
warmth and kind treatment; BOYS who may
reasonably hope for honest and at least fairly
prosperous lives. The house has been
purchased The price was $1,000 and
OF this amount-large for an unobtrusive and
unendowed charity-s2, $40 have been paid.
The big balance has TO be wiped out in five
yearly IRstailmsn1s- II vii! be DONE but sew
eral hearts and pocket books will have to be
opened before the las. note is paid and the
mortgage Is ready for destruction. At this
time there is in circulation a subscription list,
and every individual who contributes an auto
graph pledges himself herself to make az
annual subscription Of at least $50. There j.
still room on that lis. for several names
TIE ooop WORK DONE
Agent Sveeney's report shows emphsticall,
what great work has been done. During 1891
the number of%odgings given in the limited
dormitory space was l,163; in 1890 there wer,
$50; IN 1859 only IA How the mission ha,
grown! Last year there were provided ant
eaten 6. 50i meals as against 2O7S in 1890 anC
$50 in 1883. In all. situations have been found
for l12 Titles ones, while 254 pieces Of clothins
were distributed VI the boys and girls tina
came TO :he home during the past year 70 nigh
have become criminals but for the institution
The Police Court turned over to the agen
twenty-five white boys, forty-three coloreC
boys, one white girl and seven eolored cins
The work house would have made every one O
these seventy-six vicious; the home started
them out on the voyage of life with the chances
In most cases for the first time, in favor of tn,
little ones
Congress does nothing for the society. ha
never given 1t any assistance. Why this par
eeuiarly practical specimen of philanthropy,
should have been neglected by the District
legislature Is one OF those things not easil,
understood by those interested in this charity
In spite Of thus official neglect the organization
prospera The latest report OF the secre,ar,
says:
AN ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK.
The society has now q most encouraging
outlook. With building Of its own, an agen
whose work among the destitute children o
the District Is steadily growing and commend
ing itself 10 the public favor a mstron who's.
services at the home are daily gaining the con
hdence of the ladies' in charge and whose in
terest and sympathy for the neglected chill
dren IN her care are unmistakable and will
ms fri xuh