The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-07
DIsoKDEKLY BOYS.

The trial Of the HOBBS I'm the Police
Court recently brought again 10 public
notice the performances of the gang
Of boys who mako life drcary waste
- the residents on Third street We
have more than once called attention TO
the lack of provision for the legitimate
amuss mert Of boys i'm this city. They
have no grounds convenient on which they
can play their gamcs-cithcr baseball.
ioo,-ball, handy. or anything else. They
are almost OF necessity driven into the
street for exercise, recreation, and the
oompanionsmp of their fellows. This is
certainly "A most undesirable condition. and
one which should be corrected or at
least aneiorated.
Having been brought up i'm the country.
with every provision and OBJ ortunity for
innocent and healthful amusement with
horse. gun. and boat. we have looked with
sympathy upon the comparatively limited
field and opportunities for such enjoyment
which are opoI to city boys. We would
he glad e. SCI, seine movement started
to provide for our boys in lachmond
some other pursuits Of happiness" than
the street fights and rock-hlttlcs on which
they now eNpend their energies, ond in
which they find their chief delight. But UNI
I'll this provision is made tits absolutely
necessary that good order be preserved,
and that the mruly boys be taught 10
respect not only their ncishbors. but
themselyes.
We should he sorry TO see any boy dis
graced or ony parent distressed ana NOR
tilted by a criminal sentence in the Police
or Hustinm, Court passed Upon one OF
these youngsters, Vile neither fear God
/nor regard man." But if It was neccs-
sary TO protect the peace of TIE COM
munity ana to enforce respect for the
law, the police justice could 90 no less ina"
he wisely ana justly said he would do
viz: send the offending boys 20 the re
foruatory.
Justice Crutohheld win have the sup
port OF the entire community in his de-
termination to break up this youthful
lawlessness.
The most powerful assistance that the
law could receive would be from the par
ents AMI guardians of the boys them
sclves. Noihing can take the place of the
daily restraint which can come from none
so effectively as from father or mother.
This IS natural. and nothing should be
suggested In us place.
There was stern provision IN the Mo
sale law whereby the parents OF re-
bellicus son could invoke the aid of the
ciya authority TO enforce obedience, ana
We cite o. TO show with what disfavor a
stubborn and rcbellious son" was regard
ed in those days.
The great law givcr Moses said.
III man have a stubborn ard elbous
son. which viii not obey the voice of his
father or the voice OF his mother and
that. when they have chastcned him VIII
hot harkcn unto them:
'"fhen shan his father and ms mother
lay hold on him. and bring him out unto
the elders Of lis city ana unto tho gate OF
his place.
"And they shall say unto the elders
OF MS city. This, our son. is stubborn
and rebellious. he will not obey our
voice he is glutton and drunkard.
And all the men OF his city shall stone
him with stones. that be die: So shalt thou
put eva away from among you. and all
Israel shall hear and fear. '-Deut. xxi,
1921.
The 'IIobos" should take warning.