The San Francisco call., 1897-01-24
WILL FOUND A
{ HOME FOR WAITS
Private Charity Forced to
Do What the City
NegleCts.
Chief Lloyd's Best Efforts Have
Not Met With the Success
They Deserve.
Secretary Prescott of the Chidren'S
Society States the Needs of
Immediate Action.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN Francisco CALL,
QOa Rrna wv Ian. o.

OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO GALL
908 Broadway, Jan. %
A movement was started to-day 10 es-
tablish a home in connection with the 20
lice Department. in which young children
who are found on the street or who are
arrested on various pretexts can be con-
fined without being placed in cell or
brought in contact with older prisoners.
Some months ago Chief OF Police LLOYD
placed this matter before the Christian
Endeayor Society in very pIain-spoken
letter. The matter was taken mp, dis
cussed. met with some disfavor and for
long time has not been heard OF. The
Endeavor Society stated that it was out
side OF the line of work for which they
were organized. But the. matter is now
being taken in hand by prominent En-
deavorers, independently OF their organi-
zation.
a statement is being circulated asking
for pledges for the support of the home.
So much has been published recently OF
the necessity for such a place and Of the
inability of the Police Department TO rem
der any relief with the facilities at their
command, that 1t is felt that no argument
is necessary in order to convince the pub
lie that the welfare of little waits depends
upon the imm ediate establishment of such
an institution. When it is known how
much support can be depended upon, then
a meeting Will be held and officers ap-
pointed to prosecute the work.
Mrs. Prescott, secretary OF the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,
said to-day that IT Is not the duly OF char
liable individuals or organizations to pro-
vide such a home, but tne responsibility
rests with the city. Chief Lloyd and l,
Oh h.d inn
on this subject, and we have often felt
grieved at the manner in which our hands
are tied. 1t is an absolute necessity in
city OF this size to have an apartment
where children can be kept after being az
rested or while awaiting being sent TO
some Institution, so that they need not
come in contact with criminals.
the expense would be very light, and
1t should be placed in charge OF q sensible
woman. Her services would not be per-
manently required and with the present
tel phone system OF the Police Depart
ment she could easily be called to the
prison whenever her presence was needed.
Twenty five dollars a month would
amply pay for any such services, and
there are many sensible, deserving women
that would be glad OF such a position, 1t
Is the duty OF the city TO provide such
quarters as these cases demand. Within
the past six months little boys have been
put in cells, young lads have met with
older criminals, girls have shared the
quarters OF habItual sdrunkards ana disSo-
ute women. and all this cannot possibly
be avoided with the present condition OF
the CiGy Prison. Chief Lloyd has done
great deal toward making the prison what
he desires 1t should be, but he cannot
create something out OF nothing. and II is
high time that the city government awoke
to a responsibility OF its duties