The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-07-30
SUCCESS OF THE pzAYeRo UNDs.

der school yards through the efforts of the Womens School association have proved a most gratifying success. Ey- cry day from until 12 and from ? until 6 o'clock, except Saturday afternoons and Sundays, these. playgrounds are scenes of happiness which must be seen to be appreciated. To the little children of the tenements they are an unspeakable delight, while tired work ing mothers tell with tears in their eyes what comfort and relief have come to them through their childrens safety from harm and evil day after day. In stead of running about the streets, learning all manner of wickedness they are kept under helpful influences and made happier and better. In each yard two matrons and two assistants are employed and volunteer workers lend willing assistance, but all are kept busy looking after the hundreds of children who flock to the playgrounds Indeed, so rapidly are the numbers increasing, in spite of limiting the children to those of certain age that extra help will probably have to be soon hired and
 the need of other playgrounds is be- coming more and more apparent. If these playgrounds are interesting to the children they are no less so, from diff ferent standpoint, to visitors. Anyone wanting a fresh interest in life, satiat- ed with much, should go see how little 1t takes to give so much joy to many. Sand heaps enclosed in bins are the de- light of all, and there at all hours, working away with little shovels and pails, are tireless company. Such wonderful forts with spoos for guns, such mountains and valleys, lawns and roadways are amazing to behold. Hammocks, swings and see-saws are always surrounded by an eager throng waiting for a turn. Balls, bean-bags, and hoops have their devotees, while small express wagons drawn by gal
 lant steeds Temporary ones) make prized chariots. Many eldest of a family" girls of ten and under trund1e in the baby carriages and find shady spot where baby can sleep or play while they keep a lookout for the rest of their charges. Tired, care-worn lit- tie faces many of them have, but they give most devoted loving care to the small brothers and sisters. There are awning covered pavilions, furnished with benches and chairs, where weary with play, the children can gather to hear stories or sing, and where the in books (would that there were many more) and papers, and very few dolls and toys. The dolls are in constant demand, both boys and girls begging for them. One little girl cried when one was lent her, the novelty and joy of it were too intense. In spite of the large number, order prevails. Occa- sional little differences there are, of course, but wise supervision is over all and contentment and peace 'are the rule. Many are the lessons taught of unselfshness and kindness whenever the opportunities come. Teacher, the bolt is gone from the wagon one boy complained. See if you can't Quick came the answer, T didn't lose 1t out, another boy did.' Try and find it just the same" the matron urg-
 ed you remember found it yester-
 day and I did not lose it." Off went the small boy with a new idea, and soon came back with the bolt, fairly shouting: T found it. while his face beamed with joy Goodness pays, you see, even in the hearts of tenement children. Human nature is always alike, these specimens are only getting some help to be better. Isn't it true that happy people are generally good? What a pity more children can't be made so simply happyl
 The Woman's School association has worked hard through it's playground committee" to equip and provide for just these two yards. It longs to do as much for many more boys and girls
 in various parts of the city. Why shouldn't it? Only lack of funds. h. dividuals and firms have been most kind and generous, responding liberal- ly when called on, but the committee has been able to solicit from campar atively few, and would like volunteer contributions of money. The regular meeting of the association will be held
 this afternoon in the parlor of the Young Mems Institute at o'clock. The report of the playground commit tee will be the chief feature of inter- est All persons interested, both gen. tlemen and ladies, are most cordially invited to attend, learn more fully the progress of the work and lend a hand in helping it on.