The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-03-28
CHILDREN WILL BUILD A SHIP
7 he Rising Generation May Make.
Uncle sam n Present

VIII the school children Of the United
States build a battleship to replace the
lost Maine?
This question, which originated in
Newark with the schccl children there,
has been taken Up al over the country.
and the enthusiasm 1t has awakened
seems to make it not only possible but
even probable that a new warshiD VIII be
added 20 the Navy through The patriot
ism Of Young America.
Prominent men have become interested
and have lent The movement the stamp
If their approval md cooperation. Act
ing Gov. Foster NJ. VOORHEES, of New
Jersey, has encouraged the children 10
further endeavor ana has agreed to act
as State treasurer OF the fund and lend
his aid in every way toward making it a
success
Adj. Gen William 5. Stryker has also
expressed his hearty sympathy with the
patriotism Of the dttle ones Mayor Sey-
mOur Of Newark, has made a speech on
the subject and has volunteered mis- ser
vices as local treasurer. He has suggest
ed that committee Of citizens be ap-
pointed in every city IF the Union and
direct the collection and handling of the
fund He advises a national finance
committee, 10 superintend the entire
work and take care Of the pennies as
they are turned in.
Six States have become interested in
this project originated by ana conceived
for school children. The States that nave
been heard from are New Jersey, Penn
sylvania, New York. Connecticut. Maine
Massachusetts and New HAMPSHIRE let
tiers have been received from various
cities stating that the schools there
would enter heartily into the idea and
contribute literally.
Already SUBSCRIPTIONS are beginning 70
come In although the movement has JUS
started and is Tar from having crystal.
LIKED into definite shape
The enrolled pupils Of the public
schools Of the United States for last year
were l4.5lt.Q7s. This does not include IN,
great army Of children from five 10
eighteen years old who go 10 private
schools and authorizations A cOnserVa,
tive estimate ~ all the school children
in the United States between those age.
would be -5,U90,Qy9. II each of the pupili
gave cent every week toward the fund
the necessary amount would be procure,
more than twice over. This VIII serve L,
demonstrate how easily the desired oh
Ject could be accomplished. for ther
would DE few children not willing an,
able 10 give one cent each week, ant
many who would give many times tina
amount
This has served TO convice the educa
tors who have approved Of the mOyemen
10 regard ii as a practical and worth
scheme. SuDerintendents Of schools IL
Brooklyn are generally IN favor OF IL
and they report that the children hay
grasped the idea with a splendid euthu
siasm and are pouring 30 questions ever,
day as 10 the best way TO go about max
ing a present Of a fine battleship to Tn
Gle sam.
The project IN its present shape origi
mated with Jerome Kern, Charles Brow
and Morris Field, school boys Of tn
Thirteenth avenue Public School, New
ark. The first 20 take # up in Brooklyl
were John Patrick and Kathleen O'Brieu
Of the public school AZ No. u Kosciusk
Street.
But the prime originator Of all was lit
tie Dick WalIlngford, Of indianapolis
who. in "a patriotic letter 10 the Presiden
Of the United States soon after tn
Maine disaster, Enclosed forty-eigh
cents, all Of his savings which he CAV
TO purchase another ship as good as IN,
Maine.