The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-18
ANOTHER JUNIOR REPUBLIC,
Social Experiment with Boys to he
Tried I'm Pennsylvania.
Philadalnhia Pre-

Philadelphia Press.
As an educational and social experiment
In practical p~hilanthrophy the Juvenile Re-
public recently established by Mrs. William
t. Carter, of this city, at the picturesque
itt ne hamlet OF Redington, Lehigh county,
is an attempt to develop in the fifty boys
and girls gathered from this city the sense
Of individual responsibility, industrial indie
p~endence, thrift and business sagacity, and
boys what the boys of to-day in our country
most need-respect for law. The plan OF
this little republic, which has modelled its
civil institutions so closely after those of
the United States. is intended to give an
excellent training to its citizens i'm civil du-
ties. 1t Is claimed to be a great stride for
ward In solving the problems of society as
Affecting those whose early educational, So
cial and moral training has been neglected
The republics constitution is modelled
after that of the United States. and the
laws are those of pennsylvania, plus such
laws as are enacted by the citizens them
selves. All the laws are made by a Legis-
lature, chosen every month by ballot
When the miniature nation was organized
TWO months ago a president was chosen
with absolute veto power on the actions of
Congress, and vested with the other execu-
tive duties. Both houses Of the legislative
popular vote; senators. for two months and
members of the lower house for one month.
The judiciary consists of Criminal and Evil
by the President, and ali citizens charged
with crime are entitled TO a trial by jury.
imprisonment and fines are imposed as pen
alties for crimes. The most important fea-
ture of the government has proven to be a
permanent police force. the members being
chosen from the people by ballot.
While the keynote OF the republic Is per-
feet liberty, under a reign of self-imposed
law, the community has certain means al
its disposal whereby labor and thrift are
encouraged and rewarded. All its citizens
are encouraged TO be workers, but idleness
is not punished. Nonproducers find them
selves at a great disadvantage, and their
moneyless condition soon brings them tc
the paupers' table. which is secluded. and
at which the plainest fare is dispensed. Nc
poor tax. except for the sick, who are an
able to work, Is imposed. Paupers are COM
PEELED to do a certain amount of work fol-
lodging and meals.
The working hours are from $50 until u
The afternoons are devoted to recreation
and study. Farming the 100-acre farm Is
the chief occupation. All the boys have
their regular occupations. such as farm
and light work in the adjoining stone quar-
ries. Girls employ themselves at sewing
millinery. laundry work, cooking and house
hold duties. All citizens who work at any
thing receive good wages-15, II ari 10 cent.
Ter hour. according to the grade of work
tb rhe eitln 2 are for req B y e, and pay YoS Sg5 Q
Nothing Is provided free of charge Al
meals must be paid for. and lodging alss
has its price. The coin of the republic is {
circular piece of tin. with the different de
nominations stamped thereon. 1t is issue
in denominations up to a dollar. and will
1t all the business of the republic must b.
transacted. The money is issued by the gov
eminent bank for services rendered.
The situation of the republic Is ideal. be
ing on the mountain side and bounded OF
the other side by the sluggish Lehigh river
The farm of 100 acres affords ample return,
from its soil TO supply the republic. Will
| vegetables. grain and fruit. One large build
ing is now used as a -dormitory and hotel
while the various branches Of the govern
ment are housed In . nearby lodge