Evening star., 1899-05-29

privilege, but afterward It was granted.
Il will say, In conclusion. that In the
Junior republic there is something inspir-
But we all wanted to be better and to lead
honest and truthful lives.'
Young Smith told of the respect for the
police and for the laws, and gave many
interesting details OF life at Freeville.
Commissioner Wight's Address.
Commissioner Wight was next introduced.
THE unique form of government in the
District of Columbia" said he, has often
been referred to as a model one, but after
hearing the ex-president OF the George Ju-
nior Republic speak I have come to the
conclusion that we must look to our laurels
or the boys will get ahead of us. / believe
in the education of the boy, rather than the
reformation of the man: the making OF a
good citizen, rather than the punishment OF
criminal; the environments that Will
make one better, rather than worse If
there is any city in the country that needs
the benefcent influence of such an estab-
lishment as the Junior republic it is Wash
ington."
Mr.. Wight gave some interesting figures
as to the arrest Of boys under sixteen years
of age. In one year over 100 were taken
into custody. Many had to be released be-
cause there was no place to put them.
In our reform school, than which there
is no better in the country, are 212 boys.
AS many as can be accommodated are In
other institutions of the kind in the Dis
trict, and l regret to say that large num-
Der under the age of sixteen are confined in
the workhouse. The boys in that institu-
ton are separated as far as possible from
the older criminals. But the influence is
felt, and in the Incarceration of these lads
we are paving the way for greater expense
In dealing with the boy who develops into
a learned criminal during his stay in the
establishment. 1t Is much better, more
economic, more Christian to spend this
money in benefiting the boy before he be-
comes a criminal
The establishment of a junior republic
will be a great help to the authorities Of
the District Of Columbia, and I beseech for
it the sympathy and financial support Of
the entire city,
DIR. Mackay-Smfth's Approval.
Dr. MackayS Smith said his heart leaped
with joy when he heard of the movement to
establish Junior republic near Washing
ton for he believed 1t to be the greatest re-
fCrmatory scheme of the century. The cit
liens of republic must be educated to the
control of their wills or the government will
go down in ruin. They must be taught that
they have a will, to be exercised against
evil,
DIR. Mackay-Smith said it was impossible
for private enterprise to establish suffi-
cent number of the republics to benefit the
whole country and people, but private en-
terprise must demonstrate that the scheme
is success. Then 1t will be incorporated
in the laws and be supported by the gov
ernment. He expected the movement to
grow as the kindergarten had. A few years
ago the promoters Of this method of ju-
venile education were said to be spending
their money foolishly. Now the kinder
garten is being picked up and established
by the school authorities everywhere.
Meanwhile 1t is important, he said, to make
success of the national junior republic-the
most promising movement of the time.