The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-03-01
WHAT TO DO WITH THEM
Incorrigible Boys Present Most
Important Problem.
Mr.. HASTINGS SOLUTION
A Well-Eauippsd Industrial School,
Where Boys Are Interested,
Would Doubtless Solve
the Riddle.

During the past few weeks a half
dozen or more boys have been arrested
on the charge of incorrigib;lty and four
of them are now in the county Jail
The streets of Butte are full of boys
who have gone beyond the control of
their parents and are giving the police
authorities a great deal Of trouble The
question Of what to do with such boys
is treated in the following communica-
ton from B. c. Hastings, principal of
the Washington school:
ITO the Editor of the Standard:
There is no more important question
before the public than What to do for
our boys?' It is so pressing that it has
passed from the lips Of the parents
themselves to citizens who are con-
cerned for the welfare Of the common
wealth and its future rulers. 1t is
question of deep concern for the city of
Butte. for the percentage Ct boys on the
downward road to incorrigibiity is ap-
palling That something needs to be
done is evident to all but those who
shut their eyes blindly to the dangers
about them.
1T Is not the purpose Of this article
to detail the methods by which this
class may be redeemed or its numbers
be diminished, but to outline briefly
some suggestions which if followed
would tend to improve the conditions.
In the first place this fundamental in
disputable proposition will be laid
down, viz:
Every individual is moved to action
just in proportion as his interest is
aroused. The helpless cry of a parent,
I don't see what makes Tommy DO
that, can be answered. IT interests
him. Why is Tom interested in learn
ing to swear. smoke. DIR nix. play truant,
lie. and to steal? His is present need.
His future welfare has little incentive
for him. What appeals ~ the present
or gives him pleasure now, that is h 5
ruling passion So he acquires the vi
i2us habits, because they seem 10 him
the most important means If gratifying
his present demands. He swears, be-
cause the excessive use q language
gives vent to his feelings. He smokes
because of the advantage it gives him
among the boys He drinks because
he wishes to make real his imitation of
a swagger. He plays truant from sch Of
because he expects pleasure in the va
cation he takes. He lies became he
may obtain temporary relief 'rsm
threatened consequences. He steals to
crafty a pressing desire In all these
he is assisted by the hopeful advantages
expressed by his assoc ates of VII and
nerve and he is further prompted by
taunts of 'goodyg7ody being tied to
his mothers apron string or he's a
Sunday school boy
Thus, by degrees, any grace of
character. any strength of manly pur-
pose, any legacy of integrity, bedueath-
ed him by a noble and honorable par
entage is undermined and he joins the
ranks of the so-called incorrigibles. and
the multiplicity Of cases causes us to
exclaim, Is there no way to redeem
them and to prevent the increase"
LAS principal of the largest school in
this city. it has been my duty t6 study
this question. 1t appears to me that
its solution lies in an industrial school
we'll equipped, splendidly managed and
morally backed. An institution full Of
things to interest boys. such as a band,
gymnasium, tools and appliances for
manual training, military drill. swim
ming pool, games and amusements for
the hours of recreation, and studies
that he will take delight in. Let the
surroundings be cheerful and welcom-
ing. The principal Of such an institu-