The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-05-19

and deaf, whose education by reason
or their deprivation of a sense, is rem
dered difficult and expensive, should
also be maintained and educated by the
state, in order that they may by early
training and instruction become self
supporting and intelligent citizens. 1t
viii be observed that the speaker does
not regard the duty of the state com
pletely discharged through the beneVo-
leEce OF a passive charity OF relief. On
the other and he accounts it an equal
duty OF the state, representing the
guardian power of society for its own
defense n improvement, to hinder
misfortune by an aggressive charity of
prevention.
when the schools shall provide the
textbooks demanded by the needs of
an improving civilization, and when
the officers of religion shall set them
selves TO the task of building anew the
marriage affairs which shall froWn upon
the marriage of the unfit, the millen-
MUM of race perfection will not seem
so lar away. But neither school nor
church will suffice to correct the evils
against which mankind has been so
long c~ontending, unless there be wise
cooperation of the social power repre-
sented in the name of the state.
Tine bond OF society is the fidelity or
It's members to the requirements OF a
char1ty which will prevent human sui
Ierlng, as we'll as relieve 1t, and which
in its ministry of love has been mould
ing the world through centuries of time
to the ideals of a civilization which shall
contain within itself the inspiration to
improvement,
That state builds wisely which cul-
tlVateS the habi of public concern over
the quality of it's citizenship. The de-
generacy which saps the foundation of
moral and physical health should not
be permitted to perpetuate itself to the
harm OF the general good. Waving
aside all mere questions of sentiment,
IT IS the plain duty of the state to place
IN custodlaI care every citizen whose
condition of MIND and body leaves no
room for doubt hat such a disposition
is indicated by the welfare of society.
Thanks to modern science the humane
methods which have obtained in the
public administration of charity and
correction, have modified prejudice by
presenting in the equipment and man
agement of the Institutions designed for
the care of the unfortunate classes OF
society,", more of the promise of success
full treatment, and approved comfort,
than may be afforded by other means.
The public conscience is being aroused
as never before to the duty of protecting
the wards of it's from the
ills of chance incident to political
change, n states are slowly but sure
ly aligning their policies of law and
practice in these affairs, with the re-
quirementS of the new philanthropy
which demands consistency as a rule Of
public conduct.
IF, as some wise philosopher has said,
the way to make a child better is to
begin with his grandfather the educa-
ton of the grandfatheIs should begin at
an age when they are susceptible to inn
preston.
THE disposition of the religious ele-
ments of society point to the realization
of closer alignments in many fields Of
common encouraging unity in
effort, and conserving the potencies of
energy and means for the redemption
of mankind from error. Can there be a
haffnr r1n ff0Un7 fnr +hn vnhon cn nf
greetings of fraternity, n the wise
alignment of the influence of religion in
~steadfast purpos to defeat evil, and
promote good. than is offered by the
national and state conferences of chart
ties and corrections?
The state of Kansas has honored this
conference with invitations to meet
within it's borders, extended through its
legislature and governor. We are here
in response to those invitations, not as
teachers, but as fellow students in the
Common School of Philanthropy.
There will be something of benefit tc
It will nave been a pleasure to many tC
nave held fellowship for a few delightful
| days with the people of a state which has
| entertained fortune in all her moods, ane
| which enjoys so fair a record of leader.
| ship in martial and civic contest to pre-
serve liberty. and ennoble But
the greatest pleasure and the creates
honor, which the people of the state OF
Kansas can confer upon the representa-
tives of the National Conference of Char
tiles and Correction here assembled, viii
be through the organization of the Kan
sas State Conference of Charities ant
Correction, for the more thorough study
of the means of cooperation to lesser
distress by the promotion of social or
der. Let US hope that this may be dom
and we'll done: and that such conferenc,
may be so dedicated to the service of
pure and disinterested philanthropy, tina
will command the immediate support O
good citizens of every creed and party.
During the century. which is closing
society has been too content with an eX
hibition of duty in the support of
charity of relief.
Its prayers. tears. smiles and treasur,
have been lavishly bestowed to heal tn,
sick. bind the wounds Of the afflicted
and comfort the Respondent and broker
hearted. 1t has lived too much within
the shadows of its own neglect of TIL
Charity of Prevention, which is the Sun
of Hope for the redemption of mankin,
from the misery of disorder. Neglectinl
no duty to the cause of Charity, or Cor
~rection, let US engage in more earnest eff
fort to prevent the causes of distress
which Cypress humanity, and strive 70
the cooperation which alone can Sc
mankind at peace with the conditions 0
happiness"