The age-herald., 1901-12-09
LETTERS FROM
 THE PEOPLE.
Appeal for Indusrlal Home

If l ever doubted the power of the press" am now converted. for all day long my phone has been ringing, the changes on the story of the little orphan boy in the hands of the chief of police or this city, the account of which appear ed in late issue of your paper Men and women asking me, in tones at times tear ful, cant you take that boy in the In- dustrial School" One dear woman even promised to pay if we would take him. Of course we made room for this little waif of humanity, although we have over fifty boys now; ten more than the board thought 1t wise to take with our limited means.
 The plan we have adopted of allowing charitable persons or organizations to guarantee one-half the expense of a boy, $4.S0 per month, has worked admirably.
 The Nineteenth Century Book Club of this city was the first to respond to the plan adopted, folio ,d by the Highland Book Club, Epworth League, Christian Endeavors, Ladies Aid Society of South Highlands Presbyterian church, Young men at the Louisville and Nashville shops through Mrs. Hawkins, the Ep- worth League at Eutaw, Ala, and the T. P A., Pratt City woman's Club and ladies of East Lake. Mrs. Soresby and many others. I am sure 1t needs but the suggestion and the Elks. the Masons, Odd Fellows and similar liberal spirited organizations will be represented by boys in the school.
 When we applied for a charter the leg islature and State officers told us there was no need of such an institution in this State. We were told that there were no bad boys in Alabama That the school wasn't needed.
 The truth is that we haven't yet taken all the boys out of the convict camps We have had by reason of limited space and means to refuse many, many applica- tions from all over the State and also from other States. These facts are more eloquent than words, and every generous heart will at once ask: What does the school need? How can we help you and the boys? Money for a new domitory to make room for one hundred boys, but even more than money we need the lov- ing personal interest of the women, girls, children of this city
 The State gave us board of lady man. agers, not only to keep our school out of politics but to keep 1t warm with woman's love. No words can properly express the good done last winter by the lovely young society girls, who, turning away from pleasure, gave one day each week to become ministering angels to these little waifs.
 Don't you know the little checked shirts made by them warmed their hearts at the thought of the lovely hands that had wrought them. And when these girls visited the school, how proud the little fellows were to praise them with songs and thanks. Dear girls, don't forget the little boys but go and see them and make them feel you are alive to their joys and wants
 1 No creature is so shy as a boy, none so appreciative of sympathy and com radeship.
 Nothing I could do or say for the boys can compare with the joy that lights up each countenance as walk along the line examining their muscles. sleeves rolled up. every nerve tense. his teeth clinched and his whole soul absorbed in swelling out that wonderful muscle. As I feel it, note it's gain since the last examination, thrill of delight blossoms on the dear face. The most sullen boy has never yet been able to resist the exhibition of his muscle.
 s,.k1 with erect heads and firm hearts that the tears don't come to my eyes.
 Boys, dear little boys. what shall your future be? It is so full of potentiaties of power for good or eveil. Let us save them all; let us give them not our mon ey only, but pour on their heads and hearts that "ala baster box of precious ointment" deep. tender, true human love.
 There are loving hearts in this city who have grown up a dear boy at Gods call, during the past year. How sweet the memory of the dear one can be made If we take from the gutters one of these waste boys and open to him pure, good, noble life? It Is better monument and more induring than the marble shaft. Then wont you all take the Boys Ban ner-it costs only 50 cents per annum?
 I feel sure it would do you good to see the little fellows work at the printing office, getting out the Banner. The best type setter is not yet twelve years old. The superintendent has furnished the of flee out of his own means. If these facts shall move any reader to look at the work we are doing for these rescued boys the board will appoint after the holidays visiting day and conveyances will be at hand to carry over those who may wish to go.
 MRS. R. D. JOHNSTON.