The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-09-22
TEMPTATIONS BESET
The NEGRO YOUTHS
Thrown on the Streets at an
Early Age.
NEED OF A REFORMATORY
Harry T. Prince Tells of the Many
Negro Boys That Drift Into
Hardened Criminals.
Money Needed.
NEED OF A REFORMATORY

At time when leading members Of the
negro race from all parts of Alabama
and the United States are in the city
attending the national Baptist conven-
ton, and in view of the many needs Of
this race as discussed by prominent dele
gates. the following card from Harry
7. Prince setting forth the need of
reformatory for negro boys will be of
interest:
To the Editor of The Age-Herald.
Many of the people of this city do not
realize the present condition of the young
negroes between the ages of and u.
Many of them are turned out on the
world to make their own living at an ear
ly age When the trash boxes and bar
rels do not satisfy their appetites, they
are placed in such a position as to either
beg or steal from the fruit stands and
merchants. They are often caught in
the act of pilfering, placed under arrest,
carried to jail. and there come in contact
with older and more experienced crimi-
nails. After they are free they are again
on the streets of Birmingham to do moth
Ing less than repeat their first crime, and
eventually, alas, too often, they become
experts in crime. They know no better
from the first, in many instances. Day
after day you can see these young negro
boys with chains around thsir legs and
although they are being punished by the
law for the acts which they have COM
mitted, as the period of their Imprisonment
lessons, they are thinking of what they
will do when they are liberated. Their
second offense is probably worse than the
first, and so 1t goes on.
All Are Interested.
l believe this question of what shall be
done with the negro boys should be
brought before each and every one of our
citizens. One prominent man here has
said: Il stand ready to assist in building
the necessary institution, and will give
one hundred dollars at the commence
nent of the work.
The citizens of Birmingham are each
and every one vitality interested in this
cause for the reason that these young
outlaws are a menace to property good
order and society They can be taught
that which is right, and that this should
be done, and speedily, must be apparent
to every man and woman who gives any
thought to the conditions existing in Bir-
mingham.
If we can establish a reformatory, the
colored boys can be trained in the right
manner, in some useful trade and fitted
to do something to make an honest living.
1t will cost at least 1000 to carry out
the plans which we have in view. 1t Is
earnestly hoped that with the co-opera-
ton of every one who gives the matter
consideration that we will be able to
erect this institution at once.
Judge Feagins Views.
l have discussed this question with
Judge Feagin, of the inferior criminal
court of Birmingham, who is in strong
sympathy with the movement. He has
already stated, in a published interview
the great necessity for a reformatory for
the colored boys of Alabama. He address,
ed the colored ministers of Birmingham,
and the surrounding towns, this SUBJ
ject last week. These ministers, repre-
senting all Christian denominations,
agreed to cooperate in this praiseworthy
and philanthropic work. 1t is desired
that every citizen understand that this
institution is to be for the neglected and
wayward colored boys of Alabama A
canvass will be made by the colored min
listers and others to ascertain what
amount can be obtained for them We re-
quest the daily newspapers, to open a
popular subscription for the movement
in order that we may find out what in
terest can be aroused. The names and
amounts contributed will be published
in the daily papers, which papers will
l am sure hold the funds contributed to
be turned over TO the proper persons.
We ask your assistance for the colored
boys reformatory. for the state of Ala
bama. 1t will be incorporated as soon as
sufficient funds are received to begin the
work.
HARRY T. PRINCE.