Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-06
of the ages ordinarily taught in the first
four grades
Child Labor

Child Labor.
With reference to legislation concerning
| child labor in the District it is stated that
| agitation on this subject has not been very
| urgent until just recently, owing perhaps to
| a lack of interest in the matter and also
| because the conditions have not seemed to
| be Of such a nature as to emphasize the
necessity of making provision against the
| growth of a system that might develop into
| a serious evil. The number of children en-
| ployed in the District. it is stated. is not
| large; in fact it is thought that the whole
number will not exceed 1900 and that Is
| given as an outside figure 1t is also be-
| lieved that the conditions In Washington
are not conducive to the development Of the
child labor evil to such an extent as it has
developed in other cities, for the reason that
there are no large factories here and but
few establishments of the character that
employ children. 1t is admitted however
that it would be a wise policy to remedy
whatever undesirable conditions now ex-
ist with respect to the employment of chill
dren, and also to take steps in time to pre-
vent the growth Of dangerous system
The suggestion of President Roosevelt on
the SUBJECT Is considered as timely. and It
Will doubtless lend an impetus to the move
ment which has recently been inaugurated
In the city, principally under the auspices
OF the Legion of Loyal Women, assisted by
several societies and influential citizens
Dill looking toward the prevention of
child labor in the District has been drafted
and has received the approval of the Dis
trict Commissioners, and Wednesday night
at the Washington Public Library a meet
ing will be held at which the subject will
be discussed by many prominent people In
teresfed IN advancing philanthropic and
sociological movements.
1t is also believed that the compulsory ed
ucation law. IL enacted. as drafted, will op-
crate to protect the children of the District
against truancy and the evils that attend
idleness
Delinquent and Dependent Children.
The Commissioners and the board of
charities submitted to the last session Of
Congress a plan for the care of delinquent
and dependent children. In this plan the
authorities urged the establishment of a
separate juvenile court for the trial of
youthful offenders and which should also
exercise jurisdiction over the affairs OF all
children who are to become charge upon
the public funds or who violate the laws.
From this court it is proposed all commit
ments to the reform schools shall be made
and the children placed under the care
of the board of chldren's guardians on
probation. should also have their hearings
before the separate juvenile tribunal In
| the bill that was drafted to cover this SUBJ
ject provision was made for sufficient
number of probation officers. and the best
features of bills of similar import now
i'm force in several states We're embodied in
the proposed BILL
This bill, 1t Is stated. VIII be brought 10
the attention of Congress at the presen.
session. and from the agitation in favor
OF the movement that has arisen within
the last two years it is believed the meas
ure will receive strong support from IN
auential citizens and officials.
Public Fairgrounds.
Another public movement, which mas
been gradually growing in favor and sup
port within recent years is that for the es-
adjustment of public Fairgrounds for the
use of children during the vacation period.
The first recreation ground in the Distric,
was established in the backyard Of Neigh
borhood House, in 1902 The space was lin
tied, but the ground was equipped with nu-
merous devices calculated to assist the chill
dren In enjoying themselves and In develop
Ing under the outdoor exercise. The project.
started In a small backyard. has steadily
grown and vacant parcels OF grounds IN
various parts of the city have been grad
uaIly acquired, through the efforts OF in |
terested citizens. and converted into play
grounds for the boys and girls who weie |
obliged to spend their summers in the cry
where they were required to indulge In their