New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-20
CRITICISES THE PRESS.
Mr. Jenkins Says It Is Responsible for Two
thirds of Juvenile Crime.

The foolish attack which z Fellows Jenkins
superintendent Of the Society for the Prevention of
! Cruelty to Children. made upon the metropolitan
! press the Of two-thrds Of the Juvenile
crime in this city. and the spirited defence OF the
press by several women in the audience, formed the
most interesting episode in the fourth and last OF
the monthly conferences Of the Charity Organza-
ton Society yesterday morning.
Mr.. Jenkins talking about Boys and Girls
Trained by Modern Fagins." After saying that
he did not believe there were any Fagins. in the
Dickens sense Of the term, in New-York. but that
gangs Of young plckpockets were frequently taught
and led by boys Of eighteen thereabouts. he
tinued:
The boys IN these gangs do not seem to for
the money they take in but for the honor OF be-
longing to the gang. Exploitation in the papers is
just what they desire. as II makes them appear
heroes. The descriptions OF the crimes and those
who commit them. and the pictures which accom-
pany them, tend 10 encourage crime among bright
boys-and these boys are all bright or they could
not retain their positions in their gangs"
Cant the editors Of the reputable papers be ap-
pealed to?" suggested some one In the house.
They have been appealed to-" Mr.. Jenkins
Piled mournfully The press IS responsible for
one-hslf OF the adult two-thrds OF the Juvenile
crime that Is committed here"
How do you account for the fact that children
who commit crimes often not able to read the
papers, was one OF the questions thrown the
speaker.
by contact with children who can read thon."
was tie response.
May ask you a question. Mr.. Jenkns?' spoke
UP woman who sitting IN the front row.
There two Sides 10 this subject OF the de-
tailed reports Of crimes II tho people who com
nit crimes read the papers. the people who carry
on the phHanthrop!c movements also read them.
How did you ever get your Fairgrounds How
did you ever get your Children's Coust2 BY pub
licity. II there hadn't been any reporters any
where those would have with a very
cold reception
Y nm waiting for your question" answered Mr.
jenkins. long sufferingly. while Miss Kate Bond
who was presiding. began to look anxious.
4 havo put my question" returned the woman
stoutly. How would you reach the public without
by the same methods We are reachine It here.
IT'S a pretty small audience You're reaching
here" ret9rted the woman. casting her eyes over
III It hadn't been for the papers there never
Henry Parsons. who had just told the fairyIiks
story Of her gardening experiment among the boys
math Of interested query and comment from her
TIL, last speaker was Dr.. Annie p Daniel Of the
pif1l story Of the unremunerative trades that are
pra ctised, often under the most unwholesome CON
ditions. in the tenement houses These trades in
cor sets mi ch!dren's clothing from hats to shoes
the making OF artificial flowers and boxes. and the
finishing garments. Working from 2 D. m
until midnight. a family can sometimes make
much as So week at some OF these crafts. but
woman; working almost continuously, can earn
thousand TO sixty thousand licenses taken out FOR
this home work. It is impossible TO inspect regu-
prohibit homework aItogether.' ''''' - ~
Where these garments sold7" asked Miss
''Fverywhere-by all firms" DR.. Daniel replied.
here who could be sure that he or she was not
wearing clothes made under these conditioner
asked Mrs. Florence Kelly. OF tho Consumers
League.
that wearing something made under
these conditions. Dr. Daniel replied