The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-03-11
new SCHOOL FOR
E.RRlNG GIRLS
NEED OF SEPARATE INsTITU-
TIONs EMPHASIZED.
"A Conference Held at the Y. w. G. A..
at Which Conditions Are Described
by Ladies' Who Have Made a Per.
sonal Observation-Disclosures Cam
paign On.

A conference of the Friendly Visit
ors Of the Associated Charities to dis
cuss an Industrial training school for
delinquent girls. held yesterday at the
Y. w. c. A. building, brought together
representa- tiyes of many Of the char
ties and philanthropies Of the city,
men and women who have first-hand
knowledge Of the needs Of delinquent
girls.
The meeting was presided over by
MRS. H. A. Towne, president Of the
Friendly Visitors and a member of
the Minnesota Federation special COM
mlttee to which has been Entrusted
the guidance of an active and ear
nest campaign to. secure the desired
training school. The meeting yester-
day was a part Of the committees
campaign of agitation, which will be
carried on until the matter is acted
upon by the legislature next year.
Mrs. r. r. Dorr, chairman Of the
federation committee, told Of the steps
that have been taken in the matter.
She announced that it was the pur-
pose Of the committee to seek for an
entire separation of the new institu-
ton In some rural community, which
will permit its isolation so far as pos
sible. The federation announces a
policy Of mo compromise" and pre-
fers that its plan would fail for the
present, to having the new school es-
tablished near Red Wing and seDa-
rated from the boys school by only
few miles. In the question of loca-
ton, the federation and the others
who are working for the school have
no concern, and they will give 1t no
that affords isolation and the other re-
quirements felt to be essential to the
establishment Of a model school will
be satisfactory.
Mrs. Dorr reported that the plan
was warmly favored by the board Of
control and by Superintendent Whit
tier of the training school.
Mrs. G. G. .Higbee Of the committee,
who is close student of the general
problem Of dealing with delinquent
girls and of the situation and methods
Of the present school gave the reasons
sidered fundamental to the plan. The
liberty Of the girls Is restricted by the
necessity Of guarding against their
coming in contact with the boys. the
utmost vigilance does not prevent Sc
cret communication and the forma-
ton Of dangerous acquaintancees that
follow the girls In their after lives and
the proximity of the boys keeps alive
deleterious sexual excitement.
Mrs. F. S. Allen, president of the
Minnesota federation. spoke of the
practical value Of such school as
preventive Oh CRIME ana
and urged it as wise investment that
will bring about a saving of public
money, time and strength, and the
lives Of the girls who shall be sent to
the school. H.
FROM his experience with state in:
stitutions, Secretary J. F. jackson Of
the Associated Charities, assured the
women that it was unQuest1onably the
cheapest plan for dealing with delin-
quent girls and will yield the best re-
suits. He attributed to Minneapolis
much responsibility for the present
plan of the mixed school and thought
the present movement a good oppor-
tunity for the city to prove it's intelli-
gence in philanthropic matters and it's
| religious spirit by supporting strongly
so righteous a movement.
| The discussion by Judge Pierce, Mrs.
A. w. Rankin and others, showed a
unanimous opinion in favor of COM
plete separation Of the schools. The
| point was clearly made that there is
| no criticism of the management; on
the contrary it was stated that: it was
making the best Of inadequate means
and difficult conditions. .-
! An informal reception followed the
| program, during which those present
greeted Mrs. Allen, the guest of honor.
| Chocolate and waters were served
from a table adorned with red tulips.
! Petitions were distributed to those
present. These are to be widely circu-
| lated before the meeting of the legis-
lature. ~, - $685.. -. --S ~