The San Francisco call., 1904-04-11


Of its people does a country take rank
in the assembly OF nations. Therefore
It is that governments have seen ft to
enact compulsory education" laws
and among them, rather tardfly, how
ever, has the State OF California framed
laws upon the subject. In 1874 the
state passed the first compulsory edu-
cauonal measure, but II lay practically
Inert upon the statute books until a
new law was framed at the last Legisla-
ture-and IL was for the passage OF
this vital measure that the women's s
clubs OF this and other cities labored
early and late-even sending delega-
tons to Sacramento TO further the in
terests OF the bin.
But having a law on the books and
enforcing that law are two widely di-
being violated daily ia San Francisco
is well-known fact 20 any observer
that is, ~ he Is searching for the truth
and really wants 20 find IL.
Girls and boys under IA are occupied
In various stores about town in vari-
Gus capacities, mostly as cash bearers,
and are thus deprived Of the benefits
OF the public schools. Don't they go
10 night school?" No, good friend. The
night school can't receive pupils under
l4-according TO the charter-and there
you are.
In order to have definite information
upon the number Of children not per
mitted TO receive their natural rights.
the city was divided into districts for
investigation, the South Park Settle
ment accepting the district in which it
is located-the territory confined be-
tween Harrison and Channel streets,
Fourth and the water front.
on Saturday at the annual meeting
Of the philanthropic body the results OF
the investigation were given out.
Miss Lucille Eaves, a university wo-
man with special training for settle
ment work, rendered the report and
with the accuracy typical Of the train
eo mind, rendered a succinct account
OF the work
In the district mentioned il was
found that 49, children between the
ages Of five and seventeen were not
attending any school. public or pri-
vate- ] have not at hand the num-
Der Of these children that are at work
but no doubt a goodly proportion will
be found 10 be wage learners. while the
larger number, alasi belongs to the
trUant" class-"truant," sometimes
with the parents knowledge. If not
consent. And il is this class with which
The Board Of Education has to do
Uith which the truant officers have TO
60. and ii is from this idle class that
criminals are recruited. II you doubt
H. examine the Old school register
whore the present day criminals We're.
In their bOyhOOd. nominal pupils. TIE
principals Of the city schools can throw
Euch light on the early careers OF
many OF them.
TO be sure. many an exemplary citi-
zen-an6 his father before him-played
hockey when fishing was good or a
circus IN town. But that class Of lads
Is. Of course. not included in he 'tru-
ants here discussed.
Now. what remains TO be done with
those 432 children-and their cOmpa
triots al over the city-that are denied
The rights that the Government has
guaranteed 70 them2 Here is the prob
lem that transcends any other before
the state TODAY.
Educate our youth. by force, il we
must bat educate therl. But how can
we get at them2 Here is the problem.
The Forum Club presents a9 inter
esting programme for the remaining
days in April
on Wednesday next Miss Agnes G.
Murphy Of London, a clever and witty
exponent of club life in the English
capital, win talk informally upon club
matters. Vocal numbers will be given
by Mrs. Cora Hall, Emilyn Lewis ac-
companying.
On the following day Mrs. J. r.
Hanify viii direct the programme,
which viii be along the lines Of Irish
VII ana nurlOf.
on the following Wednesday the
election occurs when Mrs. Henry
Payot the president who has guided
the club through two years Of splen-
did success. viii retire. But il is
doubtful if her retirement from Office
which, by the way. was by her
earnest reQuest-will diminish her in
terest in her club, or the club in her.
Their affection is mutual. / might
venture TO add that Mr.. Payot is held
very close in the affection of the club,
end for good reasOn-since he has
taken the members over the whole
civilized world with him-on canvas.
And his talks have always been rare
JOY.
The club viii give its annual break
fast on Saturday, April 80.
The Contemporary Club. Mrs. Ber-
tha Brosiuss. president, viii hold its
regular meeting to-day at D. m at
its clubrooms. 223 Sutter street.
A programme Of much interest viii
be presented.
Herewith is the programme for the
month Of the Pacific Coast Women's
Press Association:
To-day-Meeting Of executive board. 30
=. m; business. > 80 p m; discussion Of pro-
posed magazine 10 be edited by p. c. W. P. A.
sketches by magazine editors
Monday, April 25-Socisl meeting; magazine
DAY. progra mne TO be furnished by members OF
the Press Association
A great scheme is afoot in the p. c.
w p. A. II purposes putting a new
magazine in the field. Now, that's
p mighty brave suggestion for a band
of women. But women are running
banks. railroads. newspapers, and why
not a magazine
The matter comes up for discussion
to-day and every member is urged TO
be present.
The newest club in clubdom, the
Cap and Bells. Mrs. Buckingham pres
ident will hold its first regular meet
ing on Wednesday, the 18th inst, at
the home OF Mrs. A. c Freeman, 3O34
Washington street.
It's initial meeting was stunner.
Organization WAS effected, officers
elected. bylaws drawn up and busi
ness launched as completely as IL it