Evening star., 1904-04-28
FOR JUVENILE COURT
Favored by Florence Critten-
ton Mission.
PREPARING RESOLUTION
ANIMATED DISCUSSIONS AT To-
DAYS sEssIoNs.
Education and Development Of Chill
dren-Mapping Out Work for
st. Louis Exposition


relating to adultery. illegitimacy and Sc
duction was under discussion at the seS-
sion this morning of the twenty first annual
conference Of the National Florence Crit
tenton Mission. in progress in this city at
the Wesley M. e. Church. Mrs Ellen
Spencer Mussey Of this city delivered an
address on the subject, which was the be-
ginning of the discussion. Mrs Kate Wal
ler Barrett vice president and superin-
tendent of the Florence Crittenton Missions
all over the world, said in the course Of the
discussion that she had found the courts of
the District Of Columbia the best in the
country for securing the conviction Of men
charged with criminal seduction, as well as
the best in their courteous and humanita-
rian way Of treating those unfortunately
involved in such cases. She cited instances
to prove her assertion.
Lawrence Greenwood, delegate to the
conference, asked whether Mrs. Barrett had
found any great difference in the facility
with which conviction for this sort Of crime
is secured in the various geographical sec
tions of this country. Mrs. Barrett replied
that In New Jersey and Pennsylvania young
girls were well protected by the laws. but
that in the south 1t was almost impossible
to secure conviction under the law.
But the girls of the south are well pro-
tected by the men, she said. Usually II
a man wrongs girl, especially II she be
one Of the better classes. he has his choice
Of marrying her at the point of a gun or
being shot down by her relatives or friends.
1t Is easy in the south to make a man
marry girl he has wronged."
Other delegates stated that the general
difficulty experienced in these cases was In
securing evidence.
Favor Juvenile Courts.
During the discussion 1t was brought out
that the members Of the conference were
heartily in favor Of Juvenile courts. Mrs.
Barrett announced that the resolution COM
mittee was preparing resolution favoring
in strong terms the establishment Of such
"a court in the District of Columbia.
Later some attention was given to the
question of education and development OF
children. so as to avoid the necessity OF
reformation when they are older. report,
very favorable in nature. was read from
the Children's Home. Alexandria, Va,
which Is engaged in this work.
The National Florence Crittenton Mission.
1t was said. Is preparing to carry on
thorough and systematic campaign In st.
Louis during the fair Mrs. Barrett told a
reporter for The Star this afternoon that
the cooperation Of the exposition author
tiles would be sought, and that Mr.. Critten-
ton is planning to take special car to the
city to serve as the headquarters Of the
men workers. and also intends to establish
temporary home in the outskirts of the
city where the women workers may stay.
There will be some one on the exposition
grounds all the time looking out, 1t Is said
for a chance to help girls in trouble Much
attention will also be paid to alleged efforts
to bring girls into st. Louis for immoral
purposes during the fair. and the mission
workers will make the greatest endeavors
to afford protection to those who desire it
and to aid any who have already gotten in
trouble.