New-York tribune., 1905-01-20
Mrs. Henry D williams Mrs. Thomas E. Harden
bergh and Miss Ingraham
TO GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE.
DR.. Mndsay's Visit to the West in Interest
of Child Labor.

DR.. Samuel McCune Lindsay. secretary OF the
National Child Labor Committee of which DR..
Felix Adler is chairman. returned yesterday from
a three weeks trip to the leading cities of the
Western States as far Denver. The purpose of
the trip chiefly to confer with those interested
In securing child labor legislation enforcing ex-
isting legislation in the several States visited. A
few public meetings were held. and addresses on
the subject of child labor made by the secre-
tary of the national committee in Chicago. Kansas
City, Denver. Iowa City and Cleveland Important
conferences with members of the legislatures and
others held a Topeka, Kan: Omaha, Neh.
Des Moines. Iowa. and Madison. Wis, in addition
10 the places already mentioned.
DR.. Lindsay reports tnat he found everywhere a
healthy public sentiment crystallizng in favor OF
the child. and a determination the part Of
people OF all political parties for d progressive
movement that Will express itself in concrete legis
latien and III active enforcement of all laws re-
lating 10 the employment of children Abundant
evidence was found of the actual employment of
children OF eleven twelve and thirteen years of age
under the most distressing circumstances in nearly
every community visited.
There was also indication of a desire the
part OF phianthropic ard charitable societies 10
IAce the problem squarey and to devise some means
OF relief where children are made the victims Of
extreme poverty in the family which seems TO de-
mand their sacrifice as a means of temporary re-
4lef' says Dr.. Lindsay "A wiser and more far
seeing form Of relief must devised to meet such
cases
support under adverse circumstances of extreme
poverty q burden of responsibility greater than
Ihe average naturally falls upon the eldest child.
10 put nm al work before he physically able. or
At work tor which ne IS not prepared Is only post
POn4nS tile maj breakdown OF the family. Such a
Cnllu sleeos rather. more protection than the
age cfhIo or tender years and public policy.
comDined Whh wise private philanthropy, will ind
some way or giving child under these crcum-
stances a chance for normal physical development
ana the opportunity TO lay the basis ee-
| nleniary education up to his fourteenth birthday.
Ifs case IS a type most frequently with in all
cojinlIuues, as an instance OF the difficulties OF
enforcing child labor legislation but the prevailing
sentiment everywhere Is becoming Enlightened
| aIq adopting the theory thar the community is
called upon, II necessary to make whatever sacri-
nee Is necessary for the welfare child and Of
| the future.
with a growing sentiment III favor Of child labor
RESTRICTION. the forces in the communities
Eisted are combining for better enforcement Of
! lstng legislation In Kansas, where a child labor
law was defeated at the last session the egis-
| Iature new bill has been introduced with fair
promise of success this year Iowa is planning for
an earnest campaign at the next session Of its
legislature, one year hence. and Ohio is planning
LOr some Strlcter measures and some extension OF
| tne scope OF It's excellent legislation the next
session OF It's legislature. The national committee
! VIII cooperate with all persons in these several
comm lunltes in the preparation and distribution
OF Aterature suited to the special needs Of each
community, and Will endeaVor bring the expert
Snce IN various parts Of the country bear upon
! sach particular problem il arises"