The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-07-29

was passed by the city Council, to meet
death by Il veto, and feeling the great
or need now for similar legislation, the
women, particularly the mothers are
laboring faithfully to bring about the
desired reform.
Women Steadily nj Work.
For months the women have been
moving quietly. They have secured
copies OF the law in effect in Il num-
Der Of cities and from Roanoke and
Newport News, especially Newport
News, they have been informed that
it is OF the utmost value morally and
otherwise. Even In Manchester the
curfew hour sends the romping
throngs homeward, and although Rich
mond is city of created population,
1t is predicted that the ordinance can
be enforced properly and vigorously.
Tho Council, in its wisdom, may see fit
to change tho hours agreed upon by
the women, and at the present time
there is no fixed minute for the streets
to be vacated In summer months
the schedule will give the children
longer hours in which to play, but
in the other months, when darkness
comes earlier, they must Quit the thor
oughfares when ordered or else take
chances with the "unrelenting" Crutch-
field.
Whether the age of those affected
by the law shall be fifteen or six
teen Is yet to be determined. Sew
eral women, interested in the move
ment, declined yesterday to specify,
and though admitting that they would
ask the Council to pass the ordinance
in question:, declined to discuss the
various terms Of what they propose.
Girls and boys who work will not
o1oe, Il ~ tn {I,.>
courts. They will be permitted to go
their way rejoicing, but In all cur
few towns ther- Is no mercy for
youngsters caught in the act of de-
ceit. White and colored children will
fare alike. When held UP by the Of
tcers. those guilty of violation will
be ordered to appear next day In Po-
lice Court, where they may be fined
81 or 50, as may be agreed upon In
come upder the provisions Of the law
should have the same fear Of jus
ttice Crutchfield as he cvildoers gen
orally, the curfew would be n great
success, for few fancy the idea of
taking chances withSa man who sends
them up quickly and without ex-
change Of pleasantries.
Not only the children. but the par
ents and guardians, will be liable to
plOSGCul lOIlrsl OF 51dlluEe TO ODcy, II IHc
ordinance is fashioned after the man
ner OF those adopted elsewhere. It
Will be msdemeanor for them to
permit their offspring to ramblc after
hours, and they may be hailed to court
and fined. Most cities which enforce
It have what 10 popularity called a
standard CurfeW, which regulates
ages and hours. and specifies the
months of the changeable feast-so-
called. Generally, the summer regu-
lations are from March 18th to April
LIST, to September LIST, or tllereabout,
during which time the streets may be-
free until g. 9:30 or TO- o'clock in the
evening. In other months tho hour
for turning in is 8 or $3.50 O'Clock
IL believe that5this law will be pop
ular In Richmond,," said a woman yes.
terday who will help to make it so.
TT Is not radical or fanatical
move Some years ago it was passed
by Council and vetoed, but we have
hope of better success In this direction
now 1t is not intended as a hard
ship on the children, and of course
every violator cannot be apprehend-
ed. but a great many can, and with
public sentiment behind It, there will
be easy sailing. These roaming bands
of whites and blacks are not only an
moving to the people, but when left to
their own free. swil they take UP evil
ways which land not a few in prison
later on. This5ls strictly q work of
tho women OF Richmond, supported by
the ministers and tho best element
and we shall appeal to Council for
speedy enactment of the desired laws.
We expect to have the ordinance in
troduced very shortly"
L D = y, rl!H =.