The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-24
NEGRO WOMEN WORKING FOR
 BE77ERD1ENT OTHER RACE

they were given care and homes such IS they had never known in Watermelon alley or Pigeon Boost. They were com pelled, however, to earn their board hy assisting the farmer, and to remain for the allotted time.
 With but few exceptions these proba- toners were delighted with their new environment, the three square meals d day, and the opportunity to do something and learn something.
 Since that beginning in 1904 the work has gone quietly and steadily on. It is no longer an experiment To further it, q juvenile court bill was passed by the last legislature, making it unlawful in Alabama to put child under fl years of age into a common jail detention ward must be provided by each muni- cipality, and youthful offenders must be tried in separate sessions from older criminals. Probation officers, male and female; may be appointed by the judge to look after the little law-breakers, U visit their homes, investigate conditions, and even bring negligent parents before the court for admonition, or punishment. Such, very briefly, is the new state law for which Judge Feagin stands as spon- scr The womens clubs in federation urged the measure and they are now working for it's enforcement,
 The negro women of the better class are also enthusiastic for it, and in the past year they have raised 5000 Ca largs sum to them) with which they purchased 25 acres of land near Montgomery. Upon this they have built sIx-roomed cottage which now serves as a home for IS little negroes sent there since August 1 by Judge Feagin.
 The superintendent chosen for this small industrial school is w. B. Tyrrell, IL negro of unusual ability and peculiar history After being educated in tho schools of his native state, Virginia, he was sent by priest to classical school in England to be trained for Catholic priesthood. He was seven years in Eng land, then was graduated from the Bonn university In Germany with the degree of B. A, and went to Abyssnia as mis- sionary to his own people.
 Failing health compelled him to return to this country two years later. He has taken up the work for colored boys with great zeal, feeling that here is his best opportunity to help his race, instead of in the wilds of Africa with its long her itage of savagery and Mohammedan su- perstition.
 His idea Is to turn the negro child into u farmer, to develop love for nature, and to teach scientific agriculture and to keep him away from the city. Such excellent work has been done already in the small industrial school that Judge Feagin is confident that the state will soon extend a helping and protecting hand.
 Feeling the need Of assistance here ,n Birmingham and hoping to create a sen- timent for reform among the negroes themselves, the judge has also organized posed of thirty negro women, one from each of the thirty churches in the town. appointed by their pastors.
 Each woman has her district; they hold yate office and make written reports of the conduct of the boys committed to their charge. They act from purely phil anthropic motives, as no pay goes with the office, but they are taking interest in their duties, seeing to 1t that their probationers here in town are either at school or at work, aiding them in every way to become honest and industrious.''