The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-02-16
LAWS FOR CHILDREN
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT SENDS
 MESSAGE TO CONGRESS-.
Makes Strong Plea for Legislation in Behalf ef che Dependent
 Youths of the CoBn-

Washington. February lS--LegisIa- tion, which, 1t is believed # enacted in- to law, will make an important epoch in the future -weil-befng of the depen- dent children of the nation. is recom- mended in a special message by Presi- dent Roosevelt sent to congrss today In which he makes a strong plea in the interest of children coming within this class
 Of particular importance is the Presi- dents recommendation for the estab- lishment of a Federal Chiidren's Bu- reau; the enactment of such legisla- tion as will brng the laws and practi- ces in regard to the care of dependent children in all Federal territory Into harmony and certain legislation in be- half of dependent children in the Dis trict of Columbia. The President be- iieyes that such Iegisiation Is important not only for the welfare of the children immediately concerned, but important "as setting an example of high stan dard of child protection by the Nation al Government to the several states of the Union, which should be able to look to the nation for leadership in such matters.
 The President also transmits with his message to Congress a copy of the conclusions, together with the full text of the proceedings of the recent Con tcTtuCe6 neTe on tuG CdTG VI AoDou- dent Children, in accordance with the request of that organization. Deciar- ing that their conclusions 'constitute a wise, constructive, and progressive programme of child.caring work" the President says that if given full ef- feet by the proper agencies, existing methods and practices in almost every community would be profoundly and advantageously modified"
 Efatfaffee nhnwvfnsz Aha large rsernhar of dependent children In the country are presented by Mfr. Roosevelt. Each of these children represents either 6 po- tential addition to the productive cap acity and the enlightened cftenzenship of the nation, says thePresident. "or. if allowed to suffer from neglect, c po- tential addition to the destructive for ces of the community. The ranks of criminals and other enemies of society are recruited in an altogether undue proportion from children bereft of their natural homes and left without suffi- cient care The interests of the Nation are involved in the welfare Of this army of children no less than in our great material affairs"
 In urging a Children's Bureau. one of whose duties will be to investigate q report upon all matters pertaining to the welfare of children and child life. the President points out that "the Ma tional Government Is the only agency which can effectively conduct such gen. eral inquiries as are needed for the ben- eft of ali our citizens"
 It is not only discreditable to us as a people that there Is now no recog- nised and authoritative source Of in- formation upon these subjects relating to child life" declares the President "but in the absence of such information as should be supplied by the Federal Government many abuses have gone un- checked; for public sentiment, with It's great corrective power. can only be aroused by full knowledge of the facts" He adds that there are few things more vital to tine welfare of the nation than accurate and dependable know ledge of the best methods of dealing with children, particularly those hand icapped by misfortune.
 The President makes q strong plea for keeping the family intact and de- ciares that poverty alone should not disrupt the home,