The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1909-04-09
PLEA FOR the BOYS

should not go; also uiheie"'
have nassed laws, which are absolutely
rioht and proper, prohibiting and re
stricting minors, but has any state
CITY or individual III this section hau
ENOUGH to say as to what boys shouiu
do? 1t is an easy matter TO erillcise
hut should these criticisms be onereu
without suggestions that are sane anu
helpful, as TO how best remedy the
evil? 1t is possible, with a h'tle
thought. to so fill up boys spare
time with good wholesome occupation
Of both mental and physical forces, to
such an extent that the Objectionable
tbirqs will be crowded out. 1t Is
development of the whole, that Is
needed for completion and every ooy'
in fact every individual, needs some
work, some play, and some time ior
study. and if boys had more opportu-
mites for legitimate outdoor sport
LEGISLATION would hardly be needed,
and rs a result there would be in this
community. class of healthier strong
81 and better boys in every way. Inc
stooped shoulders and bent necks are
noticeable among the students, ana
the BOYS need more attention given TO
athletics. This has already been agl-
tated BY those who are most interested
in bows, but a few cannot accomplish
results without the cooperation OF
The community.
We need Fairgrounds for the young
er boys, plots of ground where some
gardening could be done to raise flow
ers and vegetables; an interest might
be aroused by an exhibit of products
of the boys work. A public tennis
ground and golf links would be an
easy means to keep many boys out OF
pool-rooms and even saloons.
The reading rooms at the public
library and Y NJ. C. A. offer the prop
er opportunity for reading and print
ed lists are obtainable as suggestions
in the different kinds of reading.
The Y. NJ. G. A. gymnasium has
and is doing all in its power, but
now that the good outdoor weather is
so near there should be more channels
for healthy outdoor sports. Could
there not be some vacant lot of land
offered where the boys could play ball.
One that would be nearer than the
park which is altogether too great a
distance for boys who reside in some
parts of town.
If the boys sports are guided to
such an extent that they are happy
and contented they will not crave
either tobacco or alcohol nor will they
frequent poOl-rooms if there is any
thing better offered them. 1t is a
true fact that the boys, and in fact
all the children do not have the
correct proportional chances for re-
creation that the older people get,
who have picnics, auto and house par
ties and many social events in which
children are not included and are left
at home to amuse themselves as best
they can.
There are some influential men of
means who are taking an interest in
boys. Parents might adopt the Grim
mer Band" plan with their own boys
only increasing the amount per day
since their demands could not be large
enough for parent to feel the eX-
pense too great when there is, on an
or three al, most. Everyone will admit
that it is the idle moments that lead
to trouble and proper amusement or
employment must be provided for the
children.
To every boy in Iowa who will take
a pledge to use neither tobacco nor
liquor, Samuel Saucerman, a wealthy
Des Moines resident, will give 81, a
cent day for three years and an
other dollar at the end of the three
years.
At the same time he urges the boys
who accept his proposition to save the
niekles and dimes they would other
wise have spent for tobacco and al
coholic drinks and put them with their
account. He has. figured out that if
the boys will do this none will arrive
at the age of 81 years without having
enough to take him through college or
give him a good start in life.
Mr.. Saucerman is reputed to be
worth $l,500,0O0. The new organiza-
ton he is perfecting to help boys is
to be known as "The Trimmer Band"
To demonstrate his earnestness, he
has deposited in the name of "The
Trimmer Band" $4,000, which is draw.
ing interest.
The plan as outlined by Mr. Saucer
man is to take boys from the age
of o to l6 and organize them into
plants or companies of fifty or 100.
He would have these boys hold month
ly meetings, at which they would dis
cuss and be taught economy, finance
and how to earn money, clean living,
and everything in line with industry
and morals.
Each boy on joining the club will re-
ceive 81. The boy must deposit with
his dollar 80 cents to show good faith.
Starting his bank account with $3.50.
each boy will receive one penny a day
Tor three years, and at the end of that.
period he will receive an additional 81 |
This will give them $l2 if they nave