Evening star., 1909-08-29
BENEFIT OF CHILDREN
Money for Fairgrounds and
Camp Good Will.
DONATION OF $500 TO EACH
Dressing Rooms and Bathrooms at
Rosedale Reservation.
DINING ROOM FOR CAMP FOLK
improvements Assured Before Be-
ginning of Next Season-Maj.
Sylvester's Interest Manifested.
DONATION OF $500 TO EACH
DINING ROOM FOR CAMP FOLK

As director OF the Fairgrounds Asso
citation and vice president of the Camp
Good Will project Maj. Richard SSlveS-
ter yesterday set aside $500 to each prof.
ct, the money having been turned over
to him by a friend to be used for the
betterment of the children. 1t is the
opinion of Maj Sylvester that there is
no more worthy charity than the Camp
Good Will project.
1T is certainly a great blessing to the
children who are fortunate enough to get
to Camp Good Will and enjoy an out
ing" Maj. Sylvester said to a Star re-
porter, land visit to the place is all
that is necessary to show what good
work is being done
The Fairgrounds Association. he also
thinks, is worthy Of consideration by per-
sons who have interest In the younger
generation. AS far back as 1898 Maj.
Sylvester discussed the question Of pro-
viding Fairgrounds for children. and since
that time many others have become
deeply interested in the project, and the
children are enjoying the fruits of COM
bined effort
Suggestions Made in '95.
In his report in 1895 Maj. Sylvester
said:
The small boy in all large cities has
long since become not only a subject or
much complaint, but he has frequently
fallen into the hands OF the police, 10
his own disgust and to the annoyance ana
embarrassment of anxious parents. Inc
continued encroachment upon the priVi-
leges formerly enjoyed by him has had
much to do with his early downfall Drlv-
en- from pillar to post, defeated In MS
attempts to play ball on vacant lots or an
the streets, to swim in the river along
the city front. or to participate in any
amusement which occasions exuberation;
described in complaints as unusuai
noise compels him to seek seciusioii.
where he finds more dangerous sport 70
OCCUPY his leisure time.
This condition Of affairs is a forclDie
argument for a playground where ne
may enjoy freedom and open ar. II IS
to be hoped that when 1t is necessary 10
arrest, upon these minor charses' the
urchin who patronizes the street and va
cant lot such arrangements may be pro
ytded at the several station houses that
his Incarceration In cell can be avoloeo
and yet his detention secured untH tne
nenalty of the law is enforced. The con-
eninp Of a small boy in cell for first
offense leaves lasting impression on ms
mind, which may eventually lead TO an
unfortunate career. If the amount esu-
mated for repairs to stations De aPPro-
nriated. rooms of detention may be pro-
vided. and this presentation is submit
ted as further argument In support VI
request for an increased appropriauon
for such purposes
Goes More Into Detail.
The statements contained In the an
nual report of the superintendent OF
police resulted in many phases OF the
question being discussed, and the follow
inr wear he went more into detail, say
ing in his report:
"The many laws and regulations which
affect the occupancy of the streets. and
reservations, the playing OF ball flying
of kites and assemblages, enectually
dampen the pastimes of city children and
vanced youth Boys driven from pillar
to post in seeking spots for recreation
find quiet in the poolroom and cardroom.
working degeneracy which is to be de-
plored.
III is not desirable that children ap-
pretended for minor offenses should be
confined in cells, as the fright and humil-
iation incident thereto only tend 70
harden, if not permanently mar tne
career of the young, perhaps uninten-
tional violator. His hours for nightly
recreation should be limited and his
scope for daylight enjoyment enlarged
public Fairgrounds must. sooner or
later prevail in the several sections OF
the city The proposition, Of Col. Theo-
dore A. Bingham. U. s. A.. superinten-
dent of public buildings and grounds. to
set aside parks for the purpose, deserves
hearty support. But to make such at
tractive there must be establ,sheo the
tennis court. ball field, croauet ground,
bowling alley. swings, ETC., all TO ne
utilized under an active and intelligent
police squad The public bathing beach
Is in line with the proposed estaohsh-
ments From an insignificant beginning
1t has prospered and is now an assured
success. It's policing by member OF
the metropolitan police force is an ex-
penditure in a most laudable direction
Approved by Women's League.
The women's League in 1904 adopted
a resolution and sent copy OF it to the
superintendent of police. 1t recited that
Mai. Richard Sylvester, chief of police
of the District of Columbia. has mani
tested much interest in having public
Fairgrounds set aside for the children Of
Washington. He has worked faithfully
for six years in behalf Of the children.
The Women's League Of Washington.
D. c.. therefore "accords Maj. Richard
Sylvester a rising vote OF thanks.
The 500 given the Piaygrounas 1 Asso-
Ing rooms and bathrooms at the Rose
dale Fairgrounds. while the money
donated to Camp Good VIII is to be set
aside for the construction OF dining
room for the children, the work to be
done before the beginning of next sea-
son.
Mai. Sylvester has received the thanks
of John Joy Edison and Maj. Andrew
Parker for his efforts in this direction,
and he himself hopes that his efforts
NAV be followed by the action Of others
who should feel an interest In this pro-
gressive, health-giving recreation for the
growing youth and children of the Dis
trict of Columbia.
FOR REPAIRS OF VESSELS.