The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-02-15
PLEADS FOR TOTS
President ROOSeVeltTransmits a
Message to Congress
With the Proceedings of a Re-
cent Conference.
A CHILDREN'S BUREAU
In the Interest of Dependent
Glass Recommended
And Helpful Legislation Cover.
ing All Federal Territory.

Washington, Feb. 15.-Legislation
which, it is believed if enacted into law.
will make an important epoch in the fu-
ture well-being of the dependent chill
dren of the nation, is recommended in
q. special message by President Roose-
Welt sent to congress today in which
he makes a strong plea in the interest
of children coming within this class.
OF particular Importance is the pres
ident's recommendation for the estab-
lishment of federal children's bureau;
the enactment of such legislation as
will bring the laws and practices in
regard to the care of respondent chill
dren in all federal territory into har-
mony and certain legislation in behalf
of dependent children in the District
of Columbia. The president believes
that such legislation is important not
only for the welfare of the children i'm
= FqnediateIy concerned, but important
''as setting an example of a high stand
ard of child protection by the national
government to the several states of the
Union. which should be able to look
to the nation for leadership in such
matters
Wise Conclusions.
The president also transmits with his
message to congress a copy of the con-
cluSionS, together with the full text or
the proceedings of the recent confer
ences here on the care of dependent
children, in accordance with the re
quest of that organization. Declaring
that their conclusions constitute
wise, constructive, and progressive
programme of child-caring work., the
president says that if given full effect
by the proper agencies. existing meth
DDS and practices in almost every com
munity would be profoundly and ad-
vantageously modified
statistics showing the large number
11,f h. 7f1rX-
are presented by Mr.. Roosevelt. Each
of these children represents either
potential addition to the productive
capacity and the enlightened citizen
ship of the nation says the president,
"or, if allowed to suffer from neglect.
potential addition to the destructive
forces of the community. The ranks
of criminals and other enemies of So
ciety are recruited in an altogether
undue proportion from children bereft
of their natural homes and left with
the nation are involved in the welfare
of this army of children no less than
in our great material affairs"
In urging a ehildrens bureau, one
of whose duties will be to investigate
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
general inquiries as are needed for the
benefit of all our citizens"
1t Is DiScreditable.
''It is not only discreditable to US
a people that there is now no recog
nized and authoritative source of in
formation upon these subjects relating
to child life declares the president,
''but in the absence of such informa-
ton as should be supplied by the fed
eraI governmen MT many abuses have
gone unchecked; for public sentiment,
with its great corrective power, can
only be aroused by full knowledge of
the facts" He adds that there are
few things more vital to the welfare
of the nation than accurate and de-
pendable knowledge of the best meth
DDS of dealing with children, particu-
larry those handicapped by misfor-
tune.
The president makes a strong plea
for keeping the family intact and de-
cIares that poverty alone should not
disrupt the home.
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