Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-02-16
President Sends Special Message
to Congress in This Behalf.
PROTECT DEPENDENT YOUNG ONES
Also Transmits Conclusions Of Recent
Conference On subjeet-says II
, Given Full Effect Existing Methods
Would be Greatly Improved.
(By Associated Press.)


WASHINGTON, Feb. 15.-Legisla-
lation, which. it is believed If enacted
into law, will make an important
epoch in the future well-being OF the
dependent children OF the nation. Is
recommended In a special message by
President Roosevelt 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
President recommendation Tor the
establishment of Federal childrens
bureau; the enactment OF such legis-
latiOn as will bring the laws and
practices in regard to the care OF de-
pendent children in all federal terri
tory into harmony and certain legis-
latiOn In behalf of dependent chill
dren in the District of Columbia. The
President believes that such legisla-
lation is important not only for the
welfare OF the children Immediately
concerned, but important "as setting
an example Of a high standard OF
child protection by the National Gov
eminent 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 or the
conclusions. together with the full text
of the proceedings of the recent con-
ferences here on the care of dependent
children in accordance with the re-
quest of that organization. Declaring
that their conclusions constitute u
wise. constructive. and progressive
programme of child-caring work. the
President says that II given full ell
feet by the proper agencies, existing
methods and practices in almost every
community would be profoundly ana
advantageously modified"
Statistics showing the large number
of dependent children in the country
are presented by Mr.. Roosevelt
Each of these children represents
either a potential addition to the pro
ductive capacity and the enlightened
citizenship of the nation, says the
president. "or. II allowed to suffer
from neglect. potential addition to-
the destructive forces of the commune
IT,. The ranks of criminals and other
enemies Of society are recruited In an
altogether undue proportion from chill,
dren bereft Of their natural homes and
left without sufficient care. The in
terests OF the nation are involved In
the welfare Of this army Of children
no less than in our great material al
fairs"
In urging a children's bureau. one
Of whose duties will be to investigate
report upon all matters pertaining
to the welfare of children and Chad
lite, the president points out that
the National government is the only
agency which can effectively conduct
such general inquiries as are needed
for the benefit of all our citizens.
1T is not only discreditable to us
as a people that there is now no
recognized and authoritative source
of information upon these subjects re-
lating to child life" declares the pres'-
dent. but in the absence of such in
formation as should t.e supplied by
the federal government many abuses
have gone unchecked: for public SEN
timent, with its great corrective pow
er. can only be aroused by full kno~l-
edge Of the facts" He adds that
there are few things more vital TO
the welfare Of the nation than &C
curate and dependable knowledge OF
the best methods of dealing with chill
dren. particularly those handicapped
by misfortune.
The president makes strong plea
for keeping the family intact and de-
clares that poverty alone should not
disrupt the home.