New-York tribune., 1909-02-16

CnIICTen
| only by this conference but by large number
of national organizations that are disnterestedly
working for the welfare of children. and also
! by philanthropic, educational and religious
BODIES in all parts OF the country.
I further urge that such legislation be enacted
as may be necessary in order TO bring the laws
and practices regard to the care OF dependent
children IN all federal territory into harmony
with the other conclusions reached by the con-
ference.
LEGISLATION FOR THE DISTRICT.
Congress took step in the direction Of the
conclusions of this conference in 1893. when, on
the recommendation of the late Amos G. War
ner, then Superintendent of Charities for the
District Of Columbia, the board Of children s
guardians was created, with authority among
otheF things, TO place children IN fanly hoHleS'
That board has made commendable progress.
and it's work should be strengthened and ex-
tended.
recommend legislation for the District of
Columbia in accordance with the fifth. sixth.
seventh and eighth sections of the conclusions
Of the conference, as follows:
F1rst-That the approval of the board Of chari-
| ties be required for the incorporation Of all
child d-caring agencies, we'll amendments
Of the charter of any benevolent corporation
which includes child caring work. and that other
than duly incorporated agencies be forbidden TO
engage in the care of needy children This
legislation is needed in order 10 insure the ft-
ness and responsibility of those who propose to
undertake the care of helpless children Such
laws have long teen in satisfactory operation in
several Of the larger states of the Union
SecOnd-That the board of charities, through
its duly authorized agents, shall inspect the
work Of all agencies which care for dependent
children, whether by institutional by home
finding methods. and whether supported by pub
lie or private funds. The state has always jeal-
ously guarded the interests of children whose
parents have been able to leave them property,
by requiring the appointment Of guardian,
under bond. accountable directly to the courts,
even though there be a competent surviving
parent. Surely the interests Of the child who
is not only an orphan but penniless ought to be
no less sacred than those Of the more fortunate
orphan who inherits property. II the protection
of the government is necessary I'm the one case
it is even more necessary in the other. II we
to require that only Incorporated inStitu-
tions shall be allowed to engage in this respon-
sible work It is necessary to provide for public
inspection. lest the state should become the
conscious partner of these who either from IgnO
rance or inefficiency are unsuited to deal with
the problem.
Third-That the education OF children in
phan asylums and other similar institutions in
the District OF Columbia be under the super
vision OF the Board of Education. in order that
these children may enjoy educational advan-
tages equal to those of the other children. Nor
NAL school life comes next TO normal home life
IN the process of securing the fullest develop
ment OF the child.
Fourth-That all agencies engaged IN child
caring work in the District OF Columbia be re-
quired by law TO adopt adequate methods Of
investigation and make permanent records rela-
tive to children under their care, and TO exercise
faithful personal supervision over their wards
until legally adopted or otherwise clearly be-
yond the need of further supervision; the forms
and methods of such investigation, records and
supervision to be prescribed and enforced by
the board Of charities.
deem such legislation as is herein recon-
mended not only important for the welfare OF
the children Immediately concerned, but iHIpor-
tant setting example Of high standard
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 THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
fTa oh