The Washington times., 1911-01-23

That moving picture shows, whatever
their intrinsic merits or demerits. and
roller skating have been two prime
factors in bringing about an alarming
condition of so many children being
abroad on the streets at night, was the
statement made today by A. T. Stuart,
Superintendent of Public Schools.
Whether this evil is worse in our
city than in others I am not prepared
TO say" said the superintendent, but II
is apparent that IL is a menace to the
children Of Washington and It is time
some steps were being taken to pre-
vent it."
With this comment Mr.. Stuart made
the first announcement today of an anti
vice crusade to be begun by school Of
ficials.
Will Probe Charges.
Charges OF cigarette smoking and
drinking among high school boys during
luncheon hours will be investigated at
a special meeting of high school prin-
cipals to Nbe called by Superintendent
Stuart within a few days.
The superintendent also said the
school officials were interested deeply
in the campaign now being conducted
b. the Curfew Club looking to the cor
rection of the practice of young child
rem running the streets until a late
hour.
He said, however, that he was not yet
convinced that a curfew law was the
wisest method nf preventing this prac-
tice.
The first step to be taken by the
school officials in fighting this abuse Is
the gaining of the cooperation CT par
ents. This will be done through the
home, and school, and the parents So
cieties already organized in conjunction
with a number of the schools.
Stuart's Views.
In speaking of the high school situa-
ton Mr.. Stuart said:
principals of high schools are in
structed at all time to be on the look
cut for infractions against the rules
smoking or drinking OF IN
toxicating liquors.
"Of course. there is time when the
school systems duties must end, and
those of the parents begin. We are
Trying 10 AROUSE pare 10 HkBneE
regard for their responsibility through
the home and school societies and by
d general awakening of public senti-
ment."
When the principals meet they will be
to have reports on the exact
conditions of affairs in regard to the
charges that smoking and drinking are
prevalent at noon hours.
Il want to impress the principals
7g gain with their duty to guard against
these evils, and 1t is believed the matter
can then be left in their hands,
P. NJ. Hughes, assistant superintend-
ent of schools, who has direct charge of
the high schools today, said he had left
he matter wholly to principals, because
n his experience as a principal he had
'ound that the man in that position was
pest fitted to deal with the problem.
Treatment of Boys.
1T is not our wish" Mr.. Hughes
aid, ito police the boys or to place
hem under excessive restrictions. I
IN in favor of giving them as much
liberty as is wise and placing them
m their own honor to abide by the
ules of the school and of the COM
nunity.
"Of course when charge Is
,rought to a faculty's attention that
his liberty Is being abused then 1t is
ime for the principals to do some in
'estigating on their own account.
This 1 have no doubt they will do"
Mr.. Hughes also said he was willing
o go ton record as an advocate of a |
urfew law.
1T is a distressing sight to see chill