The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-05-09

suppressed in only one way-in ms
play; for they will certainly break
forth in other ways that mean ponce
men, courts, reformatories and penn
tentiaries.
Athletics In the Country.
Mr.. Settles entertaining lecture was
illustrated with stereopticon views
The scenes that he showed represent
ing happy country children engaeins
in various play activities in the bright
sunshine and green fields OF old VIZ
ginia made a strong argument IN "a.
vor of country life. Mr.. Settle statee
that eighty-three children out OF
every 100 in Virginia live in the coun-
try; that these children need to De
taught to play and athletics as much
as the children Of the city. and that
as most Of the children Of Virginia
and the South. his present territory.
live In the country. he is especially
interested in country play ana rec
reation.
He stated that the State of Nir-
ginia was the first State to adopt the
boys and girls badge tests. although
it has been In use for a number OF
years in New York. Chicago and oth-
er leading cities. Any country boy IN
Virginia who can chin a bar Ger"
tain number OF times, jump certain
distance, run a certain distance In a
certain time will be presented by the
State Of Virginia with one of Theses
badges. Girls can also win atnietic
badges. though their tests are for po-
tato racing, balancing and basketoaii
throwing
The Country Athletic and Debating
leagues were described out as being
an. excellent means Of bringing to-
gether all the people OF the country.
of breaking down local prejudice, and
local pride.
In conclusion, Mr.. Settle stated that
he knew OF no State in which rural
recreation had been developed as far.
Irish Author Drawing Card.
Seumas MacManus. of Donegal.
Ireland, proved to be the principal
drawing card in the sectional meet
ing yesterday devoted to 'storytell-
ing" and his audience was SO large
that II was necessary 10 transfer the
meeting to the main auditorium. Tho
author was at his best and gave his
thoroughly appreciate audience
fund of his best stories.
He was followed by Richard T.
wyche, president Of the National
Storytellers' league. with tales from
Uncle Remus"
That recreation centers should be
self-supporting and self-governing.
that q better spirit OF democracy and
patriotism should be fostered, and
that every energy should be bent to-
ward getting hold of the ado1escent
girl. forming clubs of working girls.
teaching them to be self-reliant. self
restraining and to he good citizens.
were among the things which were
emphasized at the general session Of
the recreation congress this morning
at 1880 O'Clock by Miss Laura w.
Plat. president OF the Pennsylvania
Association of Women Workers.
which Is a branch of the National
League of Women Workers.
She was followed by p. A. Conard,
of the National Committee of Physi-
cal Education Of the Republic OF
Uruguay. who told very Interestingly
of the accomplishments of that re-
public in recreation work.
II was announced that Hon. r, r.
Claxson. United States commissioner
of education, had been Unexpectedly
detained >>at Washington and would
not be here In time to address the
meeting.
Evening Recreation Centers-
Amateur clog dancers. orchestras.
bands and Indian club swingers ara
encouraged to give performances in
the recreation centers in the public
schools OF Youngstown. Ohio accord
ing to John Fl. Chase, superintendent
Of the Playground association OF
Youngstown, Ohio. who spoke at the
morning session yesterday, He gave
practical suggestions on how TO se-
cure larger attendance at evening
recreation centers. Social workers
from all over the world were present.
Local talent" In used in the
Youngstown centers Moving pic
lures are shown. Prominent zen
are asked TO give short talks. A
varied program, including several or
all OF these features, Mr.. Chase be-
lieves to be more effective than any
other sort Of entertainment.
Juvenile courts and REFORM
schools may do their best to repair
the damage after 1t IL done. hut in
Lexington we think broken vase.
however. well mended. is never as
good as new one"
According to Mrs. Desha Brecken-
ridge. who spoke on Evening Recre-
alton Centers'' at one Of the sectional
meetings yesterday. the recreation
congress-, this In the theory upon
which a school recreation center has
been built up in Lexington. Ky.
From fact brought out in the Jus
venile Court and the Reform school
we were compelled to see the need
for wholesome recreation as pre-
ventive Of crime. We have now quite
changed the records In both the Re-
form school and the Juvenile court.
In the section Of the city that pro-
duced the greatest number OF de-
Iinquent children. new school has
been built that provides not only
place to teac.. the three RS but has
a Kitchen. carpenter-shop, a laundry,
a gymnasium. a place for shower
baths, swimming pool and an audi
forum. The building cost $4,000. 90:
scribed."