The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-04-20
Prizes Offered To Children.


on the subject of thrift, the society mas
offered number OF prizes for the best
cssays. submitted by the boys and girls
OF tie public schools about people who
nave succeeded III thrift, either by
means Of garden or the start which a
garden gave Millions of young people
onIErC'l he contest.
Simon ". Straus. d prominent bank
er of New York and Chicago, who Is
resident of the American Thrift Sc
Ciety, has raised the question as to
Why the public's investment of bill
ion or two dollars in grounds, build
ngs and equipment for school purposes
should lie idle for quarter of the year
The cities, he contends, supply little
or no opportunity for the employment
~ children in wholesome, useful ways
during the summer months. Conse-
uuently, he adds, the boys and girls
are exposed through their life in the
streets TO bad influences and form bad
habits.
Mr.. Strauss declares that crime. di-
vorce and suicide are on the increase
in this country. The rising generation,
he says. is eXtravagant in the eXpend-
iture OF money, ann destructive OF
property These facts he attributes to
failure on the part of the instructors
Of youth TO drive home habits of
thrift and industry.
This spring in scores of towns and
cities throughout the country, the hoe,
rake and trowel are crowding out to
dcgree the books, pads and pencils as
educational agencies. These lessons in
The public schools lend a new interest
and dignity to the prosaic picks and
shovels. They are dispelling that spirit
Of false pride found in many native
horn American children. but more par
tcularly among the offspring of peoples
from the rural communities of Europe.
By adding A new charm TO the homely
tools OF agriculture.
Gardens Teach Thrift.
For years gardening has fiourished in
many schools. but it was introduced
most frequently for its esthetic and ed
Rational value. Mr.. Straus was the
first sociologist to propose that ii he
taught from a thrift standpoint.
Pititully little is being done even
now. according to the society, to teach
thrift and its rudiments in the schools
Of the United States. Nothing. it is
declared, is greater stimulus of thrift
among children than lessons in the
Utilization of flowers and foodstuffs.
Thrift knowledge. the fosterers Of the
movement maintain. is a safeguard
against extravaganza and the allure
rnonts of speculation.
The society advocates and is encour-
@sing the establishment in every city
and town of the country a local thrift
project. The society would aid in in
struction and help inaugurate school
savings funds.
The American Society for Thrift has
headouarters IN Chicago and on the ad-
NlsoTN council serve governors of fifteen
states with representatives of big bust
ress organizations and bodies which
Iepresent separate phases OF thrift.
This society has pointed TO stupendous
sums which can be made and saved
with the hoe
Notable Men Aid Work.
At the head of this American SocIely
for Thrift is Simon W Straus, whose
Early practice Of thrift was encouraged
ny his father doubling the first 500 he
saved as a reward for the many self
Genials it required. In the work for the
society. President Stratus has surround
60 himself with prominent Chicagoans,
whose careers typify the purpose OF the
organization.
On the board Of directors are Mrs.
Grace Wilbur Trout, president of tie
illinois Equal Suffrage Association. un-
der whose leadership the ballot was
ought for and won; Mrs Celia Parker
WOoley, of Frederick Douglas Center.
known the country over for her work
N behalf Of the colored race; Lyman T..
Cooley, the engineer: Henry knsey
Brown. OF Valparaiso University. where
the cost of living has gone down until
now students obtain for $40 week
hoard that would cost four times as
much at other Institutions: ". =.
Sloane. auditor OF the Inland Steel Com
pany, and Charles L. Piper. chairman
Of the legislative committee OF the Fra
iernal Insurance Societies of this ccun-
try.
On the advisory council are progress
slve, representative men and women
from all over the country. as far North
Alaska as far East rs Massa chu-
setts, prominent in business and edUCa-
iiOnal circles. including United States
Commissioner p. P. CiaXton. of the Ru-
reau Of Education, Congressman French
OF Idaho. Governor Lee Cruce OF Okla
homa, Governor Ferris Of Michigan,
Governor Haines of Idaho. Governor
Hatfield of West Virginia. Governor
Lister OF Washington. Governor Nc
Donald of New Mexico. Governor Miller
OF Delaware, Governor Hunt of Arizona,
Governor Spry of Utah. Governor
ftrong of Alaska, Governor Walsh of
massachusetts, State Superintendent OF
!'ublic Instruction Miller. of Ohio: State
EuDerintendent of Public instruction
Edward Hyatt of California: President
Toward, of the University Of Southern
'siifornia: Prof. Metcalf. of TUFTS Col
iese. Massachusetts: President Burton,
"f Smith College. Northampton. Mass:
VI. 3. Hayden, superintendent OF
schools. Rock Island. H.; w. l.. Ames,
president Of the Farmers National pm
rress; Miss Alice ii. Grady, finas S,ial
ance League; III. r. Brate, secretary
Cao I,n.ina finn. Ar