The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-30
ARMY OF kIDDIES
Enlist 20, 900, 900 Children in
United States to Aid in Relief.
Purpose to Stop Suffering in
This and Other Countries.

New York, Jan. 30.-The enlistment
OF the 100000 children of the
United States in an army of helpful
ness to relieve suffering both in this
country and Europe Is the purpose OF
a movement which is announced mere
by committee of educators OF ma
tion-wide reputation. 1t includes
Charles ". Eliot. president emeritus
of Harvard university: David Starr
Jordan. president of the National
Education association. and Richard
McLaurin, president of the Massachu-
setts Institute of Technology
It is the belief of those interested
in the plan that evil Influences in the
schools of the United States are aris-
ing, hatred ind murder. are moiding
the liv OF Americas 100000 chill
dren," says an announcement OF the
committees plans, (which tend to
crush out truth, justice and love. AS
a nation we are evading our response
bilities in not seriously attempting to
counterfeit these evil influences
I'm many of our schools we even
forbid all discussion of the war. We
cannot, however. hide this war from
our children nor keep its destructive
influences from their lives.
With a nationwide relief move
ment of our children we can turn their
helpful life-giving and build on the
terrible need the strongest. most help
full race of men and women the world
has ever known.
The school children are organized
and can begin Immediately on relief
work. They can raise at least 81, 000.-
900 without burden on any as the funds
will be raised in small sumsHthe peo-
pies gift through their children They
can make millions of needed articles
OF clothing and other things. Work
ing shoulder to shoulder to offset the
influences Of organized murderOus
warfare they will feel the Quickening
helpful impulse of their great life-giv
ing organization-am mighty impulse in
their lives and a great example to the
world. They will do more to estab-
lish international peace and good will
based on kindly acts than years Of di
plomacy and peace conferences"
The plan announced is that each
child earn or make what he gives. or
give what he has, that he may feel he
has worked or sacrificed to help. The
fund is to be known as the "Children
of Americas Fund" which boards of
education. superintendents. teachers
and others are urged to address at
Oak Hill, Newton Center, Mass, for
working details.
One-half the fund is to be used to
reneve local Suher1ng ana will be dis
tributed through home charities as
far as possible. The other half will
be distributed to the sufferers in Eu-
rope by the national committee. Ar
engagements have been made for the
free transportation to Belgium Of all
gifts Of non-perishable food or new
clothing weighing 20 pounds or more.
1t is announced that the plans for
carrying out the movement have been
based on suggestions received from
over 5000 practical educators. They
call for free use Of the public school
buildings for entertainments to raise
funds; the cooperation OF teachers in
getting the children to earn small
sums out of school hours; the manu-
facture of useful gifts by boys in
manual training classes: and one day
a week devoted by all girls in sewing
as part Of their school work.