The daily Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1916-1917, 1916-11-28

not so simple as some writer's wouk
have one believe when they give here
1 dity as the one cause, according {,
Miss Schmitt- Poverty is one cause
4 This is generally due to a faulty or
ganization of society, working through
unequal distribution. and manifestinl
itself in low wages. Malnutrition il
also a big cause of the higher grades
of feeble-mindedness. In Chicago the
majority of this class are found In
communities where unskilled workers
congregate The prevalence of vener-
cal diseases shows this to be a cause
but other diseases frequently figure as
causes. Alcoholism Is the cause OF
many cases of feeble-mindedness.
The remedies are easy to see after
finding the causes The prevention of
poverty. vice, alcoholism and such
diseases will automatically cut OF our
supply of feebleminded persons" she
held Special rooms in schools, insti-
tutions for this class. psychologists
who will work out tests for these per-
sons. and registration of cases are
other of her recommendations.
"Feebleminded persons under proper
care are most contented, and we shall
have done a great work if we only
make these persons content" con-
cluded Miss Schmitt.
There is no such thing as a con-
flict Of business interests and the in
terests Of a decent and clean COM
munity," said ]. Lionberger Davis of
St. Louis at last nights meeting of
the State Conference for Social We'll
fare. Mr.. Davis is of the opinion that
a good community is always an aid
to business.
Il am the president of a real es-
tate company with investments of 3d.
100000" continued Mr. Davis, "and
am in a position where l can Judge
prosperity with accuracy. have never
found that evil made prosperity for US
or anyone else"
Mr.. Davis claims that we are in
terested in making laws rather than
in enforcing them He thinks that
administration is the most important
function OF our government I'VE
can not legislate people into being
good citizens he said, land If we are
to accomplish anything We must con-
vert them to our proposition and I
then get them to back u.s." He cited /
several instances in the last election |
as examples of what the people really
can do when they meet an issue.
Says Big Interests Are Opposed.
Mr.. Davis described conditions in !
st. Louis. claiming they are typical Of
The political conditions Of the whole !
Every move for social bet !,
terment in St Louis finds the same (
opponents. who are often the big busi- .
ness representatives and politicians
opposing public welfare for their own |
selfish interests, he said.
I'VE must insist upon placing good !.
men in Offices" said Mr.. Davis, "and :,
after they are in office we must back {
them. We should support good men
and at the same time weed out the !,
bad ones.
"Mr. Bryan's slogan, Let the Peo-
pie Rule is an apt one. The people
ire not ruling now. hope that the
new constitution now being planned
or Missouri, will be such that the
people can rule with it."
New Laws Are Recommended.
Roger n. Baldwin, secretary of the
,ivic League of St. Louis, reported on
he new laws which would be recon-
nended for the support of the confer
nee. The three on which he wishes f:
he organization to center its atten-
ion are: |:
1.-Appointment of county boards of |:
ublic welfare by the state to look :
fter their respective counties, and |:
uvenile courts to handle the cases of |:
hildren.
2.-The selection and the promotion
state employees on a basis of merit |:
ather than Of political influence.
"a state institution to care for
he feeble-minded in an efficient man
er.
Mr.. Baldwin said that the lobbyist s
nployed by the conference had not |:
cen very successful in the Legisia- l5
ire. None Of the movements approy- f.
at last years meeting at Marshall s
as Endorsed by the Legislature. The r.
are better this year, but Is
e Conference expects to have the IS
ost trouble in obtaining the merit l=
stem for state employment, believes Is
r. Baldwin. The lobbying for these |:
NJ