New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-29
Helped by Brace Memorial
to Do Mans Job for
Nation
Daniels Praises Work
"Have Made Remarkable Rec
ord" Says Secretary; Gen.
Eddy Commends Patriotism

The Brace Memorial Newsboys'
House, at IA New Chambers Street, OF
which William Lewis Butcher is super
intendent, has been one of the greatest
aids to local recruiting officers in their
campaigns TO complete the enlistment
quotas of their respective organiza-
tions. Since the beginning Of the
world war $500 youths have joined the
colors through the agency CT the News
boys House; since the entry of the
United States 800 have gone from it 10
sea and TO mobilization centres.
Each year nearly 1000 boys are reg
istered at the house. They are not
necessarily all newsboys, for the day
Of the friendless chap who served as
here in so many Of Horatio Ayers tales
Of pluck and perseverance has pract-
cally disappeared. Ranging in age
from fourteen to twenty-one, they are
boys, however, whose weekly earnings
do not total the $40 which experts have
estimated is necessary for existence,
under present conditions, in New York
City.
About Two-thirds Are Orphans
BY rough estimate. about one-third
Of this number have both parents liv-
ing; another third are orphans and the
remainder are half orphans. A large
percentage of those with parents are
sent to their homes; the others are
given three meals a day for the sum
of So week, and are provided with a
bed for rs cents additional
The work of interesting the boys of
eligible years in the advantages offered
them by the army and the navy is car
ried on by the house independently Of
other organizations, although commit
tees have been organized 10 hold meet
ings to stimulate recruiting in other
settlement houses, and circulars prom
Using the assistance of the Newsboys'
House in similar work TO be done by
other organizations have been sent out.
Throughout the winter, drills were
held twice each week at the house,
under the supervision Of Lieutenant
Kelly, of the seth Infantry. Attend
ance at these drills increased steadily,
and when they were abandoned with
the coming of summer many Of the
boys enlisted.
As it is necessary for every appli-
cant for enlistment to have the per-
mission of his parent or guardian be-
fore acceptance, Mr.. Butcher has been
made a special guardian by the Sur
rogates' Court, to act in the cases OF
orphan boys Proof of the fact that
their parents are dead must be pro-
vided before Mr.. Butcher assumes
guardianship. although in many cases
he has used his good Offices TO induce
parents to permit their sons to enter
the service of the nation.
Mother Glad Boy Is Seaman
Recently a youngster who wished to
enlist in the navy brought the superin-
tendent a letter from a police captain
stating he was an orphan. Consider
ing the letter as sufficient proof Mr..
Butcher stood sponsor for the lad and
he was duly accepted by the recruiting
officers. Some time later his name was
printed in a roll of honor in a New
Jersey newspaper, with the result that
an angry mother appeared on the
scene. After much persuasion she was
shown that the navy was the best
place for the boy, and within the last
! few days she has told Mr.. Butcher that
she is glad that her son is seaman.
He is saving money for the first time
in his life and she is benefiting
thereby.
Another phase of the work done by
the Newsboys' House is furnishing
food and lodging for recruits until the
time of their departure for training
camps. Mr.. Butcher, too, has consist
emily furnished the dollar necessary
to secure first citizenship papers to
alien boys who wish to enlist, and has
assisted in arranging the details ac-
companying the application for citi-
zenship.
OF the 300 boys put in government
service since the United States aban-
doned its neutrality, about 60 per cent
have entered the army, 80 per cent the
navy and 20 per cent the National
Guard and Naval Militia and Reserve
The choice of service is made in &C
cordance with the boys qualifications
In addition to this number, 200 others
have been willing to enlist, but have
been rejected for physical disability.
In letter 80 Mr.. Butcher, Secretary
Daniels has complimented the News
boys House on the work it has done
in obtaining recruits.
81 am very glad to learn Mr.. Dan
which the Brace Memorial House is
doing in placing boys in the army and
navy You have made a really remark
able record and are doing fine work. y
Brigadier General John G. Eddy, of
Brooklyn, in a similar letter, says:
"Let me congratulate you on your
patriotic and effective work for the
cause Of America in the great war.
"Your successful effort in inducing
1000 men to enter the government SER
vice is an object lesson for every
patriotic citizen Of this great country,
and is deserving of the highest praise.
It is the highest evidence OF thought
full, patriotic service that has come to
nv attention"