Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-11-18
MAYNARD BOYS ABOUT TO GET PROPER CARE
Long Cherished Dream of Hnmanitar. ianS for Reform School Near
 Realization.
(By Clio Harper.)

r (By Clio Harper.)
 At last the long-cherished dream of Arkansas humanitarians is to be real ized in the establishment of genuine industrial school for boys where the delinquent and under-priviicged may have an opportunity win a place for Themselves in the world without be- ing subjected to the criminal influ- ences of a penal institution. For years Miss Julia Houston and others :. have been working on the project, and the state lawmakers were at last }laroused to the urgent needs of the ] boys. Several years ago the legis- 'lature established reform school, but that was not just what was wanted. It was long step in the right direc- tion but it fell short of the require ments. In the first place, the name was wrong. Psychologists have said there is no such thing as bad boy. Under proper restrictions and the cor rect influences every boy can be sav- ed from a life of crime. The idea of reform" was therefore repugnant to those who would take the boy and ed ucate him, segresate him during his impressionable years from those who would lead him astray, and make of him an asset to the state rather than a liability.
 The reform school was established on a rocky section of land six miles west of Little Rock in 1907 and has ever since suffered for funds. It was, really, a juvenile penitentiary, and by reason of crowded conditions boys of all ages were thrown together, and | the most conscientious surerintend- ent was handicapped from the first. The movement to change tie system by removing the boys to good farm was started in 1915 by the probation officers of Pulaski and Jefferson counties. In 1917 the bill was pass ed to provide farm for the boys and to convert the old property into a state industrial school for girls. But even yet the funds were inadequate, but the honorary board consisting of Judge John w. Wade, Miss Julia Houston, Mrs. A. B. Stoops, w. H. Laney, and F. T. Reynolds proceeded to work undaunted by difficulties, and secured from Sebastian Geisreiter of Pine Bluff the donation of tract of 160 acres near Pine Bluff, an admira- ble site for the institution, and other donations to provide the necessary funds to supplement the state appro- priation. The Jefferson county quo- rum court appropriated $5,000 for the cause, and other liberal contributions were received, making possible the establishment that will save the coun- ties untold thousands of dollars in court costs. Eighty acres of land was purchased, and the board has nearly l $12,000 With which to erect tempor- ary buildings, instaAta and water plant and get the work started. With | 75 to 100 able ebodied boys profitably employed the board is convinced that before many years the institution will be largely independent and the boys will have a chance to develop charac- ter and intelligence, and so fulfil the aim of the institution 'whicl has so tfar been defeated.
 l Home Guard Organizations.
 hTe guard organizations are being put on new basis. The reofganiza- tion is coming slowly but with great CT surety than it did when the system was first, started. The adjutant gen. eral Formulated rules and regula-. tions which will give the guard a mil itry status.
 The purpose of the home guards is not only to guard public utilities, pre- vent riots, etc., but to foster patriot ism and promote the health and eff ciency of our young men by drilling and outdoor exercise.
 A commander with the rank of ma jor is to be appointed for each con gressional district and he will have charge of the county and community Organizations. On account of the urgent need for all possible munitions in the equipment of the millions of men to be sent to France, the gov ernment will be unabe to supply the Iguard with guns, and it is suggested that equipment be bought by the indi- vidual members or by popular sub scription.
 ,,"It behooves all of us," says Gen. eral England. Ito stand firmly behind the president and not embarass the government by persistent demands for rifles and equipment which can not be supplied at present"
 | It is announced that hereafter the military law and regulations of the state-will be strictly adhered to in the discipline and instruction of all Home Guard units. No unit larger than a battalion will be authorized. and then only when city or town has at least three maximum companies. All companies will report direct to the adjutant general. A special uni
 form. with insignia, small arms, etc., are designated and everything is done to place the guard on a fixed and definite basis for service"
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