The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1918-12-27

democracy. Now democracy must be
assured by a strong and healthy citi-
zenship, able in mind and body, fully
equipped to assist in the development
of the new world-order being created
today. This is the task that con-
fronts the State. This problem is up
on US now. 1t must be faced with the
same enthusiasm and intelligence, the
same spirit Of selfshness and sacri<
flee that has been shown in the war.
Such spirit has been shown in
Missouri by the group of men and
women who have, as members of the
Missouri Children's Code Commission,
for the last two years given much of
their time and energy in the prepara-
tion of the constructive program of
child-care, known as the Children's
Code, to be submitted to the coming
session of the legislature. This COM
mission was appointed by Gov. Gard
ner to revise the laws relating to chill
dren and to recommend such new leg
islation as is necessary for properly
safeguarding the children of the State
Under this Children's Code, educa-
ti0n and training for life and work is
placed within the reach of every fu-
ture citizen; treatment is provided
children with mental and physical de-
fects, such as the feeble minded, deaf,
blind and crippled children; the des-
titutc and neglected children are cared
for by the State. Here is a program
which will go far to prevent poverty
disease and crime.
The task of preparing this Chill
dren's Code for Missouri is over. The
Commission has spent many months
carefully studying the conditions in
the State affecting the lives of chill
dren. 1t has studied the present sta
tutes in Missouri relating to children
and recommends the revision of many
of them. 1t has asked authorities in
every State in the Union what their
experience has been in dealing with
these children's problems. The work
of the Commission is over. The obi
cation now lies with the people of the
State and with the members of the
Legislature.
"If the people of Missouri who are
interested in the welfare of children
will get behind the campaign flor the
passage of these children's laws) by
letting their State Representatives
and Senators know where they stand,
it will be possible to enact into law
part, or perhaps, all of the Children's
Code. 1t is case of everybody con-
cerned getting together and insisting
upon action at jefferson City," writes
the Kansas City Times, in an edi-
torial on Dec. 5, 1918.
! The St. Louis Committee of the Wo-
mans Committee of the Council of
National Defense is conducting the st.
Louis campaign for the passage of the
Children's Code. A Speakers Bureau
has been formed under the chair
manship of Mrs. W. Bartlett sending
speakers throughout the city to ex-
plain these children's laws. Slides,
calling attention to the Code, are be-
ing displayed in the picture shows.
Ministers of the city have been re-
quested by the Committee to set jan
uary 9Th as Children's Code Day, to
give the whole or part of the sermon
the explanation of the Code. The Child
Welfare Committee of the Council of
Defense. whose chairman is Mrs.
Robert McKJones, is arranging a
large luncheon at which prominent
speakers will discuss the Code. Chill
dren's Code posters are being exhibit
ed throughout the downtown sec
tions.
The executive committee of the Cen
trail Council of Social Agencies of St.
Louis, delegate body representing
the agencies and institutions in the
city interested in the welfare of the
children of the State, unanimously in
dorsed the Chldren's Code at the
meeting on December 18th, stating
"the Council believes that these laws
are designed for the public good and
will safeguard the interests of all the
children of the State, and care for and
protect the destitute, delinquent and
defective children. The Council
heartily indorses the Code and rec
ommends the passage of these bills by
the coming session of the Legislature.