Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-24
Children a Bar in Richmond

sc UFFER little children" How many peo-
~ pie in Richmond remember and give heed
to this most beautiful Of all biblical admoni-
tions? Perhaps there few who cannot
let the words fall glibly from the tongue;
perhaps they even 1atter themselves that they
obey the injunction. But do they?
In certain respects, Richmond, after long
years Of shameful carelessncss and neglect
shows an increasing realization that it has
given hostages to fortune in its youth; that
they must be cared for and provided with
clean, healthful amusement and recreation IL
they are to become physically morally and
mentally citizens in whose hands the future
will lie safely. The public Fairgrounds
movement is token Of an awakened civic
consciousness, and it gives hope that tardy
justice to Richmond's children will be done.
But that is only the public attitude to-
ward the problem of childhood. There is an
other phase Of the situation, to which it may
be that some OF those who plead loudest that
children be given a chance contributing
privately. Here is the phase, and 1t is
distressing one: How many landlords in
Richmond, how many householders who rent
rooms apartments, willingly receive ten
ants who have children? How. many regard
them as nuisances and membranes, sufi-
cient reason for the rejection Of their par
ents' application for shelter? Too many, it
is feared.
In Richmond's present congested condition,
with apartments and rooms difficult to secure,
and those that are available renting at a
premium, it is almost impossible for parents
with small children to secure decent quarters.
Almost invariably the first question asked
is: Have you any children" and afiirma-
tive answer in most cases brings the verdict:
NO children are wanted here"
a case in point: Six weeks ago there came
to Richmond from a neighboring State a
young couple with two small children. IN
every respect they are desirable citizens
broadly educated and refined, the husband
and father holding responsible business
position. They eminently desired as
tenants except for that one fatal obstacle
they have children. They have advertised In
the newspapers, they have received answers
by the score and tirelessy tramped the streets
In their search, but in ever instance where
satisfactory rooms have been found they have
been rejected because they have children.
The father, grown desperate, facetiously told
one landlord that he would drown his chill
dren in the James River. then return and
sign the lease. The householder was prop
erly Mortified, but he did not let down the
bars. Meanwhile. these parents who have
given two children to their country have
found temporary refuge with friends and
it may be they WILL have to leave Richmond
because no children are wanted here.
What parents who do not own their
own homes TO do? Shall they be rejected and
driven hence because Richmond has no place
LOT their little ones? Is innocent childhood
TO be bar to respectable living quarters?
Is babys laughter or possibly the print OF
little hand on clean wall to send its
parents to other cities 10 find a. home?
Think 1T over, you househoders Of Rich
mond. 1t is we'll worth while.