New-York tribune., 1919-04-06
Experts of World to
Conferin U.S.Upon
Baby Welfare Plans
Results of Years Campaign
in Which 100000 Chill
dren Were Examined Go
TO Meeting at Washington

WASHINGTON, April 5-Weighing
of more than 100000 babies, estab-
lishment of many new health centres
70 advise mothers on the care of their
children, and stimulation of the move
ment to keep children in school and
provide them adequate recreation were
reported to-day by the children's bu-
reau as some of the results of its
"children's year" campaign.
More than 100000 women partici-
mated in the activities of the year,
which was inaugurated last April g.,
the first anniversary of Americas
declaration of war. 1t was planned to
save at least 100000 of the 100000
children who die annually Of prevent
able diseases.
The first activity of the year was q
test of children under six to see
whether they were up to the standards
of weight and height for their ages.
Nearly 100000 record cards we're
issued, of which more than 100000
have been tabulated, with others yet
to be turned in. A number Of COM
munties have undertaken a second test
this spring to include children missed
in the first and also TO note improve
ment in those previously registered.
States Aid in Work
Need for preventive work on behalf
of children was said to have been en-
phasized by the information obtained
in the test. According to reports re-
ceived from state child welfare chair
men of the Council of National De-
fence, communities in twenty-four
states have employed new public health
Ln <or
these states a total of 1877 new nurses
has been reported. One hundred and
thirty -four children's health centres to
which mothers may go for expert ad-
vice concerning the best means of car
ing for their children have been estab-
lished during children's year in com
munities in fifteen states.
Swimming pools, Fairgrounds and
new leisure-time activities have become
ii part of the play Of boys and girls in
many communities us result of the
year. From sixteen states the estab
lishment of new Fairgrounds has been
reported.
Forty-three states New York City
and the District of Columbia are en-
gagged in campaign to prevent boys and
girls from going to work before they
have the training they need for sue
ccssful and happy lives. Back to
School" and "Stay in School" are the
slogans OF this drive. A number Of
communities have provided scholarship
funds TO enable children Of needy par-
ents 10 continue their education after
they reach its legal working age At
least one such scholarship for each of
the 281 900 school houses in the United
States is the goal that has been set
Campaign to Continue
Although Childrcn's Year is officially
over, plans are under way in several
states to make every year a childrens
year. A new consciousness of the value
of the child and his need for good
health, wholesome play, adequate
schooling and protection from prema-
ture work is said to be indicated by
laws contemplated by the states. These
include many bills for the protection
of children.
The Children's Bureau has planned a
conference with foreign experts who
have had a part in the work done by
European countries for the protection
of children during the stress of war.
The conference will consist of two dis
tinct parts: First, a small working
committee Of American authorities to
be invited by the Secretary of Labor,
and members of the bureau staff who
will meet informally with tn foreign
guests at Washington during the week
of May 6; second, series of regional
conferences in various parts of the
country at which the discussion of
minimum standards can be continued
under local auspices and with reference
to local conditions.