The Washington herald., 1922-06-08
Child Slavery.

paper reporters in District homes
where children "farmed out" by the
Board Of Chidren's Guardians leave no room for
question but that this system should be dscon-
rnued We doubt whether any degree Of rigidity
in inspection would remedy the situation The prir-
eiple is wrong. Doubtless in some homes children
get excellent treatment. But The majority will
continue to be unfit places for training boys and
girls.
1t is not surprising that such conditions exist
But in the account brought back by investiga-
tors there is point which seems unbelievable
IL is stated that when members of the
board were informed that men from the daily press
had yentured to visit these homes they were angry
1t is possible that they considered this action
reflection on their honesty and ability They
must be assured that the public does not take for
granted the good intentions OF any one engaged
in public business-kast of all those who have
under their care the lives and education of chill
dren If the newspaper men discovered anything
which members of the board did not know thew
deserve commendation. II members of the board
knew OF these things all the time they have been
false to their duty.
II this system OF child slavery is to continue
then the homes in which boys and girls are placed
must be open to inspection at all hours of the dav
or night, not only to parents and reporters but to
every member OF the pubic who is interested
ANSiuSdl VI TlSnl OF inspection itself
dence OF guilt.
We are glad to know that the District Com
missioners will investigate all these reports They
are not apt to approach the question with a cynical
attitude. Doubtless the proprietors Of some Child
slave farms will be angry when the investigators
CALI They will say that these gentlemen do not
know what they talking about when they ven
ture to discuss poor children. That is not the case
however 1t is not question of business efficiency
but OF Christianity. 1t is question for experts
but for men and women with sympathy and broader
understanding.
The further investigators get into this situa-
ton the worse it appears. There is no doubt but
that good American home provides for child
a better environment than charitable school But
not many such homes open for strange boys
and girls 1t will be difficult to find many fami-
lies IN Washington who, if they feel the need Of
child laughter and child pranks about them, will
mot extend their charity to relatives rather than
strangers. ~
= Why not provide the money paid for the board
. OF these children to the parents themselves? That
: in many cases, would answer the whole problem
J The Industrial Home School ITSELF our nvestiga-
= tors tell is splendid institution within whose
walls the average child will receive only good treat
ment and good training. 1t is a thousand times
2 better than any private home maintained for chill
dren as a business proposition
!. The Board Of Guardians has selected the easiest
way for the training and upbringing of criminals by
following the present system The boys and girls
become embttered at the world when they should
know only the JOY of living in a wonderful world
where the birds singing and candy stores are
on every corner. They finally will escape from
e such homes with determination to get revenge i'm
planted in their hearts
The people of Washington who are interested in
the welfare OF all children demand thorough in
I. vestigaton at once OF every home where child
has been EARNED out"
- The facts we rely upon the District Commits
sioners to determine. They may be able to shift
i the responsibility but hope they make no such
attempt An opportunity is offered to accomplish
lasting good in the world Woe to anyone who lets
such opportunity knock without fastening to
I open the door.
II does not seem that anyones feelings should
be considered except those of the children II men,
bers OF the Board OF Chidren's Guardians are en-
barrassed or some OF the Slave home" propretors
: injured we not concerned. They can defend
themselves. The children cannot
When woman can't decide whether to have
husband or a career-the most honorabte