The Washington times., 1922-06-18

nent system OF vocational
training on Q national scale has
become my absorbing thought
for the past twenty years and
I never miss an opportunity to
speak Of its merits. I know
that q properly managed sys-
tenn Of vocational training
would give the youth Of our
land equality Of opportunity for
self advancement. which is the
fundamental American princi-
pie, but one that, to our detri-
ment. Is not followed by our
educational institutions as at
present constituted. am sure
that crime would decrease, and
social unrest would abate. and
the vast army Of delinquent
youths would be enabled to
avoid the pitfalls that once en-
gulfed, me, If vocational train
ing was adopted on a national
scale.
In the days when I was In
prison, I pondersd over the prob
lens Of life and I am absolute IN
the belief that It IL through the
faults In the present industrial
and social structure that most of
the crime Of today II bred.
am firm in my faith that the
solution hes In vocational training
Of the young.
EDUCATION IS SOLUTION.
The way to reduce crime. reduce
the drug evil, and correct many
present day ills, is through educa-
ton and application Of simple prin-
ciples that win start the boys and
girls on the right course Of life.
Children are not trained today;
they grow like weeds. There has
been a very great change in this
country. In the big cities boys
have little or no training for their
callings. They are pitchforked
into a Job whether It is one for
which by nature or inclination
they are fitted or untitled. II they
are unsuited, they start as failures
and the chances are they will re-
main failures all their lives.
1t wasn't so before industry be-
came 50 big and the cities became
90 huge Then they had a chance
to develop along natural lines. In
a small town or village, they were
attracted to the shop that inter
ested them most. They liked to do
little things to help the men be-
cause the work in which the men
were engaged was the work they
liked to do. When they didn't care
70 stay about the shop they could
60 out into the fields with other
boys and play.
In the city the boy can't go into
the factory and watch the men at
work or do little things to help
them. Any boy who tried would
be chased away. The attitude to.
ward the boy is one of opposition
I and repression, and when he wants
TO play. he has only the streets.
II he makes noise or, in play.
ing ball, breaks window or the
globe Of a street lamp, he Is in
danger Of arrest .....4.
It isn't a natural life he leads.
II isn't his fault IL he goes into
IN alley and shoots craps. It's
the fault of a society that hasn't
taken into full consideration
what is required for the natural
and rational development Of the
child.
MUST STUDY CHANGES.
The growth Of cities has made It
necessary for society to study the
very great changes that have ta-
ken place. "'Tis education that
forms the common mind; just an
the, ,twig Is bent the trees Inclined"
An appeal is being made to Con-
gress to appoint a commission, COW
ering the field OF industrial activ-
fly. to estimate and survey plan
OF vocational training for all the
youths who are desirous of self.
advancement and for the Ameri-
canization Of resident aliens. 10 the
end that all may become patriotic.
iaw-abiding citizens of the United
States.
This vocational training OF the.
children Of America Is Of the ut
most importance. II is wrong and
OF very great cost to the public
to let the present slipshod sys-
TEN, or lack OF system. continue.
Out before vocational training can
be established nationally. It win
be necessary to educate the pub
NC 20 us urgent need That will
. require hard work. A man is not
bofIi criminal. n he Ia made a
criminal II usually IL by shvircn-