Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-06-25
Inspiration for Youth

j.
- Of Investigation had great opportunity to commend
American ideals to American youth in his recent Boys
Town commencement address and took whole advantage
Of it.
His audience was composed of boys cared for by the
famous Nebraska institution conducted by Father Edward
]. Flanagan, and thus lads handicapped by early mis-
fortunes in life.
Mr. Hoover has grim cause for knowing the grave
potentates Of the levels of which such boys
product.
His own task, and that Of the great organization
he directs is 10 deal with the enormous crime problem
in America which costs the country in excess of
000000000 year, and TO prevent crime whenever
possible but at all events to apprehend criminals
And he knows that 20 per cent of the total volume
Of crime committed in the United States is attributable
teen age youngsters largely recruited from social and
similar those familiar TO many of the
lads of Bows Town.
TT MIGHT be supposed Mr.. Hoovers outlook youth
/ would be warped by his experience and that he
would look upon such group that at Boys Town
presenting future problems.
But instead Mr.. Hoover is uncompromsing,
enthusiastic and sentimental believer in youth be-
he has learned the truth of Father Flanagans
axiom that there is no such thing bad boy and he
knows that the high percentage of youthful criminals is
indictment of youth itself but of negligent and
irresponsible adult society.
And so Mr. Hoover was able to convey inspiring
message to the boys of Boys Town and to all the young
people of America.
lie SAID that years of depression and organized
crime had not lessened opportunities in America
for constructive and useful and decent and whole
some lives for young people reaching maturity
He said, in fact, that
"Never before have young people had such
opportunities they have today 4. When l say
opportunities lie ahead mean that at time has
there been urgent need than today for
patriotic devotion TO the land love and dedication
Of every fiber of energy to the life 1t symbozes of
honesty, integrity and straightforward devotion to
spiritual development and security America is still
land Of opportunity for the strong and the brave"
THIS was no ideaistc and impractical preachment
i by man unacquanted with the sordM side of life
and the realities of youths relationship to that phase of
American affairs.
It was the considered and real opinion and con-
Wction OF man whose whole experience has been with
crime and corruption in which youth has been ma
factor, and if any should have warrant for
cynicism regarding youth he would have it.
But when he sees not just chance for youth to
achieve responsible and respectable in life but
good and better opportunities for doing than
young Americans have had. it is something real
and substantial for wondering and skeptca young people
to tie to.
MR. HOOVER did most gracious thing by paying
wi tribute to Father Flanagan for establishing an
institution, nationally and world famous, in
which boys whom society had rejected could be savaged
for useful lives.
He did more important and significant thing how
ever, by expressing his confidence and faith in
America and by that example encouraging and inspiring
the young people of this country to find and accept their
responsible places citizens of the land he loves
much and serves well.
NJ :I