It affords me great pleasure to present to this honorable body for the sixth time an annual report, and a brief comparison between the first report and this one may be of interest.

When I first entered the work as State superintendent I found the work with a name only, heavily in debt, with out credit, thoroughly misunderstood, without prestige and without results. Now in this report we present the society organized all over the State, holding a position for efficiency of methods and good work second to none, a membership of ten thousand, which is rapidly increasing, and an influence with the State and county officials that has made possible results that a few years ago were considered impossible. We are free from debt and own a handsome, large, well-equipped receiving home. We have established in our office the very best filing system, where our records of finances and children are kept.

It is not my intention to attempt to enumerate the splendid results in all departments of the work, but to call your attention briefly to the most important, the reception, the placement and the watch-care of the children. A few years ago children were surrendered to the society in almost a criminal way. Anyone having a child under his care could surrender it to the society, and a large number of our wards should never have been received from the fact that the so

ciety had no right to assume guardianship nor to separate children from their families or relatives without having made a thorough investigation. One of the sad features of the work has been the pleadings of heart-broken mothers for the return of their children, who have been sent to the society without their knowledge or consent. A large number of these children have been returned to their parents and relatives, and are doing well. The system of work now is very different. No child is received unless it is accompanied by a court order, stating the cause of dependency and giving the reasons why it is necessary to send the child to a charitable institution. Then a record is made in a regular or special session of court, as the case may be, and a copy of the record signed by the Judge and Clerk of the court and sent to the society.

You will note in the annual report that III children were received as wards of the society during the fiscal year. This shows nothing of the work accomplished with children through the aid department. We have been able to help hundreds of children who were not received as permanent wards.

I feel that I should explain more thoroughly what is meant by aid work. When a petition is sent to us regarding destitute children, instead of taking them immediately, we send our agents to make a diligent inquiry relative to the family history, and if possible place the children with relatives and friends. This is done in order not to break up family relations. More and more we are impressed with the fact that if possible every child should remain with its family, provided they are honest, moral people and receive the advantages that

family offers them, though they are indifferent, rather than have them taken charge of by the society and placed in the homes of strangers to be kept there until they reach the age of maturity.

I am satisfied that the society will be compelled each year to take large numbers of permanent wards under its guardianship, but I am fully convinced that through the aid department we will be able to render much better service by placing a large number of children with members of the family worthy and able to care for them.

The number of children helped through the aid department this year is i done in order not o break up family 416, making a grand total of 527 children accepted as wards and children placed in good homes with friends and relatives. The aid department in a few years will become one of the most expensive features of the work from the fact that we will find it necessary to help these mothers care for their children by giving them a small monthly allowance until the problems solve themselves. This work, to my mind, is the most fruitful and best work that the society can do; it will not only be best for the children, but will save the State thousands of dollars annually. Another source of congratulation is the character of homes in which we place our children. A few years ago we were compelled to accept any home; now we can select from a large number of applications and can place the child to the best advantage. The people who apply for children now are the very best people in the State. They realize that it is necessary in order to make this work a success to open their hearts and home to our little ones. They are doing this

faster than we can send the children. We have now in our office over a hundred applications not yet filled, and this number is being added to by every mail that reaches us.

The visits made this year to children permanently placed have been more satisfactory than ever before. Out of 509 visits, which do not include the children legally adopted, there are only twelve children reported as not doing well and not suited to the homes. This is remarkable when we consider a few

years ago fully 40 per cent. of the children placed in the home were returned to the society for replacement. Another important feature has just been added to the work. Our district superintendents, who visit children, are upplied with cameras and they take a picture of every child they visit.

These pictures are kept systematically in the office, and in a few years will enable us at a moment's glance to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of the home by the appearance of the

child.

I know you are pleased with our financial statement. Last year we collected $16,000. Of this sum $5,000 was appropriated by the State, leaving a sum of $11,000 collected from memberships and donations. This year our total collections are $35,598.09, and of this sum $15,000 was appropriated by the State, leaving $20,598.09 collected by memberships and donations, and increase of nearly 100 per cent. over the collections from private sources last year.

The report closed with reference to the splendid service rendered by the district superintendents, the excellent management of the Receiving Home by Mrs. Miller, the efficient worker in the office of Miss Mayer, the hearty co-operation of the Board of Managers and the citizens of the State, the press and pulpit and the magnificent asistance of Robert W. Bingham, president of the society.

cause of our confidence in others, than to go about with green glasses, distrustful and suspicious.

A homeless child is a candidate for truancy and possibly crime.

Our boys of to-day are to stand erect proudly among the best men of to-morrow.

We sometimes fail to save the big boys, and freely acknowledge it. Their bad habits get too settled to permit easy reformation, and in an occasional case the best later environment is powerless against hereditary weakness to which is added vicious early training.

Mountain children

as received by the

Kentucky Children's Home Society.

To refuse aid to the home-finding to helpless and homeless children. They movement is to close the door of hope cannot be saved without an agent, the worker cannot go without he is sent, he cannot be sent without money for wages and car fare.

The big, bad girl is our perennial problem. How to hold her under discipline until age and traiaing give her mental poise and nobler character is a tremendous task. May God guide and bless the foster mothers who are under the yoke of this service.

Make Others Feel It.

We do not lack love so much as the

much kindness is never put into words! power to make others feel it. How How many helpful impulses die without expressing themselves in deeds! How much sympathy is like buried treasure, making no heart richer for its being! Put your love into words, into acts, into kindly glances. Remember its mission is unfulfilled till it has passed from your heart to warm and comfort and cheer another.-Christian Tidings.

The People of the State of Michigan enact: Section 1. This act shall apply only to minors. For the purpose of this act the words "dependent child" and "neglected child" shall mean any child who for any reason is destitute or homeless or abandoned or dependent upon the public for support or who has not proper parental care or guardianship or who habitually begs or receives alms or who is found living in any house of ill-fame or with any vicious or disreputable person or whose home by reason of neglect, cruelty or depravity, on the part of its parents, guardian, or other person in whose care it may be, is an unfit place for such child; any child under the age of ten years who is found begging, peddling, or selling any article, or singing or playing any musical instrument upon the street as a business, or giving any public entertainment or who accompanies or is used in the aid of any person so doing. The words "delinquent child" shall include any boy under sixteen years of age, or girl under seventeen years of age, who violates any law of this state or any city or village ordinance, or who is incorrigible, or who knowingly associates with thieves, vicious or immoral persons, or who is growing up in idleness or crime, or who knowingly visits or enters a house of illrepute, or who knowingly patronizes or frequents any policy shop or place where any gaming device is or shall be operated; or who patronizes or frequents any saloon or place where intoxicating liquors are sold, or who frequents or patronizes any public poolroom or bucket shop, or who wanders about the streets in the night-time without being on any lawful business or occupation, or who habitually wanders about any railroad yard or tracks, or jumps or hooks on to any moving train, or enters any car or engine without lawful authority, or who habitually uses vile, obscene, vulgar, profane, or indecent language, or is guilty of immoral conduct in any public place or about any school house; every child who does not attend school and who is vicious, incorrigible, or immoral in conduct while attending school, or who is an habitual truant from school, or who habitually wanders about the streets and public places during school hours without any lawful occupation or employment. Any child committing any of the acts herein mentioned shall be deemed a juvenile delinquent person and shall be proceeded against as such in the manner hereinafter provided. A disposition of any child under this act, or any evidence given in such cause, shall not in any civil, criminal, or other cause or proceeding whatever in any court. be lawful or proper evidence against such child for any purpose whatever excepting in subsequent cases against the same child under this act.

Section 2. In counties in this state having over one hundred thousand population, the circuit court of the said counties shall have original jurisdiction in all cases coming within the terms of this act. In counties in this state having less than one hundred thousand population and more than twenty-five thousand population, the circuit court commissioner, or in case there are more than one circuit court commissioner, either of them shall have original jurisdiction in all

LISH JUVENILE COURTS.

cases coming within the terms of this act. In counties having twenty-five thousand population or less, the probate court shall have original jurisdiction in all cases coming within the terms of this act. In all trials under this act, any person interested therein may demand a jury of six, or the judge or commissioner of his own motion may order a jury of the same number to try the case. The jury so ordered shall be summoned and empaneled in accordance with the law relating to juries in courts held by justices of

the peace.

Section 3. In counties having over one bundred thousand population, a majority of the judges of the circuit court shall designate shall be to hear all cases coming under this one or more of their members whose duty it

act.

A court room to be designated as a "Juvenile Court Room" shall be provided for the hearing of such cases, and the findings of the court shall be entered in a book or books to be kept for that purpose and known as the "Juvenile Record;" and these courts shall be called the "Juvenile Courts."

Section 4. The governor may appoint in each county of this state an agent of the state board of corrections and charities, for the care and protection of ill-treated, dependent, and delinquent children, who shall hold his office during the pleasure of the governor and shall be known as the "County Agent" for the county for which he is appointed. Before entering upon the duties of his office and within thirty days after receiving notice of his appointment, the said agent shall take and file with the county clerk of the county for which he was appointed, the oath of office prescribed by the constitution of this state; and upon such qualification, it shall be the duty of the county clerk to immediately transmit notice thereof to the judge of the juvenile court and circuit court commissioners and to the superintendents of all state and incorporated institutions authorized to receive or place out on contract, indenture, or adoption, any child. The said agent shall receive as compensation for his services under this act his necessary official expenses together with the sum of three dollars in full for each day ordered by the court, the superintendent of any state institution, or the state board of corrections and charities, but not exceeding three dollars for any one day's service; which shall be audited by the board of state auditors and paid from the general fund; and when such services and expenses relate to the indenture, adoption, or visiting of children placed in families by state institutions, the amounts therefor shall be certified by the superintendent of the institution to which the child may belong; and when such services shall be ordered by the court or commissioner the amounts therefor shall be certified by the court or commissioner so ordering such service. Such bills shall specify time spent, miles traveled, manner of travel, and each item of the expense incurred.

Section 5. Any reputable citizen being a resident in the county having a knowledge of a child in his county who appears to be either neglected, dependent, or delinquent, may file with the court or commissioner having juris

diction in the matter, a petition in writing, setting forth such fact or facts duly verified

by affidavit, and it shall be sufficient that such affidavit shall be upon information and belief. Whenever such petition is filed, it shall be the duty of such court or commissioner, and before any further proceeding is had in the case, to give notice in writing of pendency to said agent, if there be one in said county, who shall have opportunity allowed him to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, and, upon receiving such notice, the agent shall immediately proceed to inquire into and make a full examination of the parentage and surroundings of the child and all the facts and circumstances of the case, and report the same to the said court or commissioner who if, upon such consultation, and after full shall advise and counsel with the agent, and investigation, it shall appear to the court or commissioner that the public interest and the interest of the child will be best subserved thereby, a summons shall issue requiring the person or persons having custody or control of the child or with whom the child may be, to appear with the child at a place and time which shall be stated in the summons; and if such person is other than the parent or guardian of such child, then said parent or guardian shall be notified of the pendency of the case: Provided, That when said parents or guardians are non-residents or cannot be found, then such notice shall not be required. If persons so summoned as herein provided shall fail without reasonable cause to appear with the child and abide the order of the court, he may be proceeded against for contempt of court under and in accordance with the provisions of chapters thirty-eight and three hundred one of the Compiled Laws of eighteen hundred ninety-seven. In case the summons cannot be served, or parties fail to obey the summons, and in any case when it shall appear to the court or commissioner that such summons will be ineffectual, upon complaint on oath and in writing, a warrant may issue either against the parent or guardian or other person having custody of the child or with whom the child may be, or against the child itself and said child may be committed to the care of any person or association pending the final disposition of the case: Provided, That when a warrant is so issued, the prosecuting attorney of the county shall be notified and shall appear in the case for the people, if such appearance does not result in an undue delay in the disposition of the case. On return of the summons or warrants, or as soon thereafter as may be, the court or commissioner shall proceed to hear and dispose of the case, and if it shall appear to the court or commissioner that the public interests and the interests of such child will be best subserved thereby, he may make an order for the return of such child to his or her parents or guardians or friends; or upon conviction may impose a fine, or suspend sentence for a definite or an indefinite period, and may place such child while so on suspended sentence, under charge of the county agent on probation under the provisions of act ninety-one of the Public Acts of nineteen hundred three as amended: Provided, The court or commissioner may in its discretion appoint one or more discreet persons of good character other than the

(Continued from page 5.) are greatly handicapped for lack of more enlightened laws, such as compulsory education, child labor, etc., for the protection of children in our capital city. I may say that the police records of some other cities show a condition even worse than the city of Washington.

TOTAL NUMBER OF ARRESTS FOR STEALING (PETTY LARCENY) IN WASHINGTON CITY.

Over 21 years of age
Under 21 years of age and over 16
Under 16 years of age

157

White. Colored. Total. 393 725 1,118 408

251

It appears that there were two-thirds as any minors as adults among all the actual arrests for larceny in Washington city last year. Out of a total of 776 arrests among minors for stealing there were 675 boys and 101 girls. In proportion to the city's population, there are more than twice as many socalled thieves among the minors as among the adults. Other figures, equally demonstrating the importance of enlightened preventative measures to save the citizenship of to-morrow could be shown by this report. For instance, there were 5,112 minors among the arrests last year and 23,359 adults (over 26,000 born in the United States-not minors). Eliminate the drunks, vags and disorderlie from both adults and minors and take offenses against the property and person of others and we have:

1,927

Among which there were for disorderly conduct, intoxication and vagrancy a total of Total arrests among minors for other offenses than disorderly conduct, intoxication and vagrancy.. ... 3,135 It will thus be seen that eliminating drunks, vags and disorderlies and counting serious offenses against the person and property, more than one-fourth of all arrests in the city of Washington last year were among its youth. I doubt if Congress has any knowledge of these facts. The juvenile court system offers a very efficient remedy to help correct such frightful conditions. Of course a compulsory education and child labor law are needed.

In considering police reports it should be borne in mind that there are a large number of "repeaters" or persons arrested more than once in the total number given. This may reach forty per cent among adults. I do not believe it will exceed ten per cent among minors.

Some conclusions from these reports now submitted may be subject to question or some explanation, althought in the main I believe the following to be substantially true:

First: There are over one hundred thousand children, principally boys, brought to the criminal courts and jails in this country every year. In a large city of the north upon my trip I talked to a number of boys between 11 and 14 confined in a cell with three men. After getting the confidence of a 14-year old boy, who said he had been in jail fourteen times, he gives me the names of twenty-five boys in his neighborhood, who he said stole as much as he did but who had not been caught. An 11-year old boy gave me the names of five boys whom he said had stolen more than he had. With few exceptions, every boy I ever questioned in the city and county jails I have visited had from five to fifty boys in mind whom they knew to be guilty of offenses, which in their opinion were equally as bad as those for which they were incarcerated. Of course some of these statements may have been exaggerated, but I have allowed, I think, for some exaggeration. For instance, the boy who gave me twentyfive names said if he only could have had a longer time he was sure he could add many more to it, as he was certain that there were at least fifty. It was a common thing for boys I met in jail to tell me that over half the boys they knew stole things, and not infrequently did boys tell me that all the boys they knew had stolen something at some time and would not hesitate to steal if they thought they would not get caught.

Second: The crime for larceny is alarmingly prevalent among the children of cities. In the country this spirit vents itself upon neighbor's apples and melons. I do not mean by this

to make any alarming statements as to crime in this country, since I believe that a large part of the offenses of children in this respect do not betray a criminal instinct, but rather thoughtlessness, irresponsibility, love of fun, adventure, etc. Larceny is entirely too prevalent among children, however, and in proportion to population is far greater than among grown people. In the questions sent to the chiefs of police were the following: "How many arrests over twenty-one years of age were made for the crime of larceny?"

"How many under twenty-one?"

In the great majority of cases where replies were made, or a personal inspection of the records made by myself, it appears that nearly as many actual arrests for larceny were made among boys and girls as among adults, and in a number of instances, more minors were arrested for larceny in the course of a year than adults. In proportion to population as between adults and minors there are easily twice as many minors as adults arrested every year for stealing.

Third: At least one-half of the arrests among adults are people arrested in the city are the weaklings who are the victims booked as drunks, disorderlies and vags. It follows that most of their own vices and bad habits; therefore the importance of guarding the youth of our country against those habits which destroy manhood.

Fourth: All the police officials answering the query favored the juvenile court and probation system and opposed the jail as a proper means of correction for children offenders.

Fifth: With one exception they all favor a law making parents responsible for the moral faults of children, and emphatically declare it would be a great help to the police department in dealing with crime among the youth of the city.

Sixth: All of them favor laws forbidding sending children to saloons or other evil places. In nearly every case they use the term "very dangerous," many of them adding that a child's life is more or less one of imitation, depending upon the example of others outside of as well as in the home.

"I think a man who sent a child to a saloon ought to be sentenced to jail for six months," said the chief of one large town..

Another says:

"Such parents who send them and others who let them enter saloons for any purpose should be vigorously prosecuted."

Seventh: The majority of the reports received declare that boys when arrested are incarcerated in jail, but as indicating some pride in modern methods an explanation is generally given that they are now separated or in the woman's department, although in quite a number of cities and towns it is freely admitted they are subject to the jail and much that is bad influence.

Eighth: With two or three exceptions out of the total reports received it is admitted that no cases were brought against adults for selling cigarettes or liquor to minors. Considering the frequent complaints from police departments against boys smoking cigarettes, it is evident that these laws are not enforced.

Ninth Most of the reports in which the question is answered declare that the boys of the city cause the police a great deal of trouble.

Tenth: The reports seem to be quite evenly divided as to the opinion of the police department in the increase or decrease of crime among the youth of the city.

The juvenile court and its probation methods are attracting much attention in England, Europe, Japan and Australia. Inquiries and investigators have come to most of the leading courts of this character from such sources.

In conclusion let me emphasize the importance of the administrative work in the juvenile court. We are to be contgratulated upon the progress made in the wav of legislation, but we must now look to the enforcement of laws and obtaining the best results through wise, patient, painstaking effort. There must be cooperation between the home, the school, the church and the state in the interest of the child. The police department can greatly help by placing in those neighborhoods containing many children, kindly, intelligent and tactful officers. We have found this to be a wonderful help in Denver, and I have known of an entire neighborhood to become perfectly aw abiding by a change of policemen. We must recognize the sociological side of this problem in dealing with children. Those entrusted with power cannot be too careful in the selection of officials who deal with children. They must be selected because of their peuliar fitness for the work if the best results are to be obtained. Those engaged in such work should constantly endeavor to improve themselves and increase their own powers for usefulness, for the noblest and best work of the citizen is the value he renders society and the help he may be to its men and women, and the best period for such help is the period of childhood and adolescense, when character is plastic and can be moulded as clay in the potter's hands. BEN. B. LINDSEY.

Denver, June 17, 1905.