"Outside of the moral elements that govern such cases," said Miss Jane Addams, "there is the physical side. Boys should not be kept out so late. A mere child came here last night with a message, and he should have been home and in bed. Many of the messengers are too young for that work, but I suppose they give false ages. I have long been investigating the conditions in the service by questioning the lads. It is bad -- exceptionally so.
"The law should be extended to cover all such cases, and boys should not be allowed to enter unfit places. Men, even though they must be paid greater wages, should be employed, and the boys should be sent to school during the day and to bed at night."
"I do not believe in taking a child from his surroundings, no matter how bad they may be, unless conditions can be bettered and the child can be watched for years afterwards by some one who is willing to be a practical guardian. Merely stopping the use of boys by law will do no good, as some other work must be provided. If the messenger service could be reformed the boys would be best served."
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