It begins to look as though we have been attempting to solve the problem of the wayward girl by beginning at the wrong end. We have assumed that she was competent and responsible--that she was able to do differently, if she would, and we have tried by various forms of punishment to reform her. Apparently we have been grossly in error, and it is a fundamental mistake we have made. We should have begun by finding out in early age whether this child had normal mental capacity or not and, if not, we should have taken the case in hand and provided for her such environment as would have fitted her mental condition. The past is gone, the mistakes cannot be rectified; but, if we are wise, from now on we will proceed in accordance with what we are finding out about this class of persons. Instead of enlarging our reformatories we will establish colonies and schools, where these girls can be taken, as early as we can detect them, cared for and trained to do the things they can be trained to do; where they will be made happy and allowed to live a happy and measureably useful life under the care, guidance and direction of intelligent and humane people, who will make their lives happy and partially useful, but who will insist upon the one important thing, and that is that this race should end with them; they shall never become the mothers of children who are like themselves. THANKSGIVING IN THE CABIN BY AUBURN, (N. Y.) NO. 29118 1 De winter’s come, an’ de darkies shiver; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) De trees, dey’s moanin’ in de dark down by de river; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) We gadder in de cabin, an’ we shet de door, Throw a log on de fi-ah, fo’ to see hit roar, An’ ole King Frost, he growl so fierce an’ sore. (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) 2 De old norf wind again de cabin door crashes; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) Possum’s in de pot, and de sweet yam’s in de ashes; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) Flitch o’ bacon in de pan--lawdy, hear it frying. Hain’t no sorter music dat’s near so satisfyin’; Corn pone am hot an’ brown--pickininnies sighin’. (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) 3 Ev’rybody gadder ’round de supper table; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) Ev’rybody eats des as much, as much as dey is able; (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) Lil’ yaller dawg, he snug down by de fi-ah, Chewin’ all de possum bones dat he could desi-ah; Seems des like we all is full o’ happiness enti-ah. (Whoo-whoo, how de wind do blow!) 4