Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1909 — TAFT BELIEVES IN PLAY [ARTICLE]

TAFT BELIEVES IN PLAY

Says Life in Narrow Space Brings About Bad Habits. Pittsburg, Pa., May 11.—The following letter of President Taft was read at the meeting of the Playground Association of America: “Idleness and confinement in a narrow space in the city, in houses and cellars and unventilated dark rooms is certain to suggest and bring about per nicions occupations and create bad habits. Gambling, drinking, and other forms of vice are promoted in such a restricted mode of life. “An opportunity for hard, earnest and joyous play improves the health, develops the muscles, expands the lungs and teaches the moral lessons of attention, self-restraint, courage and patient effort.”