Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 60, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1901 — A Bad Ad For Step-Mothers. [ARTICLE]

A Bad Ad For Step-Mothers.

The Plainfield Reform school presents a sad commentary on second marriage, says the Indianapolis Press. There are 571 boys in the institution today, and it is estimated by the authorities that fully one-half have a step-father or stepmother. Statistics will be gathered this week in order that the exact facts may be known. A mother dies and a step-mother is brought into a home. She may lack a mother’s love and make the boy’s life miserable. The boy rebels and becomes incorrigible or leaves home, gradually drifting into petty crimes. Then comes the reform school commitment.