Foreign legislation on behalf of destitute and neglected children

Abstract

In a paper which I had the honour of reading some time ago before this Society, I gave some details as to the laws of various countries (especially America) on behalf of destitute children. I feel that some apology is necessary for again taking up the same subject, but I trust that the urgent need of improved legislation in our own country may be a sufficient excuse. I propose this evening to speak (i) of recent French legislation, (ii.) of that in force in some of our colonies, (iii.) in some of the American States, as well as to give a few statistics as to the results already obtained in consequence of these laws.