Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-09-08

actuated only by a desire to benefit
their fellow sufferers, and sordid mo,
tives are supposed to be foreign tC
their minds. The Howard Associa.
ton of New Orleans for many years
past has been one of the most noted
bands of men in history for their
charitable work, and they have gone
through forty-two years of service
and many epidemics without max
ing any appeal to the world for
money. The association here was
founded on that at New Orleans, and
it was hoped by its founders that il
would be an improvement upon hat
organization. 1t has done a vast deal
of work among the sick and suffering
here through three epidemics in the
past, and it is now in the midst Of
another. In the fever of 1873, when
there was at n time over 1900 sick
people on hand, it was deemed neces-
sary to appeal to the world for fnan-
cial assistance. 1t came from the
poor and rich alike in lavish sums,
and when the fever closed, there was
a large amount on hand not used
something over $4,000 in all. This
sum was carefully invested and
watched, and when the fever Of last
year broke out, it served as a nucleus
for fresh operations. Before the
plague of the season closed, some
thing zeal half a million dollars was
added to the fund by the generous
people of our broad land, many con-
tributions being from among the
very poorest of the poor. 1t was
expected by many who understood the
confusion prevailing at the time, that
many incidents occurred which might
this year be avoided, and it was also
understood that even a Howard might
not be totally immaculate. Be this as
it may, the situation here this season
is nothing as compared with last
years great scourge. We have at no
time as yet had above three or four
hundred persons ill, and from a gene
raj understanding of the situation it
is believed that poverty and distress
among the inhabitants is far below
that Of last year. The paupers and
those entirely out of money, to the
number of nearly 1000, are in camps
away from the city, and while it may
be humane to extend relief to all
classes of people, the poor and opu-
lent alike, supplying nurses and other
requisites without limit, and paying
from the charity fund, it is a measure
open to criticism and remark. 1t is
in all kindness that these remarks
have been made. No captious feeling
peryades the heart of any one regard
ing this organization or the labor it
performs, and it shall have full justice
at all times in any published accounts
made in this journal, if the facts can
be obtained. In this spirit the fol-
lowing questions have to-day been
asked of General w. j. Smith, the
acting president Of the Howard Asso-
t%iation, by the LEDGER representative:
1t was generally reported last fall
and winter hat the Howard fund had
been reduced to about $4,000 or less.
Three members Of your society told
me such was the case. Upon a para
graph appearing in the LEDGER about
the time the fever broke out to this
eject, your absent president corrected
the error by stating that the fund on
hand was nearly $4,000. 1t is stated
that your balance sheet as given to
the public shows cash on hand at the
close Of last years labors of only
$l7OO. Do you know any cause for
the erroneous reportP
Answer-This discrepancy occurred
by a fund of $4,000 being invested in
United States bonds. 1t was placed
to the credit Of acommittee, consisting
Of the president, secretary and treas
urer, in the German National Bank.
The cash account on the books only
showed the balance on hand, outside
of this investment, which wal so made
that it could not be touched by any
member of the society without the
knowledge of the three to whose credit
it stood.
Did you have any member of your
society under pay last winter?
Answer-No, sir.
Do you exclude the news reporter,
from your general, your executive and
your auditing committee meetings?
Answer-From our private meet
ings we do, as do all other societies.
A deep public interest is manifested
in all circles regarding the labors you
are performing and the world at large
have manifested a great desire t.
further your efforts in all good works
As the public are donating funds t
aid you in helping the sick, do you
expect to make a full showing to tn,
! public Of your stewardship?
W