National Republican., 1882-12-06
APPEALS FOR AID.
Chances For the Charitnbly Inclined to
Help Those Who Are Really in Need.


THE SUFFERERS ny THE ITALIAN FLOODS
The Marquis A. Dalla-Valle, charge d 'afiaires
of Italy, asks the publication in the Washing
ton press of the following appeal for aid in
behalf of the sufferers by the Lombardo- -Vcne-
tian inundations.
ITALIANs Within the last few months ter
riblc foundations have devastated the Lom-
bardo-N venetian provinces. The damages caused
by the overflow amount to more than one hum
drcd millions of francs. The government of
his Majesty King Umberto has already pro-
vidcd for the most pressing need, but the dis
aster is so overwhelming, and so numerous are
the sufferers reduced to the most abb jcct mis- ,ry
that in every town in Italy, and in every
country where Italians are found, committees
have been formed to solicit subscriptions for
the relief of the inundated districts. / there
fore address you, Italians, resident in the Dis
trict of Columbia that you may contribute
your mite as a proof that You remember your
mother country in her hours of sorrow as in
her days of gladness.
Thousands Of grateful hearts will bless your
generosity, and yours also, Americans, people
of all counties, whose cooperation in this
sacred work will give u noble example of the
brotherhood of nations.
Contributions will be received daily from
12 to at the Italian legation No. 1924 Seven
teenth street northwest, where u list of the
donations will be kept and published in one
of the Italian journals of Now York. Tho list
will be closed ON the 1st of February, 1888.
A. DALLA-VALLE,
Charge dAfaires of Italy.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec. 3, 1882.
MIsDIREoTED CHARITY.
To The Editor.
The approach of winter and consequent in
crease of destitution, reminds us of the duty
of making some provision for the poor.
The charitable of this city contribute every
year probably enough or more than enough,
to relieve all actual dcstitution; but 1t is un-
fortunate that a very large proportion of the
aid thus given is wasted either in gifts to i'm
posters or in over relief to some, while Others
obtain nothing. Indiscriminate aims giving
without inquiry encourages professional
begging and impostors, and it is manifest that
the money thus distributed could be much
better employed if given only to those whom
actual investigation shows to be entitled to
aid
The Associated Charities of this city was
organized with the purpose of aiding the
destitute, while checking the operations OF
impostors, and if those who wish to aid the
needy would make use of this association il
their efforts, they would be much more Ger
tain of etiecting their purpose than by follow
ing ordinary plans of distribution.
The society has been in operation but one
year; some of the subdivisions are not yet il
perfect working order, and, owing to lack o
experience and the need of trained visitors
all the operations may not be as wisel,
directed as is desirable, yet with these imper
fections the society affords much better mean
Of distinguishing between true and false pOv
erty, and of finding out the needs Of the pool
who will not beg than anything yet provided
better results will follow with greater eXpe
rience.
The results effected by the society will de-
pend to n great degree upon the use made o.
it by the public Every case reported is in
vestgated by visitor, and when aid can bt
given by or through existing institutions, tht
matter is referred to them Every effort is
made to avoid giving aims, and by advice and
assistance to put the poor in the way of earn
ing their living, thus reducing the number OF
destitute, preventing them from dcgenerating
into professional paupers, and relieving the
public of a permanent tax.
Any money put in the treasury Of the So
ciety will be well employed and any person
who prefers to be his own alm0ner, by apply.
ing to the society at 14lS + street, or to any
officer of the subdivisions, can readily obtain
information showing where relief can be efiec
lively given.
The board is composed of well-known citi
zens; the president is one of the District Com
missioners, and with the exception of an at
tendant at the rooms, no salaries are paid, 81
that but a small fraction of donations is swal
lowed up in expenses. V. p.