New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-30
F0R TILE CHILDRENS SAKE.

The work of the Fresh-Air Fund was re-
snmed late in June under unfavOrable con-
ditlons. In consequence of tho Managers
protracted illness and conyalesccnce the
preliminary meetings in village churches and
town halls, which had given great impulse
to the movement during the previous wear.
could not be repeated. The earliest arrange
ments for sending out parties OF children had
to DO made with precipitate haste and mper-
feet organization. We are glad TO be able to
say that the difficulties met with at the
outset were readily overcome, and that the
operations of the Fund have been conducted
with a remarkable degree OF success. Clergy
men and influential residents in rural COM
mumitles have devoted themselves to the work
with heartness and intelligence, and in few
instances complete ARRANGEMENTS for the recep-
ton and enter ainment OF the children have
been made by local committees. The first party
sent to the Champlain district was organized
during the first week of July, and compared
fayorably in number aud character with the
pioneer expedition of last year. Other parties
have followed in rapid succession. A compari-
son of the records Of the two years shows
that notwithstanding the disadvantages under
which the work was resumed, nearly as many
children, thus far, have been sent out this
year as last. This is a most gratifying result.
IL proves that the Fresh Air Fund has be-
come a popular charity, appealing to the
practical sense az well as to the generous in
stincts of the community.
Much has been done already, but much
more remains to be DONE if the work is TO be
kept up to the high level of last years achieve
ments. There are thousands of sick and neg
lected children who need a vacation in the
country. 1t is for the generous readers OF THE
TRIBUNE and for the hospitable farmers and
residents of rural or suburban districts to say
how many or how few shall be transplanted
during August from hot pavements, shiny
cutters and disease breeding tenements 10
shady lanes, fragrant meadows and cheerful
homes in the country. The children are here
many thousands more than can be sent away.
let the patrons of the fund DO as open handed,
the farmers as kind-hearted as they may.
Hundreds of applications for places in the out
going parties arc received at this Office every
week. and the men and women who devote
their lives to work among the poor OF the
metropolis are daily pressing upon our attcn-
ton the special needs and claims OF the little
ones under their care. 1t is not for THE
TRIBUNE TO say how much OF this benefcent
work shall he done and how much of IL shall
be left undone. This is matter for the public
to decide. If as much good is to be done
during tho coming month as was done in
August last year the contributions must be
largely increased. The amount collected thus
far has snfiiccd for the needs of the present
month, but the expenditures during August
will be on larger scale. More money will be
needed, and it should be promptly contributed.
Even greater stress must be laid upon the
appeal to farmers families and rural residents
in New England and tue Middle States to do
what they can FOR the children OF the tene-
ment world. Let every family that can enter
tain for a fortnight one or more OF these
neglected little ones send word Immediately
to this Office. Better stiil. let the village or
outlying district be canyassed by tho clergy
man or sonaa apargetie farmers wife, and o