National Republican., 1883-12-17

No attempt is made to give, as included in the
charaties of Washington, the contributions to
missionary societies, home or foreigni church
extension, educational, tract, sunday school,
preachers aid, treedmen's aid, Y. NJ. q. A. or the
current expenses of the city churches,
Mutual benevolent associations, not nominally
religious. but organized with a truly humane and
charitable motive, abound in Washington beyond
any city in the world probably. hinspns ODD
Fellows. temperance men, artizons and lnborers OF
American nativity, foreigners OF England Ireland.
France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland. and prob-
mendsSle sympathy with tho nntortunate Of t6eir
kind have societies who minister TO the relief Of
the needy Of their own nativity or order
1t would be difficult " glye "a catalogue OF pri-l
vate associations In the churches aud society OUT
side, or the names OF the noble army Of women
from the very highest circes of society down,
who, in thousand delicate but effective ways,
illustrate the ministry OF angels to the worthy
destitute and the unhnppy yirtms o. wee; ihls MS
ciety called Associated Chariic'.
This benevolent association was organized in
this city in tho month OF July, 1881 In imitation
of similar societies elsewhere but moro particu-
lnrly after tue model OF the organization OF the
same name, hnying most effective Illustration
in the city of Philadelphia, where the plan Of
working has been tried for several years with
most satisfactory results.
The officers are such rs all regular voluntary
societies have for their working management.
The central board of directors have an Of
fee conveniently located for access, both by
are referred to the visitors OF the dis
triet IN which they profess TO live and their char.
the resident visitor Secretaries of the branches
report statedy TO the central Office all their opera
tions aud the parent society reports at an annual
public meeting Its first anniversary was held in
November 1882. and the second took place on the
sixth instant.
The city being divided into eighteen sections.
of size convenient fnr visitor to supervise aud
full record being made OF each case investigated,
whether relieved or rejected 1t will be seen that
fraud by false statements may be, toa very great
extent, prevented, Thus the public are protected
against imposition by street beggars. which is a
decided relief. But the more desirable accom-
plishment is thai cases of real want ara certain TO
receive tho required attention promptly. Last,
s toa Of all ny ha Sp a
friends of humanity, the good work bequeathed
his disciples by the Master IS made stronger than
were dssocated In In t the ' work and the &c contami.
mating poison Of sectarlan bigotry Is IN goodiy
.;, measure happily eliminated @ frnm the church.
The association is chartered by law and re,
quiros the treasurer to give security for faithful
management of the funds contributed from what
ever source. The constitution declares the OBJ
jects OF the association are; First To give prompt
relief in all cases of real destituton SECOND. To
promote the economic appropriation OF aims con-
tTibuted. both by individuals and associations
aSpy IS aid M1s or nSs work.
The secretary says In his first annual report tho
designs are 80 keep the man who IL about TO full
from falling 10 III q man up gently when he has
fallen; 10 stimulate to mobler ambition by awak.
enpg sol-respect, intellgently relieving distress
without woundDg delicate sensibilities." The
onicinl circular earnestly invites the CO. operation
of all charitable associations, churches, asylums,
and benevolent individuals. The work l. divine
pnd appeals 10 the divinity within uR tor gem
erous response whorever sin has carried sorrow
The figures above show large percentage of the
needy classes, Much of this population is not
native TO the district or immediate vicinity. but
consists OF foating foreigners, and rlil moro
largely OF freedmen--"co "contrapands" during the re-
beliioli, or immigrants since its close.
Chicago, and 81 Louis, and it will he seen that
the charities Of Washington are as the support Of
26,O00 paupers in New York would be- 10000 in
Chicago, and 6,ooO in ST. Louis excluding crlml
mails.