The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-04-25

Annual Meeting and Election of Officers.

The annual meeting of the Associated CHAR.
ties was held yesterday afternoon at Reception
Hall, President Loring In the chair.
The secretary's report was presented and 40.
cepted. 1t reads as follows:
sEcRErARY's REPORT.
In presenting this fourth annual report tina
officers of the Associated Charities, believing
that no further exclamation of the aims and
methods of this work is necessary desire onlr
to give simple statement OF its condition.
10 borrow few words from the last report
OF the secretary OF the charity organization OF
Baltimore: almost all our hindrances can b0
treated to our failure, so far, to gain the uni
versal cooperation of the people of our citv
who are engaged in charitable work. In en-.
ter1ng upon another year we make a most
earnest and direct appeal to this element to
give us the full benefits of their assistance ana
advice. We are fully prepared for any amount
of effective work if the community will have
workers"
Their lament, appeal and promise apply A
well to Portland as to Baltimore. While eV-
cry society responds promptly and generously
to all appeals of the visitors in cases Of individ-
ual need, many yet withhold the list of their
benetciaries, thus preventing perfect regis
tratlon so necessary to the entire efficiency e
the society. As every organization has an un-
questioned right to its own government, it "a
only to wait and hope that principle, so sue.
cessful elsewhere. may yet commend itself 60
the Judgment of the community, il cannot bo
believed that, il thoroughly tested, it would
meet its first failure In Portland.
But even at this disadvantage much roe,d
work has been accomplished. There has been
marked advance in the interest and cond.
dence OF the public, and large increase in tho
number OF cases reported for investigation.
Inc details OF the work cannot vary much
from year to vear-poverty and disease.
hunger and cold are the same for
ever and go on in dreary monotony.
The work-room has fulfilled its beneficene
mission through the winter, sustained by the
proceeds OF the annual sale, and by the geper.
GUS contributions of the public in response q
the appeals OF the committee. A larger num-
Der than in previous years. has been supplied
with sewing. 1t is pathetic to see the long
row of applicants for this work, 80 eager 70
OBTAIN what seems an Insignificant pittanoes
but which is, in many instances, their only
sure and regular income. The garments are
offered for sale with the hope that II the
purchaser finds the stitches not ALWAYS of the
hnests and the seams not always straight, ie
will be remembered that much Of this work
is done by fingers hardened by coarse labor, In
the evening, after day of toll and BY insufR-
cent lights, and sometimes on beds Of pain, and
that it may be Judged simply for what it In
offered, little effort at self sustaining work.
unskilled tho ugh it may be.
On the whole it is believed that what han
been done has been we'll and wisely done ana
that the Associated Charities has made a
years march towards the accomplishment Of
its aim ANNA III. ID EVANS.
The tressurer's report showed a small
balance to the credit OF the society.
The president delivered his report as follows,
PRESIDENTS REPORT
This closes the fourth year of the existencs
81 this society. That 1t has now become firmly
established and is accomplishing work fruif-
full OF much good is beyond question. n
kindly and benevolent purposes have been 40
here.
We believe that much imposture uuon ONE
charitably disposed citizens has been prevent
ed and repressed, and that many worthy and
deserving. poor have been encouraged and
aided as the result of the investigations care
fully and delcately instituted by the visitora
OF this society. The fortnightly conferences
OF managers and visitors have been well sus-
tanned, and have largely increased the interest.
efficiency and usefulness OF our organization.
Our cordial thanks are due to those ladies'
who have devoted so much time and enerpSv
to the benevolent mission of the work room.
Much work has been distributed, manV moor
women and girls have been assisted and en-.
couraged by this opportunity given them to do
something towards their own support, evan
though the amount earned has been limited
This committee of ladies may well feel that
their labors have been fruitful Of much good.
1hose also VINO nave contributed money and
materials for use in connection with this work
room are entitled to the expression Of our
gratitude.
1t is proper that we should EXPRESS our
appreciation OF the faithful services of our
secretary, and OF those managers and visitors
whose attendance upon our meetings and
whose ndelity to the duties assigned them have
given so much encouragement and have been
so efficient in illustrating and enlarging tbs
Denehcent work we have undertaken-a work
which should secure an ever-increasing hold
upon the sympathy and cooperation Of our
fellow-citizens.
At the close OF the presidents address the
following officers were elected:
President-Prentiss Loring
Vice Presdents-W. ". Thomas, Rev, W.. 4.
Phean, and Mrs Marie T. Hersey.
Secretary and Treasurer-Anna II ID Evans
Board Of Managers-Same as last year
At a meeting of the Board OF Managers
Immediately after the annual meeting of the
society, the Board of Visitors Of last year was
reelected