Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-17
THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES.
Appeal of the Third Subdivision.

To the Editor of THE EVENING STAR:
The third subdivision Associated charities
embracing that portion of the city bounded by
Rock creek and 18th street; Pennsylvania ave-
nue. to Boundary street, as far as 18th street,
down 18th street to P; thence to 18th street
appeal for money to-enable the directors to con-
tinue Its work during the summer, and in addi-
ton thereto the schools of instruction. already
inaugurated for young children from years up
to Z, in the kindergarten, and young women
in the kitch engarten and sewing. Since this
subdivision was reOrganiZed last January only
S256 has been received from all sources. AT
this date there remains about $50 in the
treasury. We will be in debt at the end
of the month unless aid is given US.
central point, and an office was rented at
2l53 Pennsylvania avenue. where the poor may
be referred by those appealed to living in the
subdivision most excellent and efficient
lady visitor spends several hours every day at
this room to hear and note the wants of each
mendlcant. and report the same to the other
visitors. Here the classes of instruction are
daily conducted by selt-sacri1cing ladies. and
their great care ia the lack OF space and mate
rial for the work that if properly fostered, will
serve as nucleus inthe near future for a
great training school for this now neglected
class of the youth Of Washington. The eXpe.
rience in many of the larger cities demonstrates
that the associated charities Is the surest way
of working the ultimateicure of beggary in our
streets. and with these training schools as aux.
ilIaries to the old system OF giving charities,
the rising generation of servants will be taught
self-respect and aidegree of usefulness that will
ultimately Introduce an efficient body of domes-
tics into our HOUSEHOLDS
1t will be seen that this subdivision is one of
the wealthiest sections of the CITY, and at the
same time includes great many wretchedy
poor people. 1t isoGly Necessary to visit them
in their abodes Of misery and degradation to be
fully satisfied that wehave duty to perform TO-
wards them so long as this state of things exist
About two weeks isinee q circular was sent out
by the directors Of"this division. setting forth
the condition q the poor. and the need Offunds
to carry on this work of training the young 10
connection with the usual charities; but not.
withstanding great pains had been taken to de-
liver these circulars at every house where there
was the least hope of obtaining money. not one
single response was elected.
During the winter most liberal contributions
We're made to the citizens relief fund, but very
little was given to the associated charities. Only
temporary relief was rendered through the pc,
lice 1t is a mistake to give money when 1t can
be avoided. First, the families must be visited
by ladies' or men familiar with the inner life OF
this class of people before attempting to admin.
lister to their wants. and then it must be applied
with great care and moderation! The associated
charities In Philadelphia and Boston and other
large cities is cOunfenanced and supported BY
the municipal authorities, and courts and bank
ers, and lawyers and merchants in fact, by all
the strongest and most influential of their citi.
zens, and if every owner of property here in oul
capital was to enroll his or her name as mem.
Der and paw yearly simply few dollars great
amount of good of lasting character would be
effected. 1t is only necessary to make our.
selves acquainted with what is being done in
other large cities to awaken a similar interest
here in opr midst Simply doing out money
to the poor is the sure means of adding to the
list of beggars. We must 60 down to the youths
of the poor, and train them to usefulness-ma
king them se.f-respecting. Through them the
old are reached. l do not come simply in the
name of the subdivision, but in the name of GU,
great examplar, Christ, who has taught us that
lit Is more blessed to give than receive"
ID. NJ. FAIRFAX, Vice President.
1885 / street northwest