The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-22
The Charity Organization Society.


TO the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
Take it for granted, said a wise man, shat
the people know little or nothing about your sub
ject and make it simple" This is eminently
true in regard to our charitable work. What is
the Charitable Organization Society9 What it's
work9 What the Benevolent Society and it's
work9 What the Flower Mission and it's workq
l. The Charity Organization Society is an
association of the business men of the city for
the following purposes: To study the whole
question of the evils incident to great cities; to
study the causes of poverty to control, so far as
they may be able, the abuses to search out each
case of suffering and distress; and to it that
it is promptly and adequately relieved;
I that not one case of need goes
unaided through ignorance or neglect
1t makes business of this. 1t spends money
for information. 1t pays for the best service it
can get to do this work. It's entire expenditure
is understood by those who sustain it to be for
this administrative purpose. liken it to
commercial agency, a citizens associa-
tios, or law and order league.
1t gives no relief, but it provides relief for all
entitled to it, through the already existing agen-
cies-through the Benevolent Society," the Flow
err Mission, the City Dispensary, etc. 1t lifts up
the man lying on the Jericho road, and takes him
to some place of aid, and sees to it that his wants
are attended to. 1t is to be judged by its sue
cess in doing this. as the benefit of board of
health is to be studied by the better sanitary
condition.
g The Indianapolis Benevolent Society does
give relief 1t takes all cases that the Charity
ORGANIZATION Society brings to it. To one it gives
food, to another fuel to children, clothing and
Shoes to some work; to others place at the
Friendly Inn It's expenses are small, most of
its work is done without cost, and much of it's
work cannot be shown by figures. 1t spent last
year 3d. 800 in ''relief," besides the hundreds to
whom it gave work and aid in other ways
3. The Flower Mission gives relief to the sick
and poor. 1t takes the cases that the Charity
Organization Society sends, and also on its rec
Concentration. Its name is not understood; Civ
ing flowers is but small part of the work. The
gift of flower means delicate, dainty, giving.
The Mission takes care of the sick and poor. 1t
gives milk soups fruits etc. 1t maintains the
Training School that has added much to the
efficiency of the hospital 1t now keeps mis-
sionary nurse going among the sick. The presi
| dent of the Flower Mission is not the writer of
| this letter. 1t is Mrs Chapman,
| Other aid or relief is given by many agencies
| the City Dispensary, the City Hospital, the
| township trustee, the Orphan Asylum, etc.
The individuality of each agency is preserved.
But the distinction to keep in mind is that the
| Charity Organization searches out the case and
| brings it to the attention of these cooperating
societies. securing the relief needed. Or it re-
| fuses to recommend, and if it is not needed or
| not deserved. This is why its expenditures are
| for administrative. OSCAR c. MCCULLocH.