Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-02-09
A NEW ORGANIZATION NEEDED.

The experience of the present season
has shown the need OF a new organization
in this city, which shall combine. in its
management, the several classes OF per-
sons who are responsible, either legally Or
voluntarily, Tor the care of the poor. The
Woman's Benevolent Society needs, not
simply periodical and spasmodic aid, but
continuous and organized help, and we
should have Charitable Association, OF
which the officers OF the benevolent society,
the township trustees. and the mayor shall
be members, er cffcio, and with these
there should be strong representation of
the best and wisest men and women Of
the several wards of the city, with a rep
ressntation also from the township. Most as
suredly should the township trustees wei
come plan, the provisions OF which would
secure to them the cooperation not simply
of the ladies but of the mayor and of our
citizens. And it is certainly true that
when there are hundreds OF unfortunates
to be cared for, and the people are taxed
for their support, they should have per-
sonal knowledge as to the condition of the
poor fund and have the opportunity OF
making suggestions, at least, as to its dis
posal. And the trustees shold nave per-
sonal knowledge of all movements in
tended to assist them in their work, and
should accept OF all effective aid readily
and even thankfully. If the poor fund,
raised by tax, is sufficient for the relief of
of all persons who shoald be aided the
people ought to know it; and if it is not
sufficient, they should. as q matter OF
course, know it all the more
We must have a Charitable Orga,iza-
tion-strong and permanent-not to su-
percede the Benevolent Society, but to
support and cooperate with it; and it
should be composed of our leading cirizp ms,
men of brain and character, as well as
heart, and with business capacity, who
shall be able to ascertain the exact status
of the situation and to act wisely and eff
ciently, and without making a perpetual
racket about the poverty and distress Of
the town and forever advertising it to the
world For such advertising is not a
wholesome thing and not at al! creditable
70 us. IndeeI, there ought not at any
time, or in any circumstances, to be any
suffering from lack of food, fuel or shelter
in city which has as much
wealth as Springfield possesses, and
there must not be hereafter
And there should be cooperation
on the part of all charitable agencies, and
co-knowledge as to the facts pertaining to
the situation, so that needy persons, or
persons claiming to be needy, shall moi at
the same time be drawing supplies from
two or more sources!
Then, the members of an organization
of this kind could do much, individually
and in an associated capacity to look after
people before they get poor; to remove
where possible, the causes of poverty; and
to provide employment of some kind to
persons out of work An ounce Of pre-
vention might be made better than a ton of
cure Lessons in economy might be
taught people who are helped in the win
ter, the previous summer. Such might be
shown how to make what they receive go
as far as possible in their own support.
Indeed, there is much for the members of
such an organization to do, all the year
round, and the general problem involved
is cne of the most intricate as well as i'm
portant of any now to be solved by the
people OF this and other communities. But
this is NO reason why its solution ought