The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-01-16
Associated CharItIes,

The monthly meeting of the society was
held yesterday afternoon, Mr.. E. P. Chase
the president, In the chair. On taking the
chair Mr.. Chase spoke at some len 9Th of the
excellent work of the society, of the honor
conferred upon him by his selection to the
office, and that his efforts would be put forth
to strengthen and aid the society to the ex-
tent of his power.
Miss G. N. Patten, the secretary, read this
report, which was accepted.
Those who have been associated with Mrs.
Lilly in all the years In which she has been
the efficient secretary of the Associated
Charities, will not wonder that it was with
much reluctance that consented to take her
place. trust her resignation will not be
final, but that after this season of needed
rest, she will return to take up again the
work so dear to her heart with renewed
vigor. In the meantime, with the counsel
and assistance of my efficient helpers, and
ABOVE all, relying upon the wisdom and
strength which comes only from above, |
viii endeavOr to strve you to the best of my
ABILITY. Our duties commenced on the first
day of December, and notwithstanding the
inclemency OF the weather, one of us has
been able to be at our office each day, and
ready to meet the various calls which have
come to us. We had hardly commenced our
work when case of fraud was brought to
our notice by one of our most earnest work.
ers. A man calling himself by the name of
Eustis, called at her house asking help for a
family by the name of Knight whom he
represented as being In very destitute cir
cnmstances; he had long list OF names OF
persons who had give some more, some less.
Inc lady promised to call and see the family
that afternoon If he would give the address.
He named the street, but not the number and
requested her not to call that day, but she
was not to be deferred, and with friend ard
the AID OF policeman, the street was thor
oughly searched aud no such family was
found, neither has Mr. Eustis made his ap-
pearance. A notice was sent Immediately to
the daily papers. He was then arrested In his
WORK; put not arrested by the police, as we
hoped he might be. We cannot too strongly
urge upon all, not TO bestow charity at the
door, and not In any case give money,
In one instance we have been deceived, al
though the case was put into very good
hands. The father of little girl came to us
In much trouble, his wife had left him, his
heath was poor, and it was impossible for
him to take proper care of the child. The case
was thoroughly investigated, and it was con-
ciuded to procure clothing for the child aud
pass to take them to neighboring state,
where sister resided who would give the
child home. All this was done
and the visitor went to the
station and saw them off. A few days since
she was surprised to meet the child, who
told her they had been visiting 10 the coun
try, but had returned to the city. A great
many cases have come to US for investga-
uon' and we are happy to say that, except In
Ine cases mentioned, but three have been
found to be really unworthy. There are two
cases OF what might be called the better
ci;ssS, VINO nave been in more prosperous
:, Circumstances Sa NJ Both families appear now
hui 70 4, ~ lar way to take care of themselves
wv ~ was absolutely necessary to afford
them help, and it has been done by putting