Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-11-06

ventures to intrust the perilous matter of sd-
ministering such relief from the public funds
to self-orcanized societies. though know of
several that have exreriniented in that direc-
ton and abandoned the policy as too danger
GUS. 1t is easy to see why this should be SO.
Ii Is possible for government officials ade-
qua;ely to inspect the institutions it subsdizes.
but 1t is not possible for any official to follow
and report upon work that must extend to
every alley and hovel of great city. II such
relief is to be given from public funds Ameri-
can experience indicates that it should be given
by public officials alone.
After the committee Of the Associated Chari-
ties had appeared before you one of Thorn re-
amount now at issue, 81 600 was hardly worth
hghting for, but that it was the principle" for
which they were contending In other words.
their request for 81 900 is merely the thin end
Oh the wedge. | hope you will canvass the
principle" involved very thoroughly before
you expose yourselves to future urgent appeals
from this and from other associations.
y. The public subventior OF q society doing
the work which the Associated Charities has
undertaken Is not necessary in Washington
Though the general secretary Of tho Associated
Charities scouts the idea that one who has been
In the city but afew months can know anything
about her people, yet venture to believe that
he and the managers underestimate the public
spirit and liberality Of our citizens. Ivsnture
TO believe, and have definite grounds for the be.
lief that if the Associated Charities but succeed
IN holding the confidence of the community
they will receive adequate support from private
sources
In addition to the foregoing points would
also remind You of the fact, already mentioned
in my annual report, that no report was re-
ceivcd at this office from the Associated Chari-
ties for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891.
explained to the general secretary that q
mere summary of his monthly reports to his
managers would answer every purpose, and
though he has three times promised to send
me such statement. 1t has not come to hand.
This is the only case in which my request for n
report from a subsidized organization bas not
met with prompt and courteous response,
and you will see that ii such failure is 20 be
treated as immaterlaI my power OF collecting
the facts desired by yourselves and Congress
will be very limited.
preliminary draft Of this memorandum
was submitted at the request Of their represen-
tatives to the managersof the Associated Chari-
ties, and after conference with u committee APP
pointed by them it has been modified in several
important particulars. ] have listened atten-
lively to whatever they had to say regarding
the validity Of my reasoning herein, and in
return have brought to their attention certain
considerations which it seems inadvisable to
embody i'll this present memorandum. 1 am
the more willing to reserve some of the con-
sldera;ions that have induced me to take my
present position in the matter, because l be-
lieve that what havegiyen is entirely sufficient
to justify my course.
trust you will not think IT Unnecessary to over
rule my recommendation that hereafter no
part OF the $4,000 for the ''relef of the poor"
be apportioned to the Associated Charities, for
l am iully persuaded that sound policy and the
best interests of the District demand that the
Recommendation be approved.