Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-01-15
HERE'S PLAN
For Charitable Work on SYs
tematic ideas.
SHALL A MEETING Be Called
II You Favos II. Mako II Knewn TO
Thomas ID. Giihsrs--Nsw Reform
Method Advocated.

Method Advocated.
The following letter 10 being circulAt.
ed BY Joseph w. RosrntnAl and others
relative to the formation OF 81 organ
lied charity association:
DEAk sER--Eaen day hears the voice
OF distress coming up from the homes
Of poverty, sickness AID discourage
lnent-
We know sherc 10 much suffsrpR in
our city. Nearly $4,000 are annually
expended Ia GRAD Rapids by enarit-
able institutions and pnilantafopie cits-
zeDs and the tax roll Tor The suppors OF
the poor. Notwithstanding this. many
worthy poor eontlnue To suffer IN IN
aided mlsery. Large sumo OF money
are instructed gwen TO the I'M
worthy, thus fostering and encourage
ing lnposture aud professional pauper-
ISM
How can this condition OF atfairs be
remedled? The experience OF ether
cities TN this country and Europe) has
shnwn-bv the introduction OF . sys-
tenn OF organized charnes-A system
which recognizes the necessity OF in
on n4ethoiicai and business principles,
worthy, eliminating and preventing
fraud and deception. and economically
administering and Judlciousiy disfrib-
utlng charity funds.
To establish tn:s, AL charitable iusti-
suuons. fraternsl societies, religious
ORGANIZATIONS and philantnroplc cltl-
- 10 al N
OF crate. You are respectfully invited
and urged to lend your Aid and IN
fluence IN this cause.
That the proposed scope of this pur-
pose may be we'll understood and de-
fined II has teen considered desirable
that preliminary public meeting shall
be called at SOME early date to inaug-
vrate an effort in this direction. The
meeting 10 be addressed and plans out
lined BY one or more of inexperienced
officers and experts of such organiza-
tons IN other cities.
Will you kindly authorize the use of
your name in a call for sucn meeting
and express your 'interest n this i'm
portant matter by signing and mailing
notice To that effect TO the Hon.
Thomas ID. Gilbert, who has kindly
consented to act as chairman of the
promoters
To Indicate the general basis upon
which the organization might hope to
safely stand. (having nothing to do with
any questions OF religious belief. poll
tscs TT nationality, 1t shall have for Its
objects
10 be a center OF inter-communica-
ton between the various associations.
charitable agencies and individual
philanthropists in this city; TO foster
harmonious cooperation between
them, and To cheek the evils of the
overlapping of relief.
To investigate thoroughly and with
out charge, the cases OF all applicants
for relief which are referred To the
society for inquiry, and TO provide
friendly visitors who snail personally
attend cases needing counsel, advice or
personal aid or encouragement.
To obtain from the proper charities
and charitable individuals suitable and
adequate relief for deserving cases.
To procure work for poor persons
who are in need, aud who are capable
of being wholly or partially setf-sup-
porting.
To repress mendicancy by the above
means and by the pubic exposure and
prosecution OF impostors.
To promote the general welfare of
the poor and improyldent, by social
and sanitary reforms, and by the IN
cuicauou OK habits of providence and
self dependence.
To cooperate with all similar socie-
ties and the constituted authorizes of
city, county aud state in all proper eff
forts TO discover. suppress aud punish
vsgrscy and vagsbondage.
IL - not the design TO rival, suppiant
or interfere with any existing char
table organization. but to try TO aid
and assist them en- a strictly unsectar-
iau. non-partisan basis.
IL - earnestly desired to have the
membership as large and as general as
possible
You are solicited to promptly join
this society when formed and present
its merits TO the public and your friends
"a fully ss you may be able and urge q
full attendance st the proposed
meeting.