Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-12
Relief of the Poor Disbursement

Relief of the Poor Disbursements.
Great restitution and want prevailed
throughout the District Of Columbia during
the year 1S.3-9f, and especially marked was
this condition in the winter season. The
call of distress was heard on all sides, and
at times so many were the appeals that not
only was the clerical force of the depart
ment compelled to devote TIE greater part
of it's time to the work, but the entire police
force was called into requiSitiCn to receive
and dispense charity. Aid was granted or
refused in each instance after investigation
as to the worthipess OF the applicant b.
some member of the department Many
friends of the police institution placed do
nations in the hands of its superintendent.
These consisted of money, clothing, fuel and
provisions. When money was given, the
superintendent noted the date and amount,
and issued a deposit ticket to the chief
clerk; the tickets running in series, and
operating as check in connection with the
vouchers for expenditures, when finally pre-
scented to the superintendent for settlement
and approval.
Supplies contributed were delivered at the
several station houses, and distributed by
the lieutenants thereof. This was but the
beginning of the work which enlisted the
sympathy and support of all good cltlzenS,
and the confidence placed in the depart
ment was further evidenced after an or
ganization of the citizens central relief
will be remembered, was the outgrowth of
a mass meeting called for the emergency,
and its purposes were defined in brief as
follows:
The Citizens Central Relief Com
mittee.
1.-THE unusual restitution prevailing in
the city, the great number out of employ
ment exceeding anything known in the
history of the District, and the suffering
for common necessaries of life among those
who ordinarily are not in want, call upon
those in whose homes the blessings of pros
perity, of employ ment and of steady income
are enjoyed, to make some sacrifice in the
name of common humanity to relieve the
distress Of the less fortunate. Those who
can give, however much or little should
give promptly, for the need is urgent. The
money and supplies contributed will be ap-
piled under the direction of the central re-
lief committee to the relief of residents of
the District wno are III need and deserving
of help"
The officers chosen were Col. John Tracy,
chairman; Jas. w. Somerville, secretary;
Beriah Wilkins, treasurer, and Justice G. c.
Cole Mrs. j. w. Babson, John +. Cook, l..
S. Emery, Lawrence Gardner, j. Harrison
johnson, Miss Harriet b. LorinS, Theodore
w. Noyes, John G. Slater, DR.. l.. w.
Richie, b. III. Warner and Simon Wolf.
The committee invited to it's support
number of willing hands, who made a cam
vass of the District for donations of all
kinds. With that generosity which has al
ways characterized the residents of this
community in times of distress a bountiful
harvest was reaped. This office not only
had it's own donations and charges to re-
ceive and dispose of at that time, but 1t
was selected by the committee as its prin-
cipal channel for affording relief.
Funds payable to the order of the super
intendent of police were placed to the credit
of the chief clerk, with the deposit check,
oil ,..Nfn rrA1 -
check drawn by him in favor of the mer-
chants from whom provisions and fuel
were purchased. In each case the standing
and worthiness of the applicant was look
ed into by the officer on whose beat he or
she may have resided, and on his report the
lieutenant of the precinct would base the
allowance, giving orders upon merchants
nearest the applicants residence These
orders were filled for substantials only re-
ceipted by the recipient, and forwarded by
the creditor to the chief clerk as subvoucher
for his account. All cases reported to the
police by members of the relief committee
ministers, physicians to the poor and cit
liens generally were promptly looked into.
there being delay i'm relieving the de-
serving In some Instances shoes were pur-
chased, but none of the money appropriated
by the committee was expended for rent
in rare instances, where persons were in
danger of being evicted and put upon the
street, rent was advanced from the de-
partment funds, provided they would change
their residence. This was done to avoid the
payment Of rent in arrears to landlords.
The Needy Embraced All Classes.
The needy embraced all classes, there be-
ing a greater number of white persons
among them than was ever before known,
discharged government employees, mechanics
out of work, laborers in search of employ
ment, and those who are dependnt at all
times being included. Many widows and
children and aged and infirm persons were
compelled to make their wants known, de-
spite their inclination to avoid it,
The work was conducted harmoniously
and the thanks of the department are due
for courtesies received at the hands of the
general public the department officials and
particularly the chairman of the relief COM
mittee, Col John Tracy, Secretary James
w. Somerville. Treasurer Beriah Wilkins,
Lawrence Gardner and Miss Harriet Lor-
ing. The charity concert, under the able
management of DIR. Frank L. Howe and
others; was a most enjoyable and prohta bic
success which contributed to the grand
result.
l submit herewith full statement of all
amounts received and dsbursed as ap-
proved by yourself.
Amounts Received Through Relief
COMMITTEES.