Evening star., 1894-01-31
HELPING THE NEE
Meeting of the Central Relief Committee,
and Reports Submitted.
Generous Contributions of Money and
pleted-Distributing Agencies.

The regular meeting of the central relief
committee took place yesterday afternoon
in the Post building and proved interest
ing Two reports were submitted. One
from the committee on distribution, and
the other from Treasurer wilkins.
After Chairman Tracey had called the
meeting to order. he stated that the can
vassing committees had received in cash.
up to Monday evening, S6.925.26. Added to
this. over 5000 worth of food. provisions
and clothing. the grand total to date of
money and supplies was about $4,000.
The Committee on Distribution.
In this connection the report of Chair
man Lawrence Gardner of the committee
on distribution was read. 1t stated:
The committee on distribution recon-
mend the appropriation of the following
sums: Police department. 81. 500; Associated
Charities. $1,000; Young Mems Christian
Association (coloredD. $50; United Hebrew
Charities. 500; Trinity parish branch of
st. Vincent de Paul, Georgetown. 500;
Deaconess Home, $50: total. $500.
There are in hand numerous applications
for appropriations from local organizations.
but the committee has not felt justified in
increasing the list of agencies in view of
the present financial condition and pros
poets of the movement; and, also, in view
Of the fact that further multiplication Of
agencies, without a perfected system of
checking, such We are in the process of
organizing. would increase the risk of du-
plication and of aiding unworthy persons.
From the information received from the
chairman Of the canvaSsing committee, who
is prevented by sickness from attending
this meeting, there is at hand unexpended
and unappropriated a balance of about s5,-
OoO, the major part Of which has not yet
hos frr mad 90 h. -
central relief committee, but soon will be-
IL is not deemed wise to exhaust the fund
In hand, and to rely entirely upon the
chances of future collections. in view Of
the fact that there are at least two months
ahead during which relief must be afforded
In the distribution of appropria tions
gard has been had to the work of the var
ious organizations in the past, to the quick
ness and system with which relief reaches
and to the condition of balances OF appro-
prfations already made some of the minor
ones not yet being exhausted. The police
cover the entire District without the ex-
ception of any locality. No other organixa-
tion can do this conveniently or SO
promptly. The Associated Charities, with
ITS broad plan. does not claim to compete
with the police agency in some parts Of the
District outside the city limits.
various local organizations have recent
ly filed applications. The committee as far
as possible, unless otherwise instructed,
will adhere to the rule of dealing with GEN.
trail bodies. in order that greater RESPONSE
bility may be secured. and the danger Of
duplication and imposture lessened.
Generous Donations of Supplies.
"A gratifying feature of the weeks work.
which has a very important bearing upon
future prospects, is the very liberal re-
sponse to the committee canvassng for do
nations in kind. Fuel provisions. clothing
and bedding have been sent in large guam
titles from many persons to the central re-
lfaf wit ffaz. L..
supplies received number in all 2IO. They
include some very large orders, such as
1000 loaves of bread from Messrs. Schnei-
der & Berens, % loaves of bread every day
for month from Havenner Baking Com
pany, 30 loaves of bread from l.. E. Bruen-
ger, 100 bread tickets from Fred Vogt, )
barrels crackers, New York Biscuit Com
pany. The order for 1000 loaves of bread
has been given to the police department,
and that of % loaves day from the Hav-
enner Baking Company to the Associated
Charities. In addition to the donations
above mentioned, the committee has also
received a very large number of orders for
supplies from business firms and indi-
viduals. including about thirty tons Of coal.
Much of this very important aid to the
undertaking of general relief has come
through the members of the canvassing
committee, to whom the committee on dis
tribution is also indebted for much informa-
ton regarding cases calling for relief.
There have been sent from the central
relief committee rooms to the various dis
tributing agencies in all twenty-five full
wagon loads of relief supplies. There are
supplies enough on hand at present to bring
the distribution today up to twenty-five
loads.
The main agencies in the distribution in
kind have been the police and the Asso-
ciated Charities, and, considering the money
appropriations to those organizations, a
liberal addition is to be made for the value
of supplies thus furnished.
Your committee has heard of some cases
in which unauthorized persons have collect
ed money. and it is deemed wise that the
public should be warned against such i'm
posters and reminded that all collectors
from the canvassing committee carry Gre
dentials with them and are desired to oper-
ate within the districts to which they are
assigned. While the responses of the public
of the District in money and supplies to
the appeal for the relief fund have been
liberal, it is evident that a continuance of
similar liberality will be needed to carry
on the work during the winter season"
The report was adopted.
As to Georgetown.
Mr. G. G. Boteler of Georgetown inquired
what arrangement had been made for the
distribution of funds and clothing in
Georgetown. He was informed that the
GEORGETOWN branch of the Associated Char
tiles and the police were being used. Mr..
Boteler stated that upwards of $500 was On
hand, which he would turn over to the
treasurer.
The report of the treasurer showed that
s1OO73.41 had been received and $i,S,i3.53
had been disbursed
Secretary SOmerville read a letter from
pupils of the high school offering to give an
entertainment for the benefit Of the relief
fund.- and Mr.. Somerville was directed to
write a letter to Mr.. William I. Kirby that
the central committee would be glad to
receive any funds that may be raised from
such an entertainment. The entertainment
will be given at Martyr College on Febru-
ary IA, Is and 16, by pupils and graduates
of the high school.
The meeting adjourned to meet again
Tuesday, February 4. at o'clock p. III.
G.aad Te m MAJ Ha Elections.