The Washington times., 1894-10-18
COMMISSIONERS WILL ACT
"The Times" Movement for Sweet
Charity Heartily Endorsed.
OFFICIAL SUPPORT ASSURED
Other Gases of Dire Destitution Discovered
by Humane Mission Workers-Plans Of
Relief Proposed, Including the Opening
of Chain of Free Soup Houses.

The District Commissioners heartily en-
dorse the work of The TIMES in the interest
of suffering humanity in this city, and
promise 10 lend the humane and worthy
movement every aid in their power.
reporter of The TINES called on Com
missioner Ross yesterday afternoon at the
municipal building on First street and asked
for his views on the subject
1.-The Commissioners OF the District" he
said, ''are in full accord with the movement
for the relief of our poor. and when it be-
comes necessary to act, we will take the in
itiative. if II is desirable. The work of The
WASHINGTON TIMES in bringing this matter
before the public at this early day is very COM
| mendable indeed.
Mr.. Ross spoke of the excellent work ac-
complished by the Washington police last
winter in relieving distress. He also men
toned some individual and deserving cases
which had come under his observation during
the past few weeks. Referring to the action
Of tramps in gathering large quantities OF
cast-of clothing in their observation-disclosures
perlgrlnatiOns. Mr.. Ross gave il as his opinion
that there should be a committe appointed
to receive donations OF clothing and distrib-
ute the articles among the several charitable
organizations in the District. Commissioner
Ross heart is in the movement forthe relief of
I the destitute, and he only wishes it was within
his power to give every idle man in Washing
ton employment.
N THE FIELDS OF POVERTY.
The missionaries of the Central Union Mis-
sion are hard at work in the fields of poverty,
and they are reporting some severe cases of
destitution. One of these reports states that
a white family, respectable and intelligent,
has had less than 81 a week for several
months past. They have lived mainly on
cornmeal, with coffee only occasionally. The
father had a severe chill while attending a
mission meeting several evenings ago. and
every member of his family Is suffering in the
same way. They have malaria and are with
out means to move from their present un-
healthy locality.
Another family of whites living out near
the Jail has been subssting on q scanty
allowance of cornmeal mush for several
weeks past. Sometimes they even have to do
without this simple repast. Many similar
cases have been reported, but owing to a lack
OF funds for charitable purposes, the Mission
has been unable as yet to extend much as
sistance to those in need.
A movement is being inaugurated among
the ladies of the several Lutheran churches
to establish a chain of free soup houses in
this city. They propose to have large num-
Der Of tickets printed, each emitting the
holder to one pint of soup and a piece OF
bread. These tickets will be placed IN the
hands of the police and managers of charit-
able organizations for distribution.
The South Washington police have brought
10 light several additional cases of destitu-
tion among the poor in that section, some of
them being almost heart-rendering.
Mr.. j. c. Muncaster, who has had a long
experience in working among the poor. is
formulating a plan which will materially
aid in alternating distress in this city during
the approaching cold weather. He is a be-
lever in practical charity, and says the
method proposed will embody his belief.