The morning times., 1895-10-25

There Will be a revolution in the ways
and means of charity if it can be effected
by the Board of Trade. Any NOV snent
inaugurated by and pushed by this body
commands attention, and in addition to
this The Times was early in the field this
season urging speedy provision and ef-
fective means for the relief of the poor this
winter.
About week ago Mr.. F. L. Moore, chair
man of the committee on charities of the
Board of Trade, invited Il representative
of the Baltimore Charity Organization to
Washington, who addressed a number of
those interested in improving the present
methods % froviding for the INDECENT
classes.
The point made by this agent was that
while the Baltimore plan included Il CEN
tral body, yet there was no dist tribution of
supplies or money direct from this organi-
Zation, except as To money in cases OF dire
distress.
AGENTS OF THE CENTRAL sJDY.
The central body was, however, in touch
with all the societies and other instatu-
tions which deal directly with the resident
and transient poor The central body had
agents throughout the city, which was dis
tricted, and whenever application tor aid
was made, either the central office or an
agent knew 10 what institution such "A case
should be referred. The expense of such
q central organization was the rent of an
office, salaries of CHIEF clerk and the
district agents. These expenses were paid
by voluntary contributions.
The committee on charity of the Beard
of Trade discussed these matters yester-
day, and while its proceedings VIII not be
given in full until its report is made at the
coming annual meeting, enough is known to
state that in general terms the baltimore
plan was Endorsed, but there are modifica-
tions suggested by the plans of Boston and
Cincinnati. sir. ii. Il. F. Macfarland. OF
the committee, said that there were sew
eral details of the methods of the Boston
charities which might be considered profit
ably.
INDIsCRIMINATE GIVING
Chairman Moore, however, touched the
keynote of the situation when he said that
the people of Washing ton were tired of in
discriminate giving. 1t was evident, he
said, that the free hand gifts of the people
In money and supplies were only Il tenn
porary makeshift. That such policy,
without some means of educating the bene
ficiaries up 10 the idea that th.y should
give what they could IN return for pecuniary
or provisional aid, only tended to keep
paupers in poverty and ensure an annual
return to the city ofthe unworthy recipients,
who enjoyed well Intended but tquestlonably
applied means ofrtlief. These, however are
matters or detail.
In the early part OF this year there was
some talk OF recognizing the supervision
of charities as provided by law. The
talk at that time was quite above board
tllat the office OF superintendent Of chari-
ties could be dispensed with.
BOARD OF CHARITIES.
Mr.. Moore said that it was the intention
of the committee to have the charities
by board; and that it would
be a good plan TO have on such board
OF the directors OF the principal
charitable institutions OF the city.
II was stated that to carry out this plan
action would be necessary,
and il is understood that Il bill TO that
end will be submitted to Congress at the
approaching session.
As at present intended, the board is to
consist OF ten members, with saiaried
secretary. The bin carries with it the
OF the office of superintendent
of charities, now held by Col. John Tracey,
at an annual salary of $4,000
The board must be composed OF citizens
OF Washington. Col. Tracey having been
appointed under law which expressly
provided that the appointee should be
non PRESIDENT
These questions will be further consid- |
cred by the board at its annual meeting.