Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-07
DOW N TO WORK
The Detroit Plan is Under Head
way.
FULL ORGANIZATION MADE
A Joint Committee Meeting Yes
terday Afternoon.
ORGANIZATION MADE
LAND AND WORKERS WANTED

The machinery of the potato plan was
put together yesterday, and the wheels be-
gan to go round. The various committees
representing the charity organizations and
the board of trade met at o'clock at the
rooms of the latter organization, and pro-
ceeded to form a joint committee on aid of
the poor through work. The following were
present: F. L. Moore, ]. B. Wight, NJ.
ID. Peck, S. Caywood and H. B. F. Mac
farland, constituting the board Of trade
committee on charities; Associated Char
tiles, w. E. Parsons, Theodore w. Noyes,
T. ]. LASER, Mrs. ]. w. Babson and L. 8.
Emery; central relief committee, L. S.
Emery. Theodore w. Noyes and ]. w.
Somerville, the subcommittee on relief for
the poor through labor, to whom. by the
action of the full committee. Endorsed by
the District Commissioners, the practical
work proposed was delegated.
Mr.. Noyes, being member Of all three
organizations represented, was, on motion
OF Mr.. Moore. asked to preside, but in turn
asked Mr.. Moore to do SO, as there was a
desire that he Clr. Moore) should act as
chairman of the executive committee, which
would have active charge of the summer $
work. Mr.. Emery was chosen secretary OF
the committee.
The Plan Outlined.
Mr.. Moore opened the conference with an
earnest declaration outlining the work to
be done and the obligations which it would
place on the citizens and the poor of Wash
ington, and a general expression Of views
was had as to who should be entitled to
the aid to be afforded by the potato plan
MIR. Moore very distinctly and positively
drew attention to the fact that a process
of pauperiZation had been going for
years, and that If now land, seed, tools and
blowing were furnished, the people who
results of their labor and not be asking
help next winter. If this We're distinctly
understood and notice was also given that
those who could but would not help to sup
no aid next winter. the process of making
paupers might be expected to cease.
No Outsiders Need Apply.
Mr.. Somerville suggested that in the al
lotment of land to be cultivated no aid
should be given to new corners, but that a
residence of six months be required. DR..
Peck suggested it be a year. Mr.. Moves
and Mr.. Macfarland urged that the COM
mittee on allotment have a discretion in
the matter, and resolution was adopted
practically to this effect, requiring bene-
ticiaries to have lived here six months,
but giving the committee discretion in case
Of obvious need and merit to allow others
who are now residents Of the District
the benefits of the undertaking. This being
the rule 1t was decided to verify all appli-
cations from the complete and accurate
lists made up by the police. the Associated
Charities and Union Mission. Mr.. Moore
stated that there was about $500 available
fer seed and tools.
Upon Mr.. Parsons motion, an executive
committee of five was ordered, with Mr..
Moore chairman ex-officio. This COM
mittee, appointed by Mr.. Moore, consists
I
Peck. who met at the close of the session
and proceeded to organize and lay out Its
work.
Lands offered.
Mr.. Moore stated that a register had been
provided to enter up all lands offered for
cultivation, and about twenty acres had
been placed at the disposal of the commit
tee. OF this Mr.. Christian Heurich offered
twelve acres on the Eastern branch. and
two acres at sherwood; Mr.. T. B. Harri-
son. an acre or more; MIR. Conrad Barrow.
over half an acre; Weller & Repetti, about
three acres in city lots. So far 1t appears
owing, no doubt, to the indefinite state of
the plan, but few applications for lots to
work have been made. Mr.. Emery reported
three. Mr.. Parsons said a coiored woman
had come to see him about the matter, and
said she wouldn't mind having a nice
little house and lot where she could live
and raise vegetables. Mr.. Moore said he
iltu oil dppiCdtlOu lTOUl d pTdCGlCdl man
who wanted to be employed as a superin-
tendent. 1t was, however, agreed that with
definite organization and sufficient adver-
Using, giving enough time for the matter
to reach the classes to be aided. who do not
read the daily papers and learn of such
movements for their benefit only through
hearsay, there would probably be more ap-
plications than could be taken care of we'll
1t was understood also that the plan was
applicable especially to working people,
who. as far as possible, would be given
ground near their homes, so they could
work their little farms early mornings and
late nights. and not lose the chance to earn
their daily wages In the regular way. After
a thorough discussion of the plan in every
feature of its application to the charity
needs of the city the committee adjourned
Executive Committee at Work.
The executive committee met at once.
Mr.. Moore and DR.. Peck were appointed a
to secure additional ground
and Mr.. Emery and Mr.. Wight to make al
lotments to those who desire to work
ground. 1t was suggested that it might be
possible to secure the gratuitouS use for the
short time required of a central head
quarters for storage of seed-pota toes and
other seed and tools, and Mr.. Wight was
appointed a subcommittee to make such
arrangement. 1t Is understood that a
generous dond ton of small Seeds such
as beans, cabbage, turnips, spinach, corn
and lettuce, has been rendered the commit
tee. In this connection, however, it was
held advisable that strict supervision be
exercised over the use of the lands allotted,
and, as far as possible, it would be re-
qured, first, that keepable winter supplies
be raised, such as beans, turnips, beets and
potatoes. When these have been provided
for, if there should be chance for vegeta-
bleS which would be consumed during the
every encouragement and aid pos
sible would be given those who deserve it
to plant these shorter lighter crops. The
first aim of the movement is to establish
the deserving poor in self-respecting labor
toward self-support, and forestall the pitt
full necessity for charity that has marked
the past two winters. The spirit of the
meeting showed conclusively that the De-
troit plan has come in earnest, and that
there is force enough behind it to make it
win.
Mrs. Babson expresses the fullest conf
dence in the practical success of the De-
troit plan. She, together with Miss Brook
field. Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Chapman and
Miss Foster, is Canvassing various parts
of the city to find worthy people who will
take land and work it.