The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-02-22

courage the prolonged feSlueuce III lills city of the rowing class. We furnish them fair opportunity to seek em- ployment, and if unsuccessful, encour- age them to look for work elsewhere.
 We know their instincts and habi- tudes, and are of the opinion that our community is harmed by their con tinued stay in the city. To beg money for lodging by night, and spend the day in drinking, thieving and more begging, is not, we think, likely to inn prove the morals, or the security of the public.
 The present winters experience, in this respect, varies from the last Not half the number of transient men are coming to our notice. This would seem, at first glance, to indicate an improved condition of affairs, but di- rectly in the face of this, stand the re- ports from police officers, and citizens generally, that there was never a time in the history of the. city when there were so many house to house and street beggars as now.
 INsOLENT BEGGARs.
 And they were never so insolent in their demands; in fact, several people have been assaulted when aims were refused. This seems to indicate that the number in town is not less, and in our judgment, the explanation lies in the fact that three institutions have been established here within a little over year, whose avowed and adver- tised purpose Is, to provide a "Home" for this class.
 When all applicants were referred to one office, it will be remembered that this evil was reduced to a minimum, so much so, that our city was consid- cred to be exceptionally favored in the absence of beggars.
 Now, several institutions, operating independently, and three of them plac- ing no limit on the duration of stay, make it possible for vagabonds, by moving from one Home" to another to practically become a permanent in- cubus on the town.
 As to their furnishing, to some eX- tent an equivalent in labor, 1t may be seriously questioned whether it is wise to encourage non-residents in this way, as there are large numbers of
 
 with our merchants, and presumably have real interest in local affairs, who are unable to secure work for the support of their families, and there fore become burdens of private, or pub lie charity.
 The spectacle of resident workingmen waiting from to g o'clock a. m. on the outside of the city hall in the bit ter cold weather of this winter, and lit erally fighting for the opportunity of securing six days service once in two months from the town, is respectfully called to the attention of those who feel that special efforts should be made to provide prolonged shelter and em- ployment for non-residents.
 CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME.
 While this condition exists the estab- Iishment of institutions which seem to draw and retain vagrants ceases to be 2 private concern, and the general pub lie should gravely consider whether charity should not, for the present at least, begin at home
 Something in the nature of work house is believed to be, increasingly, a necessity not alone for the non-resi- lent class, but for our local misdemean- ants also. before there can be much of the reformation of the vicious (whether their viciousness be he result of inheritance, choice or en- some degree of restraint seems imperative.
 It is useless to expect permanent re- suits from few hours of moral teach ng, if at the end of that time the sub ect is free to return to the saloon and lis old associates. Direct supervision oy accredited authority followed, not preceded, by moral and religious n- iuences points to more hopeful re- iult.
 The association's woodward has been greatly improved by the erection of ad- iitional sheds, and by the concretng # the exposed surface. This secures al | most perfect shelter, and therefore sreatly improves the quality of the product. Sales have been fairly good ut an increased trade is desirable. as he kindling wood is accommodating. The extraordinary expenses of the inn was met by a special con- ribution, and is included in the loss eported i'm the labor department ac- ount. This loss is due mainly to the vast nfiux of non residents It was found l to sell the product of their i abor if an equivalent in full for help | endered was eXacted, and as such help ould not be withheld under the excep- | ional circumstances, the association | vas forced to run the yard at a loss of | bout $1,2O0. It was thought much wis r to render aid in this way than to | i've outright food and lodgings.
 MORE ROOM NEEDED.
 The business of the yard increases early, and even with improved facili- ies we are crowded for space. More oom is needed, and in connection with |, a suitable lodging house, with bath lg and fumigating arrangements. is ighly desirable. Plans have been oughly prepared, and it is estimated hat about $20,0OO would be required for he due enlargement of the work.
 In the management of the yard dis ipline has been successfully maintain d. In dealing with over 1000 men we ave only in three instances been oblig- to call in the assistance of the police, nd there has been no wanton destruc-