St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-01-29
PRISONERS AND POOR.
Welfare of Two Classes Considered
by Associated Charities,

The executive committee of the Asso-
clated Charities met yesterday and
adopted a resolution recognizing and
commencing the new local branch of the
state prison association, which is in
process of formation. The following re-
port Tor the month was submitted by
Secretary Jackson:
1.-The total number of Investigations aslad
OF us by the various organizations and ipdi-
V1duals during December, 1895 was IA and
l78 during December, 1894. January is show
ing a nearer approach to the number of in
VestigatioLs asked in the corresponding month
OF the previous year. than was shown either
IN last November or December. This seems
to bear out our previously expressed opinion
that the amount of work and rate of wages
paid last summer were not sufficient in the
case of many of the less competent people to
enable them TO provide for the entire win
ter. The condition of the poorer people many
of whom never quite reached the point of
needing aid, is clearly better than it was
last winter.
Such arrangements have recently been
made by various of the charities that every
needy able bodied man can secure his own
fuel by giving an equivalent in work This
is gratifying to the industrious, and will be a
wholesome lesson to such are not reasona-
bly, careful in making provision for the win
Ter. II VIII be necessary for the public to
increase its patronage of the Bethel wood
yard, or one of these avenues will be ineffect-
ual
1.-The value of careful, kindly Investigations
is readily conceded as an economy TO the re-
heying organizations, and an assistance in
promptly providing the real needs of those in
distress. 1t has another value in the case of
certain applicants, those who needlessly an
ply to get their share or because a neigh
Dor applied. Last week passed the home of
one such who applied three years ago. He
then told a doleful story to the board of
control and announced to the investigator
that he had work. and only one davis
fuel and food. After a pleasant talk on va
rious subjects the inspector discovered a
modest income. also food and fuel for a
couple of months Subsequently the wife
applied to the Relief society Another inyesti-
cation was requested with similar results.
Nothing was given in either instance. and
no subsequent applications have been made
There are not a few such families who he
come discouraged, and quit APPLYING after
one, two or three such attempts needlessIy
to get something for nothing There are
others who. situated much as the above family
make applications to people who do not obtain
thorough Investigations, but give unneces-
sarily, and thus discourage self-reliance. The
recipients of such gifts are neither SO hannv
nor SO industrious as those who have ALWAYS
helped themselves when possible There is
and has been, much need of relief from so.
c1eties and individuals, but the interests of
the recipient are best conserved IL the do
nor knows the recipients exact needs and
possibilities. The right application of aims
Is Christian. misapplication is mschieyious
me Associated Charities is always glad, in