The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-10-26
MIR. CATLIN ANSWERED
How the Ladies Are Conducting the
ChiIdren's Home.

Seattle. Oct. ~ 1897.
To the Editor: Believing that by his
inquiry in Sundays Post-Intenigencer
Mr.. Catlin has intentionally or other
wise, done an injustice TO the Ladies' Re
lief Society, ask you to give space 70 the
following concerning the society and is
maintenance OF a home for orphans and
friendless children. The society was or
gained in 1884. and for many years was
the only charitable Organization in Seat
lie. AS the city grew other societies were
formed and shared in the general work Of
charity. and the number OF children ask
ing admittance to the home increased 50
rapidly that II was deemed advisable, In
1884. TO give up the general charity work
and devote the society's small income en-
tlrely to the care OF the children at the
home.
The fire relief fund, to which Mr.. Catlin
refers amounting TO about sls50e, was d.
vded between the three existing charita-
bic organizations: The Sarah b. Yssler
Home the Day Nursery and the Ladies'
Relief Society, the share of the latter be-
ing $500. which was given TO the society
to be used for the building of home, not
for its general charity work. This amount
has not been Continually added 10 from
year 10 year" but some additions have
been made by donations from interested
friends.
Mr.. Catlin knows that without some cap
ital one cannot have an income. and the
society should not be censured for having
some money in the bank" but commend
ed for IT'S good management in keeping this
sum intact and placing It where 1t would
insure certain income, certain, though
insufficient, for the constantly increasing
number of children cared for at the home.
As for his statement that he knows many
members who belong 10 this society who
have stopped their donations to this insti-
-
stantly kept in Ignorance as to the
finances Of the institution" I would say
that any member or any one else who
VIII attend the meetings held the first
Tuesday in every month in the rooms OF
the Chamber of Commerce. will hear read
a full account of ali moneys spent for the
home and an exact statement of the finan-
cial condition Of the society.
Our income from money at interest is
$500; from membership dues. about $500;
from the county, about $500. total Of 81, 600
for the year, or sl55 a month. which
amount must pay taxes. insurance. repairs
and for food. clothing, fuel light and care
of thirty children. 1t is not quite enough,
and the members of the society have at
various times raised some money by means
of chrysanthemum shows, charity balls or
other entertainments, and once i year, at
Thanksgiving. ask the. kindly disposed pub
lie for voluntary contributions of supplies
for the home.
II Dir. Catlln's interest In the society
could be extended 10 include visit TO the
home. he could but wonder at the good
management OF the advisory board and the
ability Of the matron TO do so much with
50 little and would surely be among the
''nany others 10 "cheerfully contribute
to the maintenance of an institution which
IS indeed a home" 10 many little ones
who never before knew the meaning of the
word.
JENNIE f M'NAUGHT