The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-11-30
CHARITIES OFFICERS CHOSEN.
MAYOR MELDRIM AT THE HEAD OF
THE ASSOCIATION.

All of the Officers Elected Except the
Relief Agent-CommitteesA Appoint
ed To Confer With City and COun-
~ Authorities i'm Regard to ApprO-
BriatiOns-The County Expected to
Assist in the Work.
A meeting Of the controlling board of the
Charitable Association was held in the city
council chamber last night for the pur-
pose of electing officers and transacting
such other business as might be considered
opportune.
majority Of the members were present
and after attending to the matters for
which the meeting was called, the board
went into a thorough discussion of its
prospective work
Rev. w. C. Schaeffer, pastor of the Luth-
eran Church of the Ascension called the
board TO order. He said he had called the
meeting by authority of the chairman
Mayor Meldrim, whose absence from the
city prevented his attending. Dr. Schaeffer
was elected temporary chairman, and Rev
Mr.. Nisbet temporary secretary. The elec-
ton of officers resulted in the election of
Mayor Medium, president; Rev. Dr.
Schaeffer, vice president; Rev Mr. Nisbet
secretary, and Mr.. L G. Haas, treasurer
1t has been the opinion of the board and
those interested in the work all along that
the relief agent is by far the most import
ant officer and the discussion of this feat
IRE was naturally entered upon fully. The
board came to a halt at this juncture
and considered the ACCESSIBILITY of elect
ing that officer forthwith. Several thought
it best to elect the agent at once and es,
tablish headquarters so that an appeal
could be made to the churches to Join the
association and also contribute clothing
food and other provisions. The majority
was in favor of deferring it, however, at
least until some definite arrangement is
made for funds. Already a large number
of applications have been received by
members of the board, and these names
were read.
Another matter in this connection was
the salary to be paid the agent Different
sums were suggested. but no agreement
was reached. 1t is evident the intention
is to pay a sufficient salary to secure a
capable man. and one who will command
the confidence of the people among whom
he is expected to work
Source of revenue were talked of at some
length. 1t has been the idea of the assocla-
ton to interest both the county and city
in the work and secure their cooperation
in alternating the wants of the needy. The
city sets aside a stipulated amount each
year for charitable purposes, but the lack
of sytematic methods in distribution has
caused the funds to be unwisely dispensed
The same may be said of the county The
idea is that if the fund going from the
county and the city be given to the asso-
citation, it will be assured of sufficient
10
with the amounts collected as membership
fees, there is little doubt that the asso-
citation can operate with comparati tive ease
and become a strong institution
County Commissioner Kehoe was
present and when asked about the
probability of the county taking a hand
in the work, said he could see no reason
why 1t should not. 1t Is true he said. the
FUND set aside for charitable purposes is
for the entire county, yet the greater part
or 1t is expended in Savannah If
the amount is turned over to the asso-
citation for distribution 1t will make a
handsome start. Some years ago, Mr..
hehoe said, the county distributed its
charity fund through the Louisa Porter
home, but later resumed the work itself
The fact is the county will be glad to make
the arrangement with the association If
is said. when the matter is formally placed
before the commissioners
motion was made to appoint commit
tees to confer with both the city and
county authorities and ascertain what
amounts, If any. the association might ex
pect To confer with the city council
Rev. Robb White, Rev. John ID. Jordan
and Mr.. l. G. Haas were appointed: and
to see the county commissioners Rev. w
c. Schaeffer Mr., Jacob Paulsen and Dr.
e. r. Corson. These committees were in
.structed to see the authorities at the earli-
est time possible and be in readiness to
report at a special meeting to be held in
the council chamber next Tuesday after
noon at O'Clock. At this meeting il is
purposed to elect the agent, establish head
quarters and attend to all other necessary
matters. In speaking of a suitable loca-
ton, it was suggested that there is a suit
able room in the city dispensary building
on Whitaker street that can be obtained
This will be considered tH,ore the next
meeting
A decided stimulus has been given the
work and the outlook for the association
is now more encouraging than ever before.
The double assurance of success which
the board claims, is that the interest is
not confined to any particular class or
creed, but to most all the people of the
city, especially the business men.